So I'm stationed at Fort Lewis and I just entered the full time lifestyle, and what a bumpy road it has been. First off, I believe I purchased the wrong rv (2015 Keystone Hideout 308bhds) to start full timing. Two slideouts, not nearly enough storage and not an ounce of insulation I know this is going to be a rough winter. So next year this time I am planning to trade this one in and go for a front living room arrangement. I'm looking at Wana rvs in Indiana for my next purchase. Unfortunately, they do not accept new rvs as trades. I'm just stressed out. DW doesn't like that the dogs are under her feet all the time, the kitchen is right across from the ONE sofa we have, the air conditioner feels like it's blowing out heat, and the no space among other things! We love the full time lifestyle, just chose the wrong fifth wheel. Any of you fine ladies and gents know of any rv wholesale dealers that will accept a new trade?

Most any dealer will take your trade. You just may not like the offer.Check with Thunder RV in Lagrande,OR for what they can do in trade on a new Arctic Fox.

Don advise isn't bad, but start local. Go to Sumner RV, just up the road. Maybe also go to Apache RV in Everett (Apache RV in Tacoma can't sell Arctic Fox trailer due to Sumner RV)If you owe on the current rig, you are unlikely to get a trade in large enough to payoff the loan.Also "wholesale" dealers is just a sales ploy. But the dogs under foot......

Personally I don't like "front" living quarters. But Thunder RV has the initial production unit of Northwoods new monster. Big enough to have a separate kennel areaDesert Fox35-5SG

I wish you the best in getting what you want. Thank you for your service.

Can you handle the truth?Do you want to hear the truth?I vaguely heard you say yessssss in the background,You, and particularly your wife, are not cut out for this experience. You and others have already outlined more issues than most committed couples do in a lifetime. And 99% of those were not confined to an RV (Doesn't matter how BIG that puppy is)After all of the time that we have spent out here, we answer the same questions ad infinitum. And the answers are always the same:1) Would we do it again? Unequivocally YES2) Do you have to be best friends first? Once again, a giant YEP!

Need a better fifth wheel fir full timing | Good Sam Community

DallasSteve
Nomad
Jul 20, 2015
The DRV Mobile Suite Estates 38RSB3

$100,0000+ for a trailer. I'm not saying it's not worth it. I'm just saying you could buy 4 new Keystones for that price. I hope it lasts 4 times as long.
Ray-EOD
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
steadypraying426 - Welcome to the FT club. My wife and I are loving it, with 3 dogs. We went the toy hauler route, and it works great for us. We can put the dogs in the garage and come and go as we please or keep them out with us when we want.
Lots of storage in ours, we have a 2014 Torque 380, but no RV will have a great amount.
There are some rear living also, which will allow you to close off the living area with doors while leaving the kitchen and bedroom open for you without the dogs or the other way around.
I would suggest getting on RVtrader.com and just look around and find the one that works or you. There are lots of great ones out there.
I can tell you no two of us will agree on what RV is the best, but some are built better than other.
Stay safe out there and enjoy the RV'ing lifestyle.
grandma_lynn
Explorer
Jul 26, 2015
Check out a glacier peak, they are made in LaGrande, OR. I looked at one, better insulated, heated tanks, 1 solar panel with plug and play capabilities for 2 more panels. If I were trading our cardinal off I would sure put it on the list to seriously consider.
sheff69
Explorer
Jul 26, 2015
DallasSteve wrote:
The DRV Mobile Suite Estates 38RSB3

$100,0000+ for a trailer. I'm not saying it's not worth it. I'm just saying you could buy 4 new Keystones for that price. I hope it lasts 4 times as long.

It's the difference between staying at Motel 6, and the Hilton.
It's the lifestyle you want and are prepared to pay for.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
Hi neighbor, we live just east of you in Roy. Don't feel to bad about choosing the wrong RV as we bought a Class A and after our first trip, we decided we didn't like it at all and traded it in. There are a few things you can do to add insulation to warm up your rig, lots of rugs on the floor, vent stuffing, and insulating your windows with that plastic, and heavy curtains.
Can't think of much to do with the dogs except if they are small, building a fence and having them stay outside during the day.
You sure have to downsize when you move into an RV, and keep at it, Every year I look at what we have and if I didn't use it, out it goes. None of them have a lot of storage.
DallasSteve
Nomad
Jul 27, 2015
Roy&Lynne wrote:
Don't feel to bad about choosing the wrong RV as we bought a Class A and after our first trip, we decided we didn't like it at all and traded it in.

Roy&Lynne:

I'm considering options for a fulltime rig and I would like to avoid a big case of buyer's remorse. Maybe your experience would help. Do you mind explaining why you didn't like the Class A? What did you settle on after you traded it in? I looked briefly at your blog, but I didn't see your rig.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
DallasSteve wrote:
Roy&Lynne wrote:
Don't feel to bad about choosing the wrong RV as we bought a Class A and after our first trip, we decided we didn't like it at all and traded it in.

Roy&Lynne:

I'm considering options for a fulltime rig and I would like to avoid a big case of buyer's remorse. Maybe your experience would help. Do you mind explaining why you didn't like the Class A? What did you settle on after you traded it in? I looked briefly at your blog, but I didn't see your rig.

LOL, There were a couple of things. First it didn't have a drivers side door and that scared the heck out of me, also I didn't like how it took curves, it felt top heavy-ish, so we bought a Class C, which was going to be our last. Well, now I'm looking at a another one as we should have bought one with a slide. I'm currently drooling over the Phoenix Cruiser 2551 Clicky I hate the dinettes in most RVs, I think they are uncomfortable to sit in.
Happy Travels.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
Steadypraying, you might want to wait until fall as the Tacoma Dome will be having the end of season show and they have some great prices. I would avoid looking at Forest River and instead look at Winnebago, Jayco or something on that order.
DallasSteve
Nomad
Jul 27, 2015
Roy&Lynne

Thanks for the reply. That's an interesting comment about a Class A being top-heavy on curves. I was waiting to turn left at a light a few days ago and a city bus came around the corner fast and started to lean a lot. I thought it might fall on me, but it stayed upright. Comparing Class A and Class C, I like both, but I do like having a little more "crush zone" in front of my driver's seat and I like having a truck like a Ford E-450. That Phoenix Cruiser 2551 is a very unusual floorplan. I don't think it would be right for me because I would rather have a queen slide-out than a bunk house, but it's a lot of home for only 25 feet. I'm probably getting close to 35 feet with the Class C plans that I like.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
I don't think the Class A would ever tip, it just felt top heavy.
The Phoenix isn't for everyone that is for sure, and the comments that I have read is if your over 6' the beds are to short.

Forum Discussion

Need a better fifth wheel fir full timing

About Full Time RVers

Related Content

Difficulty timing a 1995 Chevy 454ci

Full time stationary living (2015 DRV Mobile Suites 41RSSB4)

First time

tire time

Full Time Motorhome