Forum Discussion

CampinHappy's avatar
CampinHappy
Explorer
Jan 24, 2021

Getting back to a RV now as an empty nester

Haven't been on the forums in a while since we sold our trailer about 3 years ago. The wifey and I are now wanting to get back into RV'ing without our 3 man-cubs who have basically flown the proverbial coop. Having been through the ranks of a pop-up for 5 years with the littles, a 35 foot KZ with our 3 sons for 10 years, it's now time for a trailer for the two of us, and maybe some grandkids in a few years (no hurry on that). We spent 4 hours today looking at Outbacks, Bullets, and some Montana 5th wheels at a local dealer, but think we got close but not a bullseye on the best one for us. Here's what we're looking for in our next RV:

  • Lots of windows for the wifey, kind of almost like we had in the pop-up, but knowing a hard side has to have a kitchen
  • Couch and or recliners, free standing table&chairs a must
  • Not a monster, I'd like to keep it shorter since we want to dry camp sometimes up off of forest service roads
  • TV/fake Fireplace - Not necessary
  • Out side kitchens would be nice
  • Full size Queen or King bed


If you have a model that has windows where you can sit and see out more than the average RV, and not necessarily a basic model, I would appreciate your recommendations.

Shalom'
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Jan 24, 2021
    My wife and I are also without rug rats. We had a bunk house in case the grandkids wanted to go along but sold it after one trip because it did not have a full time bed and it was like a cave with a shortage of windows.
    We looked at many TT before we found our Viking 17RD. We wanted a shorter TT because we own a good sized property with limited parking due to a stream and steep hills. Our Viking has a full length Queen, lots of windows by the dinette and it is big enough for our usage. We travel of 4 weeks at a time at least twice a year. Before getting married, I traveled by motorcycle for over 15 years so any TT seems like a mansion to me.
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2021
    Wife and I are empty nesters as well but the desire to camp continues.
    We wanted a trailer that had plenty of windows and not to exceed 30 feet but comfortable enough to spend weeks at a time in.

    We went to several RV shows and walked in over 100 units over a spand of 6 months.....we walked into a 2020 Outback 252urs and placed an order.

    That was a year ago and no regrets whatsoever.
    Hope you find something that you both enjoy.
  • afidel's avatar
    afidel
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2021
    Campinhappy, I apologise, the layout picture shows a window behind the TV and says it is flip up but that does not appear to be how they are actually built. I wonder if it was a planned feature and the dropped it due to Covid supplier shortages or just realized it would be too hard to build at that price point. Grand Design 310GK does for sure have the televator. The pull out kitchen might or might not meet your needs.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 24, 2021
    A fifth wheel will tow just as well as a TT, for off pavement use. You will need to have a minimum of 6"s bed rail clearance, and 7-8 even better. The description forest, brings up the height issue of most FWs. Most will be at least 12' tall, and tree branches will make travel on forest service roads a challenge.

    Most FWs have lots of big windows, and the ceilings are higher, giving a spacious feel. Lots of options, starting about 30' in total length.

    Jerry
  • CampinHappy's avatar
    CampinHappy
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2021
    afidel - I looked at several models today with similar floorplans like the 298RLS and we liked them, but even when I look up this one I don't see the TV on the televator due to the outside kitchen. If there was some way that they could have the outside kitchen AND a view there, it would be perfect. I even told the wifey that I could put a camera outside on that angle and show the image on the TV.

    Also since I've never had a 5th wheel, I was wondering how it would pull off road, not like rough rocky stuff, but on some forest service roads, gravel and caliche', nothing horrible?

    Thanks1
  • afidel's avatar
    afidel
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2021
    Not sure what your definition of monster is. Forest River RV Wildcat 298RLS is <35' long, has an outdoor kitchen, has both couch and recliners, free standing table, full queen (I think), decent tanks, and the TV is on a televator so just leave it down if you don't want it, you can look out the big windows behind where it normally goes =)
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Jan 24, 2021
    We are just about empty nesters, and are thinking of selling our bunkhouse and going to more of a couples trailer. We saw a Jayco 321RSTS, and really liked it. Lots of windows, and open and airy on the inside. It’s a 5thwheel, but on the smaller side.
    We had a pop up for 9 years before our bunkhouse TT, and really miss the windows.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2021
    CampinHappy wrote:
    Haven't been on the forums in a while since we sold our trailer about 3 years ago. The wifey and I are now wanting to get back into RV'ing without our 3 man-cubs who have basically flown the proverbial coop. Having been through the ranks of a pop-up for 5 years with the littles, a 35 foot KZ with our 3 sons for 10 years, it's now time for a trailer for the two of us, and maybe some grandkids in a few years (no hurry on that). We spent 4 hours today looking at Outbacks, Bullets, and some Montana 5th wheels at a local dealer, but think we got close but not a bullseye on the best one for us. Here's what we're looking for in our next RV:

    • Lots of windows for the wifey, kind of almost like we had in the pop-up, but knowing a hard side has to have a kitchen
    • Couch and or recliners, free standing table&chairs a must
    • Not a monster, I'd like to keep it shorter since we want to dry camp sometimes up off of forest service roads
    • TV/fake Fireplace - Not necessary
    • Out side kitchens would be nice
    • Full size Queen or King bed


    If you have a model that has windows where you can sit and see out more than the average RV, and not necessarily a basic model, I would appreciate your recommendations.

    Shalom'


    Look up Lance trailers. Good quality .well built and with choices of smaller sizes, i.e. 18',20'24'.

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