We made the decision last year to go full-time in an RV with our 4 children. The funny thing is, we have only been an RV once prior to making that decision. Our lease is up in March and I have been searching high and low for an RV that will work for us.
At first, I thought we'd just get a Class A, but the safety records aren't the best, and little kids in carseats (3 of them) should be in a foward facing seat, rather than sideways. The dining seats are hellish with the sliding cushions, too. I decided then to get a 5th wheel and a Ford truck with seating for 6, as I think technically that is safest, yet I dread the idea of hitching it up. Plus, the oone and only time we used an RV, we found a need to leave a spot in a hurry. If we'd been in a 5th wheel, wouldn't that have taken awhile to depart?
And then I get to sleeping arrangement. Again, the 5th wheel is best, but I keep feeling drawn away from them. I'll be doing the driving myself most of the time while my husband is off working, and it would be so much easier on me to not have to deal with hitching the vehicle AND keep an eye on 4 kids. Class C's are so small, but I can see a larger class C working out. We are buying used, btw, although I would LOVE one of those new Seneca models, but we can't afford it! I found a Class C with 4 bunkbeds in the back, but someone bought it before I could. UGH. Class A's don't usually have bunkbeds in our price range, and we do not have the skill or the time to modify an RV.
We don't have much time left, and I still have to take 2400 sq ft of house and condense it to almost nothing, which is in itself a huge task. Any words of wisdom for our family? We're doing this, no going back, but how to be wise about our choice of RV? Our budget for an RV is about 20k. Don't laugh too hard.
-- Edited by Pansen on Saturday 13th of February 2010 04:31:12 AM
foxriverguy said
06:29 AM Feb 13, 2010
You are in a tight spot. Most likely anything you buy used in your budget range is going to need a fair amount of repair. The RV lifestyle is great, but with four children and your having spent almost no time in one, perhaps this is one decision that needs to be revisited.
Sorry I can't offer anything more positive. Just keep looking. It is possible that someone out there has an RV that will work for you.
One other comment. Not all Class A motorhomes have poor safety records.
Racerguy said
10:16 AM Feb 13, 2010
This is something you need to rethink.What you are looking for with the budget you have will be very challenging .Why hurry ?Save some more money until you can afford to do it right. This is a wonderful lifestyle but if you go into it unprepared you will soon regret it.Full timing in an RV is not necessarily that much cheaper than living in a house. Like Foxriver,sorry I can't offer something positive but you face an uphill battle.I'm not saying it can't be done but you need to face the challenges up front.
rjenkins said
10:22 AM Feb 13, 2010
I learned from a very wise boss many years ago that you have to learn when to pick your battles. Sounds to me that maybe this is not the time to take the plunge and like Racerguy says, it may be best to wait until you can afford to do it right. Sounds like you know what you want which is great but maybe this is not the time to do it.
azrving said
10:41 AM Feb 13, 2010
After we sold our house back east we lived in our TT until the children finished up the school year. That's 2 adults, 4 kids & 3 Shih Tzu's! The manufacturer claims that our TT will sleep 8 comfortably but I wouldn't say we were all comfortable. The children have grown a lot in the past 9 years so we may have to move to a larger TT. We have used the camper for recreation, home and it has been from the east coast to northern AZ without any problems whatsoever. Between camping trips it serves as our guest house. I have it parked next to the house and it stays connected year round (just in case the mother-in-law shows up) and the children, friends, relatives, can use it when needed.
Our trailer has one set of bunks, couch/bed, full size bed and the dinette that can be used as a bed but we chose not to use it. You may be able to find a TT with a bunkhouse that would work for you and with the economy like it is you can probably find a great deal on one (we paid 9,500 for our TT in 2001). We pull our TT with a Ford F-250 Super Cab with the 6 passenger seating. I usually can find a spot in most campgrounds level enough to leave the truck hooked to the TT that makes leaving the campsite a relatively quick process. Don't give up on the dream to FT! I wanted to stay in the camper for a couple of years because I knew the housing market would take a nose dive eventually but my wife insisted that we buy another house and now we won't be able to FT until the housing market recovers. Good luck.
-- Edited by azrving on Saturday 13th of February 2010 10:43:58 AM
retread said
08:21 PM Feb 13, 2010
So sorry for your frustrations!
Here's a few thoughts:
I'm not sure when a quick get away from a park would influence your choice of RV. Dumping the holding tanks, unhooking the power, water and sewer and securing the inside stuff takes longer than the actual hitching up of our 5th wheel by far.
Safety-wise, a crew cab pick-up would still make putting one of the four kids in the front seat necessary - a big negative in my book (unless one of the kids is over 12).
That would lead me to consider either a travel trailer that could be pulled with a large van or Suburban or a motorhome. I'm not sure what kind of motor home you'd be able to find for your budget. I agree with the last post that suggested the travel trailer. Bunkhouse models should be available and possibly you could find a gently used version?
Best wishes in the pursuit of your dream,
Linda
TxYellowRose said
10:42 PM Feb 13, 2010
Not meaning to sound too negative, but I have to agree with the majority of the posters that you should probably rethink the decision to full-time at this point.
One short outing in a trailer is not enough time/experience to make a decision to adopt it as a way of life. I strongly suggest more outings to be fully aware of all that is involved.
A fifth wheel is very easy to hitch up. I do the towing, driving a 1-ton crew cab truck pulling a 38'4" 5er. Previous to that, I took our travel trailer out twice on solo trips, and it was more labor intensive to hitch.
As a woman, there are a couple things I pick up from your post.
If you are already unsure about hitching up a rig, you should keep in mind there are other things to consider besides just that. Like hauling a propane tank for refill, dumping the tanks, raising and lowering an awning, troubleshooting things that go wrong and being able to make minor repairs or at least having an idea of what is wrong so you will not (hopefully) make a bad repair decision or get ripped off by a less than scrupulous serviceperson.
Have you thought about the everyday things? Laundry, for instance. With 4 kids and you, that sounds like a lot of laundry! Yes, your rig may have a washer/dryer, but most likely you'll be in campground/public laundry facilities quite a lot. That may mean going into town and then also keeping watch over 4 kids while you are doing the laundry.
What about the refrigerator? Will it be big enough to hold food for that many mouths? Do you buy large containers of milk, etc.? Typically there is not as much room in an RV fridge.
I am afraid, too, that finding a rig you describe within your budget posted will mean you will have a rig that will need repairs right up front or will at least be prime for things needing repair simply from age and/or normal usage.
If you decide on a motorhome, will you tow a vehicle behind it? Keep in mind that if you do not, every time you want to go to the store, etc., you will have to break camp and drive the motorhome unless you have an alternate mode of transportation.
My husband can do the hitching and towing of our 5er; however, I come from RVing roots and I absolutely enjoy towing and messin' with the rig. We share responsibilities and maintenance. Even if a woman has a husband/partner/whatever to share the load, it is my opinion that she should know and be comfortable doing these things, especially hitching the rig and towing it. Even a man can get a broken leg/foot/arm/not feel well.
I am certainly not saying it cannot be done, only that I feel you might need to really research the lifestyle and different types of rigs and what is involved in their usage and maintenance. Folks here in this forum are very happy to answer questions and provide suggestions, guidance and support.
I hope that whatever you decide you will be happy and safe. These have been only my impressions and suggestions; only you and your family know your situation.
Cheers!
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Sunday 14th of February 2010 08:05:18 AM
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Sunday 14th of February 2010 08:07:47 AM
Terry and Jo said
09:11 AM Feb 14, 2010
I also must caution you against such plans, and the others have given you most of the reasons as to why to NOT go into this too quickly.
Something the others didn't address is what you say you have for an RV in the way of money. $20,000 isn't going to get you much, especially if you also have to buy the truck to pull it.
I can't imagine doing something like this without first having spent a lot more time in RV's. I suggest you hold off on this idea, at least until you had actually done a lot more "camping out".
Something else not mentioned is that RV's are limited on storage space and with 4 children, a lot of space is going to be needed for that as well as the living space itself. I could see where 6 people in such a small space could lead to difficulties in one's family relationships.
I love my wife dearly, but I'm not sure we could tolerate each other if faced with being in a small space. And we've been married for 41 years.
Terry
two travelers said
09:22 AM Feb 14, 2010
We paid $20,000 for our Truck alone and it was used and another $15,000 for a used 30ft 5th wheel...I could not see us with 4 kids in ours...for what you need I think you will need a much bigger budget...I know there are 5th wheels out there with 4 bunks in the rear but they ae pretty new to the market and I don't think they come cheap... You may do better stay in a rental property and saving until you have more to spend on the trailer...
I don't want to see you spend all of your money only to find out that you don't like living in a camper and not have any money for an out plan... sorry I can not be more positive but it does not sound like an adventure I would take on ...patti
Pansen said
03:14 AM Feb 16, 2010
I should have been more clear in my post, but as always, it was late at night when I posted (as it is now).
We will be full-timing part of the time. We will have a homebase to return to, but most of the time we will be 4 hours away, near my husband's place of employment for a couple of years until we work our way to complete full-time RVing. Some of the time I will be with the kids while we travel on various homeschooling and work activities.
Now, as far as me being in an RV only once, it was for awhile that one time. Also, I grew up traveling and moving around continuously, so I'm already somewhat of a gypsy by nature, and I do know a bit about what it takes. ;)
And about $20k being my budget - that's what I have to work with, and this isn't a "revisit" decision to RV, but a necessity for various reasons. I think it's possible to find a nice, basic RV at that price if I'm careful and lucky enough to get a deal.
You're right, there are some Class A's that don't have a poor record. My main thing was the foward-facing seating arrangements for 3 carseats. Kids shouldn't be belted in sideways, nor should they be on the slippery cushions of a dining area. I see now some RVs do have foward facing seats, so it's possible I can modify an RV to fit my needs, but I'd have to look into that more.
And a plus for getting an RV is the hopes that we'll be outside at least 75% of the time. With a bigger RV, we'd be more inclined to stay indoors. ;) Of course, I don;t want something tiny either!
-- Edited by Pansen on Tuesday 16th of February 2010 03:17:32 AM
thebearII said
11:03 AM Feb 16, 2010
TT with suburban for towing would provide the most safety and least expensive solution for your budget. With practice a TT or 5th wheel is easy to hitch and unhitch.
If an emergency arises just take the tow vehicle and leave the TT until you can get back to it.
Look for a bunkhouse model TT 28 to 30 footer should work. Or a toyhauler type and the garage area can be converted into a bunkhouse.
We travelled across country with 4 boys in a suburban towing an 18ft TT during the 60s. It was great fun.
Pansen said
10:36 PM Feb 16, 2010
Hmmn, I never considered a TT before, just because so many ppl have told me they are hell to drive with, and they sway all over. Maybe I will give it a second thought though. :)
dream reachers said
10:57 PM Feb 16, 2010
I lived in an inexpensive 26' bunkhouse travel trailer with a wife 2 children and a dog for several months many years ago. I did no research before I bought the trailer from a family member and found out too late that it was strictly a vacation trailer, not meant to be lived in fulltime. There was practically no insulation which caused problems both in the summer and the winter.It was not only uncomfortable but I had many costly repairs. We survived but I was happy to get out of that trailer and into a house. I would not recommend this on your budget but if you are determined to do it, first research what you are buying to make sure it will keep you comfortable and that it is structurally sound. I have seen families living in long term sections of trailer parks in less expensive trailers because of work situations so I know it can be done.
Pansen said
01:48 AM Feb 17, 2010
Ah thank you. Well I looked into TT's and I don't like them much. Right now, there seems to be lull in available RVs as it is...
TxYellowRose said
07:13 AM Feb 17, 2010
With the proper tow vehicle and the TT loaded properly - not overloaded and the weight distributed inside correctly - towing a TT is no big deal and certainly not horrific. Been there done that. As to sway, a weight distributing hitch and sway control bar can do much to eliminate the "wagging." Again, one must have a good match of tow vehicle to trailer. One must also be very aware, alert, and sensitive to one's rig and traffic/road/weather conditions to ensure a safe and pleasant towing experience.
TheMeanderingMillers said
07:31 AM Feb 17, 2010
I don't know where you are located in the country but don't give up on finding the right RV in your budget, it's out there!
I hope the ad does not expire before you have a chance to see it.
I have no knowledge of the trailer or the owner, just saw the ad and it made me think of this forum thread.
Good luck!!!
Racerguy said
10:19 AM Feb 17, 2010
Pansen wrote:
Ah thank you. Well I looked into TT's and I don't like them much. Right now, there seems to be lull in available RVs as it is...
Life is full of trade offs and full time RV'ing maybe even more so.Some times you need to give one thing up to get something else.Prioritize things and eventually you will come up with a solid plan.
LUVBYTES said
09:27 PM Mar 19, 2010
IM THINKING WE ARE ABOUT TO DO THE SAME THING ITS HUBBY ME 2 KIDS A CAT AND 2 DOGS WE ARE LOOKING AT FLEETWOOD SOUTHWINDS I LOVE THE LAYOUTS OF THEM I FOUND A FEW AWESOME LOOKING GREAT SOUNDING ONES AS WELL WIHTIN OUR PRICE RANG BUT MY KIDS ARE OLDER AS WELL THEY ARE 11 AND 13 SO I DONT NEED BUNKS! WE WILL DO JUST FINE I FOUND 3 THAT I LOVE AND AM HAVING A REAL HARD TIME PICKING ONE LOL I TOO WOULD LOOOOOOOVE ONE OF THOSE MANSIONS ON WHEELS I DO NOT WANT ANY 5TH WHEELS I LIKE THE DRIVER ONES BUT WE ARE SIGNING UP FOR KOA KAMPWORK AND I SAT DOWN AND TOOK A GLANCE AT THE $1100 RENT WE ARE PAYING IN FLORIDA NOW SO MOST OF THEM ARE FREE ELECTRIC FREE CABLE FREE WI-FI AND WILL BE $5 DOLLARS A DAY TO STAY SO WE WENT FROM$1100 TO $155 A MONTH THE FOOD BILL WILL BE LOWER AND WE CAN ALL AFFORD TO LOSE WEIGHT SO WE WILL ONLY GO TO THE STORE ONCE A WEEK EVERY WEEK AND NOT HOLD TOO MUCH FOOD BUT JUST ENOUGH! AS WELL AS I CUT OUR CABLE BILL TO NONE HOME PHONE TO NONE WE WILL HAVE OUR CELLS RENT WENT DOWN DRASTICLY NO CABLE INTERNET THATS NOW GONNA BE FREE AS WELL SO THE BILLS WE WILL HAVE SINCE WE ARE PAYING IT OFF IN FULL AT TIME OF PURCHASE WILL BE GAS CELL BILLS FOR ALL 4 OF US AND THE CHEAP-O RENT!!! WE WILL BE "A" "OK"!!!!! I CANT WAIT!
FOR THOSE OF YOU NEEDING THE HELP WITH THE SLEEPING
OMG I LOVE THE BOOTH STYLE I DO HAVE 2 KIDS SO I NEED ALL THE SLEEP SPACE WE CASN GET WE ARE BUYING OUR OWN RV MY HUBBY AND I WILL HAVE THE MASTER ROOM MY SON AND DAUGHTER WILL DO THEIR HOME WORK AND EATING IN THE BOOTH STYLE AS WHERE WE WILL HAVE FAMILY DINNERS AS WELL THEN MY SON USES THAT BOOTH AS IT TURNS INTO A SLEEPER AND MY DAUGHTER WHO IS 13 WILL USE EITHER THE PULL OUT SOFA OR A JACK KNIFE SOFA WHICH EVER ONE IT COMES WITH TO SLEEP ON OR SOMETIMES SHES LAZY AND WONT WANNA PULL IT OUT SO SHE JUST SLEEPS ON IT LOOKIN LIKE THE COUCH IT IS! COVERS UP WITH HER BLANKIES AND PROPS UP HER PILLOWS! GOSH I CANT WAIT TO LIVE IN IT I LOVE RVIN! ♥
Pansen said
01:57 AM Apr 20, 2010
A quick update:
We bought our truck last weekend. It's a 2001 ford f350 crew cab diesel dually with 90k miles on it (under budget!). We plan on finding a used 5th wheel.
I know many of you cautioned again this, but I am hard-headed. After weighing out the options, we decided on the truck mainly because of safety and economics. We have 3 kids in carseats, and an adult child, plus us 2 parents. We've found carseats aren't as safe in dinette seats, nor sideways. We almost bought a Class C and would have had the interior remodeled to have forward facing seats, but the truck can be used for more than just RVing, and so we went with that route.
Why don't RV manufacturers think about carseat safety?
I love driving a big truck. :)
Luvglass said
06:00 AM Apr 20, 2010
I think you made a great choice and can look forward to years of dependable service.
Good luck,
Fred
Steak Eater said
06:21 AM Apr 20, 2010
-- Edited by Steak Eater on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 08:14:06 AM
At first, I thought we'd just get a Class A, but the safety records aren't the best, and little kids in carseats (3 of them) should be in a foward facing seat, rather than sideways. The dining seats are hellish with the sliding cushions, too. I decided then to get a 5th wheel and a Ford truck with seating for 6, as I think technically that is safest, yet I dread the idea of hitching it up. Plus, the oone and only time we used an RV, we found a need to leave a spot in a hurry. If we'd been in a 5th wheel, wouldn't that have taken awhile to depart?
And then I get to sleeping arrangement. Again, the 5th wheel is best, but I keep feeling drawn away from them. I'll be doing the driving myself most of the time while my husband is off working, and it would be so much easier on me to not have to deal with hitching the vehicle AND keep an eye on 4 kids. Class C's are so small, but I can see a larger class C working out. We are buying used, btw, although I would LOVE one of those new Seneca models, but we can't afford it! I found a Class C with 4 bunkbeds in the back, but someone bought it before I could. UGH. Class A's don't usually have bunkbeds in our price range, and we do not have the skill or the time to modify an RV.
We don't have much time left, and I still have to take 2400 sq ft of house and condense it to almost nothing, which is in itself a huge task. Any words of wisdom for our family? We're doing this, no going back, but how to be wise about our choice of RV? Our budget for an RV is about 20k. Don't laugh too hard.
-- Edited by Pansen on Saturday 13th of February 2010 04:31:12 AM
After we sold our house back east we lived in our TT until the children finished up the school year. That's 2 adults, 4 kids & 3 Shih Tzu's! The manufacturer claims that our TT will sleep 8 comfortably but I wouldn't say we were all comfortable.
The children have grown a lot in the past 9 years so we may have to move to a larger TT. We have used the camper for recreation, home and it has been from the east coast to northern AZ without any problems whatsoever. Between camping trips it serves as our guest house.
I have it parked next to the house and it stays connected year round (just in case the mother-in-law shows up
) and the children, friends, relatives, can use it when needed.
Our trailer has one set of bunks, couch/bed, full size bed and the dinette that can be used as a bed but we chose not to use it. You may be able to find a TT with a bunkhouse that would work for you and with the economy like it is you can probably find a great deal on one (we paid 9,500 for our TT in 2001). We pull our TT with a Ford F-250 Super Cab with the 6 passenger seating. I usually can find a spot in most campgrounds level enough to leave the truck hooked to the TT that makes leaving the campsite a relatively quick process. Don't give up on the dream to FT! I wanted to stay in the camper for a couple of years because I knew the housing market would take a nose dive eventually but my wife insisted that we buy another house and now we won't be able to FT until the housing market recovers. Good luck.
-- Edited by azrving on Saturday 13th of February 2010 10:43:58 AM
Not meaning to sound too negative, but I have to agree with the majority of the posters that you should probably rethink the decision to full-time at this point.
One short outing in a trailer is not enough time/experience to make a decision to adopt it as a way of life. I strongly suggest more outings to be fully aware of all that is involved.
A fifth wheel is very easy to hitch up. I do the towing, driving a 1-ton crew cab truck pulling a 38'4" 5er. Previous to that, I took our travel trailer out twice on solo trips, and it was more labor intensive to hitch.
As a woman, there are a couple things I pick up from your post.
If you are already unsure about hitching up a rig, you should keep in mind there are other things to consider besides just that. Like hauling a propane tank for refill, dumping the tanks, raising and lowering an awning, troubleshooting things that go wrong and being able to make minor repairs or at least having an idea of what is wrong so you will not (hopefully) make a bad repair decision or get ripped off by a less than scrupulous serviceperson.
Have you thought about the everyday things? Laundry, for instance. With 4 kids and you, that sounds like a lot of laundry! Yes, your rig may have a washer/dryer, but most likely you'll be in campground/public laundry facilities quite a lot. That may mean going into town and then also keeping watch over 4 kids while you are doing the laundry.
What about the refrigerator? Will it be big enough to hold food for that many mouths? Do you buy large containers of milk, etc.? Typically there is not as much room in an RV fridge.
I am afraid, too, that finding a rig you describe within your budget posted will mean you will have a rig that will need repairs right up front or will at least be prime for things needing repair simply from age and/or normal usage.
If you decide on a motorhome, will you tow a vehicle behind it? Keep in mind that if you do not, every time you want to go to the store, etc., you will have to break camp and drive the motorhome unless you have an alternate mode of transportation.
My husband can do the hitching and towing of our 5er; however, I come from RVing roots and I absolutely enjoy towing and messin' with the rig. We share responsibilities and maintenance. Even if a woman has a husband/partner/whatever to share the load, it is my opinion that she should know and be comfortable doing these things, especially hitching the rig and towing it. Even a man can get a broken leg/foot/arm/not feel well.
I am certainly not saying it cannot be done, only that I feel you might need to really research the lifestyle and different types of rigs and what is involved in their usage and maintenance. Folks here in this forum are very happy to answer questions and provide suggestions, guidance and support.
I hope that whatever you decide you will be happy and safe. These have been only my impressions and suggestions; only you and your family know your situation.
Cheers!
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Sunday 14th of February 2010 08:05:18 AM
-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Sunday 14th of February 2010 08:07:47 AM
Something the others didn't address is what you say you have for an RV in the way of money. $20,000 isn't going to get you much, especially if you also have to buy the truck to pull it.
I can't imagine doing something like this without first having spent a lot more time in RV's. I suggest you hold off on this idea, at least until you had actually done a lot more "camping out".
Something else not mentioned is that RV's are limited on storage space and with 4 children, a lot of space is going to be needed for that as well as the living space itself. I could see where 6 people in such a small space could lead to difficulties in one's family relationships.
I love my wife dearly, but I'm not sure we could tolerate each other if faced with being in a small space. And we've been married for 41 years.
Terry
We will be full-timing part of the time. We will have a homebase to return to, but most of the time we will be 4 hours away, near my husband's place of employment for a couple of years until we work our way to complete full-time RVing. Some of the time I will be with the kids while we travel on various homeschooling and work activities.
Now, as far as me being in an RV only once, it was for awhile that one time. Also, I grew up traveling and moving around continuously, so I'm already somewhat of a gypsy by nature, and I do know a bit about what it takes. ;)
And about $20k being my budget - that's what I have to work with, and this isn't a "revisit" decision to RV, but a necessity for various reasons. I think it's possible to find a nice, basic RV at that price if I'm careful and lucky enough to get a deal.
You're right, there are some Class A's that don't have a poor record. My main thing was the foward-facing seating arrangements for 3 carseats. Kids shouldn't be belted in sideways, nor should they be on the slippery cushions of a dining area. I see now some RVs do have foward facing seats, so it's possible I can modify an RV to fit my needs, but I'd have to look into that more.
And a plus for getting an RV is the hopes that we'll be outside at least 75% of the time. With a bigger RV, we'd be more inclined to stay indoors. ;) Of course, I don;t want something tiny either!
-- Edited by Pansen on Tuesday 16th of February 2010 03:17:32 AM
With the proper tow vehicle and the TT loaded properly - not overloaded and the weight distributed inside correctly - towing a TT is no big deal and certainly not horrific. Been there done that. As to sway, a weight distributing hitch and sway control bar can do much to eliminate the "wagging." Again, one must have a good match of tow vehicle to trailer. One must also be very aware, alert, and sensitive to one's rig and traffic/road/weather conditions to ensure a safe and pleasant towing experience.
Here's a link to a TT you may find interesting:
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/rvs/1604387940.html
I hope the ad does not expire before you have a chance to see it.
I have no knowledge of the trailer or the owner, just saw the ad and it made me think of this forum thread.
Good luck!!!
Life is full of trade offs and full time RV'ing maybe even more so.Some times you need to give one thing up to get something else.Prioritize things and eventually you will come up with a solid plan.
-- Edited by Steak Eater on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 08:14:06 AM