Thanks so much for the information I've been able to get from all you nice folks so far. I'm 48 and going to be going it full time with my 3 large dogs. I'm thinking a 5'er Montana 3400 rl with a compatible tow vehicle will be good for me. I'm going to be a travelling health care worker because I've moved 3 times in 3 years for work, the cost of moving is prohibitive and the hassle too much. I will be working on contract at locations for 3 to 6 months at a time. I have never felt like there was anything I could not do (except maybe back up a 5th wheel, yet) and I'm pretty scrappy when I need to be, but please let me know if I'm nuts! I have previous trailer (27') camping experience with my ex-husband, and tent camped for a month with my golden retriever up and down the coast from San Francisco to Ocean Shores, WA. Any advise will be welcomed.
Teresa and the boys
Dave Buck said
12:41 AM Jun 17, 2013
Go for it. At least you are home every night.
Terry and Jo said
01:28 AM Jun 17, 2013
Teresa,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You have certainly found a good source for asking questions and getting answers. The folks here are "becoming famous" for their knowledge, helpfulness, friendliness, and encouraging nature.
Then there is me.
Second: Wow! How about choosing a little bit larger font for your posts? I recently had cataract surgery in both eyes and haven't gotten new glasses yet, so focusing on small letters can be difficult.
As for doing this lifestyle and working as you plan, take into consideration where it is that you may be working. If you are going to be working up in colder climates, be sure that your RV is capable of handling the colder temperatures. Enclosed bottoms, hopefully somewhat heated, good insulation, and efficient windows will be important. When looking at different RV's check to see if the manufacturer will warranty them when the owners are living in them full-time. Some don't and others "hedge around" the answer when they go to answer that question.
By all means, choose your RV first and then choose a truck that is capable of handling an RV of that size and weight. I say "handling" because you want a truck that will safely tow, maneuver, and stop that size trailer. It is dangerous to have a heavier trailer than what the truck is capable of handling.
As for being new with a fifth wheel, don't let that bother you. There are some folks here that just recently towed theirs for the first time and had no problems. It is all about having the right attitude and not being afraid of trying something different. Good luck with all your research and planning.
Terry
furkids said
09:41 PM Jun 26, 2013
Hello again,
Thank you all so much for all the valuable information you give, this site is heaven sent! Well, the finance guys are back from their respective vacations so the search for my 5th wheel, tow vehicle, and new life can start in earnest! I kind of have my heart set on a Montana 3400 rl as far as floor plan and amenities. The issue I have with my finance guys are they don't know diddley about RVs so they all look the same to them. I'm trying to explain they "whys" of what I see in the Montana but they are bottom line focused. Anyway, in my travels through RV parks and talking with RV folks I happened to meet a couple who actually do what I am embarking on. They are travelling physical therapists and travel with a dog in the Montana, what luck!! Got a lot of good information and tips, it was great. I am parting with all my furniture and stuff without a problem but, the sentimental stuff is really ripping my heart out. I would appreciate any advice or feedback on choosing a 5th, tow vehicle, and how to part with things.
Teresa and the furkids
GENECOP said
10:04 PM Jun 26, 2013
Welcome to the Forum.....
Lucky Mike said
10:46 PM Jun 26, 2013
Hi Theresa !!!.....Welcome to the forum!!
scrappy said
01:59 AM Jun 27, 2013
I have four big dogs, so I can relate.
As far as stuff..........I rented a storage locker and put all the things I just could not part with. $45 a month and its close to here, 10 x 12 was plenty big.
If I move from this area, Ill just have to move it or pay someone to move it. Some things I just could not part with.
Hello all!
Thanks so much for the information I've been able to get from all you nice folks so far. I'm 48 and going to be going it full time with my 3 large dogs. I'm thinking a 5'er Montana 3400 rl with a compatible tow vehicle will be good for me. I'm going to be a travelling health care worker because I've moved 3 times in 3 years for work, the cost of moving is prohibitive and the hassle too much. I will be working on contract at locations for 3 to 6 months at a time. I have never felt like there was anything I could not do (except maybe back up a 5th wheel, yet) and I'm pretty scrappy when I need to be, but please let me know if I'm nuts! I have previous trailer (27') camping experience with my ex-husband, and tent camped for a month with my golden retriever up and down the coast from San Francisco to Ocean Shores, WA. Any advise will be welcomed.
Teresa and the boys
Teresa,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You have certainly found a good source for asking questions and getting answers. The folks here are "becoming famous" for their knowledge, helpfulness, friendliness, and encouraging nature.
Then there is me.
Second: Wow! How about choosing a little bit larger font for your posts? I recently had cataract surgery in both eyes and haven't gotten new glasses yet, so focusing on small letters can be difficult.
As for doing this lifestyle and working as you plan, take into consideration where it is that you may be working. If you are going to be working up in colder climates, be sure that your RV is capable of handling the colder temperatures. Enclosed bottoms, hopefully somewhat heated, good insulation, and efficient windows will be important. When looking at different RV's check to see if the manufacturer will warranty them when the owners are living in them full-time. Some don't and others "hedge around" the answer when they go to answer that question.
By all means, choose your RV first and then choose a truck that is capable of handling an RV of that size and weight. I say "handling" because you want a truck that will safely tow, maneuver, and stop that size trailer. It is dangerous to have a heavier trailer than what the truck is capable of handling.
As for being new with a fifth wheel, don't let that bother you. There are some folks here that just recently towed theirs for the first time and had no problems. It is all about having the right attitude and not being afraid of trying something different. Good luck with all your research and planning.
Terry
Hello again,
Thank you all so much for all the valuable information you give, this site is heaven sent! Well, the finance guys are back from their respective vacations so the search for my 5th wheel, tow vehicle, and new life can start in earnest! I kind of have my heart set on a Montana 3400 rl as far as floor plan and amenities. The issue I have with my finance guys are they don't know diddley about RVs so they all look the same to them. I'm trying to explain they "whys" of what I see in the Montana but they are bottom line focused. Anyway, in my travels through RV parks and talking with RV folks I happened to meet a couple who actually do what I am embarking on. They are travelling physical therapists and travel with a dog in the Montana, what luck!! Got a lot of good information and tips, it was great. I am parting with all my furniture and stuff without a problem but, the sentimental stuff is really ripping my heart out. I would appreciate any advice or feedback on choosing a 5th, tow vehicle, and how to part with things.
Teresa and the furkids
I have four big dogs, so I can relate.
As far as stuff..........I rented a storage locker and put all the things I just could not part with. $45 a month and its close to here, 10 x 12 was plenty big.
If I move from this area, Ill just have to move it or pay someone to move it. Some things I just could not part with.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!