front end livingrooms

Pin weight of a FL is usually greater than a front bedroom.

I'm curious about pin weight of units with front living vs front bedroom. Is the front living floorplan heavier or lighter on the pin, and if it is heavier is that the reason for the limited basement storage, or is the construction of the front living area responsible for the smaller basement?

When we bought our 318SAB, we looked at an awful lot of 5ers. Some had the front living room and at first blush, we really like the design and the rear bedroom was huge (well it looked that way with the tall ceiling).

Then we got to thinking about how we use the rig. We spend most of our "inside time" in the living room and kitchen. We aren't getting any younger and the thought of "up the stairs" "down the stairs" and then repeat, ad nauseum, every time that we wanted a munchie or a drink, etc. while in the living room turned it into a not so good design.

Then we got to thinking about the view. If there is a view, it most likely will be out the back. Not much to look at when you are asleep, and that's all we use the bedroom for; sleep (well a few other things, but, we keep the blinds closed for those:o) No need for all that "space", we go in once and go to bed. Get out of bed and come out; 2 times in and out and that's about it. All that space isn't apparent with our eyes closed.

Didn't like the bathrooms with a hall down the middle, the 318SAB has a separate bathroom, a huge rear living area with a computer "office", and a big enough dining room that we took out the dining room table and chairs and I put in one of the DW's looms. She can sit and weave and watch television; an arrangement that wouldn't be possible in a front living area rig.

They have their purposes and they fit a need; just not ours and I'm glad we kept looking and didn't go with our first "gee whiz" moment.
Going from a MH to a 5er will be big change; the first you'll notice is the huge selection of floor plans. Just take a really good look at how you travel and what your true needs are and then buy the floorplan that fits those needs the best, be it front living or the more conventional rear living or rear kitchen models. Even a bunkhouse; we actually would have gotten a bunkhouse before a front living room for how we use our 5er as it would have given us more "customizable" space.

That's one of the nice things about our layout, the entertainment console is in one of the slides so you have a direct view while seated in an area that has a good view of the outside.

thanks for all your comments. We will continue to look.. Our class a has a front living area, so unless the campground has an area for 5ers, our viewing situation would not change much, unless the tv/entertainment center is in the front. Not my fav configuration, bad tv viewing for everyone.

We love our FL. Our living room slides have windows so you do have a view. I like the privacy of the rear bedroom. The one disadvantage for us was the front basement since our Genny takes up some of the storage area. As a result, we reconfigured the washer/dryer closet for additional storage. We have room for everything we need now plus some. I know we'd have an issue if we were to become full timers and need the w/d.

I really liked the layout of front living rooms when we were searching and we noted 4 things:

1) Get two A/C's. Your really going to want that second A/C in the living room.

2) Get one with the TV in a slide out so one of your seating positions has a nice angle to the TV. There are some very nice theater seating setups (Redwood had a really nice setup).

3) Watch out for limited pass through storage. Many of the FLR models have very limited pass through storage space. The Infinity FLR we looked at had very large pass through storage.

4) Keep in mind that if most of your camping is backing into a site with no one behind you, you lose that view out the back window, unless you spend much of your time in the bedroom.

Our Montana has 2 full size sofas in the living room that convert into two double beds. Also a privacy curtain. Talk about the ultimate bunkhouse with the main bedroom far removed from the noise of the grandkids. The view thing is really a non-issue if you actually enjoy the outdoors when you camp. I also enjoy walking through the bathroom when DW is toweling off after her shower. Best camper I have ever had.

We have a Sandpiper 366 FL and love the layout for reason you speak of, separate areas. While I do agree it would be nice to have a better view to the outside and it is nice having the bedroom in the rear where it is quieter. The biggest issue with a front living is lack of basement storage. Our next unit will be a different layout due to the lack of storage. Good luck in your search. Travel on.

We bought the Montana for several reasons. First the ceiling height is better in the 3750 Montana over Cedar Creek. If your tall it makes a big difference. The two entry doors were a must. In case of emergency etc. nothing like a second exit. Also our Dogs don't track through living areas when they come inside. The sliding privacy door in the Montana's living room gives the feeling of a second bedroom. The cabinet quality with the hickory wood looks and feels more residential. You have several options, find the model that fits your lifestyle.