Possible to install W/D? Full timers. First RV.

Give a look at one of these.
Excel Winslow 31RSE Has a W/D Prep in the Fwd bedroom. Try to find a 3 year old unit with a installed W/D. Have a look at www.excelrvs.com/5th Wheels
See if it will work for you. Just a suggestion for you.
Good luck,
Scott

See, we're still new to everything. We were solely set on a travel trailer, then someone talked us into (fairly easily) into 5th wheels. They seemed to be better for full-time since they were bigger and about the same price range. I didn't know toy haulers were even an option as far as full-time and haven't even looked at them. I'm assuming the "garage" is all insulated and can be used as another huge room?

Good response. Anything to persuade me not to have to keep looking forever for the right layout, price and one with a w/d hookup. There's about 30-50 5 wheel in my area on RV trader and I think I might have seen one or 2 with a w/d. They were either very small RV or just way too expensive. As like over $10-20k on our max price. The toy hauler is definitely a no though. We aren't traveling anywhere. We are staying in one spot for next 2.5 years then going from VA to FL and staying in one spot there. Not looking for a vacation or to haul a "toy" just looking so save loads of $$.

You might want to search RvSearch.com and look at a few more units. Ask on Rv.net about how good a certain manufacture is for full timing, and who might have one, if they recommend them to friends or only people they don't like anymore.

If you find a 10 year old Horizon RV, it is made for full timers, and probably will be in excellent shape even after 15 years of full time living in one. Others are not so well built. If you find a Horizons, look for a large truck to pull it, like a F-450 or F-550.

Before buying the truck, make sure the trailer weight will be compatible with the truck, or if you have one, you are limited by it's cargo rating. Many write here "I have a new 2500 Duramax rated to tow 14,000 pounds, however I can not find a fifth wheel that has less than 1,200 pounds on the pin, so I am WAY over my cargo rating if I take the wife and kids along." Many answers include get a dually. The highest weight rating for many years with single rear wheels was the 2005 and newer F-350. 2004 and earlier where only rated at 9,900 GVWR, while the diesel 4X4 crewcab weight was nearly 8,000 pounds, so towing capacity was very low, cargo rating dismal. Fine with the 460" gas engine, and regular cab, curb weight around 5,500 pounds and could carry 4,400 in the bed and cab.

One of the toy haulers that I found had dual 100 gallon fresh water tanks, and only a 60 gallon grey tank. This is fine if you are in a campground, or base housing campground. In the desert, most places it is fine to water the plants, if there are not any adjacent campers. Hoowever it is frowned on in National Parks, and will carry a stiff fine. This trailer also has washer dryer hookup, lots of storage, bunk beds in the back you can lower and then fill with cargo while moving from one base to another.

Fred.

We are w/d prepped but chose to have the extra storage.

Laundries in a c/g, if nice, is what we use otherwise we head to a laundromat if available close by.

With that it's personal preference if you really need on-board w/d.

I have seen a washer dryer set up in the bedroom of a couple of new units I saw at a RV show. Don't know how common it is though. Many RV's don't have a sewer hookup from the washer to the grey tank, only to the outlet past the grey tank, so you can not wash while dry camping, only with full hookups. Probably a good thing anyway, because they would quickly fill a typical 50 - 60 gallon grey tank in only 2 wash loads.

Personally, I don't like the washer, and have used campground washing machines, or more commonly would spend one day every 10 - 18 days at a laundrymat. I put everything into the washers at once, even my undies are blue, and no need to sort colors. I picked out the extra large machines that tumble the clothes, they sometimes accept 12 - 18 pounds of clothes per $4 or $6 washload. And then split it into 2 dryers per washing machine, to dry quickly. Be done with all the laundry in only about 2hours, including folding time.

Check the size of the laundry machines put into most RV's. They typically will hold two pairs of blue jeans, and take forever to dry on the 1,500 watt setting - 1/3 the wattage of most electric dryers. This is because they are 120 volts, not the 30 amp 240 volt 4,500 watt versions found in homes.

You might also consider a "toyhauler" that can haul around a car sometimes, and your other stuff. You can put full sized recliners into the back when the car is out. Keep the car very light, like Honda Civic, under the 2,000 pound ramp rating.

Good luck!

Fred.

Would it be worth getting an older model RV like 2007-2009 with one or a 2011 w/o one for the same price? Was just thinking of how much "use/wear" would be on the 2007.

Right, but we do like this one and was wondering how hard would it be to install a w/d in it and even if it's possible. Thanks for the response.

I would keep looking and get the floor plan you really want....including washer/dryer setup.

They are out there....good luck in your search.