Forum Discussion

JustSmiths's avatar
JustSmiths
Explorer
Oct 04, 2015

Looking for feedback

Hey all,

We are soon to be full timers and looking for some feedback from folks that are out there doing it.
Just got back from South Dakota with our brand new Drivers Licenses. So we have the residency issues covered.

We seem to keep going back and forth between RV and Toy Hauler. Both seem to have their pros and cons.

Currently we have had our heart set on a Winnebago Destination (http://winnebagoind.com/products/fifth-wheel/2016/destination/overview)

These are some of the features we really like and wondering how important they really are.

  • 2 bathrooms(1 master suit bathroom with dual sinks)
  • dishwasher (how important?)
  • Big living area
  • Big kitchen


We really like the idea of 2 bathrooms and 1 isolated to the master suit so if we have people dropping in, they don't have to go to our bedroom. Not to mention there have been times when we both needed to use the restroom at the same time :) Not sure how big of an issue this is.

The Destination doesn't have a lot of extra space for others, and again not sure how big of a deal this is.

The toy haulers give us the garage area where I could have my tool boxes and such. Destination doesn't have a good spot for big tool box. Maybe I need to downsize and get rid of my roll around tool chest?

We know we will have washer/dryer in either set up as we do not want to be reliant on public laundry. Dishwasher is a toss up. It's a nice to have I'm guessing, but maybe our habits change a bit....paper plates, reuse glasses, etc

Anyhow, would love to hear some feedback from all you full timers. We have already downsized and could easily fit everything we have in either setup. We downsized from a 1800 sq/ft house to a 1000 sq/ft apartment. Once we ditch our couches and beds, we are down to cloths and kitchen stuff....Speaking of kitchen, and other appliances. Is it worth replacing our AC appliances for 12V DC?

Thanks,
The Smiths
  • All good stuff so far. Didn't think about the consumption and ultimate storage of water before we dump. Guess we should look at the paper plate route. We already plan on grilling a lot more.

    Length wise, how much trouble would we have with a 40' vs say a 32'. We really like the 40' Destination. It has a huge living area, 2 bathrooms and a master suite, pantry etc. Basically all the rooms we use the most in our 2 bedroom apartment now.
  • we full time in a 33' Class A with 2 slides and one bathroom and have never had a problem. We have plenty of room. We have found that when people visit (except family of course) they don't use your bathroom. They either use their bathroom in their own RV or use the campground bathhouse. It's just my preference, but I wouldn't use a dishwasher. Although they use very little water, remember everything you wash has to go in the holding tank. If you want to camp where there are no hookups you need to be able to conserve water and electricity and what goes in the black and grey tanks so you don't have to dump as often. I do use my washer-dryer sometimes. Big living area more important than big kitchen. We cook less in the RV. We eat more simply prepared meals or grill out. We use paper plates to conserve dishwashing. As far as tools go, he only has one tool box of necessary tools. Remember that weight is also important.
  • lanerd wrote:

    What in the world do you need a roll around tool chest for?


    I agree ... Honestly, most of the tools I use are in the mechanics tool box that sits behind my rear seat in the truck. Few other items in the big chest....torque wrench, grinder, cutoff wheel, etc....They could easily be stored elsewhere and certainly not used as much.

    Thanks for the info. Will certainly do some more searching. We've already scoured the forums, but lots more to read and learn.

    Thanks,
    The Smiths!
  • A lot depends upon the questions asked above. If you're gonna travel a lot, probably a mh is the better way to go.

    What in the world do you need a roll around tool chest for? I do carry a good assortment of tools with me, but all can easily fit into a small chest that I can pick up. It's a common error for people to want to take much more with them than is really necessary. Most items, when needed, can be purchased.

    Another food for thought is the type of vehicle you want to drive when not in your rv. Most times, driving a 1-ton dually around in a crowded city can be a little uncomfortable.

    There have been many posts regarding mh v.s. 5er. Do a search and I'm sure you'll find most of your questions answered already.


    Good luck in your decision.

    Ron
  • Sorry about that....I should have specified what our plans are.

    My job affords me the ability to work remote (just need internet). While we would like to see the country and most certainly will, we plan on staying in each location for a month or two at a time.

    This could be at a FHU site or not. We both love the outdoors and leaning towards solar as much as possible and possibly some spots we may only be there for a week or two.

    Ultimately, we plan on getting some property and building a place (this is a few years out). It's just the 2 of us and can honestly go and do what we want...Well, as much as the income allows.

    We will essentially have only a trailer payment (we plan on putting 20-30k down...is this smart?) We have a well maintained truck to pull with and will be paid off in a few months.Literally no other bills...No credit card debt, nothing.
  • but what you do not say is what kind of camping you intend to do.
    FHU? boondock? permanent or semi permanent spot? lots of moving around?
  • not a full timer but by RV or toy hauler are you talking about Class A MH vs a 5er? one thing I wouldn't like with a 5er is that you are stuck with one huge poor gas mileage, clunky piece of machinery to go off the main roads with, parking in a city, etc. whereas with a Class A you can tow a small 4 x 4 for excursions.
    bumpy