My wife and I are new to fifth wheeling, and are getting ready to take our first week-long road trip in June. I am a recently retired Army officer and Texas peace officer, and my wife is a retired Army NCO and a soon-to-be retired elementary teacher (10 more days!). In November we purchased a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 with a 6.4 Hemi engine. Our intent was to buy a 30' bumper pull trailer in the 9,000 pound range, so it's 12,500 lb tow capacity was more than enough for the intended trailer. Instead, I fell in love with a Coachmen Chaparral 338 TSIK fifth wheel which weighs 12,200 fully loaded, so our truck will be earning it's oats on the road. We have been "living aboard" our trailer for six months now and love it. Living aboard is in quotes because the trailer is parked 30' feet from our house, so we haven't really cut the cord yet. A trip to Ruidoso, NM next month will be our first road road trip, and I'm sure I will have lots of questions to ask while we are preparing for our journey. Thanks in advance for your patience with my rookie questions, and for your advice.
Randall and Lisa
John U said
02:22 AM May 15, 2016
Randalf,
Welcome to the forum from another Texan (DFW) and disability retired Army Ranger Officer! (LRRP-Nam)
Think it is smart to "live aboard" your Coachman Chaparral before hitting the road.
John
gypsymaus said
09:46 AM May 15, 2016
Welcome from a former "Central Texan". We hope you enjoy your new lifestyle as much as we have!
jayc said
07:52 PM May 15, 2016
Welcome from another Texan, from the Houston area and long time law enforcement officer, retired after 34 years. Thank you and your wife for your service to our country.
I agree that you are wise to " camp" beside your house to familiarize yourself with the operation of everything. I've been living in my Landmark for over 5 years and loving every minute of it.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions.
PIEERE said
12:08 PM May 16, 2016
Welcome! Hop aboard; you've come to the right place!
Julie and Casey said
02:53 PM Jun 11, 2016
Welcome from another Central Texas (Austin). We sold our house a year ago and have been living in our fifth wheel while we continue to work and transition to getting on the road. I'm glad we've had this time to learn the ins and out of the rig and how we want to live in it. New furniture is definitely on the radar! Enjoy your trip to Ruidoso; just in time to escape the heat that's starting to creep in after months of rain.
Sapper said
01:38 PM Aug 5, 2016
I just signed up today to the forum and also new to the RVing life. I'm medically retired senior NCO and wife still teaches so looking forward to the journey when school is out. We are in Central Texas also (Harker Heights outside of Ft Hood). Looking forward to lots of travel, posting and reading others. Who knows maybe we will meet up somewhere on the road in this area.
Hi all,
My wife and I are new to fifth wheeling, and are getting ready to take our first week-long road trip in June. I am a recently retired Army officer and Texas peace officer, and my wife is a retired Army NCO and a soon-to-be retired elementary teacher (10 more days!). In November we purchased a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 with a 6.4 Hemi engine. Our intent was to buy a 30' bumper pull trailer in the 9,000 pound range, so it's 12,500 lb tow capacity was more than enough for the intended trailer. Instead, I fell in love with a Coachmen Chaparral 338 TSIK fifth wheel which weighs 12,200 fully loaded, so our truck will be earning it's oats on the road. We have been "living aboard" our trailer for six months now and love it. Living aboard is in quotes because the trailer is parked 30' feet from our house, so we haven't really cut the cord yet. A trip to Ruidoso, NM next month will be our first road road trip, and I'm sure I will have lots of questions to ask while we are preparing for our journey. Thanks in advance for your patience with my rookie questions, and for your advice.
Randall and Lisa
Welcome to the forum from another Texan (DFW) and disability retired Army Ranger Officer! (LRRP-Nam)
Think it is smart to "live aboard" your Coachman Chaparral before hitting the road.
John
Welcome from a former "Central Texan". We hope you enjoy your new lifestyle as much as we have!
Welcome from another Texan, from the Houston area and long time law enforcement officer, retired after 34 years. Thank you and your wife for your service to our country.
I agree that you are wise to " camp" beside your house to familiarize yourself with the operation of everything. I've been living in my Landmark for over 5 years and loving every minute of it.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions.