How to decide pre owned RV for full time 50’s amateurs??

jplante4 wrote:
The idea really has nothing to do with setup time but rather relative comfort on the road vs. at a camp site. Now, I'll preface this by saying that I've never had a RV with slideouts, but I think fivers are more comfy than a motorhome and 1 ton pickups don't have the smooth ride of a motorhome. Therefore, if you're on the road a lot, a motorhome will likely be more comfortable whereas the extra room in a fiver (per foot, not needing room for propulsion) would be more comfortable on the campsite.

And maybe you guys are the exception to the setup time, but if it takes me more than 15 minutes from backing in the motorhome to drinks in hand, I'm doing something wrong. I haven't personally witnessed a fiver setup taking anywhere near that short.

The crush zone argument is moot when several tons of trailer comes through your back window.

Actually towing, the ride quality in a big pickup gets better as there is enough weight to make springs work. Then again modern pickups are pretty plush compared to what you got back in the 70's. After a rental car, I'm always happy to have my truck back.

I've driven a couple MH (A & C) and didn't see any major advantage as a driver. Maybe if you go up to top of the line diesel pushers but no way I can justify $200-400k for slight improvement in driving.

As far as scenery...usually we take the truck by itself if just out for a scenic drive.

Yeah, around 15-20min to set up our 5er and it doesn't have auto levelers, so we could trim a few minutes off if we added them. Of course, by starting the clock as you are backing, you omit a few minutes to unhook the toad (if you don't have a toad, you are eating up more time every time you take the MH out for a day trip)...really, it's pretty much a wash.

The idea really has nothing to do with setup time but rather relative comfort on the road vs. at a camp site. Now, I'll preface this by saying that I've never had a RV with slideouts, but I think fivers are more comfy than a motorhome and 1 ton pickups don't have the smooth ride of a motorhome. Therefore, if you're on the road a lot, a motorhome will likely be more comfortable whereas the extra room in a fiver (per foot, not needing room for propulsion) would be more comfortable on the campsite.

And maybe you guys are the exception to the setup time, but if it takes me more than 15 minutes from backing in the motorhome to drinks in hand, I'm doing something wrong. I haven't personally witnessed a fiver setup taking anywhere near that short.

The crush zone argument is moot when several tons of trailer comes through your back window.

valhalla360 wrote:

jplante4 wrote:
The general rule is if you're going to sit a lot, a trailer or 5th wheel is best. Traveling - a class C or class A motor home.

My experience is it takes about the same amount of time to set up or tear down in real life.

In real life, you still need to hook up the TOAD to a MH. Everything else is about the same (assuming similarly outfitted RV's)

As a 5er owner who rarely spends more than 3 days anywhere I'd love to know where that generalisation comes from.

Time for setup & teardown is about a wash. I have yet to see anyone in an A get up & use the bathroom while cruising down the highway & I sure don't want the DW up & about making lunch while on the road either.

You can pull into Walmart & not have to go outside. Big deal! How often does one stop at Walmart & NOT go inside for something. Again, a wash.

True, sitting up there right behind that big beautiful windshield is nice. It puts you so much closer to the action when you get to the scene of a crash. No crush zone.

Still, there is a seat for everyones backside to sit in. We simply have to decide which type fits best.

jplante4 wrote:
The general rule is if you're going to sit a lot, a trailer or 5th wheel is best. Traveling - a class C or class A motor home.

My experience is it takes about the same amount of time to set up or tear down in real life.

In real life, you still need to hook up the TOAD to a MH. Everything else is about the same (assuming similarly outfitted RV's)

wanderingbob wrote:
If you are going to be looking for work a trailer and a pickup would be my choice , . Buy the smallest trailer that you can live with , not the largest that you can afford . Keep it simple , no bells and whistles ! If you do not have IT then you do not have to pay someone a hundred dollars an hour to fix it .

This is great advise! Not unlike mine!

.Surely you have walked the walk of RVing!

Welcome to RV.net!

I like the way you're thinking. I would advise a newish extended cab pickup truck, pulling a rather small travel trailer to fulfill your needs best of all starting out on your new odyssey.

You're in a great position for some adventure, and I hope you can take advantage of the opportunity afforded to you by your jobs being phased out.

Best regards, and read up and take it all in here on RV.net!





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AmateurRV wrote:
What’s the best way to decide which RV style (class a, b, c, travel trailer, 5th wheel, airstream) to purchase for this amateur early 50’s couple?

We’ve never RV’d before. Jobs phasing out in 2 months. Tired of rat race anyway, selling everything and currently in the planning stage of hitting the road full time (maybe in 6-12 months). We are not rich (about $100k banked). Approx $500/month non-earned-income stream is expected and expect that we will need to work along the way. We do have some outdoors camping experience.

Which RV? We are open to pre owned and open to a diesel crew cab if necessary. I have experience driving a converted van with a large cube box on back. Some small boat trailering experience. Thank you...

You plan to live on 500$ a month?

How much do you spend now,,on food,,fuel,vehicle insurance,repairs..etc
traveling wont be any cheaper even if you boondock full time,
as youll pay more for fuel..and food if eating out all the time.

If you dont like rat race,take life more slowly..

Uhmmmm... well, that’s kind of the nature of forums.

I agree with you but the choices are close the thread or let posters keep on posting.

And you never know. Maybe he’s reading them.

It’s not like we’re going to run out of electrons.

Ok I posted this earlier then deleted it thinking it was not relevant.

These types of posts always draw a big reply, however the OP isn't looking for advise. I believe the die is cast and they're looking for affirmation. We might as well be talking to a wall. Notice that the OP has not returned and probably never will. I can't them saying "Oh, the guys and gals over on RV.NET think this is a bad idea, I'd better reconsider". More likely "What a bunch of idiots".

Face it; we're all just posting for something to do. We're not going effect his decision one way or the other.

With your limited income, a truck and trailer or 5th wheel would be the best choice. A motorized RV can be very expensive. Purchase something used. But before you purchase anything, sit down with Excel and develop a budget and see what is possible. Your fuel costs will depend on how often you move. Your site costs will depend on where you stay. Your propane and electric costs will depend on the outside temperature. Make sure you have money for insurance, maintenance, health care, food, etc. No one can answer your question because there are too many unknowns.