Bedlam wrote:
Toy haulers are great for multi use. I would be careful in choosing how big of one you buy - Not so much that your truck will not handle it but that the campgrounds may not be able to handle the largest of the rigs. When we outgrew our TH, we considered going bigger but realized it would exclude us from going to some of our favorite places due to the additional length - For us, it meant rethinking our RV setup.
I do not want to dissuade you from a TH purchase - I feel the stronger chassis and larger tank capacities are an advantage over a similar FW. However, I know people that regretted getting the largest FW and Class A models because it limits where they can stay or travel.
On another note: I'm not sure if the Raptor is built well enough for full timing. It is a popular brand, but I think full-timers may steer you to some other models...
Bedlam, good information...We're still "sorta" up in the air about it...7-8months a year, unit would set on our own property in WVa, so size wouldn't be an issue at that time....then we would head south, (son, DIL and two GS's are getting ready to move to TX)...
the wife and I have been in our 5er when temps were near 100 degrees and humidty was in the 80% + range and have been fine...We've also camped in ours with temps outside of zero and windchill factor of 8 below...and with furnace, fake fireplace and a ceramic heater, this 5er has been spectacular...Our 5er is almost 9 yrs. old, new suspension, new tires and still looks almost as good as it did the day we purchased it...inside and out...
My truck has a GVWR of 14,000#, and a RAWR of 9750, (rated by AAM to 11,800#), With the 4:10 and the Aisin tranny (medium duty), my GCWR is 37,500# for my trucks configuration...It now tows my 5er quite easily through the mountains of WV, TN, VA, NC and SC.....(5er weighs in at 16,300# with a pin weight of 3500#. So don't believe the truck will hold me back.
Just hoping, should I opt to purchase a TH, that it'll be as quality built as the 5er I have now.
SO, "IF" I opt to purchse one that the DW and myself would be "full-timing" in, what would be some recommendations.....The 5er I have now would be a full timing 5er also and we've owned in, been in enough "weather to know it" and feel it too would make a good full timer's unit.
thanks for the info.
Jim
