It's finally time!

stetwood wrote:


As far as getting into a high cab, do as I did my in-laws, carry a wooden box about 6 or 8 inches high by 14 x 18 inches for stability. Set by the door and it "lowers" the truck 6 or 8 inches.

We used a folding step stool that fit under the front seat when not in use. Also it was easier for MIL to get in & out of front passenger seat.

Our first RV was a new 1994 20' TT and I had a 1993 Chevy Astro Van. The van was capable of towing this little trailer, but it didn't have the suspension when we were full of water and supplies and it once nearly got us in a wreck. I then got a '96 GMC Jimmy with better towing results, but my '99 Ford F150 handled it best.

Then, after discovering this website in '02, I decided a 5th wheel was the way to go so I purchased the truck first, an '02 Chevy Duramax Diesel (still have it). Found a perfect small used '01 Cardinal 5ver (still have that too). Could be happier with both, even after all these years. If fact, after looking for a newer 5ver this year, and not being able to find what I wanted, decided to keep my '01 Cardinal because it was in excellent shape and we tow to Florida for the winter and take it out often in the summer.

Bottom line: Really decide what kind of RV you want first. A good recently used camper is a good idea because of the savings you will realize over purchasing new. But if you really want new that's up to you. Just remember that many RV owners usually enjoy their first RV and almost always want something a "little bit" bigger, especially if they enjoy camping and/or taking lengthy trips. Diesels, especially new ones, are expensive. If you want to pull a toy hauler or a nice sized 5ver you'll do best with a diesel because gassers, pulling that kind of weight, get very poor mileage. If you think you'll be happy with a TT in the 22'-27' range a gasser with a good towing suspension may work for you, but the mileage will still be poor.

Can't comment too much on trucks as I started out with what I thought would be big enough ( GMC 2500). It was great for the trailer but I bought the truck camper and all of a sudden the too big truck wasn't big enough.:S
As far as trailer, for us it was the floor plan. I started out, no rear slide and no bunk house; guess what the Jayco has. Rear slide and front bunks> BUT the way it is laid out is great for two of us. The bicycles go in the front and the slide gives us a lot more room. Go to some shows and look and sit. The floorplan will "talk" to you, then sit and ponder in the chosen unit before going to look at more.
Good luck with both of your choices/ decisions.
Brian

Depending on the year of your Durango, it could be very different than a truck. My 2002 Durango is much lower than a 2012 or newer Ram truck. My Dad had a 2005 Durango that was higher than mine (enough that he couldn't get into his after knee replacement, but could get into mine), but was still significantly lower than his 2012 Ram 3500 truck. Again, go test drive some and get a real idea of any difference.

I agree with stetwood regarding size. How much space you need has a direct bearing on your personal particulars. Many people will tell you to go bigger than you think you need, but they are usually fulltimers with a different set of needs than a weekend camper; and visa versa.

How big of trailer or 5th wheel you get will depend upon your lifestyle. If you want all the amenities of home, than a big one will be required. If you intend on dragging out area rugs, lanterns, coolers, games etc then the big ones are needed. If you need a place to eat, cleanup and rest after a busy day then a smaller one (under 30') should do, especially if you move frequently and plan on spending a lot of time in State and National parks and forests.

As far as getting into a high cab, do as I did my in-laws, carry a wooden box about 6 or 8 inches high by 14 x 18 inches for stability. Set by the door and it "lowers" the truck 6 or 8 inches.

This is actually really great information, thank you. I will make sure my husband reads all of this. As far as the parents are concerned, when we had our Durango, having running boards and parking next a curb seemed to do the trick, so I think a truck would be fine if we don't go too large.

It is hard to really make any suggestions based on the information provided. If you need to use you TV to transport your "aging parents" around then a F350 or almost any 1-ton pickup may not work. My mother is 5' tall and 86 years old, she can't hop up in my F350.

But you may be 35 years old and your "aging parents" may only be 55 and able to jump right in!

As someone suggested already, start going to RV shows. We did that plus we started going through dealer's lots to get an idea of what we would want. It is a good idea to wait and buy the TV after you buy the TT or fiver. We had just purchased an F350 diesel for our business so we actually did it backwards but it couldn't be helped.

DINK = Double Income No Kids

I would suggest that you start looking at various RVs. Take notes as to what you like in each and what you don't. Look at floorplans, what is involved in setting it up at camp, etc. Be specific in your notes.

At the same time, start writing down where you know you want to go. Check those locations and find out if there are limitations on what is allowed (e.g., length, hybrid, drive-ability, etc.).

Then you can start comparing your notes to find what will work best for you. Put more emphasis on what you will use it for the most. If you'll be taking 20 weekend trips and one 2-week trip per year, then put more emphasis on the weekend trips - it's better to be a bit squished for 2 weeks a year, than to not fit in the local campgrounds. On the flipside, if you're going to be living in it for 2 months at a time, 3 times a year, then the extra living space will be of more concern. This is where you have to listen to your own self and not strangers on a forum - because what you need and want, and how you use it, will be different that anyone else.

Also, go test drive some trucks. Make sure you'll be comfortable driving it around town before you commit to it being your daily driver.

I will say that using a large pickup to drive aging parents around is probably going to be very difficult. If they have health issues (bad knees, breathing issues, mobility, etc.), climbing up into the cab is going to be awkward if not impossible.

It really boils down to what you are willing to put up with when it comes to a tow vehicle.

Any truck capable of towing a larger sized 5th wheel or toy hauler 5th wheel will be less comfortable as a daily driver. I have used a 3500 dually crewcab long bed and now have a 4500 dually crewcab long bed and was willing to put up with poor ride quality to have a safer towing experience.

For more comfort a 2500/F250 will be a little better and you can still get a fairly large TT, 5th wheel or toyhauler.

A suburban or expedition provides a better ride along with the capability to tow a good sized TT or toyhauler.

Here's a rule of thumb to keep in mind. Most RV'ers go through 3 RVs before they buy one that really fits their needs. Typically start off small with a Camper, tent trailer or small TT. Move up to a bigger TT or small MH. Then move into the 32ft Plus sized RV. It may be better to start off big.

There are some smaller toy haulers that can be pulled by half ton trucks. Honestly though you really need to decide what you want, what toys you might consider etc. Pulling a TT does open up the truck bed for toys, so a TH may not really be needed. Decide on what toys you might want, then decide how they will travel, then decide what is needed to accomplish the task.