Welcome to the RV Dreams forums, Curt. You have found a good site to ask questions as the folks here have knowledge of a lot about just about every form of RV. Feel free to ask questions, but also take advantage of the "Search" function in the blue bar at the top of the "Categories" page.
In my opinion, the frame, suspension, axles, and wheels and tires make up the very foundation of an RV. With that in mind, I suggest looking carefully at those components. While the floor plan and amenities of the interior are great, if the foundation isn't really up to snuff, problems could be ahead in one's travels. I recommend that the frame of the trailer not be less than 12" when considering a full-time RV.
If you plan on boondocking (setting up away from RV parks and campgrounds with the hookups), then the sizes of the holding tanks could be very important to you. Under that style of camping, you might also consider a generator option, solar options, and an inverter system with a couple of extra batteries.
I suggest waiting on choosing a truck until you have chosen a trailer that you want to get. That way, you will have the knowledge of the weights involved with the trailer so that you can choose a truck that is capable of safely handling that size of trailer. It is one thing to tow a trailer, but an entirely different thing to safely stop and handle the trailer in cross winds. With weights, you will want to know the GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating) of both the truck and the trailer. Then, you will also want to know what the GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) of the truck is so that when you add the two different GVWR weights together, they won't exceed the GCVW.
Good luck with all your planning and research. Glad to have you as part of the "family."
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 7th of February 2013 09:04:28 PM
lowryc50 said
04:07 AM Feb 8, 2013
My wife and I are about 2 years from retirement(we plan to fulltime) and have been going to RV shows and dealers for the last year or so. All of the rigs we have looked at look great however we are trying to understand what some must haves would be in purchasing a 5th wheel for full time living. I would like to know what some of the full timers on the forum would consider must haves. Storage, holding tank size, tires, axles, etc. I'm not sure I'm even asking the right questions. I realize some things are personal preference but any help would be appreciated. We are going to the Chicago RV show next weekend and your suggestions would really help narrow my search. Thank you Curt
Neil and Connie said
05:58 AM Feb 8, 2013
Welcome to the forum.
Must have's really start with budget…what you can afford to put into your rig. However, setting cost aside here are a few of the items that Connie and I considered mandatory.
-heavier construction. Our New Horizons is several thousand pounds heavier than the same size Montana or Big Horn. Most of this additional weight is in structure; given that your house undergoes an earthquake everytime it rolls down the road this is what we consider a good thing. The rest of the extra weight is to get real wood paneling instead of plastic and/or veneer type stuff.
-dishwasher. This uses less than 2 gallons of water per load and we run it about twice every 3 days. I can't wash dishes and use that little water so this saves tank capacity as well as having to wash them by hand. Still have to do pots/pans and the crystal glassware though.
-satellite TV. Direct or Dish; whatever you're comfortable although those who have tried both generally come down slightly on the side of Direct.
-internet. We have a WiFi Ranger with the WFRBoost antenna on the roof to amplify the campground signals; we frequently have coverage using park wifi when the antenna in the laptops doesn't see the park wifi at all due to the amplification. We augment this with a millenicom.com air card (Verizon based) for cell based internet when no wifi is available.
-New Horizons has larger tanks than is typical; this enhances our ability to stay 2 weeks in a park with no sewer connection and not have to go dump or utilize a blue boy. If the park has decent shower rooms so we don't use the shower in the rig we can make it two full weeks barely.
-oven; we skipped this. Convection/Mirowave/exhaust hood combo and a Breville 800 countertop electric oven do the trick for us.
-solar and generator; depends (as Terry says) on whether you're going to boondock much. We got a residential fridge so have the large inverter and put in 4x AGM batteries as well as solar prewire to the roof so we can add solar for the cost of the panels and the controller. The batteries and inverter are the biggest chunk of cost for solar. We skipped the genset and have a 2000 watt Honda portable. Solar is…as Jack Mayer frequently says…a lifestyle decision. You will likely never recover the cost of it but if you want to boondock a lot it's a good expense.
As Terry suggested; figure out the rig first then get the truck it needs. Get the best rig you can afford; better insulation and amenities in a more expensive rig will make your life simpler down the road. OTOH, if a New Horizons isn't in your budget then less expensive rigs are certainly full time capable; Howard and Linda have a Cambridge and many others are full timing in Montanas, Big Horns, and even less expensive rigs than those.
Figure out the budget; as Howard has stated in his blog yesterday he figures that 36,000 a year is a decent mid level full timing budget without work camping. Connie and I are doing it on about 42K or so a year between our two pensions and her part time virtual job working for the college and we're pretty comfortable without having to scrimp to pay for stuff at the end of the month We average about 30 bucks a night for camping which is more than Howard does but then we don't boondock; I like my creature comforts more than he does I guess. We could easily get down to the 36K he's spending a year if we neede to but since we don't we didn't. I follow another guy's blog and he and his wife full time on about 20K a year tops; but then he boondocks a lot and stays at really cheap campgrounds the rest of the time…Connie and I prefer our campgrounds to be a little more upscale although we still aren't "resort" type people; state parks and small private campgrounds are more to our liking.
Best way to see what you want is to sit in a lot of rigs; if you look back at the early days of Howard's blog when they were shoping he has lots of suggestions. Get in the shower and move around, simulate cooking a meal or making the bed or whatever and you'll pretty quickly figure out what works for you.
bjoyce said
06:44 AM Feb 8, 2013
Tank sizes also matter if you like to stay in campgrounds, like many state and county parks, that do not have sewer at each site. The larger the waste tanks, the less often you have to move the RV to the dump station. (Or you can get a waste tote, often called a "blue boy").
Storage and carrying capacity are also important. A full timers will carry 2,000 to 3,000 lbs of stuff as a couple with full water, propane, fuel and people/pets already added. This might take doing a bit of adding and subtracting of numbers but it is very important. "Stuff" is clothes, sewer hoses, food, bedding, soap, computers, etc., and it is amazing how it all adds up.
Bill and Linda said
05:01 PM Feb 8, 2013
Forks builds a variety of custom rigs.The “Continental Coach” is one of their monikers for the 5th wheels.
We’ve visited there more than once and have discussed a custom rig with them.They know what the word “custom” really means. Like NH, they don't modify a rig design they have "in the computer," they built it to your exact specs, including slide sizes.
They are located in Shipshewana, Indiana, just east of Elkhart and build the coach, including the frame, like HN, from scratch.
Like NH, they are “another level” of manufacture and quality.No “ assembly line” speed builds there.
The largest 5th wheel they had on-site, which they showed us, was a 53 footer which was literally a semi-trailer but was indeed an RV.Just really big.The interior was just something else.Hard to describe this “5er” against the typical RV interior.
All that said, they will also be happy to build a “smaller,” custom 36 foot coach, and up, to your specifications which will be more appropriate for many.They had one of those in work as well in the shop.
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Saturday 9th of February 2013 08:15:21 AM
lowryc50 said
09:16 PM Feb 8, 2013
Terry and Jo, Neil and Connie, bjoyce, thank you for your responses. I think I am beginning to get a sense of the important things in a rig. I would certainly agree construction is probably the most important along with wheels, axles, tires and suspension. We would like to do some boondocking so solar(maybe not right away) and generator would be on the list. I like the idea of a portable, I will have to do some more research on that. I wonder are the portables enough or would it be better to invest in an onboard generator? Having followed Howard and Linda for a while I understand how important weight is however I never thought about the combined weight aspect. Thank you for that tip. I will go back and look at some to Howards earlier posts and what they went through in the beginning. So many things to think about, it gets a little overwhelming but glad to have folks like you all to ask questions of and see what your different preferences are. Budget is going to be a big one too. As I said we are going to the Chicago RV show next weekend so trying things out like you already own it would be a good idea. Neil and Connie I like this statement "Get the best rig you can afford". I appreciate your help and will continue my search. Curt
Bill and Linda said
10:22 PM Feb 8, 2013
We’ve been doing the RV thing, including full-timing for my parents, for close to 40 years now.That’s my perspective and if I might be allowed, here is a different take on your question that might help.
What is needed in an RV is solely depended on you style of RVing.Are you going too really travel, or just move the rig a couple of times a year?
I agree with Neil, Connie and Bill especially as to their list of needs. Terry’s right about the GVWR, etc. numbers. But be sure you are OK with a BIG truck, MDT or HDT, before you commit to any trailer purchase like a New Horizons rig.You can get in a lot of trouble real quick if you mess up that decision.
With the exception of a dishwasher (I do that) our rig has all that gear they listed, and it all works quite well. If you have the money, and can drive an HDT truck (or at least something comparable) New Horizons, or Forks, builds “the” high-end, high quality RV – to order.Like all RVs, it will have problems. But the NH or Forks are probably the most customizable, quality RV “homes” you can purchase.And they are likewise pricy.But these two companies set a very high standard if you know what to ask for and people like Jack Mayer, who visits this website, can and will help with those choices RE: a New Horizons.He knows what he is doing in the RV world.But his recommendations are not for the faint of wallet.Top quality costs money and isn’t usually mass produced.
That said, the first thing I suggest you need to consider is “what are you going to do with the RV besides live in it?”My point is that some may say you need this and that.But some of their rigs don’t move, or don’t move much. They never boondock, so they don’t need 400 watt solar charging systems or 600AH AGM battery banks or 100 gallon fresh water tanks.Others, like us, put 20,000 traveling miles on the truck in the last 11 months.The large majority of those miles are spent towing the rig around the US and Canada. Sometimes we stay in the “50 amp Princess” campgrounds, and we’ve stayed where I had to carry water in 7 gallon containers to fill the holding tanks along with running the on-board generator to cook and batteries for lights because there wasn’t a power station within 250 miles. Neither RV life style is correct and the other wrong. But “It depends” as to what you need.
I say this just to suggest: Think about what you are really going to use the RV for in addition to a “home.”As I have said, some RVers I know haven’t moved their rig in 5 years.Others don’t sit for more than a few weeks, tops.The style you will be living will help determine the kind rig you want, how to equip it, like with an upgraded suspension system, what you are able to afford and a properly equipted truck to pull it.
I just think this reflection is a good idea as well as going to the RV show.
‘Enjoy the adventure. We sure have. Bill
Terry and Jo said
10:54 PM Feb 8, 2013
As a follow up on the generator. What you will need will again depend on how you plan on living in the RV. If you are going to be in hot climates when boondocking, you will need an onboard generator in order to be able to run two air conditioners (plus other electrical items) at the same time. If you are planning on what we eventually hope to do, such as going north in the summer and south in the winter, then a portable generator will do the job.
We have a Honda EU3000IS generator that will be strong enough to run one air conditioner and a few other things. We are also equipped with an inverter and two extra batteries so we can run our residential refrigerator, even if we are not on shore power. We will just need to occasionally run the generator to recharge the batteries. If you won't need to run an air conditioner, a smaller Honda (or Yamaha) will work well enough to provide lights and charge batteries. What you may need to do is look at the power requirements of the appliances you will use to see how big of a generator you will need.
With the Honda and Yamaha generators, one can parallel two of them together to double one's wattage and amperage. If we were to buy a second Honda EU3000IS, we could have enough power to run both air conditioners.
I've never heard of the Forks brand of RV, but another "custom build" unit is made by Spacecraft. Like others, it will be more expensive and heavier. I would guess that next in line down from the New Horizons, Forks, and Spacecraft would be the DRV Suites models of fifth wheels. (Jo and I have a Mobile Suites by them.) After that, the quality and weight and price will lessen.
Terry
Terry and Jo said
02:41 AM Feb 9, 2013
I was doing some looking at the Forks website. It would sure be nice if someone had some "base" pricing on the custom built rigs. Obviously, one would have to consider that any amenities not a part of a base unit would be extra in price. I did go ahead and look up websites for the custom companies, just to be of service.
I failed to mention it in my previous post, but DRV Suites will do custom accomodations and some custom features in their units. Obviously, as each custom is done the price is affected. The nice thing is that one can get a Mobile Suites and upgrade some by having Elite Suites features put in, or one can get an Elite and phase back to a Mobile Suites feature. I also know of some that took one floor plan and changed the kitchen island to be different from the standard island.
By no means are some of the other brands/models not good for full time use. The differences will be in quality and price, but I know of several that are full timing in less expensive brands. Jo and I chose the Mobile Suites with its extra insulation and thicker walls because we will be living in Oklahoma for some time yet and our temps have ranged from 14 degrees up to 115 degrees in the last two years.
Terry
lowryc50 said
05:37 AM Feb 9, 2013
Thanks for the links to the NH, Forks and Spacecraft. Probably a little out of my price range but some pretty incredible rigs. I have been looking at, and must say my favorite so far, is the Sanibel by Prime Time Manufacturing. I believe they are a subsidiary of Forest River. The Sanibel 3500 is the one that really has my interest. http://www.primetimerv.com/ However I continue to keep looking. Any thoughts on this company and/or 5th wheel? I noticed in their literature they do have 12" I beam frames Thank you Curt
bjoyce said
06:27 AM Feb 9, 2013
Someone had a Sanibel at the September RV-Dreams rally in September but I can't remember who it was and if they hung out on the forum.
NWescapee said
06:56 PM Feb 9, 2013
Mark and Patty had the Sanibel, if I remember correctly. If you search the 2012 Oregon Fall rally posts you can find them. I remember they posted there a couple of times. You could message them for their input on the rig.
kb0zke said
11:57 PM Feb 9, 2013
Curt and Glenda, we're also going to be full-timers within a couple of years. We started learning and planning two years ago, and are just now to the point of starting to look for the right coach. The first thing we did was to figure out what class of RV we wanted. We started out thinking 5'er, but also considered travel trailers and motor homes. We eventually settled on a DP motor home. Then we worked on brands. Knowing that we would be buying used, we have opted to go for higher-end coaches. We're looking at Bluebirds, Foretravels, and Newells.
How will you be using the coach? Are you going to stay in one place for a month or more? If so, a towable makes sense. If you are going to be moving frequently, a MH may make more sense. Do you need the big truck for other purposes? Then a 5'er makes sense. Do you like driving that big truck to go grocery shopping, sight-seeing, etc.? If not, a 5'er may not be right for you.
Some people have solved the dilemma of liking the 5'er but not the big truck for a daily driver by getting a really big truck that can carry a small car AND tow the 5'er. Others simply drive two vehicles - the big truck when moving from one campsite to another and a smaller vehicle for the running around. You will have to work out the best solution for you. No one else can make that decision for you.
If you are shopping for a truck before you have picked out your 5'er, assume that you will be getting the biggest and heaviest coach you can find and use those numbers for the truck. If you get a truck that can SAFELY (that's the key word) tow and stop a 30,000 pound 5'er it will easily handle the 22,000 pound one that you eventually settle on. If you get a truck that can handle the 22,000 pound coach, and you settle on a 25,000 pound one, you are in for trouble.
lowryc50 said
04:18 AM Feb 10, 2013
NWescapee, bjoyce and kb0zke, thank you for the information. I plan to contact them and see if they can give me some info on the Sanibel. David, we have looked at motorhomes and didn't find them to our liking so we are most interested in a 5th wheel. We like the idea that Howard and Linda had of a 2nd vehicle to get around in once settled in to a campground. Plan to wait on the truck until we make the decision on the rig. Thank you all for your comments and helpful advice. Curt
bjoyce said
12:58 AM Mar 4, 2013
I was trying to be nice. I remember a couple people who have come on the forum, did something that irritated and when it was pointed out they blew up and left with flames. I understand being enthusiastic and figured that was all that was going on.
rclvnv said
01:54 AM Mar 4, 2013
Hi,Curt & Glenda. You are wise indeed to start the search early, and wiser still (IMHO) to look at Howard & Linda's experience as a template. We have been full-time for two years now, and began our quest just as you are doing two years before that. It was directly because of what we learned on this site that we made the decision to full-time. We had been hobby RV'ers most of our lives, but fulltime is something else again. As others have said "possibility thinking" is essential. However it is not a perfect science, simply because things change. We decided that we wanted to be as flexible as possible, but combine as many ammenities as we could afford, while at the same time having a vehicle not too onerous to be our only daily driver once we retired. So for us, we decided that meant a SRW DSL truck. We needed to get the weights right too, so we chose a non 4x4 for increased tow / carry capacity, and found a 5th wheel which had a weight and length we felt comfortable towing (we have been cross country & back twice & up & down the east coast, so far). That combo works for us and we are comfortably within the weight range we wanted. To that end we chose Open Range, loaded with everything they offered, and for us, the combo offers what we needed and are happy with, keeping in mind that we wanted to retire debt free. Point being you need to consider as many needs as you can during the run-up period to purchase, knowing preferences might change. Prior to purchase of the rig, we were so conflicted that we finally did what has been mentioned by others. We told the sales people for each considerd finalist to go away and leave us alone for a few hours, and we did some playacting if you will. That helped us make our choice. We remain happy with what we have, because it works for us. That is after all, the bottom line.
Best, Richard
heyduke said
03:24 PM Mar 4, 2013
I am a little late to this thread but we have been fulltiming for two years and the single biggest must have for us was a four door fridge with ice maker. Second on our list was ample in house storage. We don't have a 5th wheel but these two items are non-specific to motorhome vs 5er
lowryc50 said
06:22 PM Mar 12, 2013
rclvnv wrote:
Hi,Curt & Glenda. You are wise indeed to start the search early, and wiser still (IMHO) to look at Howard & Linda's experience as a template. We have been full-time for two years now, and began our quest just as you are doing two years before that. It was directly because of what we learned on this site that we made the decision to full-time. We had been hobby RV'ers most of our lives, but fulltime is something else again. As others have said "possibility thinking" is essential. However it is not a perfect science, simply because things change. We decided that we wanted to be as flexible as possible, but combine as many ammenities as we could afford, while at the same time having a vehicle not too onerous to be our only daily driver once we retired. So for us, we decided that meant a SRW DSL truck. We needed to get the weights right too, so we chose a non 4x4 for increased tow / carry capacity, and found a 5th wheel which had a weight and length we felt comfortable towing (we have been cross country & back twice & up & down the east coast, so far). That combo works for us and we are comfortably within the weight range we wanted. To that end we chose Open Range, loaded with everything they offered, and for us, the combo offers what we needed and are happy with, keeping in mind that we wanted to retire debt free. Point being you need to consider as many needs as you can during the run-up period to purchase, knowing preferences might change. Prior to purchase of the rig, we were so conflicted that we finally did what has been mentioned by others. We told the sales people for each considerd finalist to go away and leave us alone for a few hours, and we did some playacting if you will. That helped us make our choice. We remain happy with what we have, because it works for us. That is after all, the bottom line.
Best, Richard
Been awhile since I got on the forum and didn't think Iwould get anymore replies. I am pleasantly surprised by the continued information. After reviewing this forum, attending the Grand Rapids RV show, the Chicago RV show and the Peoria Recreation show and talking to Mark and Patty(who attended the RV Dreams Rally in Harrisburg, OR) we have decided on a Sanibel 3500. It has the floorplan, the specifications and the quality in our price range that we like and "to us" are "must haves". Of course we won't be making a purchase for another year or so but we just haven't seen any other 5th wheels that "do it " for us. We will probably continue to look around but so far everything we see we compare to the Sanibel. It feels good to have a good idea as to what we want to do now. We really appreciate the replies and will continue to lurk and post on this forum. It's great to have a resource like this available. A big thanks also to Howard and Linda for providing this medium. Curt
Terry and Jo said
08:34 PM Mar 12, 2013
Curt,
You are wise to continue looking. One never knows whether in a year's time a manufacturer might discontinue a model/floorplan. Good luck with the continued research and looking.
Terry
lowryc50 said
06:38 PM Dec 15, 2013
Well it's been about 1 year since I posed my question on the must have's in a full time RV and I have taken all the advice and comments from everyone that posted replies and we made some decisions. First I want to thank everyone for those comments and advice it really did help. We just placed an order for a 2014 Heartland Bighorn 3585rl. I originally was set on the Sanibel 3500rl after NWescapee suggested talking to Mark and Patty who had attended Howard and Linda's rally in Oregon. They gave me some great information on their rig and I really had my heart set on that one however at the advice of those here on the forum I continued to look around and came across the Heartland brand. Of course it isn't a Forks or DRV or any of the other "high end" RV's (out of our price range)that some folks mentioned so I went on the Heartland Owners Forum and asked actual owners about their rigs and how they liked them and what problems they might have had. They all had good things to say(I know, I know) but they also gave me some candid remarks about issues they had and how they were handled by Heartland. I felt pretty comfortable with their comments so I started really looking at all the models and the 3585rl fit the bill for us. From what I could tell it has good construction and they have made some nice upgrades recently. In taking the advice of you all I did order it with the 8,000 lb. axles, G rated tires and it will have disc brakes. I got the Yeti (4 season)package, it has the frameless windows and interior wise they have upgraded to MCD shades instead of pleated shades. The wife also had to have the washer/dryer. I like the tank sizes and storage too. We close on the rig in mid February but will have it stored with the dealer until mid March. We also ordered the tow vehicle - 2014 Ford F-350 with the 6.7L Diesel and DRW 4x4 and that will be coming in mid February too. The wife retires at the end of January and will begin getting the house ready for selling in April. The plan is to move into the rig in May sometime and begin full timing in place until I retire at the end of Sept and we can hit the road. We have family(grandkids) near Elkhart, IN and will be registering for the Fall RV-Dreams Rally in Elkhart in Sept to get our adventure started off right. Just wanted to give an update on our process and again thank all of you for helping us make some decisions. Curt and Glenda
Jimmy and Janis said
07:15 PM Dec 15, 2013
Congratulations!!! We've also looked at the Bighorn and I think you will be pleased with your decision. I'm anxious to see how it works out for y'all, please let us know in the months to come. How exciting, can't wait til we can join you someday.
Sushidog said
09:44 PM Dec 15, 2013
Sweet fiver and TV! Congrats!
Chip
jrzygrl64 said
05:42 AM Dec 16, 2013
Congrats on your new home! My husband and I just bought our new 5th wheel, too! It's the exact same floor plan as yours just a Landmark instead of the Big Horn! We bought it off the lot b/c it had everything we wanted/needed and then some! We wish you many happy trails and we hope to run into you someday on the road!
Kelly
p.s. if you would like to see pics of our new unit check the "our new home on wheels" thread! (Told you we just got it)
lowryc50 said
12:02 PM Dec 16, 2013
jrzygrl64 wrote:
Congrats on your new home! My husband and I just bought our new 5th wheel, too! It's the exact same floor plan as yours just a Landmark instead of the Big Horn! We bought it off the lot b/c it had everything we wanted/needed and then some! We wish you many happy trails and we hope to run into you someday on the road!
Kelly
p.s. if you would like to see pics of our new unit check the "our new home on wheels" thread! (Told you we just got it)
jrzygrl64,
Thanks for your comment and Congratulations on "your" new 5th wheel. We noticed that the Landmark, Big Country and Bighorn do have similar floorplans however the "amenities" are a little different depending on which model you go with. We loved the storage in the 3585rl and the upgrades for 2014 are incredible(at least to us they are). We decided to order so we could get just the options we really wanted. I think it's great that you found one on the lot that way. If we could have done that we would have gone that way too. Now we wait. I took a look at the photos of your new home. What a great find. Once we get to that stage I will post some of my own. Look forward to meeting someday. Safe Travels
Curt
RVKevi said
05:48 PM Dec 16, 2013
We are in a Bighorn, too. We've been in it a little over a year and absolutely love it. Congratulations on your new home!
lowryc50 said
06:53 PM Dec 16, 2013
RVKevi wrote:
We are in a Bighorn, too. We've been in it a little over a year and absolutely love it. Congratulations on your new home!
RVKevi, Happy to hear of another Heartland Owner and glad to hear you love your rig. The hard part now will be the waiting. I went to your blog and noticed the new bike rack. We are getting the 1 1/4" hitch on the back too and I wondered what rack you bought. It's the style we are interested in where you don't have to take the wheels off and don't have to hang them on struts that stick out. I know we will love ours too. Curt
Terry and Jo said
07:34 PM Dec 16, 2013
I just did a very cursory look at the past comments to see if this was mentioned and didn't see it, so, if I missed it, I guess one just gets to be reminded.
We purchased a portable air compressor that has a maximum pressure of 150 psi. While the max pressure is 150 psi, in most cases the "working" pressure would only be about 125 psi. That is just enough to be able to air up the tires on our Mobile Suites as the recommended tire pressure is 125 psi. That might be a consideration as a follow-up purchase that will assist you in the future. I don't know if you mentioned whether you got a generator or not, so that might be another thing needed, especially if one is away from electricity when they need to use the air compressor.
Terry
RVKevi said
09:23 PM Dec 16, 2013
lowryc50 wrote:
RVKevi wrote:
We are in a Bighorn, too. We've been in it a little over a year and absolutely love it. Congratulations on your new home!
RVKevi, Happy to hear of another Heartland Owner and glad to hear you love your rig. The hard part now will be the waiting. I went to your blog and noticed the new bike rack. We are getting the 1 1/4" hitch on the back too and I wondered what rack you bought. It's the style we are interested in where you don't have to take the wheels off and don't have to hang them on struts that stick out. I know we will love ours too. Curt
I don't remember a name on the rack, but we got it at WalMart. We do like it.
WestWardHo said
09:32 PM Dec 16, 2013
Congratulations on the Heartland. I was concerned when you kept mentioning Sanibel but I don't know the line well. We had a Heartland Big Country and felt quality and factory support were great. Choose a different rig for our new one but in our price range it was close. Think you're really going to love your new home.
Keep us up to date!
Sherry
lowryc50 said
08:54 AM Dec 17, 2013
Terry and Jo wrote:
I just did a very cursory look at the past comments to see if this was mentioned and didn't see it, so, if I missed it, I guess one just gets to be reminded.
We purchased a portable air compressor that has a maximum pressure of 150 psi. While the max pressure is 150 psi, in most cases the "working" pressure would only be about 125 psi. That is just enough to be able to air up the tires on our Mobile Suites as the recommended tire pressure is 125 psi. That might be a consideration as a follow-up purchase that will assist you in the future. I don't know if you mentioned whether you got a generator or not, so that might be another thing needed, especially if one is away from electricity when they need to use the air compressor.
Terry
Terry, thanks for the comment we didn't get a generator and I have been looking and thinking about air compressors knowing how important tire sefety is. I figured we might do more research and look at a portable generator. I know Howard has recommended a good quality compressor.
Curt
lowryc50 said
08:56 AM Dec 17, 2013
RVKevi wrote:
lowryc50 wrote:
RVKevi wrote:
We are in a Bighorn, too. We've been in it a little over a year and absolutely love it. Congratulations on your new home!
RVKevi, Happy to hear of another Heartland Owner and glad to hear you love your rig. The hard part now will be the waiting. I went to your blog and noticed the new bike rack. We are getting the 1 1/4" hitch on the back too and I wondered what rack you bought. It's the style we are interested in where you don't have to take the wheels off and don't have to hang them on struts that stick out. I know we will love ours too. Curt
I don't remember a name on the rack, but we got it at WalMart. We do like it.
Thanks Kev and Vi, I will take a look at what Wal-Mart has in stock and online. Curt
lowryc50 said
08:59 AM Dec 17, 2013
WestWardHo wrote:
Congratulations on the Heartland. I was concerned when you kept mentioning Sanibel but I don't know the line well. We had a Heartland Big Country and felt quality and factory support were great. Choose a different rig for our new one but in our price range it was close. Think you're really going to love your new home.
Keep us up to date!
Sherry
Thanks Sherry, The Sanibel is from Prime Time Manufacturing which is a subsidary of Forest River. After looking at the Heartland models we decided the interior of the 3585rl was more to our liking and felt the quality was just as good if not better. I'm sure we will enjoy the new home. Curt
kb0zke said
10:40 AM Dec 21, 2013
Congratulations on your new home! When we first started researching we fell in love with a Bighorn, and at the time thought that we would eventually own one. As we researched, though, we realized that a MH was more suited to us. We did buy a Heartland product, their little mpg travel trailer, as a learner, and enjoyed the forum and the factory. Even though the mpg was the cheapest product Heartland had, we were still treated like we had a Landmark (the most expensive).
Frac999 said
09:19 PM Jan 21, 2014
We also went to the Heartland 3570 bighorn and we have really enjoyed it.
lowryc50 said
10:06 AM Jan 22, 2014
I was reading the posts this morning and noticed another response from Franc999. So I thought I would give another small update. Remember in a previous post here i indicated that the Bighorn was to be built and delivered in Mid-February.....Well the factory had an opening and the Bighorn was built before the end of December. The dealer knowing that we had a timeframe that we were working with has held the rig until we were ready to sign the papers. That got done yesterday. The finance manager overnighted the papers, we looked them over, signed them and send them back. I expect to hear from him today. Anyway, we are going to travel to Elkhart(our daughter lives down the road in Osceola) to finally see our new home. The salesman sent photos but we just got to see it. So the plan is still working. The dealer is holding the rig until late March, the truck is coming in late Feb and we start getting the house ready at the end of this month when the wife says good bye to her job. W updated our plan a little...Once the house sells we will move into the Bighorn and move to a nearby campground for the summer while I continue to work, then I will retire on Sept 1 and we can begin to move the rig to Goshen, IN for our first RV DREAMS rally. How great is that...to start our adventure by attending a rally with Howard and Linda. The ones that started it all for us. We were only thinking ofbeing snowbirds when we first started camping a couple years ago and then I found RV Dreams. That's all it took to fuel the desire to be come full timers. I think I got off track a little from the subject of the must haves in a RV but had to give you another update on our progress. Community you know. Thank you all for the replies I have received from other thread questions I have had too. As a matter of fact the original plan was not to retire until late 2015 but we re-figured the finances, made some adjustments and moved it up a whole year. Again thanks to everyone in the RV Dreams community. I will do my best to add some photos once we get our first look at the rig. Looking forward to meeting new friends. Thanks Curt
WestWardHo said
10:49 AM Jan 22, 2014
Curt and Glenda,
I love it when a plan comes together! You' re certainly done your homework. Wishing you many happy years in your new home. (We find ourselves saying "It's time to go home" and home is our 5er in both our hearts and minds.)
Sherry
Bill and Linda said
05:57 PM Jan 22, 2014
lowryc50 wrote:
I was reading the posts this morning and noticed another response from Franc999. So I thought I would give another small update. Remember in a previous post here i indicated that the Bighorn was to be built and delivered in Mid-February.....Well the factory had an opening and the Bighorn was built before the end of December. The dealer knowing that we had a timeframe that we were working with has held the rig until we were ready to sign the papers. That got done yesterday. The finance manager overnighted the papers, we looked them over, signed them and send them back. I expect to hear from him today. Anyway, we are going to travel to Elkhart(our daughter lives down the road in Osceola) to finally see our new home. The salesman sent photos but we just got to see it. So the plan is still working. The dealer is holding the rig until late March, the truck is coming in late Feb and we start getting the house ready at the end of this month when the wife says good bye to her job. W updated our plan a little...Once the house sells we will move into the Bighorn and move to a nearby campground for the summer while I continue to work, then I will retire on Sept 1 and we can begin to move the rig to Goshen, IN for our first RV DREAMS rally. How great is that...to start our adventure by attending a rally with Howard and Linda. The ones that started it all for us. We were only thinking ofbeing snowbirds when we first started camping a couple years ago and then I found RV Dreams. That's all it took to fuel the desire to be come full timers. I think I got off track a little from the subject of the must haves in a RV but had to give you another update on our progress. Community you know. Thank you all for the replies I have received from other thread questions I have had too. As a matter of fact the original plan was not to retire until late 2015 but we re-figured the finances, made some adjustments and moved it up a whole year. Again thanks to everyone in the RV Dreams community. I will do my best to add some photos once we get our first look at the rig. Looking forward to meeting new friends. Thanks Curt
Curt and Glenda:
Congratulations!We look very forward to meeting you in person at the Rally and seeing your new rig.An exciting time for you.Look forward to the adventure.
Safe (new) travels
Bill and Linda
lowryc50 said
10:19 PM Feb 23, 2014
lowryc50 wrote:
I was reading the posts this morning and noticed another response from Franc999. So I thought I would give another small update. Remember in a previous post here i indicated that the Bighorn was to be built and delivered in Mid-February.....Well the factory had an opening and the Bighorn was built before the end of December. The dealer knowing that we had a timeframe that we were working with has held the rig until we were ready to sign the papers. That got done yesterday. The finance manager overnighted the papers, we looked them over, signed them and send them back. I expect to hear from him today. Anyway, we are going to travel to Elkhart(our daughter lives down the road in Osceola) to finally see our new home. The salesman sent photos but we just got to see it. So the plan is still working. The dealer is holding the rig until late March, the truck is coming in late Feb and we start getting the house ready at the end of this month when the wife says good bye to her job. W updated our plan a little...Once the house sells we will move into the Bighorn and move to a nearby campground for the summer while I continue to work, then I will retire on Sept 1 and we can begin to move the rig to Goshen, IN for our first RV DREAMS rally. How great is that...to start our adventure by attending a rally with Howard and Linda. The ones that started it all for us. We were only thinking ofbeing snowbirds when we first started camping a couple years ago and then I found RV Dreams. That's all it took to fuel the desire to be come full timers. I think I got off track a little from the subject of the must haves in a RV but had to give you another update on our progress. Community you know. Thank you all for the replies I have received from other thread questions I have had too. As a matter of fact the original plan was not to retire until late 2015 but we re-figured the finances, made some adjustments and moved it up a whole year. Again thanks to everyone in the RV Dreams community. I will do my best to add some photos once we get our first look at the rig. Looking forward to meeting new friends. Thanks Curt
OK, I tried this on the "how to" Photo thread and it worked so I am going to give it a try to show you our new Bighorn 3585rl. You can see I am a happy camper. Now if the weather will cooperate we can go get it from the dealer storage in Elkhart, next month. Anyway here it is....http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/lowryc50/media/IMG_0647_zps94e52b1f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0
Now it won't work What do I need to do?
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:20:55 PM
Trying again
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:21:50 PM
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:23:04 PM
Please forgive me...I'm learning. Use the first link to see all the photos. Thanks
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:24:02 PM
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:28:06 PM
jrzygrl64 said
06:20 AM Feb 24, 2014
Again - congrats! Great rig!
Wanted to mention - have you checked out the Heartland Owners Club and forum? Lots of great info there! More rig specific than here. We recently signed up for the introductory membership. We can always upgrade later if we want.
Happy Trails! Hope to meet up on the road someday!
Kelly
kb0zke said
09:27 AM Feb 24, 2014
Congratulations! For all of you who are thinking about the various Heartland products, the three that are considered to be full-time rigs are the Big Country, Bighorn, and Landmark, in ascending price order. They share many of the same floor plans and are built on the same line. The Heartland Owners Group has an online forum that is free to anyone, owner or not, while the club is for actual owners. We sold our Heartland mpg a year ago, so this may not be completely accurate, but if you are at all interested in their products I'd suggest you check these resources out. We originally thought that we would end up with a used Bighorn, but decided that a DP would suit our needs better.
Jim and Barb said
09:48 AM Feb 24, 2014
Great looking rig! I especially like the looks of the flooring. Here's to warmer weather so you can take delivery next month!
lowryc50 said
11:18 AM Feb 24, 2014
jrzygrl64 wrote:
Again - congrats! Great rig!
Wanted to mention - have you checked out the Heartland Owners Club and forum? Lots of great info there! More rig specific than here. We recently signed up for the introductory membership. We can always upgrade later if we want.
Happy Trails! Hope to meet up on the road someday!
Kelly
Kelly, Thank you for your comment. We are very excited now that things are finally coming together(including the new F-350). The Heartland Owners Forum was where I first started when I was considering the Bighorn. I got alot of good information and comments from other owners which lead me to checking out the models further. Now that we are owners I would like to check into a membership in the Owners Club. I will definitely look into the introductory membership that you mentioned. Thanks again and I do hope we get to meet somewhere on the road.
Curt
lowryc50 said
11:22 AM Feb 24, 2014
kb0zke wrote:
Congratulations! For all of you who are thinking about the various Heartland products, the three that are considered to be full-time rigs are the Big Country, Bighorn, and Landmark, in ascending price order. They share many of the same floor plans and are built on the same line. The Heartland Owners Group has an online forum that is free to anyone, owner or not, while the club is for actual owners. We sold our Heartland mpg a year ago, so this may not be completely accurate, but if you are at all interested in their products I'd suggest you check these resources out. We originally thought that we would end up with a used Bighorn, but decided that a DP would suit our needs better.
Thanks kb0zke, Glad you found what suited your needs. We had considered a MH in the beginning of our search but never was able to find that floorplan we loved compared to a 5th wheel. As they say to each their own. That's what is so great about RVing there is something out there for everyone and every lifestyle. Now if I could just get that weather to cooperate and sell the house we can get started.
Curt
OToole said
04:49 PM Feb 12, 2015
Curt, how are you liking the Bighorn. We are making plans to go fulltime this year and the Bighorn is one we are considering. It looks like you have had it about a year now and I was curious how you like it and what problems, if any, you have had with it.
Mike
RVKevi said
06:02 PM Feb 13, 2015
I'm not Curt, but we have been full-timing in a Big Horn for 2 years. We love it. We've had a few really minor issues, but nothing serious. One of the most difficult was the shower doors. We have the mega-bath with tri-panel sliding glass doors. They are on rollers hanging from the upper rail. They came off one of the rollers and we had to remove the upper rail, slide them off, reattach them to the rollers, slide them back on and replace the rail. Took both Kev and I to do it, but we got it. Like I said, nothing really serious. We wouldn't want anything else.
OToole said
12:50 PM Feb 15, 2015
RVKevi, thanks for the reply. The Bighorn is on our short list. It's nice to hear from happy owners.
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums, Curt. You have found a good site to ask questions as the folks here have knowledge of a lot about just about every form of RV. Feel free to ask questions, but also take advantage of the "Search" function in the blue bar at the top of the "Categories" page.
In my opinion, the frame, suspension, axles, and wheels and tires make up the very foundation of an RV. With that in mind, I suggest looking carefully at those components. While the floor plan and amenities of the interior are great, if the foundation isn't really up to snuff, problems could be ahead in one's travels. I recommend that the frame of the trailer not be less than 12" when considering a full-time RV.
If you plan on boondocking (setting up away from RV parks and campgrounds with the hookups), then the sizes of the holding tanks could be very important to you. Under that style of camping, you might also consider a generator option, solar options, and an inverter system with a couple of extra batteries.
I suggest waiting on choosing a truck until you have chosen a trailer that you want to get. That way, you will have the knowledge of the weights involved with the trailer so that you can choose a truck that is capable of safely handling that size of trailer. It is one thing to tow a trailer, but an entirely different thing to safely stop and handle the trailer in cross winds. With weights, you will want to know the GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating) of both the truck and the trailer. Then, you will also want to know what the GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) of the truck is so that when you add the two different GVWR weights together, they won't exceed the GCVW.
Good luck with all your planning and research. Glad to have you as part of the "family."
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 7th of February 2013 09:04:28 PM
My wife and I are about 2 years from retirement(we plan to fulltime) and have been going to RV shows and dealers for the last year or so. All of the rigs we have looked at look great however we are trying to understand what some must haves would be in purchasing a 5th wheel for full time living. I would like to know what some of the full timers on the forum would consider must haves. Storage, holding tank size, tires, axles, etc. I'm not sure I'm even asking the right questions. I realize some things are personal preference but any help would be appreciated. We are going to the Chicago RV show next weekend and your suggestions would really help narrow my search. Thank you Curt
Welcome to the forum.
Must have's really start with budget…what you can afford to put into your rig. However, setting cost aside here are a few of the items that Connie and I considered mandatory.
-heavier construction. Our New Horizons is several thousand pounds heavier than the same size Montana or Big Horn. Most of this additional weight is in structure; given that your house undergoes an earthquake everytime it rolls down the road this is what we consider a good thing. The rest of the extra weight is to get real wood paneling instead of plastic and/or veneer type stuff.
-dishwasher. This uses less than 2 gallons of water per load and we run it about twice every 3 days. I can't wash dishes and use that little water so this saves tank capacity as well as having to wash them by hand. Still have to do pots/pans and the crystal glassware though.
-satellite TV. Direct or Dish; whatever you're comfortable although those who have tried both generally come down slightly on the side of Direct.
-internet. We have a WiFi Ranger with the WFRBoost antenna on the roof to amplify the campground signals; we frequently have coverage using park wifi when the antenna in the laptops doesn't see the park wifi at all due to the amplification. We augment this with a millenicom.com air card (Verizon based) for cell based internet when no wifi is available.
-New Horizons has larger tanks than is typical; this enhances our ability to stay 2 weeks in a park with no sewer connection and not have to go dump or utilize a blue boy. If the park has decent shower rooms so we don't use the shower in the rig we can make it two full weeks barely.
-oven; we skipped this. Convection/Mirowave/exhaust hood combo and a Breville 800 countertop electric oven do the trick for us.
-solar and generator; depends (as Terry says) on whether you're going to boondock much. We got a residential fridge so have the large inverter and put in 4x AGM batteries as well as solar prewire to the roof so we can add solar for the cost of the panels and the controller. The batteries and inverter are the biggest chunk of cost for solar. We skipped the genset and have a 2000 watt Honda portable. Solar is…as Jack Mayer frequently says…a lifestyle decision. You will likely never recover the cost of it but if you want to boondock a lot it's a good expense.
As Terry suggested; figure out the rig first then get the truck it needs. Get the best rig you can afford; better insulation and amenities in a more expensive rig will make your life simpler down the road. OTOH, if a New Horizons isn't in your budget then less expensive rigs are certainly full time capable; Howard and Linda have a Cambridge and many others are full timing in Montanas, Big Horns, and even less expensive rigs than those.
Figure out the budget; as Howard has stated in his blog yesterday he figures that 36,000 a year is a decent mid level full timing budget without work camping. Connie and I are doing it on about 42K or so a year between our two pensions and her part time virtual job working for the college and we're pretty comfortable without having to scrimp to pay for stuff at the end of the month We average about 30 bucks a night for camping which is more than Howard does but then we don't boondock; I like my creature comforts more than he does I guess. We could easily get down to the 36K he's spending a year if we neede to but since we don't we didn't. I follow another guy's blog and he and his wife full time on about 20K a year tops; but then he boondocks a lot and stays at really cheap campgrounds the rest of the time…Connie and I prefer our campgrounds to be a little more upscale although we still aren't "resort" type people; state parks and small private campgrounds are more to our liking.
Best way to see what you want is to sit in a lot of rigs; if you look back at the early days of Howard's blog when they were shoping he has lots of suggestions. Get in the shower and move around, simulate cooking a meal or making the bed or whatever and you'll pretty quickly figure out what works for you.
Storage and carrying capacity are also important. A full timers will carry 2,000 to 3,000 lbs of stuff as a couple with full water, propane, fuel and people/pets already added. This might take doing a bit of adding and subtracting of numbers but it is very important. "Stuff" is clothes, sewer hoses, food, bedding, soap, computers, etc., and it is amazing how it all adds up.
Forks builds a variety of custom rigs. The “Continental Coach” is one of their monikers for the 5th wheels.
We’ve visited there more than once and have discussed a custom rig with them. They know what the word “custom” really means. Like NH, they don't modify a rig design they have "in the computer," they built it to your exact specs, including slide sizes.
They are located in Shipshewana, Indiana, just east of Elkhart and build the coach, including the frame, like HN, from scratch.
Like NH, they are “another level” of manufacture and quality. No “ assembly line” speed builds there.
The largest 5th wheel they had on-site, which they showed us, was a 53 footer which was literally a semi-trailer but was indeed an RV. Just really big. The interior was just something else. Hard to describe this “5er” against the typical RV interior.
All that said, they will also be happy to build a “smaller,” custom 36 foot coach, and up, to your specifications which will be more appropriate for many. They had one of those in work as well in the shop.
http://www.forksrv.com/continental/customgallery.php
Bill
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Saturday 9th of February 2013 08:15:21 AM
We’ve been doing the RV thing, including full-timing for my parents, for close to 40 years now. That’s my perspective and if I might be allowed, here is a different take on your question that might help.
What is needed in an RV is solely depended on you style of RVing. Are you going too really travel, or just move the rig a couple of times a year?
I agree with Neil, Connie and Bill especially as to their list of needs. Terry’s right about the GVWR, etc. numbers. But be sure you are OK with a BIG truck, MDT or HDT, before you commit to any trailer purchase like a New Horizons rig. You can get in a lot of trouble real quick if you mess up that decision.
With the exception of a dishwasher (I do that) our rig has all that gear they listed, and it all works quite well. If you have the money, and can drive an HDT truck (or at least something comparable) New Horizons, or Forks, builds “the” high-end, high quality RV – to order. Like all RVs, it will have problems. But the NH or Forks are probably the most customizable, quality RV “homes” you can purchase. And they are likewise pricy. But these two companies set a very high standard if you know what to ask for and people like Jack Mayer, who visits this website, can and will help with those choices RE: a New Horizons. He knows what he is doing in the RV world. But his recommendations are not for the faint of wallet. Top quality costs money and isn’t usually mass produced.
That said, the first thing I suggest you need to consider is “what are you going to do with the RV besides live in it?” My point is that some may say you need this and that. But some of their rigs don’t move, or don’t move much. They never boondock, so they don’t need 400 watt solar charging systems or 600AH AGM battery banks or 100 gallon fresh water tanks. Others, like us, put 20,000 traveling miles on the truck in the last 11 months. The large majority of those miles are spent towing the rig around the US and Canada. Sometimes we stay in the “50 amp Princess” campgrounds, and we’ve stayed where I had to carry water in 7 gallon containers to fill the holding tanks along with running the on-board generator to cook and batteries for lights because there wasn’t a power station within 250 miles. Neither RV life style is correct and the other wrong. But “It depends” as to what you need.
I say this just to suggest: Think about what you are really going to use the RV for in addition to a “home.” As I have said, some RVers I know haven’t moved their rig in 5 years. Others don’t sit for more than a few weeks, tops. The style you will be living will help determine the kind rig you want, how to equip it, like with an upgraded suspension system, what you are able to afford and a properly equipted truck to pull it.
I just think this reflection is a good idea as well as going to the RV show.
‘Enjoy the adventure. We sure have. Bill
As a follow up on the generator. What you will need will again depend on how you plan on living in the RV. If you are going to be in hot climates when boondocking, you will need an onboard generator in order to be able to run two air conditioners (plus other electrical items) at the same time. If you are planning on what we eventually hope to do, such as going north in the summer and south in the winter, then a portable generator will do the job.
We have a Honda EU3000IS generator that will be strong enough to run one air conditioner and a few other things. We are also equipped with an inverter and two extra batteries so we can run our residential refrigerator, even if we are not on shore power. We will just need to occasionally run the generator to recharge the batteries. If you won't need to run an air conditioner, a smaller Honda (or Yamaha) will work well enough to provide lights and charge batteries. What you may need to do is look at the power requirements of the appliances you will use to see how big of a generator you will need.
With the Honda and Yamaha generators, one can parallel two of them together to double one's wattage and amperage. If we were to buy a second Honda EU3000IS, we could have enough power to run both air conditioners.
I've never heard of the Forks brand of RV, but another "custom build" unit is made by Spacecraft. Like others, it will be more expensive and heavier. I would guess that next in line down from the New Horizons, Forks, and Spacecraft would be the DRV Suites models of fifth wheels. (Jo and I have a Mobile Suites by them.) After that, the quality and weight and price will lessen.
Terry
I was doing some looking at the Forks website. It would sure be nice if someone had some "base" pricing on the custom built rigs. Obviously, one would have to consider that any amenities not a part of a base unit would be extra in price. I did go ahead and look up websites for the custom companies, just to be of service.
New Horizons
Forks RV
Spacecraft
I failed to mention it in my previous post, but DRV Suites will do custom accomodations and some custom features in their units. Obviously, as each custom is done the price is affected. The nice thing is that one can get a Mobile Suites and upgrade some by having Elite Suites features put in, or one can get an Elite and phase back to a Mobile Suites feature. I also know of some that took one floor plan and changed the kitchen island to be different from the standard island.
Their website is DRV Suites.
By no means are some of the other brands/models not good for full time use. The differences will be in quality and price, but I know of several that are full timing in less expensive brands. Jo and I chose the Mobile Suites with its extra insulation and thicker walls because we will be living in Oklahoma for some time yet and our temps have ranged from 14 degrees up to 115 degrees in the last two years.
Terry
Thanks for the links to the NH, Forks and Spacecraft. Probably a little out of my price range but some pretty incredible rigs. I have been looking at, and must say my favorite so far, is the Sanibel by Prime Time Manufacturing. I believe they are a subsidiary of Forest River. The Sanibel 3500 is the one that really has my interest. http://www.primetimerv.com/ However I continue to keep looking. Any thoughts on this company and/or 5th wheel? I noticed in their literature they do have 12" I beam frames Thank you Curt
How will you be using the coach? Are you going to stay in one place for a month or more? If so, a towable makes sense. If you are going to be moving frequently, a MH may make more sense. Do you need the big truck for other purposes? Then a 5'er makes sense. Do you like driving that big truck to go grocery shopping, sight-seeing, etc.? If not, a 5'er may not be right for you.
Some people have solved the dilemma of liking the 5'er but not the big truck for a daily driver by getting a really big truck that can carry a small car AND tow the 5'er. Others simply drive two vehicles - the big truck when moving from one campsite to another and a smaller vehicle for the running around. You will have to work out the best solution for you. No one else can make that decision for you.
If you are shopping for a truck before you have picked out your 5'er, assume that you will be getting the biggest and heaviest coach you can find and use those numbers for the truck. If you get a truck that can SAFELY (that's the key word) tow and stop a 30,000 pound 5'er it will easily handle the 22,000 pound one that you eventually settle on. If you get a truck that can handle the 22,000 pound coach, and you settle on a 25,000 pound one, you are in for trouble.
Best,
Richard
Been awhile since I got on the forum and didn't think Iwould get anymore replies. I am pleasantly surprised by the continued information. After reviewing this forum, attending the Grand Rapids RV show, the Chicago RV show and the Peoria Recreation show and talking to Mark and Patty(who attended the RV Dreams Rally in Harrisburg, OR) we have decided on a Sanibel 3500. It has the floorplan, the specifications and the quality in our price range that we like and "to us" are "must haves". Of course we won't be making a purchase for another year or so but we just haven't seen any other 5th wheels that "do it " for us. We will probably continue to look around but so far everything we see we compare to the Sanibel. It feels good to have a good idea as to what we want to do now. We really appreciate the replies and will continue to lurk and post on this forum. It's great to have a resource like this available. A big thanks also to Howard and Linda for providing this medium. Curt
Curt,
You are wise to continue looking. One never knows whether in a year's time a manufacturer might discontinue a model/floorplan. Good luck with the continued research and looking.
Terry
Chip
Congrats on your new home! My husband and I just bought our new 5th wheel, too! It's the exact same floor plan as yours just a Landmark instead of the Big Horn! We bought it off the lot b/c it had everything we wanted/needed and then some! We wish you many happy trails and we hope to run into you someday on the road!
Kelly
p.s. if you would like to see pics of our new unit check the "our new home on wheels" thread! (Told you we just got it)
jrzygrl64,
Thanks for your comment and Congratulations on "your" new 5th wheel. We noticed that the Landmark, Big Country and Bighorn do have similar floorplans however the "amenities" are a little different depending on which model you go with. We loved the storage in the 3585rl and the upgrades for 2014 are incredible(at least to us they are). We decided to order so we could get just the options we really wanted. I think it's great that you found one on the lot that way. If we could have done that we would have gone that way too. Now we wait. I took a look at the photos of your new home. What a great find. Once we get to that stage I will post some of my own. Look forward to meeting someday. Safe Travels
Curt
RVKevi, Happy to hear of another Heartland Owner and glad to hear you love your rig. The hard part now will be the waiting. I went to your blog and noticed the new bike rack. We are getting the 1 1/4" hitch on the back too and I wondered what rack you bought. It's the style we are interested in where you don't have to take the wheels off and don't have to hang them on struts that stick out. I know we will love ours too. Curt
I just did a very cursory look at the past comments to see if this was mentioned and didn't see it, so, if I missed it, I guess one just gets to be reminded.
We purchased a portable air compressor that has a maximum pressure of 150 psi. While the max pressure is 150 psi, in most cases the "working" pressure would only be about 125 psi. That is just enough to be able to air up the tires on our Mobile Suites as the recommended tire pressure is 125 psi. That might be a consideration as a follow-up purchase that will assist you in the future. I don't know if you mentioned whether you got a generator or not, so that might be another thing needed, especially if one is away from electricity when they need to use the air compressor.
Terry
I don't remember a name on the rack, but we got it at WalMart. We do like it.
Keep us up to date!
Sherry
Terry, thanks for the comment we didn't get a generator and I have been looking and thinking about air compressors knowing how important tire sefety is. I figured we might do more research and look at a portable generator. I know Howard has recommended a good quality compressor.
Curt
Thanks Kev and Vi, I will take a look at what Wal-Mart has in stock and online. Curt
Thanks Sherry, The Sanibel is from Prime Time Manufacturing which is a subsidary of Forest River. After looking at the Heartland models we decided the interior of the 3585rl was more to our liking and felt the quality was just as good if not better. I'm sure we will enjoy the new home. Curt
I love it when a plan comes together! You' re certainly done your homework. Wishing you many happy years in your new home. (We find ourselves saying "It's time to go home" and home is our 5er in both our hearts and minds.)
Sherry
Curt and Glenda:
Congratulations! We look very forward to meeting you in person at the Rally and seeing your new rig. An exciting time for you. Look forward to the adventure.
Safe (new) travels
Bill and Linda
OK, I tried this on the "how to" Photo thread and it worked so I am going to give it a try to show you our new Bighorn 3585rl. You can see I am a happy camper. Now if the weather will cooperate we can go get it from the dealer storage in Elkhart, next month. Anyway here it is....http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/lowryc50/media/IMG_0647_zps94e52b1f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0
Now it won't work What do I need to do?
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:20:55 PM
Trying again
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:21:50 PM
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:23:04 PM
Please forgive me...I'm learning. Use the first link to see all the photos. Thanks
<a href="http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/lowryc50/media/IMG_0647_zps94e52b1f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af273/lowryc50/IMG_0647_zps94e52b1f.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0647_zps94e52b1f.jpg"/></a>
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:24:02 PM
-- Edited by lowryc50 on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 10:28:06 PM
Wanted to mention - have you checked out the Heartland Owners Club and forum? Lots of great info there! More rig specific than here. We recently signed up for the introductory membership. We can always upgrade later if we want.
Happy Trails! Hope to meet up on the road someday!
Kelly
Kelly, Thank you for your comment. We are very excited now that things are finally coming together(including the new F-350). The Heartland Owners Forum was where I first started when I was considering the Bighorn. I got alot of good information and comments from other owners which lead me to checking out the models further. Now that we are owners I would like to check into a membership in the Owners Club. I will definitely look into the introductory membership that you mentioned. Thanks again and I do hope we get to meet somewhere on the road.
Curt
Thanks kb0zke, Glad you found what suited your needs. We had considered a MH in the beginning of our search but never was able to find that floorplan we loved compared to a 5th wheel. As they say to each their own. That's what is so great about RVing there is something out there for everyone and every lifestyle. Now if I could just get that weather to cooperate and sell the house we can get started.
Curt
Curt, how are you liking the Bighorn. We are making plans to go fulltime this year and the Bighorn is one we are considering. It looks like you have had it about a year now and I was curious how you like it and what problems, if any, you have had with it.
Mike
RVKevi, thanks for the reply. The Bighorn is on our short list. It's nice to hear from happy owners.