As we narrow down our choices for a fifth wheel to fulltime in, I'd like to check one of my fundemental assumptions. I visualize parking our RV in scenic places where there would be a nice view. In my assumptions, I assumed that the park would have the sites arranged with the narrow side of the site facing the view so as to maximize the number of sites that have the view. For this reason, I've been pushing for a layout with a large rear window. But now that I get closer to making the purchase, I'm wondering if my assumption is realistic.
So.....here's the question - In a realistic fulltime RV life, how often is there a nice view out the back, or is the view usually just the neighboring RV?
Thanks for any advice.....
travelinbob said
07:35 PM Feb 5, 2009
We always try to get a site with a great view out the back window. Right now we have our bird feeders out back and have lots of birds.
We will not stay in a park with back in sites that look at the rear of the RV behind you. Just like right now, our park has non sewer sites that are better back window views than the sewer sites. We have taken the non sewer sites the 3 times here and we pay $10 to be pumped out each week.
The view out the back window is at the top of our priorities. (unless it's a one night stay and then we just close the day/night shades)
I feel the same way you do, I love the view of the lake out the back window.
Bob
Howard said
08:40 PM Feb 6, 2009
Here is the view out our back window today.
We have a large picture window on the side and another one in the rear. Most of the time, we have a view out of one or the other. But we rarely park in RV parks.
It is certainly realistic to expect to have views out the rear window. But much depends on where you intend to park and how you intend to live the lifestyle. If you don't want views of other RVs out every window, you don't have to have settle for that.
We love our rear window!
Luvglass said
10:28 PM Feb 6, 2009
One of the things we do to improve the chances of getting a good view out the rear window is to always request a site on the perimeter of the campground, preferably at the back. We use google maps on satellite view to check it out beforehand.
Of course your better able to get a good view in state and federal parks over commerciql campgrounds.
blijil said
10:36 AM Feb 7, 2009
We love our rear window even though some times the view isn't there. We prefer the outer edge of the campgrounds and locations with plenty of room to take full advantage of the view. However sometimes we just get a view of other campers which is another source of entertainment on occasion. We wouldn't part with our big bay window.
Larry and Jacki
Speedhitch said
06:50 PM Feb 7, 2009
We have had them with the window and without and I will tell you...get the window. We have had some drop dead beautiful views out our back window and would have died if we could not have enjoyed them. If you read some of the journals of our fine family here you will see some of the rear window views....takes your breath away.
Joe and Sherri
Judy said
08:38 PM Feb 7, 2009
One year while visiting Monument Valley we were camping there and had the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets....Plus two beautiful red rock formations right in our window to see each morning upon awaking. southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy at 20:42, 2009-02-07
annette said
07:32 AM Feb 8, 2009
We bought our new bumper pull with the rear window. Actually that was top of the list. We have loved to look out that window and see the world. WE are hoping to go to the Gulf and park it near the ocean and look out. You will not be disappointed with a rear window on what ever you buy.
Even if there is not a view it is a window.
Sandra said
09:42 AM Feb 8, 2009
We like our rear window very much. The only problem is the recliners are in front of it and with the rear shade open (we have a view right now of Aransas Bay, TX) it projects too much light on the computer screens but we can live with it! The rear window also lets in a lot of light so makes the room look more airy. The rear entertainment center would be nice though.......
Judy said
01:07 PM Feb 8, 2009
Sandra you might try putting a sun shade on the outside of your rig (if you do not have one) and pull it down it lets in light and yu can still see through it. We do use ours when we have very hot summer sun coming through window and we can still look out at the lake. southwestjudy
subra1228 said
09:58 AM Feb 9, 2009
Good question!
Sometimes we've had incredible views out the back windows And that's when we turn the chairs around to see that way) and other times, it's the back of another RV.
I'm sure this is what others have said..............so my advice, see what else "works" or "doesn't work" for you in the rigs you're considering and put the back window issue as a non-issue.
Luckily, our 5th wheel has a window abundance in the living, dining & kitchen area so we usually have a great view on at least two of 3 sides. There are a total of 8 windows, 5 are very large.
We have two large picture windows on the door (curb) side of the 5th wheel that provide a wonderful view of anything, including an RV parked next to us, so like others have said we try to find spots using the campground website and google earth that will provide the best possible view.
The picture to the left in my avatar was taken at Sequoia RV Ranch in CA. This is the best spot in the whole park and we had a picture perfect view out of those door side windows.
We look for perimeter spots on curves or next to some sort of geologic feature (river, rock outcrop, cliff...etc). Often we will ask the RV park staff when we call to make reservations, which site they would choose.
So.....here's the question - In a realistic fulltime RV life, how often is there a nice view out the back, or is the view usually just the neighboring RV?
Thanks for any advice.....
We have a large picture window on the side and another one in the rear. Most of the time, we have a view out of one or the other. But we rarely park in RV parks.
It is certainly realistic to expect to have views out the rear window. But much depends on where you intend to park and how you intend to live the lifestyle. If you don't want views of other RVs out every window, you don't have to have settle for that.
We love our rear window!
Larry and Jacki
southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy at 20:42, 2009-02-07
southwestjudy
Sometimes we've had incredible views out the back windows And that's when we turn the chairs around to see that way) and other times, it's the back of another RV.
I'm sure this is what others have said..............so my advice, see what else "works" or "doesn't work" for you in the rigs you're considering and put the back window issue as a non-issue.
Happy Shopping & Happy Travels!
Suzanen & Brad
www.campingandtravels.com