Small Home, Big Life enters the public world of RV Forums!
Small Home Big Life said
08:58 PM Jul 23, 2014
We are Jim and Nanci, busily researching and planning to enter the exciting world of FT RVers!! We have been empty nesters for a few years, except for the world's youngest 16.5 year old mini schnauzer, Oscar. We downsized our home about eighteen months ago and decided in June (after three weeks of bliss in Italy) that we really want to take a part-time dream and turn it into something bigger! So, within days of our return, Jim had figured that he could retire in early 2017!
We naturally found the things we wanted to research and plan: Jim figuring out how we can save and finance living this new Big Life, me figuring out how best to spend the money he is saving! In this, I found RV-Dreams and keep coming back as a place to find information. Now, I'm looking forward to asking questions as I figure out what the questions are!!
The plan is to buy a 5th wheel (Landmark San Antonio is tops right now) and a big ol' truck to tow it. We have booked our flight from Anchorage to attend an RV show in California in October. Right now, that's about all we've got!
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas welcome!
jrzygrl64 said
03:34 AM Jul 24, 2014
Welcome!
jayc said
04:34 AM Jul 24, 2014
Welcome Jim and Nanci. This is a great forum with lots of interesting people. Good luck in your new lifestyle.
mylittledogs said
05:18 AM Jul 24, 2014
Welcome, & the rv shows are great . We went to the Hershey show in Pennsylvania in 2012 an ended up with a class A. Good luck on your new venture.
Kenny & frances
Classy Lady said
06:01 AM Jul 24, 2014
Welcome Bill and Nanci, I am also a recent newbie to this RV Forum and find it very informative. We are not FT RVers, but we are retired and travel lots to visit family, friends, and see the country. Have fun!!
Terry and Jo said
09:41 AM Jul 24, 2014
Nanci and Jim,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this a good source of information in looking for answers. The participants here are knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and downright encouraging. So, feel free to ask any questions about RV's and the RV lifestyle. There are no "dumb" questions. The only dumb ones are those that don't get asked and thus one makes expensive or time consuming mistakes.
When you go to the RV shows, do it with the plan that you are only going to look. While they will tell you that they have a "show price" on their rigs, you can always find an RV dealer that will give the same price every day of the week or month. With regards to choosing a fifth wheel (or any other towable one), choose your trailer first so that you will have an idea of that trailer's GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating). After you know what weight you will need to tow AND CONTROL, then choose a truck that has the capacity with regards to GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). Never go by a manufacturer's "tow rating" as that is not an accurate number. We have a Ford F450 and its tow rating is 24,600 lbs, but I can guarantee that if I tried pulling a trailer that heavy, I'd be over on both GCVW and GAWR.
Oh, and never fully believe a salesman, whether it is on an RV lot or a vehicle manufacturer's lot. If they try to say "x-brand" of truck will pull that just fine, make them show you the numbers for the weight capacities. Pulling is one thing; safely handling and stopping is another. Many of us like to have a weight "cushion," meaning that we prefer our trucks to be more capable of the weight than less.
Regardless of whether the RV is towable or a motor home (minds do change, after all) pay close attention to the frame, axles, suspension, wheels and tires. Those are the very foundation of one's RV. With regards to frames, I was asked once what I thought would be the minimum size of frame for full-timing, and my answer was 12-inches.
As you narrow down your choices of brands, look online for an owner's association or forum for that brand and at least read what is commented on in those places. Keep in mind that a forum "draws" people that are looking for a solution to a problem. Just because you see a number of problems, doesn't mean that those brands are bad. It's just that there are usually more more people NOT having problems that never get on a forum. You will need to register on each forum if you wish to ask your own questions. One question I recommend is to ask those forum participants, "If you were to buy another RV today, would you still buy the same brand you have, and if not, why not?"
Good luck with your research and planning, and have fun with the process.
Terry
The Junkman said
11:29 AM Jul 24, 2014
Welcome..
Landmark is good choice.. We liked the Redwood as well, and DRV...Don't be afraid to look nationwide for your best service and price for them. Only deal with a dealer that offers multiple brands, as they can offer you a more educated opinion of one brand versus another. And when it's quote time.. question everything.. Some dealers play games with MSRP .. or add a line for a package that is already included..etc.. Evaluated a quote for a guy, found a 10k discrepency on the quote.. When questioned, they where caught.. they said " we'll meet the others guy price" ..lol .. Busted ! This was a Very well known Dealer of higher end fifth wheels.
As to the Truck.. Look at the Ram's.. Had a 2008 ford diesel blow up on me at 60k.. after alot of history.. Ford told me totake a walk.. I left it at the dodge dealer..as is..lol Ram has the best towing rating of all trucks. And I think they look better too. lol
And one thing about forums.. Everyone has a opinion. ( Even Me ) Some right.. some aren't.. Some are just "fluff" ..( not really saying anything ).. Do your homework.. get multiple opinions.. and form your own..
Good luck.
-- Edited by The Junkman on Thursday 24th of July 2014 11:31:25 AM
pkhalin said
12:01 PM Jul 24, 2014
Welcome Jim and Nanci. As has already been stated, good folks, a lot of knowledge, and great resources.
Good luck on your search. This is fun stuff! Butterflies galore. But fun stuff.
Sushidog said
06:30 PM Jul 24, 2014
Greetings Jim and Nancy!
We too are planning on full timing starting in 2017. Like you, we are currently looking for a suitable trailer, but in our case, a TT. One of the things that is a deal breaker for us is a low CCC. Most fulltiming couples recommend a Cargo Carrying Capacity of no less than 3,000 lbs. Remember you will be carrying all your worldly goods and the weight adds up fast, especially if you want to boondock and plan on adding a nice (but heavy) solar system so you can spend some time off the grid in the wilderness. The reason I mention this is that I looked up the CCC on the otherwise beautiful Landmark San Antonio you have planned and its CCC is only 2,700 lbs, which would be a deal breaker for us. Your requirements may be different. Here's a link to a previous post I made listing many of the things you may want to take with you, just to get you thinking about how much all this might weigh.
We full time and carry no water in the fresh water tank. We never boondock and we always have at least water and electricity, sometimes for short stays, no sewer. The point is, I wouldn't set an arbitrary limit (3,000#) as each of us is different. I'd find a floorplan I like and can be comfortable in and adjust your belongings.
Also a consideration will be on what truck you will need to pull your choice.
Sushidog said
10:47 PM Jul 24, 2014
Jayc, I couldn't agree more. Everyone's needs are different. Some live very minimalist lifestyles while others have more possessions. I merely meant that everyone still in the planning stage should look at their particular needs carefully before making a choice, as trading in your rig after embarking on your journey (as many do) can be expensive. Many ignore their rigs CCC until it's weigh-in time. Then it's too late. Some initially choose a MH and later find a fifth wheel more suitable to their lifestyle choices, hobbies, interests, comfort level required, etc. Others FT in small TTs with minimal capacity but capable of going to and staying in more remote places. If you plan on moving monthly and staying in RV parks, your choices will be quite different than one who likes to do the tourist thing, moving every few days or weekly and boondocking. There's no "right choice" or one size fits all. Even in the selection of a TV, many here fall into different camps. There are Light, Medium and Heavy Duty truck fans, and each has its own merits depending on your goals, the size of your trailer, your budget, the importance economy plays in your plans, where and how you plan to travel, what kind, number and method of transport of additional vehicle(s) you will be taking with you (such as golf carts, motorcycles, ATVs, Jeeps, Smart cars, full-size pickups, luxury cars, boats, you name it), your ease at negotiating stairs, climbing into tall truck cabs, etc.. Like the old saying goes, "measure twice and cut once." There's no such thing as gathering too much info and opinions of experienced Fulltimers who have similar goals as you, over thinking things from every angle or preparing too much.
Chip
Camper Chronicles said
03:06 AM Jul 25, 2014
Welcome to the group !!
BiggarView said
08:01 AM Jul 25, 2014
Sushidog wrote:
Greetings Jim and Nancy!
... The reason I mention this is that I looked up the CCC on the otherwise beautiful Landmark San Antonio you have planned and its CCC is only 2,700 lbs, which would be a deal breaker for us. Your requirements may be different....
Chip & Cindy
Before I address Chips comments, I'll add my welcome to the chorus.
Chip, before you call it a deal breaker, remember that you could invest in a suspension/tire upgrade to increase the CCC and improve trailer ride also (as many on here have done) if the rig is "the one". Just sayin'... it's an option.
Brian
jayc said
08:18 AM Jul 25, 2014
Brian, I would differ in what you said about improving your CCC and ride with new suspension. While the Mor Ryde or other suspension improvements will indeed make your trailer ride better, it will not change the CCC, which is set by the manufacturer.
BiggarView said
09:50 AM Jul 25, 2014
I was under the impression that an upgrade from say 7K axles to 8K (or 8K to 9K) axles would increase the GVWR of the trailer by 2000 lbs (1k per axle on a 2 axle trailer). If this is not so, I stand corrected. I was not aware the Mfr's numbers were set in stone.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 25th of July 2014 10:49:16 AM
Small Home Big Life said
08:09 PM Jul 25, 2014
WOW! You all are awesome! Excellent suggestions, and we feel so very welcome already! Jim is doing the research on the truck (hence my "big ol' truck" reference...I don't really care how it works, just that it DOES work (and of course, that it's comfortable and looks good with the 'house'). He's very appreciative of the recommendations and will have follow-up questions at some point.
Nanci :)
We are Jim and Nanci, busily researching and planning to enter the exciting world of FT RVers!! We have been empty nesters for a few years, except for the world's youngest 16.5 year old mini schnauzer, Oscar. We downsized our home about eighteen months ago and decided in June (after three weeks of bliss in Italy) that we really want to take a part-time dream and turn it into something bigger! So, within days of our return, Jim had figured that he could retire in early 2017!
We naturally found the things we wanted to research and plan: Jim figuring out how we can save and finance living this new Big Life, me figuring out how best to spend the money he is saving! In this, I found RV-Dreams and keep coming back as a place to find information. Now, I'm looking forward to asking questions as I figure out what the questions are!!
The plan is to buy a 5th wheel (Landmark San Antonio is tops right now) and a big ol' truck to tow it. We have booked our flight from Anchorage to attend an RV show in California in October. Right now, that's about all we've got!
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas welcome!
Welcome Jim and Nanci. This is a great forum with lots of interesting people. Good luck in your new lifestyle.
Kenny & frances
Welcome Bill and Nanci, I am also a recent newbie to this RV Forum and find it very informative. We are not FT RVers, but we are retired and travel lots to visit family, friends, and see the country. Have fun!!
Nanci and Jim,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this a good source of information in looking for answers. The participants here are knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and downright encouraging. So, feel free to ask any questions about RV's and the RV lifestyle. There are no "dumb" questions. The only dumb ones are those that don't get asked and thus one makes expensive or time consuming mistakes.
When you go to the RV shows, do it with the plan that you are only going to look. While they will tell you that they have a "show price" on their rigs, you can always find an RV dealer that will give the same price every day of the week or month. With regards to choosing a fifth wheel (or any other towable one), choose your trailer first so that you will have an idea of that trailer's GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating). After you know what weight you will need to tow AND CONTROL, then choose a truck that has the capacity with regards to GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). Never go by a manufacturer's "tow rating" as that is not an accurate number. We have a Ford F450 and its tow rating is 24,600 lbs, but I can guarantee that if I tried pulling a trailer that heavy, I'd be over on both GCVW and GAWR.
Oh, and never fully believe a salesman, whether it is on an RV lot or a vehicle manufacturer's lot. If they try to say "x-brand" of truck will pull that just fine, make them show you the numbers for the weight capacities. Pulling is one thing; safely handling and stopping is another. Many of us like to have a weight "cushion," meaning that we prefer our trucks to be more capable of the weight than less.
Regardless of whether the RV is towable or a motor home (minds do change, after all) pay close attention to the frame, axles, suspension, wheels and tires. Those are the very foundation of one's RV. With regards to frames, I was asked once what I thought would be the minimum size of frame for full-timing, and my answer was 12-inches.
As you narrow down your choices of brands, look online for an owner's association or forum for that brand and at least read what is commented on in those places. Keep in mind that a forum "draws" people that are looking for a solution to a problem. Just because you see a number of problems, doesn't mean that those brands are bad. It's just that there are usually more more people NOT having problems that never get on a forum. You will need to register on each forum if you wish to ask your own questions. One question I recommend is to ask those forum participants, "If you were to buy another RV today, would you still buy the same brand you have, and if not, why not?"
Good luck with your research and planning, and have fun with the process.
Terry
Welcome..
Landmark is good choice.. We liked the Redwood as well, and DRV...Don't be afraid to look nationwide for your best service and price for them. Only deal with a dealer that offers multiple brands, as they can offer you a more educated opinion of one brand versus another. And when it's quote time.. question everything.. Some dealers play games with MSRP .. or add a line for a package that is already included..etc.. Evaluated a quote for a guy, found a 10k discrepency on the quote.. When questioned, they where caught.. they said " we'll meet the others guy price" ..lol .. Busted ! This was a Very well known Dealer of higher end fifth wheels.
As to the Truck.. Look at the Ram's.. Had a 2008 ford diesel blow up on me at 60k.. after alot of history.. Ford told me totake a walk.. I left it at the dodge dealer..as is..lol Ram has the best towing rating of all trucks. And I think they look better too. lol
And one thing about forums.. Everyone has a opinion. ( Even Me ) Some right.. some aren't.. Some are just "fluff" ..( not really saying anything ).. Do your homework.. get multiple opinions.. and form your own..
Good luck.
-- Edited by The Junkman on Thursday 24th of July 2014 11:31:25 AM
Welcome Jim and Nanci. As has already been stated, good folks, a lot of knowledge, and great resources.
Good luck on your search. This is fun stuff! Butterflies galore. But fun stuff.
Greetings Jim and Nancy!
We too are planning on full timing starting in 2017. Like you, we are currently looking for a suitable trailer, but in our case, a TT. One of the things that is a deal breaker for us is a low CCC. Most fulltiming couples recommend a Cargo Carrying Capacity of no less than 3,000 lbs. Remember you will be carrying all your worldly goods and the weight adds up fast, especially if you want to boondock and plan on adding a nice (but heavy) solar system so you can spend some time off the grid in the wilderness. The reason I mention this is that I looked up the CCC on the otherwise beautiful Landmark San Antonio you have planned and its CCC is only 2,700 lbs, which would be a deal breaker for us. Your requirements may be different. Here's a link to a previous post I made listing many of the things you may want to take with you, just to get you thinking about how much all this might weigh.
http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t58003528/newbies-need-insight-evergreen-tt-is-what-we-want/
Chip & Cindy
We full time and carry no water in the fresh water tank. We never boondock and we always have at least water and electricity, sometimes for short stays, no sewer. The point is, I wouldn't set an arbitrary limit (3,000#) as each of us is different. I'd find a floorplan I like and can be comfortable in and adjust your belongings.
Also a consideration will be on what truck you will need to pull your choice.
Chip
Before I address Chips comments, I'll add my welcome to the chorus.
Chip, before you call it a deal breaker, remember that you could invest in a suspension/tire upgrade to increase the CCC and improve trailer ride also (as many on here have done) if the rig is "the one". Just sayin'... it's an option.
Brian
Brian, I would differ in what you said about improving your CCC and ride with new suspension. While the Mor Ryde or other suspension improvements will indeed make your trailer ride better, it will not change the CCC, which is set by the manufacturer.
I was under the impression that an upgrade from say 7K axles to 8K (or 8K to 9K) axles would increase the GVWR of the trailer by 2000 lbs (1k per axle on a 2 axle trailer). If this is not so, I stand corrected. I was not aware the Mfr's numbers were set in stone.
On edit, I think this should be it's own thread, so I posed the question here http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t58160582/does-increasing-the-axle-ratings-increase-the-ccc-of-a-trail/
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 25th of July 2014 10:49:16 AM
Nanci :)