Hi all! I just joined this forum and have tons of questions regarding choosing the best fifth wheel for future full time living. We plan to leave in about 18 months and travel full-time for at least a couple of years. Our plan is to buy the RV we want, and then the truck to pull it. My first question is regarding length and basic floor plans. We do want to stay in national parks and possibly work there. What are your recommendations regarding length? Pros and Cons? Also, my husband likes the front living floor plans but I am noticing that DRV, Excel etc. don't offer that option and I am assuming there is a reason for that? What are your opinions regarding FL? Thanks so much - a ton more questions coming as we begin our research into the best RV for us! Still trying to learn the lingo! Jane

Front Living:when we were looking last year, all the FL floor plans seemed to have the least underneath storage available.

You are a new member 1 day 1 post. I would suggest that you make a list of your questions and then do a search using the advanced search and spend 10 days or more looking for your answers. Many questions have been answered by many people many different ways and you will soon get a sense of what has passed before you.

Comfort,comfort,comfort. Floor plans are floor plans. Which one is best for you is up to you. Lots of people like rear kitchen, while others like rear living. You realle need to go shopping, sit in as many different floor plans as you can find. Play house in each one and then pick the one that suits your preferences best. For a weekender little things can often be overlooked, but for full timing those little things can become big issues. So choose carefully. As for NF campgrounds, smaller is better. Just the opposite for living

Be sure to look at your choice with the slides in before it is you final choice. Can you make lunch with the slides in. Can you get to the bathroom. Stock items you just purchased etc etc. Chris

Always lots of comments about access when slides are closed. But so far in 9 yearsi have never found this an issue. With a selector for the slides it is no big deal to open the LR slide to make a sandwich it is just not a big deal. Comfort when parked is far more important to me.

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BB_TX
Nomad
Jun 08, 2014
The front living area is just now becoming common and I don't think the demand is there yet for them all to offer it. For me I do not like the low ceiling in the front living. But then I am also tall at 6'-4"+. Not going to have a ceiling fan there.

Visit as many dealers and RV shows as you can and spend some time in as many different floor plans as you can. Then get the one that most appeals to you.

And as stated, longer length is great for full time, but can be a problem in some COE/local/state/national parks.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2014
amandasgramma wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Always lots of comments about access when slides are closed. But so far in 9 yearsi have never found this an issue. With a selector for the slides it is no big deal to open the LR slide to make a sandwich it is just not a big deal. Comfort when parked is far more important to me.
Same here....LOL I always consider it a great excuse to go out for lunch when we travel. :)

X3
We can't even access the whole kitchen with the slide in the table meets the sink counter. We can access the bathroom, but I agree lunch on the road make in the morning or eat out!
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2014
If the higher end units are not offering FL floor plans it is that there is not a demand for them from extended use customers. Chris
amandasgramma
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
donn0128 wrote:
Always lots of comments about access when slides are closed. But so far in 9 yearsi have never found this an issue. With a selector for the slides it is no big deal to open the LR slide to make a sandwich it is just not a big deal. Comfort when parked is far more important to me.
Same here....LOL I always consider it a great excuse to go out for lunch when we travel. :)
donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2014
Always lots of comments about access when slides are closed. But so far in 9 yearsi have never found this an issue. With a selector for the slides it is no big deal to open the LR slide to make a sandwich it is just not a big deal. Comfort when parked is far more important to me.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2014
Be sure to look at your choice with the slides in before it is you final choice. Can you make lunch with the slides in. Can you get to the bathroom. Stock items you just purchased etc etc. Chris
donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2014
Comfort,comfort,comfort. Floor plans are floor plans. Which one is best for you is up to you. Lots of people like rear kitchen, while others like rear living. You realle need to go shopping, sit in as many different floor plans as you can find. Play house in each one and then pick the one that suits your preferences best. For a weekender little things can often be overlooked, but for full timing those little things can become big issues. So choose carefully. As for NF campgrounds, smaller is better. Just the opposite for living
stetwood
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
You are a new member 1 day 1 post. I would suggest that you make a list of your questions and then do a search using the advanced search and spend 10 days or more looking for your answers. Many questions have been answered by many people many different ways and you will soon get a sense of what has passed before you.
sdetweil
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
Front Living:

when we were looking last year, all the FL floor plans seemed to have the least underneath storage available.

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