I'm looking into purchasing a large fifth wheel; something around 43' and was thinking that I might not want to trailer it myself. The cost and maintenance of a large truck and the hassles of driving it when I get older don't seem to be worth it. I was considering having the rig professionally moved the few times a year that I plan on relocating, and that I'd be better off getting a high mileage sedan or SUV and just following it to the new destination. Any advice for a Newbie?
Terry and Jo said
10:15 PM Jan 4, 2014
Mark,
With respect to your question, I would think that a lot depended upon where you were planning to locate and move to on those few occasions. Most transport companies tend to operate out of the areas where RV's are manufactured, so if you weren't in one of those areas, it might be difficult to find someone to professionally tow your trailer. You would definitely want to have someone that is licensed and bonded/insured, especially with respect to having a 43-foot or larger trailer.
While one might be able to find a transport driver that "needed a back haul" from where you were located, finding one that would be delivering another RV in the area where you would be located might be a problem. Also, with a 43-foot or larger trailer, not just any truck would have the capacity to pull one that size.
I'm hoping that some others here will be able to give you a lot better answer, and maybe even have a solution for you.
Terry
Mark V said
07:55 AM Jan 5, 2014
Terry & Jo:
Thanks for the reply. I haven't made any concrete plans as of yet. This idea has just begun to incubate, and I have much research and legwork to do before I make any purchase. I retire in two more years, and since I'm presently renting, I won't have to deal with the sale of a house or any other real estate entanglements. This will leave me free to explore my options, and of all the RV scenarios I've looked at so far, it appears that a large fifth wheel will offer me the greatest combination of "residential" type living space along with some degree of mobility. I seriously doubt that I'd be moving the rig more than twice a year, so distance should not be a detriment since I'm sure that paying a pro on these rare occasions would be infinitely cheaper than the cost of owning my own truck. At any rate, I'm sure this will be quite the adventure.
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
08:08 AM Jan 5, 2014
Doing a quick google search here in East Texas I found several companies that move RV's. Most are by the mile, round trip. Last time I paid to have a boat hauled on my trailer from NC to FL cost $1.75 a mile only because the mover already had a return load from Ft.Lauderdale. Its not cheap, but if your only moving 100-200 miles at a time, once or twice a year it would work out. The "Cons" of hiring out the moving would be how they treat your trailer. Would they run over curbs, drive aggressively, etc. Alot of damage can occur by bad/careless driving.
Lucky Mike said
08:24 AM Jan 5, 2014
Another thought......
Many snow birds have 2 nests........I have Friends that have their Coach in Fla. and have another in the north.....they travel between the 2 every 6 months.
if they decide to move them they are moving short distances to seasonal parks.......they get the best of both worlds and hop on a train or train between them.
Mark V said
08:57 AM Jan 5, 2014
Jims:
I would do some serious background checking before I allowed anyone or any company to move all of my worldly possessions, and would gladly pay the extra freight for the peace of mind that proper credentials would insure. Again: I don't see much benefit to owning my own truck because that would force me to purchase a second vehicle for everything other than moving the RV from place to place. I was also wondering about having it put on an 18 wheeler with a flatbed. This would save wear and tear on the suspension, breaks and tires. But I really don't know if something like that is even available as an option. Again ... I'm just getting this idea off the ground, and it's going to be awhile before it actually flies.
Mark V said
09:12 AM Jan 5, 2014
Mike:
I think that if I were looking at two fixed locations, I would be more inclined to just purchase property in both, rather than invest in two large RV's that will depreciate instead of appreciating in value over time. I also don't see a benefit in owning anything that I'll only be using for half of any given year, along with the hassles of moving all of my personal belongings and re-installing them in their seasonal abode. While I want as much room and as many creature comforts as I can reasonably afford, the primary allure of this lifestyle as far as I'm concerned is the idea of being self contained, and mobile without having to worry about any residence other than the one I'm living in. I'll be 62 when I retire, and although I may decide to upgrade in the future, I have no illusions about the residual value of used rigs like fifth wheels, or other large RV's. With that in mind, I may be unable to afford an upgrade ten years down the road, so I'll make my plans by considering the possibility that this may have to last the rest of my life, and make my purchase accordingly.
Mark V said
09:41 AM Jan 5, 2014
I also have two elderly parents, and this has given me some insight about what I can look forward to as I get older. Although I'm in excellent health at the age of 60, I know that my vision and reflexes have deteriorated to a certain degree over the years, and are unlikely to get sharper in the future. It is with this in mind that I've decided it might not be a very good idea for me to plan on hauling an 18,000 pound rig around the country when I'm in my 70's, should I be fortunate enough to live that long. It just doesn't seem practical or prudent, especially considering the fact that my wife would be unable to assist me by splitting the driving duties. She's 5'2", weighs 100 lbs soaking wet, and is physically incapable of handling a full size truck, trailering a 43 foot long behemoth.
Terry and Jo said
09:50 AM Jan 5, 2014
Mark,
Man-oh-Man, that comment about the wife would have gotten me beat up unmercifully. My wife isn't much larger than yours (other than the weight), but Jo can easily handle our F450 and 38.5-foot Mobile Suites. (Incidentally, the MS is also 102 inches - 8 1/2- feet - wide, so is wider than some others.) But then, my wife had the benefit of growing up on a farm.
Terry
Lucky Mike said
09:54 AM Jan 5, 2014
If she can drive the car in the driveway .....she can drive the truck and trailer....it takes no more strength only common sense.
please do not respond on the common sense part , if the wife see's it, towing the trailer will become a minor problem real fast!!.....
Average towing charges are 1.25 per mile to 2.50 per mile plus deadhead time........in a practical money management scenario , your way would be the most cost effective way when you take into cost of the truck and associated fee's over the long term and only cost less than 1/2 with a couple moves a year......
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
11:18 AM Jan 5, 2014
Terry and Jo wrote:
Mark,
Man-oh-Man, that comment about the wife would have gotten me beat up unmercifully. My wife isn't much larger than yours (other than the weight), but Jo can easily handle our F450 and 38.5-foot Mobile Suites. (Incidentally, the MS is also 102 inches - 8 1/2- feet - wide, so is wider than some others.) But then, my wife had the benefit of growing up on a farm.
Terry
If I could delete that post I would, there's gonna be an argument in this house today
Driving any of the pickup trucks, MDT's or HDT's is as easy as driving a Toyota Camry. Just taller- for better vision-, a little wider, a little longer but no more physical effort than driving a Caddy. As long as she or you can flex your ankle, move your arms, and roll your eyes you AND she can motor on down the road.
Mark V said
11:31 AM Jan 5, 2014
Mike and Terry:
My wife grew up hard on a farm in Russia, and didn't learn to drive until she was in her early 40's. But as tough as she is, I still can't envision her behind the wheel of a diesel dual wheel truck hauling 9 or 10 tons of RV behind it. Especially if I have to sit next to her. *ducking*
But another option that I didn't consider until just this moment is the possibility of my renting a truck to ferry the rig. Most vehicle rental business have one way drop off options. I'll have to look into that. My biggest issue is that I have no wish to be the full time owner of a full size truck. Besides, if I was going to be moving around that much, I'd probably opt for a class "A" motor home.
Another reason that I'm gravitating to the fifth wheel is the mechanical issues that are part and parcel over time with owning a home that's directly attached to a drive-train. Because then mileage / wear & tear become bigger factors than age alone. Much easier to trade in a car than a house.
kb0zke said
11:38 AM Jan 5, 2014
Mark, it sounds like you have your head on straight. You are looking at how to do what you want to do without any preconceived notions. In other words, you are willing to look at all possible solutions. You are the only one who knows exactly what your future plans might be, and those plans may well change between now and when you start shopping for a coach. Get all the advice you can by asking questions of anyone who might have even a partial answer.
Another possibility for you to think about would be to find someone with a 5'er similar to what you are considering. There would be some legal issues that would need to be addressed, but it might be another possibility.
Lots of things to think about, but it is better to think of them before writing a large check than afterward.
Mark V said
12:04 PM Jan 5, 2014
David:
Thanks for the kind words and advice. When I retire I'll be receiving a lump sum payment of approximately $80,000 as part of my pension. This is the money that I plan on purchasing my RV with, and hopefully I'll be able to own it outright, without any monthly payments. I currently have two newer cars that are both paid for, so I think I'll be able to slide into retirement relatively debt free. With the roughly $5,000 a month I'll be getting from the combination of my pension and SS, we should be able to live comfortably, and relocate whenever we feel the desire. Luckily my pension pays all my medical insurance expenses until I'm old enough to qualify for Medicare at 65, if the system hasn't gone completely broke by then.
Bill and Linda said
04:08 PM Jan 5, 2014
Mark:
To your question, I would be rather concerned about hiring a “backhaul” rig to tow my 5er having nothing to do with the driver.Semis (HDT’s) and true MDT trucks in commercial service, do not have air ride hitches to keep the tractors from putting undo stress on the RV trailer frame. Most RVers that use HDT’s and MDT’s use air ride hitches, such as Trailersaver, to keep the trailer better protected from the very strong, but very lightly loaded by the RV, tractor suspension. The tractor always wins in the vertical bump department and the trailer takes the hit.
There are air ride pin boxes that can go on the trailer itself, but IMO, these are not adequate when you connect a class 8 dual tandem tractor to almost any RV unless that RV is a true semi trailer built by companies such as Forks (Continental Coach.)
When you are talking a 43 foot RV, fully loaded with all your stuff, you’re talking more than a pickup to pull – actually stop it - safely, IMO.
Bill
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Sunday 5th of January 2014 04:09:29 PM
WendysPhotos said
04:14 PM Jan 5, 2014
Mark V
I resent that post about your wife not being able to handle a truck and trailer. I rose endurance horses for years and there was an 80 year old lady with a dually and a 16 foot short wall living quarters horse trailer. (that is about a 38' trailer). She she was 5 foot tall and looked like and elderly 12 year old. She could out drive me and I have driven semi's.
If you ever want to see women who can out drive you go to any big horse show or endurance ride. They can put trailers in places that make boondocking in the mountains look like the perfect level spot.
Never tell anyone they can not do something because they can usually prove you wrong.
I will get off my high horse now. I just hate when people say women cant do it as well as men. pffft.
Mark V said
05:09 PM Jan 5, 2014
Sorry Wendy. Perhaps it has more to do with my comfort level than with her ability. But mostly it's due to the fact that she prefers not to drive.
Mark V said
05:22 PM Jan 5, 2014
Bill and Linda:
Thanks for the info; this is why I came to the forum. Research is critical, and the knowledge and experience of others is a much appreciated asset. I have two years to sort out the particulars, and during that time we may change our mind about how often we'll be moving around, for how long we'll be staying in any one spot, and whether or not it will be either feasible or advantageous to purchase our own tow vehicle. I'm pipe dreaming right now, but as I get closer to D Day, my sights might be scaled back a few feet from that 43' mansion I currently have in mind.
I believe the biggest hurdle will be scaling back as far as possessions are concerned. This will be harder for Galina (my wife) as she tends to collect and hang on to things, while I'm just the opposite. I could easily live out of a suitcase, and downsizing for me would be no more difficult than holding an "everything goes" estate sale. All I need are my clothes, a laptop PC, my bicycle and a fishing pole.
Bill and Linda said
06:50 PM Jan 5, 2014
Mark:
Independent of the towing “it” issue, if you’re going to really load down a trailer then you will need, IMO, a manufacture such and for example Forks, New Horizons, Spacecraft or perhaps DRV, “depending,” that can handle the extra weight of your personal possessions. Very few “production line trailers” have the frames to handle what some might call “excessive possessions.”You would be surprised how quickly weight adds up from “stuff.” Then again, if you don’t plant to travel much there is no need to consider carrying any water (which weighs ~8 lbs / gallon.) That saves some weight.
I have no idea as to you overall needs.But when you are talking things in the 43 foot range you can easily be talking 24,000+ lbs GVWR if you do true customization and have a lot of stuff.GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – or how heavy a trailer is designed to be when loaded regardless of how it is loaded. 24K is a BIG trailer weight wise.That said, and for one example only, New Horizons’ standard pin box is rated at 29,000 lbs so they have a lot of room to bring the GVWR up to pretty high numbers assuming a lot of other factors I won’t go into here.But you need an appropriately equipped truck to pull it.If you can get down into the ~20,000 lb loaded category then there are pickups that have specifications to meet that need.But rigs with quality construction, that have 20,000lbs GVWR and are 43 feet long – well, that formula doesn’t always have a particularly good answer IMO. It depends.
Just perspective and enjoy the hunt.
Bill
Mark V said
07:03 PM Jan 5, 2014
Bill and Linda wrote:
I have no idea as to you overall needs.
_____________________
That's funny, because neither do I at this early stage. It may turn out that my wife is unable to part with enough items, wanting to hang on to more stuff than we'd be able to realistically carry along, which might entail the extra cost of renting space at a storage facility. We'll have to cross (or jump off) that bridge when we come to it.
Terry and Jo said
07:48 PM Jan 5, 2014
Mark V wrote:
Bill and Linda wrote:
I have no idea as to you overall needs.
_____________________
That's funny, because neither do I at this early stage. It may turn out that my wife is unable to part with enough items, wanting to hang on to more stuff than we'd be able to realistically carry along, which might entail the extra cost of renting space at a storage facility. We'll have to cross (or jump off) that bridge when we come to it.
Just be sure that you BOTH "cross (or jump off)" that bridge together. If one of you is hesitant about any part of the plan/idea/desires, then it can become difficult for both of you.
I think it was Bill that brought up frames, and he is right. Of those that he listed, I think the DRV Suites models of Elite Suites and Mobile Suites have the smallest frames with triple-box 15-inch frames. If I remember right, New Horizons has a double-box 16-in frame. I'm not sure what Forks (Continental Coach) and Spacecraft have for frames. With regards to the DRV Suites models, the Elite Suites (under 40-foot length) are rated at 20,000 lbs GVWR. While the Mobile Suites in the same lengths are listed at 18,500 lbs, they are built on the exact same frame, axle, suspension and wheel configuration as the Elite Suites. So, I would guess that even a Mobile Suites would be safe going beyond their 18,500 lbs rating. Personally, I see the 18,500 lb rating a good reason for not accumulating any more stuff than needed.
Terry
Mark V said
06:24 AM Jan 6, 2014
Terry and Jo wrote:
Personally, I see the 18,500 lb rating a good reason for not accumulating any more stuff than needed.
One small thing that will be problematic is that I've been collecting onyx for decades, and the stuff weighs a ton. The good thing is that my wife isn't as attached to it as I am, since I began gathering up pieces more than 20 years before we met. My thought is to keep a couple of items that hold sentimental value for us, and give the rest to our daughter, who has always loved them.
BiggarView said
09:00 AM Jan 6, 2014
We had not considered this option in our own research. Not wanting to rule it out, even with some thought provoking comments provided previously, it would be an interesting cost/benefit analysis. To me it seems the biggest difficulty would be finding and hiring somebody with the right equipment and professionalism each time you wanted to move. Also, that is a lot of trust you would be putting in somebody else to tow your "baby". I can see a case for the idea however, evaluating one's lifestyle needs, and personal comfort zone with respect to towing a large rig will weigh heavily in such a decision. If you decide to go this route down the road, I for one would like an update from time to time on how it's working out for you.
Mark V said
11:43 AM Jan 6, 2014
BiggaRview:
This might even be a profitable business model, as I am sure there are full timers who either stay put in one spot, or go back to Sticks & Bricks because they are no longer able or willing to move their fivers. Hmmmmm ...I'll have to give this some thought.
The Bear II said
12:11 PM Jan 6, 2014
Mark V
Good question/ discussion. I'm beginning to toy with this as well.
Due to having my soon to be 95 year old dad living with us, it's not as easy to take out the 5th wheel as it used to be. We have curtailed our weekend trips and now basically just travel to one RV Resort and stay for several months.
In the past when we were travelling at least once per month for long weekends and two to four long trips per year. It seemed between the truck and trailer there would be an average of $500 in repairs in addition to normal maintenance costs from time to time with each trip. You can see from Howards journal they have been having some added costs for repairs.
Several older couples in the resort we stay in do have their RVs delivered on site and setup. Most are travelling from a homebase on no more than 250 miles away and staying for 3 months.
I can see the advantages to having the 5th wheel delivered. I'm sure cost wise we would break even or save money.
BiggarView said
12:40 PM Jan 6, 2014
Mark V wrote:
BiggaRview:
This might even be a profitable business model, as I am sure there are full timers who either stay put in one spot, or go back to Sticks & Bricks because they are no longer able or willing to move their fivers. Hmmmmm ...I'll have to give this some thought.
I thought of that angle as well, though I don't think we'd be the ones doing it.
Mark V said
12:53 PM Jan 6, 2014
Bear II:
I would think that this idea would be even more enticing for older people who have larger 40' plus RV's with over 20,000 lb GVW. As was noted earlier in the discussion, safety precludes hauling such rigs with anything less than a heavy duty dually, and from what I've read they can cost a pretty penny to purchase, maintain, and drive, especially if used as an every day vehicle. Even at a cost of over $2,000 to make a move, it comes in a lot cheaper than popping for a $50,000 truck and the insurance cost of owning it.
BiggarView said
01:18 PM Jan 6, 2014
Mark V wrote:Even at a cost of over $2,000 to make a move, it comes in a lot cheaper than popping for a $50,000 truck and the insurance cost of owning it.
If you put the 50,000 in a good mutual fund you could reasonably expect to earn 4,000 /yr enough to cover 2 such moves a year. The lower fuel, maintenance, insurance costs could probably fund a 3rd move each year. As you say.... Hmmmm.
Mark V said
01:38 PM Jan 6, 2014
biggaRView wrote:
Mark V wrote:Even at a cost of over $2,000 to make a move, it comes in a lot cheaper than popping for a $50,000 truck and the insurance cost of owning it.
If you put the 50,000 in a good mutual fund you could reasonably expect to earn 4,000 /yr enough to cover 2 such moves a year. The lower fuel, maintenance, insurance costs could probably fund a 3rd move each year. As you say.... Hmmmm.
And if there's a couple involved, who's to say that one person couldn't ride along with the hauler, while the other one takes the personal transportation vehicle to the next location? Just thinking out loud here.
Terry and Jo said
04:07 PM Jan 6, 2014
As for the idea of buying one's own truck, consider buying used. We purchased our 2008 Ford F450 in late 2009 as a used truck. It had been a leased vehicle. When we found it, it had a price tag of $36,000, but we got it for less. Considering if we were to have bought the same truck as new, it would have been close to $65,000 to $70,000. Saving $30,000-plus certainly helped with affording a better trailer.
I'm looking into purchasing a large fifth wheel; something around 43' and was thinking that I might not want to trailer it myself. The cost and maintenance of a large truck and the hassles of driving it when I get older don't seem to be worth it. I was considering having the rig professionally moved the few times a year that I plan on relocating, and that I'd be better off getting a high mileage sedan or SUV and just following it to the new destination. Any advice for a Newbie?
Mark,
With respect to your question, I would think that a lot depended upon where you were planning to locate and move to on those few occasions. Most transport companies tend to operate out of the areas where RV's are manufactured, so if you weren't in one of those areas, it might be difficult to find someone to professionally tow your trailer. You would definitely want to have someone that is licensed and bonded/insured, especially with respect to having a 43-foot or larger trailer.
While one might be able to find a transport driver that "needed a back haul" from where you were located, finding one that would be delivering another RV in the area where you would be located might be a problem. Also, with a 43-foot or larger trailer, not just any truck would have the capacity to pull one that size.
I'm hoping that some others here will be able to give you a lot better answer, and maybe even have a solution for you.
Terry
Terry & Jo:
Thanks for the reply. I haven't made any concrete plans as of yet. This idea has just begun to incubate, and I have much research and legwork to do before I make any purchase. I retire in two more years, and since I'm presently renting, I won't have to deal with the sale of a house or any other real estate entanglements. This will leave me free to explore my options, and of all the RV scenarios I've looked at so far, it appears that a large fifth wheel will offer me the greatest combination of "residential" type living space along with some degree of mobility. I seriously doubt that I'd be moving the rig more than twice a year, so distance should not be a detriment since I'm sure that paying a pro on these rare occasions would be infinitely cheaper than the cost of owning my own truck. At any rate, I'm sure this will be quite the adventure.
Many snow birds have 2 nests........I have Friends that have their Coach in Fla. and have another in the north.....they travel between the 2 every 6 months.
if they decide to move them they are moving short distances to seasonal parks.......they get the best of both worlds and hop on a train or train between them.
Jims:
I would do some serious background checking before I allowed anyone or any company to move all of my worldly possessions, and would gladly pay the extra freight for the peace of mind that proper credentials would insure. Again: I don't see much benefit to owning my own truck because that would force me to purchase a second vehicle for everything other than moving the RV from place to place. I was also wondering about having it put on an 18 wheeler with a flatbed. This would save wear and tear on the suspension, breaks and tires. But I really don't know if something like that is even available as an option. Again ... I'm just getting this idea off the ground, and it's going to be awhile before it actually flies.
Mike:
I think that if I were looking at two fixed locations, I would be more inclined to just purchase property in both, rather than invest in two large RV's that will depreciate instead of appreciating in value over time. I also don't see a benefit in owning anything that I'll only be using for half of any given year, along with the hassles of moving all of my personal belongings and re-installing them in their seasonal abode. While I want as much room and as many creature comforts as I can reasonably afford, the primary allure of this lifestyle as far as I'm concerned is the idea of being self contained, and mobile without having to worry about any residence other than the one I'm living in. I'll be 62 when I retire, and although I may decide to upgrade in the future, I have no illusions about the residual value of used rigs like fifth wheels, or other large RV's. With that in mind, I may be unable to afford an upgrade ten years down the road, so I'll make my plans by considering the possibility that this may have to last the rest of my life, and make my purchase accordingly.
I also have two elderly parents, and this has given me some insight about what I can look forward to as I get older. Although I'm in excellent health at the age of 60, I know that my vision and reflexes have deteriorated to a certain degree over the years, and are unlikely to get sharper in the future. It is with this in mind that I've decided it might not be a very good idea for me to plan on hauling an 18,000 pound rig around the country when I'm in my 70's, should I be fortunate enough to live that long. It just doesn't seem practical or prudent, especially considering the fact that my wife would be unable to assist me by splitting the driving duties. She's 5'2", weighs 100 lbs soaking wet, and is physically incapable of handling a full size truck, trailering a 43 foot long behemoth.
Mark,
Man-oh-Man, that comment about the wife would have gotten me beat up unmercifully. My wife isn't much larger than yours (other than the weight), but Jo can easily handle our F450 and 38.5-foot Mobile Suites. (Incidentally, the MS is also 102 inches - 8 1/2- feet - wide, so is wider than some others.) But then, my wife had the benefit of growing up on a farm.
Terry
If she can drive the car in the driveway .....she can drive the truck and trailer....it takes no more strength only common sense.
please do not respond on the common sense part , if the wife see's it, towing the trailer will become a minor problem real fast!!.....
Average towing charges are 1.25 per mile to 2.50 per mile plus deadhead time........in a practical money management scenario , your way would be the most cost effective way when you take into cost of the truck and associated fee's over the long term and only cost less than 1/2 with a couple moves a year......
If I could delete that post I would, there's gonna be an argument in this house today
Driving any of the pickup trucks, MDT's or HDT's is as easy as driving a Toyota Camry. Just taller- for better vision-, a little wider, a little longer but no more physical effort than driving a Caddy. As long as she or you can flex your ankle, move your arms, and roll your eyes you AND she can motor on down the road.
Mike and Terry:
My wife grew up hard on a farm in Russia, and didn't learn to drive until she was in her early 40's. But as tough as she is, I still can't envision her behind the wheel of a diesel dual wheel truck hauling 9 or 10 tons of RV behind it. Especially if I have to sit next to her. *ducking*
But another option that I didn't consider until just this moment is the possibility of my renting a truck to ferry the rig. Most vehicle rental business have one way drop off options. I'll have to look into that. My biggest issue is that I have no wish to be the full time owner of a full size truck. Besides, if I was going to be moving around that much, I'd probably opt for a class "A" motor home.
Another reason that I'm gravitating to the fifth wheel is the mechanical issues that are part and parcel over time with owning a home that's directly attached to a drive-train. Because then mileage / wear & tear become bigger factors than age alone. Much easier to trade in a car than a house.
Another possibility for you to think about would be to find someone with a 5'er similar to what you are considering. There would be some legal issues that would need to be addressed, but it might be another possibility.
Lots of things to think about, but it is better to think of them before writing a large check than afterward.
David:
Thanks for the kind words and advice. When I retire I'll be receiving a lump sum payment of approximately $80,000 as part of my pension. This is the money that I plan on purchasing my RV with, and hopefully I'll be able to own it outright, without any monthly payments. I currently have two newer cars that are both paid for, so I think I'll be able to slide into retirement relatively debt free. With the roughly $5,000 a month I'll be getting from the combination of my pension and SS, we should be able to live comfortably, and relocate whenever we feel the desire. Luckily my pension pays all my medical insurance expenses until I'm old enough to qualify for Medicare at 65, if the system hasn't gone completely broke by then.
Mark:
To your question, I would be rather concerned about hiring a “backhaul” rig to tow my 5er having nothing to do with the driver. Semis (HDT’s) and true MDT trucks in commercial service, do not have air ride hitches to keep the tractors from putting undo stress on the RV trailer frame. Most RVers that use HDT’s and MDT’s use air ride hitches, such as Trailersaver, to keep the trailer better protected from the very strong, but very lightly loaded by the RV, tractor suspension. The tractor always wins in the vertical bump department and the trailer takes the hit.
There are air ride pin boxes that can go on the trailer itself, but IMO, these are not adequate when you connect a class 8 dual tandem tractor to almost any RV unless that RV is a true semi trailer built by companies such as Forks (Continental Coach.)
When you are talking a 43 foot RV, fully loaded with all your stuff, you’re talking more than a pickup to pull – actually stop it - safely, IMO.
Bill
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Sunday 5th of January 2014 04:09:29 PM
I resent that post about your wife not being able to handle a truck and trailer. I rose endurance horses for years and there was an 80 year old lady with a dually and a 16 foot short wall living quarters horse trailer. (that is about a 38' trailer). She she was 5 foot tall and looked like and elderly 12 year old. She could out drive me and I have driven semi's.
If you ever want to see women who can out drive you go to any big horse show or endurance ride. They can put trailers in places that make boondocking in the mountains look like the perfect level spot.
Never tell anyone they can not do something because they can usually prove you wrong.
I will get off my high horse now. I just hate when people say women cant do it as well as men. pffft.
Sorry Wendy. Perhaps it has more to do with my comfort level than with her ability. But mostly it's due to the fact that she prefers not to drive.
Bill and Linda:
Thanks for the info; this is why I came to the forum. Research is critical, and the knowledge and experience of others is a much appreciated asset. I have two years to sort out the particulars, and during that time we may change our mind about how often we'll be moving around, for how long we'll be staying in any one spot, and whether or not it will be either feasible or advantageous to purchase our own tow vehicle. I'm pipe dreaming right now, but as I get closer to D Day, my sights might be scaled back a few feet from that 43' mansion I currently have in mind.
I believe the biggest hurdle will be scaling back as far as possessions are concerned. This will be harder for Galina (my wife) as she tends to collect and hang on to things, while I'm just the opposite. I could easily live out of a suitcase, and downsizing for me would be no more difficult than holding an "everything goes" estate sale. All I need are my clothes, a laptop PC, my bicycle and a fishing pole.
Mark:
Independent of the towing “it” issue, if you’re going to really load down a trailer then you will need, IMO, a manufacture such and for example Forks, New Horizons, Spacecraft or perhaps DRV, “depending,” that can handle the extra weight of your personal possessions. Very few “production line trailers” have the frames to handle what some might call “excessive possessions.” You would be surprised how quickly weight adds up from “stuff.” Then again, if you don’t plant to travel much there is no need to consider carrying any water (which weighs ~8 lbs / gallon.) That saves some weight.
I have no idea as to you overall needs. But when you are talking things in the 43 foot range you can easily be talking 24,000+ lbs GVWR if you do true customization and have a lot of stuff. GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – or how heavy a trailer is designed to be when loaded regardless of how it is loaded. 24K is a BIG trailer weight wise. That said, and for one example only, New Horizons’ standard pin box is rated at 29,000 lbs so they have a lot of room to bring the GVWR up to pretty high numbers assuming a lot of other factors I won’t go into here. But you need an appropriately equipped truck to pull it. If you can get down into the ~20,000 lb loaded category then there are pickups that have specifications to meet that need. But rigs with quality construction, that have 20,000lbs GVWR and are 43 feet long – well, that formula doesn’t always have a particularly good answer IMO. It depends.
Just perspective and enjoy the hunt.
Bill
Just be sure that you BOTH "cross (or jump off)" that bridge together. If one of you is hesitant about any part of the plan/idea/desires, then it can become difficult for both of you.
I think it was Bill that brought up frames, and he is right. Of those that he listed, I think the DRV Suites models of Elite Suites and Mobile Suites have the smallest frames with triple-box 15-inch frames. If I remember right, New Horizons has a double-box 16-in frame. I'm not sure what Forks (Continental Coach) and Spacecraft have for frames. With regards to the DRV Suites models, the Elite Suites (under 40-foot length) are rated at 20,000 lbs GVWR. While the Mobile Suites in the same lengths are listed at 18,500 lbs, they are built on the exact same frame, axle, suspension and wheel configuration as the Elite Suites. So, I would guess that even a Mobile Suites would be safe going beyond their 18,500 lbs rating. Personally, I see the 18,500 lb rating a good reason for not accumulating any more stuff than needed.
Terry
One small thing that will be problematic is that I've been collecting onyx for decades, and the stuff weighs a ton. The good thing is that my wife isn't as attached to it as I am, since I began gathering up pieces more than 20 years before we met. My thought is to keep a couple of items that hold sentimental value for us, and give the rest to our daughter, who has always loved them.
We had not considered this option in our own research. Not wanting to rule it out, even with some thought provoking comments provided previously, it would be an interesting cost/benefit analysis. To me it seems the biggest difficulty would be finding and hiring somebody with the right equipment and professionalism each time you wanted to move. Also, that is a lot of trust you would be putting in somebody else to tow your "baby". I can see a case for the idea however, evaluating one's lifestyle needs, and personal comfort zone with respect to towing a large rig will weigh heavily in such a decision. If you decide to go this route down the road, I for one would like an update from time to time on how it's working out for you.
BiggaRview:
This might even be a profitable business model, as I am sure there are full timers who either stay put in one spot, or go back to Sticks & Bricks because they are no longer able or willing to move their fivers. Hmmmmm ...I'll have to give this some thought.
Good question/ discussion. I'm beginning to toy with this as well.
Due to having my soon to be 95 year old dad living with us, it's not as easy to take out the 5th wheel as it used to be. We have curtailed our weekend trips and now basically just travel to one RV Resort and stay for several months.
In the past when we were travelling at least once per month for long weekends and two to four long trips per year. It seemed between the truck and trailer there would be an average of $500 in repairs in addition to normal maintenance costs from time to time with each trip. You can see from Howards journal they have been having some added costs for repairs.
Several older couples in the resort we stay in do have their RVs delivered on site and setup. Most are travelling from a homebase on no more than 250 miles away and staying for 3 months.
I can see the advantages to having the 5th wheel delivered. I'm sure cost wise we would break even or save money.
I thought of that angle as well, though I don't think we'd be the ones doing it.
Bear II:
I would think that this idea would be even more enticing for older people who have larger 40' plus RV's with over 20,000 lb GVW. As was noted earlier in the discussion, safety precludes hauling such rigs with anything less than a heavy duty dually, and from what I've read they can cost a pretty penny to purchase, maintain, and drive, especially if used as an every day vehicle. Even at a cost of over $2,000 to make a move, it comes in a lot cheaper than popping for a $50,000 truck and the insurance cost of owning it.
If you put the 50,000 in a good mutual fund you could reasonably expect to earn 4,000 /yr enough to cover 2 such moves a year. The lower fuel, maintenance, insurance costs could probably fund a 3rd move each year. As you say.... Hmmmm.
And if there's a couple involved, who's to say that one person couldn't ride along with the hauler, while the other one takes the personal transportation vehicle to the next location? Just thinking out loud here.
As for the idea of buying one's own truck, consider buying used. We purchased our 2008 Ford F450 in late 2009 as a used truck. It had been a leased vehicle. When we found it, it had a price tag of $36,000, but we got it for less. Considering if we were to have bought the same truck as new, it would have been close to $65,000 to $70,000. Saving $30,000-plus certainly helped with affording a better trailer.
Terry