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

HappyKayakers
Explorer III
Jul 20, 2013
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! :E

X2. 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.
WeBeFulltimers
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
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
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
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
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.

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)
danoren
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
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.

Forum Discussion

Where to start to buy?

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Starting Issue

Buying Advice

Rough start

Buying Online

Engine starting issues