Average cargo load for retired couple fulltiming?

I don;t know what you all are hauling around with you but I struggled to get more than 600 pounds into my TT which can take much much more than that. And this is for Two people and two dogs.

And are we just unusually frugal? No we took everything we wanted and have NOT collected anything along the way in fact we have gotten rid of some things.

I really believe that people honestly over estimate the weight of what they are taking. I weighed every thing that went into the trailer. Kept a record and tallied it up at the end.

Keep in mind that I took real China and glassware and an entire set of Stainless steel cookware as well as a Cast Iron Dutch Oven. I took the vast majority of my bakeware and kitchen utensils. I took summer and winter clothes including about 4 coats and two hats. (that was just for me)

IE we didnt skimp.

And we still have storage space that is under-utilized.

janegowest wrote:

K Charles wrote:
We only go a few months at a time and could never live with only 1500 lbs of stuff.

So, how many pounds would you allow for in a 5er, in terms of CCC?

We had a TT with only about 1600 CCC and didn't care for it. We were over a little every time we checked. I think 1500 lb for each of us is a better number

Thx, PghBob. I see what is happening with the CCCs.

We have been to a show...and saw many models that were very tempting, but not applicable to us, since we are buying used and most of what we saw were rigs longer than 35'.

Jane: This is a bit of apples to oranges comparison. We own a 27 foot Class C, and a number of our friends with the same rig full-time or near full-time with their units. The OCCC of our rig is 2900 pounds. In the Class C world, most use the Ford chassis, and the GVWR of the E450 is 15500 pounds. The weight of the "box" the various manufacturers place on the chassis determines the amount of weight of people and stuff you can carry. So, generally speaking, the longer the Class C the heavier it weighs and the less OCCC you have. Things like slide outs further reduce the amount of OCCC you have, and options like automatic leveling systems reduce the amount of OCCC as well. Remember, it is not the space you have, but the weight of your family and stuff that matters. Generally applying this info to your situation might mean a smaller fiver with fewer slides and or options.

As you found to your surprise, size, floor plans, and "goodies" can reduce OCCC to a serious point. An example, we checked out a Class A gasser at a RV show, and it would have been overweight with the four adult members of our family on board without anything! True story, not fantasy.

If you haven't done it yet, give some consideration going to a large RV show (without your checkbook) where you can compare the different units in person, first hand. Don't get hooked on a dealer. Look for weight stickers for each unit, and DO NOT depend on dealer reps to know or accurately provide the weight info.

Best wishes on your search.

2gypsies wrote:
Everyone travels differently. A good rule for full-timers is 1500/person, now that's not all in clothes and shoes!! That includes everything you'll pack - dishes, pots, BBQ, linens, books, computer, printer, bathroom stuff, tools, ladder, hobby equipments (fishing, sewing, etc.) It really adds up.

It's very advisable after you've packed it up to get it weighed. You'll be surprised. Overweight vehicles are dangerous and will blow tires.

Surely you can find a suitable floorplan in many manufacturer's lines with good carrying capacity. Also, a more top line generally has better capacity - better axles and bigger tires. Sometimes it's necessary to shop out of your immediate area. First look online for comparisons and then find a dealer. Keep in mind that dealers don't usually carry every model so you may not even see in person what you want. It's a big job. :) Good luck!

Ayayay!! A BIG job!!! I feel like I'm cramming for finals on something I never learned!! There is sooooooooo much to learn to do it right!! I feel overwhelmed at times with all the aspects to learn and keep in mind!!

That low CCC was on a Carriage Cameo!! I loved the FP and would have gone for it, until I found out about CCC just yesterday!!!

When I did some research, turns out this model was introduced in 2009. In 2010, they upped the CCC by another 1,000. I can't believe that carriage would even release a 36+' coach with such low CCC. That knocks them off the pedestal for me.

Everyone travels differently. A good rule for full-timers is 1500/person, now that's not all in clothes and shoes!! That includes everything you'll pack - dishes, pots, BBQ, linens, books, computer, printer, bathroom stuff, tools, ladder, hobby equipments (fishing, sewing, etc.) It really adds up.

It's very advisable after you've packed it up to get it weighed. You'll be surprised. Overweight vehicles are dangerous and will blow tires.

Surely you can find a suitable floorplan in many manufacturer's lines with good carrying capacity. Also, a more top line generally has better capacity - better axles and bigger tires. Sometimes it's necessary to shop out of your immediate area. First look online for comparisons and then find a dealer. Keep in mind that dealers don't usually carry every model so you may not even see in person what you want. It's a big job. :) Good luck!

janegowest wrote:

RVcrazy wrote:
We have been FT 2 years. I would go for the one with more cargo capacity or keep looking! Don't forget to look at the yellow weight sticker. Brochure weights are bogus!!! Anything added after it comes from the factory will not be included on the yellow sticker. Your propane, water, and hitch weight will take away from your cargo capacity. Little things add up... Any tools, filters, hoses, ladders, spare tire, leveling blocks,not to mention hobby stuff adds weight that many don't consider. They tend to think just food and clothes. What is your tow vehicle?

OMGosh!!! You weren't kidding!!! I just called to ask what the yellow sticker said on the long one with brochure CCC of 1,749! Hold on to your seats! Only 951!!!! Even the salesman was in shock!!!

Thank you sooooooooo much for mentioning this!! who knew??!! You all are keeping us from making some costly mistakes!!! Because of all of you, we will get the right rig the first time!! :C

NEVER be shocked when a salesperson is surprised no matter what they are selling:W.
As a local store owner used to say:" An educated consumer is our best customer".
Orrrrrrr worse nightmare.

RVcrazy wrote:
We have been FT 2 years. I would go for the one with more cargo capacity or keep looking! Don't forget to look at the yellow weight sticker. Brochure weights are bogus!!! Anything added after it comes from the factory will not be included on the yellow sticker. Your propane, water, and hitch weight will take away from your cargo capacity. Little things add up... Any tools, filters, hoses, ladders, spare tire, leveling blocks,not to mention hobby stuff adds weight that many don't consider. They tend to think just food and clothes. What is your tow vehicle?

OMGosh!!! You weren't kidding!!! I just called to ask what the yellow sticker said on the long one with brochure CCC of 1,749! Hold on to your seats! Only 951!!!! Even the salesman was in shock!!!

Thank you sooooooooo much for mentioning this!! who knew??!! You all are keeping us from making some costly mistakes!!! Because of all of you, we will get the right rig the first time!! :C

Been doing this FT thing for rather a long time. We've never exceeded #1200 CC. To be sure, we want for nothing but neither do we accumulate "stuff". Since day 1 we have followed the rule that if something comes in, something goes out. Has worked well for us all these years.

We are in the "smaller is better" mindset. We started with a 32' 5'er and when we replaced her, it was 4' shorter. We've been happier with easier access to the kinds of places we like to be.

Again, the question really cannot be answered by anyone but you. You know your unique wants and needs. We've seen people in 45' MH,s towing another 20' trailer behind them PLUS a toad. We scratch our heads and wonder why they ever left home. It really is all about how you wish to spend these precious years on the road.

We are about 2300 pounds but have about 300 pounds in tools. We are over a few hundred pounds on the back axle of the motorhome consistently. Meh.