Hi All,My husband and I are entertaining the idea of buying a 5th wheel to live in full time. I have zero knowledge on RVs and would like advice on brands, models, buying used vs new, ect. Our dream is for my husband to be a park ranger, and in order to do that most jobs are only for 6 months to a year until you can move up in grades and find a full time position. So we would have to go to different parks around the country. We figure living in a 5th wheel would make the moving process very easy.I am hoping to find a decent size trailer that has at least one room for us, and one bunk for my daughter. She is 4 months old right now, so we will have to somehow make the bunk into a crib. Is this possible? I saw a picture of someone who made slats to put over the bunk for their child. Or should we look for one that has open space to put our own crib or pack and play?Is it ideal to want a washer and dryer in these or are you better off going to a laundry mat? How can I figure out price ranges for cost of living (sites, utilities, gas ect)?Any advice is much appreciated! Just looking to be pointed in the right direction. Thank you.

There are few ways to look for a trailer,but as for start I suggest to go to a few RV shows and walk around to get the feeling of the size and different floor-plans.Ask the manufacturers questions and narrow down 3-4 trailers that fit you,then go to the forum and ask owners to give you a feedback on the specific models.

danoren wrote:There are few ways to look for a trailer,but as for start I suggest to go to a few RV shows and walk around to get the feeling of the size and different floor-plans.Ask the manufacturers questions and narrow down 3-4 trailers that fit you,then go to the forum and ask owners to give you a feedback on the specific models.Good advice from danoren.Also, make sure you tell dealers/sales people that you are going to use the unit to live in FULL TIME....that can make a big difference.As part of your search..don't forget the tow vehicle also..For a 5th wheel full time I recommend a one ton diesel pickup. (350/3500)

You idea sounds plausible at first; however, you have not even considered where you would park the RV. Most government campgrounds do not have a space for their employees, and again most do not have sewer hook ups. Six months without a sewer hook up will be problematic. You did not indicate for what agency he will be working for, but if it a federal agency, then good luck! Budgetary constraints about eliminated new hires, even seasonals.If you think you will live in the RV in New York in the winter, think again. It really is not doable, especially for rookies with a child.The RV washer/dryer is very small, only allowing a few garments at a time. With a family, you will be doing 2 to 3 loads a day every day.

downtheroad wrote:Also, make sure you tell dealers/sales people that you are going to use the unit to live in FULL TIME....that can make a big difference.Don't waste your breath asking a sales person this. 999 out of 1000 will tell you that you can full time in any of them...they just want to make a sale. Just like the "will my truck pull this" question to a sales person! :E

WeBeFulltimers wrote:downtheroad wrote:Also, make sure you tell dealers/sales people that you are going to use the unit to live in FULL TIME....that can make a big difference.Don't waste your breath asking a sales person this. 999 out of 1000 will tell you that you can full time in any of them...they just want to make a sale. Just like the "will my truck pull this" question to a sales person! :EX2. If you must ask a question of a salesman, ask to see the warranty paperwork for the units that interest you and check for a fulltiming exclusion. Or you could just jot down the units you like, then check back here for current owners. Some RVs even have their own owner's groups online so you can collect a lot of information there.

Where to start to buy? | Good Sam Community

Monaco_Montclai
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Buy larger than u think u need, and separate the throne from the shower, which most 5er s do any way. The rest is up to the floor plan. And now it's all -happy-camping
WeBeFulltimers
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Slownsy wrote:
No won said to ask the sales man a question she was advised to tel salesman they want to live in it ful time.

Ask or tell, doesn't matter. Most will lie.
Ofc950
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Try looking a Hersey PA - RV show in sept one of the biggest lots to look at and I mean lots
mdamerell
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
The one item not mentioned is overall size. Washer and dryer is normally an option on the larger 5th wheels not to mention a bunkhouse adds length. At 35-40' and 11'3" plus tall you will limit your access to some state and federal parks.

By "park ranger" I assume some type of federal/state park and they often have size limits not to mention height limits to clear the trees. Many state/federal parks were designed when a large trailer was 25' long and less than 8' tall.
Eycom
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
As mentioned, visiting a few RV shows, viewing various floor plans and talking to the manufacturer reps can be fun and somewhat informative when considering a new 5er. Conversely, there are several manufacturers of quality built 5ers who have left the market over the past few years due to the economy.

I'll recommend RV Consumer Group as a viable source of information. Some folks don't place much stock in their work. However, their 20+ year history is a testament that many do. They rate RVs on the basis of safety, economy, and reliability, while essentially classifying them as vacation, snowbird, and fulltime quality. The membership will cost you for that information. But, it's a paltry sum in relation to your overall expense. It will save you a great deal of legwork while opening up a selection of quality used units that are now orphans, should you decide to pursue that.

There are commercial and government campgrounds all over the country. I've used RV Park Reviews for commercial parks. Most have a website listing their opening dates and usually offer a monthly rate with the terms thereof. US Campgrounds-info has been very helpful in locating government campgrounds, their amenities and rates. Typically, the stay limit is 14 days. Good luck in your search.
restlesswind
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Not knowing how soon you expect to start your new life,I will say that it took me two years of research before we settled on the unit we would be happy with.
Many hours spent on various forums (this one was a big help) Spending time on the owners forums of as many brands as you have time for.
You will receive,mostly,good advice and information from the folks here on this forum. You have come to the right place to get started.Good luck with the search.
Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
Visit a few RV shows and look at everything. Window shop in a few RV dealers. Maybe take a trip to Northern Indiana and tour a couple of factories.
lauruh
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
Thank you for the replies so far. We will definitely get out there to start looking, I just wasn't sure if there were overall preferred brands. No advice on the crib situation??
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
danoren wrote:
There are few ways to look for a trailer,but as for start I suggest to go to a few RV shows and walk around to get the feeling of the size and different floor-plans.
Ask the manufacturers questions and narrow down 3-4 trailers that fit you,then go to the forum and ask owners to give you a feedback on the specific models.

And there you have it (above).

Answering your question would require *very* lengthy replies.

Get out there and start looking, ask lots of questions, collect floor plans and brochures, and prices - narrow your choices.......

THEN start checking "real" pricing - always comparing apples to apples for the features/options - - and remember - all prices are NEGOTIABLE whether buying a unit "in stock" or ordering.

Happy hunting!

~
Slownsy
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
No won said to ask the sales man a question she was advised to tel salesman they want to live in it ful time.

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