RVs and 5th wheels

I wouldn’t get in any hurry if you’re just starting out. I have no clue how much you know about RV’s or what you have for a TV. Or if you have one. RV’s include everything from a MH to a PU trailer and they all best serve different purposes. If you can give us more background I think you’ll get much better answers to your questions.

Just some initial thoughts, though. If you’re interested in a FW you need to think at least ¾ ton truck. When I bought my ½ ton I was initially thinking FW. But as I got educated I realized the pin weight for a FW was a real load for it. The deal breaker for me, though, was it was too high to go back the forest roads where I camp.

Rubber roofs, my perception is that I don’t read much good about them on the forum. But I don’t have one and am not qualified to comment on them. There are some good entry level RV’s and if you’re a newbie it’s wise to look at used. A great many people don’t really know what best suits them when they start out and after using one for awhile they replace it. And that can get expensive if you buy new; they’re noted for their depreciation. Having said that, you tend to get what you pay for. But for a newbie I think entry level would work fine.

Pretty sure the rubber roof is the most common trailer roof on the market at this time. Most last around 15 years with basic care.

Trailers/Coaches come in different levels of finish. Depending upon you budget I'd guess I'd look for a brand with respected construction and then see what level of finish my budget and/or I desired.

Break it into pieces or steps and take it one step at a time.

1- determine what you want to do with it. National and State Parks have size limitations. Will you have hook ups or need bigger tanks to be off the grid? Bunkroom models are great if you have kids. Are you taking any toys (motorcycles, ATV's, golf cart?)
2- determine coach, 5th wheel or travel trailer. The last two need a tow vehicle but the coach may need a towed car (toad) for sight seeing.
3- determine new or used. Personal choice and budget.
4- pick a floor plan. Sit in the chairs, lay down on the beds, pretend to live in it. Stand in the shower and go through the motions and same in the kitchen. Can you all move around in it. Can you access what you need to while the slides are in? Some people like to stop for lunch and use the restroom and opening a slide is not an option.
5- where will you store it? Will it fit?

Hope that helps.

To better help you, we need more info. How much time will you be spending in your RV and how many miles will you be taking it per year? And.... If you choose a 5th wheel, do you already have a capable pickup or will you need to purchase one as well?

A 5th wheel *is* an RV. Perhaps you're referring to a MH.