We are looking at selling our home in April of 2014. Upkeep is getting to be a trial and taxes are horrible. We're planning on buying a pre-owned 5th wheel and living stationary in Texas for approx. 6 years before my husband retires. During that time, we will save up for a truck.
I'm concerned about the rv and what will deteriorate during the time of standing still. When all is leveled are the wheels touching the ground? Do we need to move the rv every month?
Whatever insight you have, I'll be grateful.
Terry and Jo said
09:24 PM Jul 31, 2013
I can't give a "long-term" answer as the wife and I have only been doing this for a bit over 2 years. However, I suspect that you will have the wheels on the ground, depending on the RV you get. Many of the fifth wheels have an underbelly, thus it might be difficult to "block" the trailer at the frame. I see no reason for one to have to move the trailer as often as you suggest. We've had our trailer sitting without moving for as much as a year without moving it. The only thing that will need to be done is keep an eye on the pressure in the tires so that they are supporting the weight as they should. Our trailer also has the Level-Up system, which is 4 hydraulic cylinders located just in front of and just behind the trailer's axles. Those in conjunction with the front "landing legs" serve to help keep the coach stabilized.
Another consideration is to whether one is under trees and what there might be that the trees "drop" on the coach. We had two trees close to each other that dropped pollen-like pods every Spring. We were fortunate enough that most of that fell on the trucks and not on the coach.
It would be a good idea for your coach to have a black tank flush system if you will be sitting for that long. With normal use of an RV, the motion when going down the road would help by sloshing water around in the tanks to help keep them clean. If you will be in areas where it freezes, you may need to consider "winterizing" your water supply hose with insulation or something. Also, consider something other than the "stinky-slinky" during cold weather. Since the "valleys" in the expandable hose can hold water to freeze, that could cause ice to build up in the hose and freeze it solid. Being in Texas, it may not get cold enough for that.
Terry
bjoyce said
10:46 PM Jul 31, 2013
You might find that a park model, a mobile home that fits on an RV lot, will be a better choice for 6 years of sitting still. No tanks, no tires, more living area.
Racerguy said
11:47 PM Aug 1, 2013
bjoyce wrote:
You might find that a park model, a mobile home that fits on an RV lot, will be a better choice for 6 years of sitting still. No tanks, no tires, more living area.
Much better choice,IN MY OPINION. There are many out there for reasonable prices, then when you get ready to travel, along with a good savings plan you sell the park model to help finance the RV .
Lucky Mike said
12:45 AM Aug 2, 2013
Racerguy wrote:
bjoyce wrote:
You might find that a park model, a mobile home that fits on an RV lot, will be a better choice for 6 years of sitting still. No tanks, no tires, more living area.
Much better choice,IN MY OPINION. There are many out there for reasonable prices, then when you get ready to travel, along with a good savings plan you sell the park model to help finance the RV .
I would second that....a decent deal on a park model with a good upkeep and you adding a few amenities over six years would allow you to re coupe your investment and probably allow some profit....plus its going to have a more comfortable living space for not being able to move around!!
Hdrider said
12:47 AM Aug 2, 2013
Yep,,, I would agree with the park model if your just going to sit in one place.
victorianlady51 said
12:59 PM Aug 2, 2013
Well -- I guess I'm going to continue to do research, LOL. Thank you all, I can't wait to meet some of you when we FINALLY get on the road!
We are looking at selling our home in April of 2014. Upkeep is getting to be a trial and taxes are horrible. We're planning on buying a pre-owned 5th wheel and living stationary in Texas for approx. 6 years before my husband retires. During that time, we will save up for a truck.
I'm concerned about the rv and what will deteriorate during the time of standing still. When all is leveled are the wheels touching the ground? Do we need to move the rv every month?
Whatever insight you have, I'll be grateful.
I can't give a "long-term" answer as the wife and I have only been doing this for a bit over 2 years. However, I suspect that you will have the wheels on the ground, depending on the RV you get. Many of the fifth wheels have an underbelly, thus it might be difficult to "block" the trailer at the frame. I see no reason for one to have to move the trailer as often as you suggest. We've had our trailer sitting without moving for as much as a year without moving it. The only thing that will need to be done is keep an eye on the pressure in the tires so that they are supporting the weight as they should. Our trailer also has the Level-Up system, which is 4 hydraulic cylinders located just in front of and just behind the trailer's axles. Those in conjunction with the front "landing legs" serve to help keep the coach stabilized.
Another consideration is to whether one is under trees and what there might be that the trees "drop" on the coach. We had two trees close to each other that dropped pollen-like pods every Spring. We were fortunate enough that most of that fell on the trucks and not on the coach.
It would be a good idea for your coach to have a black tank flush system if you will be sitting for that long. With normal use of an RV, the motion when going down the road would help by sloshing water around in the tanks to help keep them clean. If you will be in areas where it freezes, you may need to consider "winterizing" your water supply hose with insulation or something. Also, consider something other than the "stinky-slinky" during cold weather. Since the "valleys" in the expandable hose can hold water to freeze, that could cause ice to build up in the hose and freeze it solid. Being in Texas, it may not get cold enough for that.
Terry
Much better choice,IN MY OPINION. There are many out there for reasonable prices, then when you get ready to travel, along with a good savings plan you sell the park model to help finance the RV .
I would second that....a decent deal on a park model with a good upkeep and you adding a few amenities over six years would allow you to re coupe your investment and probably allow some profit....plus its going to have a more comfortable living space for not being able to move around!!