Thinking about a TH for full-time

i like the front living area layout a LOT! But 40-6 is WAY too long for me, won't get in my driveway for sure. Nice layout, never heard of the brand.

Wow that's a nice floor plan and nice looking rig. That's the way to full time! Congrats!

Nice unit. Still, lots of wood and I guess if done correctly a good choice. We have an ATC 28 front bedroom, all metal top to bottom and Spartan. This looks like a real quality with pride company. I hope it works out. Went to their website, using wood framing as well. Watch for any early leaks. I still don't understand lack of using marine grade in the floor. It would give wiggle room if a long term leak or moisture is trapped in the floor.

Beautiful rig. My wife loves it. Enjoy..

roller183 wrote:
okstatefan, HOLY COW!! I never heard of that brand, but boy thats a beauty !!!Congrats!

Happy travels.

Thanks. We really thought we would be coming home with either a Seismic or Fuzion TH. The Vilano just seems to fit our lifestyle and everyday needs better. It also has a bit better storage and creature comforts.

okstatefan, HOLY COW!! I never heard of that brand, but boy thats a beauty !!!Congrats!

Happy travels.

Thanks Roller183!

I actually just bought a new unit last weekend. I haven't taken delivery yet.

Although I had planned to probably go with a toy hauler, I found a conventional 5th wheel that the wife and I just fell in love with.

We chose a VanLeigh Vilano 375FL. It is a front-living unit made by the Tiffin family. It was much better quality than any of the toy haulers we had viewed and was a bit less expensive after working our best deal.

okstatefan, you got a great towing truck for starters. Your set as far as that goes.

Now the fun begins. A TH is a good choice and 5th wheel. Easier to tow, back up etc etc. IMHO

Like others said, aluminum framing is a good start. Depending on where your based, you'll need at the least a good "weather package" ,covered and heated tanks etc, good insulation ratings.

Take your time researching units for full time use. As far as I know,Grand Design offers TH units for "full timing".I'm not aware of any others.

If you full time in a unit that is not rated for that, they might pull the "warranty void" BS on you. Keep that in mind. I have spend a substantial amount of time "full timing in a TH 5th wheel" and wouldn't have it any other way.Room for your tool box etc.

My biggest complaint was the angle shower and small toilet area.(I'm 6'-2 275)

You have a 8x10-12' room to set up whatever you desire, or tote along a toy if you like. Some make hobby rooms etc.

Don't skimp on tires. Quality tires,"G" rated Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear etc.

Last but not least, some mfg's list empty weight as 15K etc and that does not include the A/C units etc. Make sure the "empty weight" is whats listed, or it takes away from what you can put on board. As I found out, you accumulate far more stuff if your in a RV park for a few months. Then comes time to roll and your left shaking your head as to where to put all the stuff, plus unneeded weight.


Last thought. Arizona is a good place to home base as you would be traveling during most of the hot times, June, July,as there is no extreme cold, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes,floods etc.....Just 3-1/2 hot months in summer. The rest of the year is very nice.Not to mention, they could use some good teachers.


I hope to do what your going to do in 2021 myself when I finally pull the plug..Good luck in your travels. :)

I'm sure you know this, but there's a lot more to towing than GVWR. What's the payload, pin weight, etc.?

I would just think for full timing, you'd want the optimal towing vehicle... not one that is barely good enough.

JAC1982 wrote:
I'd seriously question any 5th wheel that's being advertised as "half ton towable". Ignore what the manufacturers say in their advertisements and really study the numbers, especially if you plan on full timing and moving around a lot.

Numbers don't lie. new 30' trailers are at 10k-11k GVW and that matches up with the new Eco Boost and 6.0 1500 trucks. Yes you won't have "reserve" power but for intermittent towing (this is also my daily driver) they should be good.

I'd seriously question any 5th wheel that's being advertised as "half ton towable". Ignore what the manufacturers say in their advertisements and really study the numbers, especially if you plan on full timing and moving around a lot.