IMO, a RV suitable for "full-time" is a unit large enough to be confortable for the user(s); it can be a trailer, a FW or a MH of any size or make, preferably over 35 feet for fulltiming.

If your issue is weight, you probably have the wrong pickup to tow a descent suitable "full-time" trailer or FW.

 

If you don't intend to travel, why don't you buy a park model trailer to start with ?

-- Edited by legrandnormand on Wednesday 9th of March 2016 10:04:02 PM

-- Edited by legrandnormand on Wednesday 9th of March 2016 10:05:57 PM

-- Edited by legrandnormand on Wednesday 9th of March 2016 10:10:08 PM

-- Edited by legrandnormand on Wednesday 9th of March 2016 10:10:27 PM

No research done on this opinion but I'm guessing some manufacturers slap on the Full-time moniker on some units more as a marketing ploy than an actual design element. As Terry mentions some manufacturers do design their units stronger and with higher quality components to better survive the rigors of full-time living and travel.

If you plan to be parked most of the time in an area with moderate climate (short periods of snow) most of the time a lighter unit would work as long as you perform regular preventative maintenance.

Our 5th wheel is a mid-level quality unit and it has survived 20 plus years of semi full-time living with lots of travel involved.  There have been some problems but they can be attributed to normal wear and tear that would happen with any RV.

-- Edited by The Bear II on Thursday 10th of March 2016 08:59:55 AM

Any RV beats living in a tent. Some full time in a van or other inexpensive vehicle. Just get the best you can reasonably afford. A sturdy, well built, used trailer is a much better value than a cheaper new unit designed for vacation use. If forced into a unit with less insulation, poorly insulated pipes and undercarriage then you must stick to warmer climates (where it doesn't get too cold) or you will suffer for it.

So in answering your question, which I believe is essentially "If I don't travel many miles on it can I get by with a cheaper, lighter rig?" Well if you plan on wintering ove in the RGV in Texas, South Florida or similar latitudes then the answer is yes. Just be aware that with less insulation your ac needs will be greater in these hotter climates during the summer months. Being a snowbird in one of these rigs would put it to best FT use, migrating seasonally to higher elevations and farther north as the weather warms, and heading down south as it cools. Even many RVers with more suitable (more expensive, higher quality) rigs follow the seasons. It's more fun being outside in pleasant weather anyway, if your employment/lifestyle permits.

Chip

I suspect you'll get as many opinions as there are RVers. In essence, whatever you are comfortable with, physically, emotionally, financially or any other way is suitable for FT use. You get to make that call. What's good for one person is not necessarily good for another, whatever the reason. I'd also advise you that you should never say never to any option... things have a way of changing as time goes by... and your needs and perspectives can change as well.

FWIW, Brian

-- Edited by BiggarView on Monday 28th of March 2016 08:26:02 AM

legrandnormand wrote:

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Any RV is a 3 season built, forget about living in one of them all year round, you'l have to snowbird SOUTH if you live in a cold and snowy state or province.

-- Edited by legrandnormand on Monday 28th of March 2016 07:20:32 AM

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 Not necessarily true.  We've lived in our DRV Suites Mobile Suites now for 5 years of full time living.  3 years was in Oklahoma City and just shy of 2 years was spent in Colorado near Colorado Springs.  We've experienced temperature ranging from 115 degrees down to -6 degrees and have been comfortable, without breaking the bank for heat and cooling.

Terry

Hi all,

Revisiting this subject.

Quick background:

I was recently separated when I wrote the original post. I was going through a lot at the time. My apologies for not responding to the detailed comments and suggestions. Thank you for your time.

The reason I am considering a fifth wheel is that I don't want to dump $800-$1k a month into an apartment when I can put some of that into something I can own. Nor do I want a traditional apartment due to I travel a lot. I work for a major airline and am out 3-5 days a week but can be off for several days in a row. I haven't rented since 1993. It's only me with an occasional visit from either/both of my two teens. I feel that the local RV park I looked at has enough security and full timers that look out for each other that I would be okay when traveling. I only plan to be in this area for the next 3-4 years until my youngest is out of high school.

I am in the southeast where snow is rare and summer months are scorching. My biggest issue is maybe having to hook-up and move if a mandatory evacuation for a hurricane is ordered. I want a rig that can accommodate a washer/dryer. The unit I really like is the Keystone Avalanche 300RE. It's in the higher end of my budget but I think it's doable.

Any further suggestions such as comparable rigs would be appreciated. I would consider used but not too old. I don't want to replace anything and would prefer the leather/faux-leather furniture instead of cloth.

Thanks!

Dutch, you said "Keep in mind when shopping that the RV manufacturers will not designate new units as designed for "full-time living" under the current RVIA/HUD RV definition."

I have a 2017 KZ Durango Gold that specifically is marketed as a "Full Time Luxury 5th Wheel" and before buying this one we looked at a Heartland Landmark 365 ... the 365 is a full time designation. I'm sure there are others, but these two are currently sold as full time 5th wheels. From what I understand, if the unit is NOT designated as full time, and you are actually living in it full time, the warranty is voided.