Hello,I just joined this forum. I'm a former sailor who has made a major change in his future plans -- instead of seeing the world from the deck of a sailboat, I'm going to see the United States from an RV. I'm going to be working full time in the beginning, but I work remotely for my employer, only requiring a high-speed Internet connection. Later (I'm 51 now), I might look into doing the work camper thing.I would appreciate any advice and suggestions for choosing an RV based on the following criteria:1. I will have $18,000 to spend. I want to pay cash and not finance anything. I'm very handy, so I don't mind doing some work to fix something up. I have the skills to repair and add mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures/gear. I'm definitely going to be buying used, both the trailer and the tow vehicle.2. I will be spending about three to four months in each location, moving as the seasons change to experience the weather I enjoy: 50 to 75 degrees daytime highs, low humidity, clear, sunny skies.3. For living space: a bed that can remain permanently set up (don't want to be converting a dinette or pull-out sofa into the bed each night); a bathroom with a toilet, sink, shower, and holding tank; a kitchen with fridge, oven/range, double sink, and microwave; a comfortable seat/chair; a permanently arranged dinette for eating meals. I don't need a lot of space. I lived aboard a 28 foot sailboat for a year and a half; it was tiny.4. I've pretty much ruled out a motor home, because I will occasionally need to drive a considerable distance to visit family. I would like to be able to leave the "home" where it is, and drive a more fuel efficient vehicle. So I'm considering either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.I think what would be most helpful to me right now is to first decide which would be preferable based on my criteria: a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!Jay

Search the Internet for RV shows and attend the biggest one you can find. Or, if you have large RV dealers in your city, visit several of them. Look in, around, under, over as many RVs as you can. You may find a used unit that fits your requirements exactly. At the very least, you'll get an idea of what's available, what you like and what you don't like.

I'd suggest considering a TT and put a cap on your pickup to carry/store stuff.bumpy

It really depends on what you are planning on towing it with. Do you understand how to match a tow vechile with a travel trailer? Do you know the difference between towing capacity and payload? Do you realize that payload will often be exceeded before reaching towing capacity - depending on the TV chosen? Is 18K you total budget for TT and TV? If you are worried about driving a fuel efficient vechile, it most likely won't be your tow vechile - espically if you purchase a fiver.

I think the biggest obstacle you have right now is your desire to purchase everything for your set amount. Unless you already have your tow vehicle, you'll easily spend your entire budget on that alone. It would be worth it if you started visiting auto dealerships and RV sales lots to begin to really get a handle on the cost. You may come across a good used camper and truck (tow vehicle), but if you don't start looking now (and be willing to purchase it now), the opportunity for a sweet deal may never come again. You need to focus on your tow vehicle first, keeping in mind what you want to tow. It doesn't make any sense to buy the trailer first and then have no way to move it, even to a storage facility.My suggestion, visit the dealerships to learn and compare several brands at the same time, then watch the classified ads for similar brands and models. Then go visit the locations and look at those campers for sale.Any way you do it though, your financial plans are really tight.

If your budget of 18k is for the rv only, you have some options. Otherwise, good luck. You best bet may be to find a package deal of a 10 year old truck and rv together.

New to RVs -- Planning for First One | Good Sam Community

About RV Newbies

4,032 PostsLatest Activity: Apr 08, 2026

Forum Discussion

About RV Newbies

Related Content

Service Plans

Who’s planning

Route Planning Question

Summer Plans

Visible Cell Plans & Service