Forum Discussion

Bobbyg2013's avatar
Bobbyg2013
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013

Part-Time Home

I am downsizing from a large home to a RV in a park for 6 summer months. I plan on putting a unit on a permanent location in a nice RV park never to be moved. I need ideas as to what to buy: new or used, 5th Wheel or TT, brand, size, etc. I am 6'3" and 215# so I need a roomy shower and bed. Thanks for any help I can get.

9 Replies

  • wa8yxm wrote:
    pawatt wrote:
    If you are not going to move get a used Park Model, more room & cheaper.


    I will second that..

    Choices best to worst:

    Park model (Best)
    Other trailer (5er or tt)
    Motor home (Any class) WORST.


    Agree. For permanence, Park Model is ideal. Not sure where you're putting it, but if it's in hurricane zones, might be worth another look.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    pawatt wrote:
    If you are not going to move get a used Park Model, more room & cheaper.


    I will second that..

    Choices best to worst:

    Park model (Best)
    Other trailer (5er or tt)
    Motor home (Any class) WORST.
  • If it will not be moved, get a Park Model. They're a lot cheaper than a quality 5th wheel. Are there a lot of Park Models in the park you're considering? If so, even if you decide to go somewhere else, there's a very good chance that someone else in the park will buy it from you, if you keep it in good condition. Good luck!
  • Bobbyg2013 wrote:
    I am downsizing from a large home to a RV in a park for 6 summer months. I plan on putting a unit on a permanent location in a nice RV park never to be moved. I need ideas as to what to buy: new or used, 5th Wheel or TT, brand, size, etc. I am 6'3" and 215# so I need a roomy shower and bed. Thanks for any help I can get.


    We have been since May 2004 living full-time in a 30 ft. travel trailer with one slide and since we are under 5'6" we are doing fine, but we are in our 70s. And we have found ourselves saying to each, "what are we doing, we said we would never ... " and then we look at each other and laugh!

    I would definitely get a fiver if we did this over. AND a full-sized queen mattress .. we have a short queen (big mistake).

    We have looked at fivers which were definitely made for someone 6' or taller .. I couldn't reach the lower cabinets and I am 5'1". So we have fewer choices.

    AND a number of fivers will give you a livingroom which allows for entertaining friends which is important if you are sited for an extended period of time. We miss our lounge chairs and many fivers have room for lounge chairs.

    One thing we learned early on .. no need for more than 2 sets of linens .. one set is on the bed/towel rack and the other in the hamper.

    You don't say how old you are or what you have for a tow vehicle. Just remember that a reputable rv sales lot will move your purchase into an rv park, and set it up ready to be moved into. Then should it be needed to moved, there are professionals who can do this.

    Again if I had to do it again, I would get a new fiver .. preferably a new one .. unless you know the history and trust the previous owner. AND there is also the other option of buying used, but it takes a very careful inspection of any used unit. We have noticed in some larger rv park there are units for sale (either posted in the rv or a list in the office).

    Good Luck.
  • PapPappy wrote:
    If you are sure you never plan to move it...get the Park model, that is what they are made for.

    No reason to have all the travel trailer stuff (Holding tanks, etc) when you are not going to be moving it.


    Pretty good advice, as long as the rent doesn't get out of hand. I've considered it, but the "never" word holds me back.
  • If you are sure you never plan to move it...get the Park model, that is what they are made for.

    No reason to have all the travel trailer stuff (Holding tanks, etc) when you are not going to be moving it.
  • Some models are better suited for full timing I'm beginning to learn. I would look for 50 amp service, a queen or king mattress which you will probably want to replace. Often they are shorter than a regular mattress but we replaced ours with an air mattress that fits under the vanity overhand when the slide is brought in. Consider how hard or easy changing sheets will be.

    We have a 32 foot box with two slides and it got pretty small after a couple months. You don't say if you will have a second person with you, but that is a consideration. I'd max out on slides if I was going to go full time, especially if the unit would be permanently set.

    Fivers are usually larger and heavier but some people don't like steps so prefer a travel trailer, or tow-behind.

    I like Jayco products but have limited experience. Our Eagle is nice, but in your case I'd look at one of their higher end units. Don't be in a hurry. Look at all the brands and floor plns you can find

    Others will have their suggestions.

    Good luck.
  • If you are not going to move get a used Park Model, more room & cheaper.