Feedback Welcome - Used 5er for Winter, Boondocking

[streamers]

Hi,

I have had a bunch of TT, Tent Trailer and 5er. My last one was an Alpenlite Stonecreek and I had an awesome tow vehice, Ford 550 that I had perfect. Alas, no on in my family wanted to camp with me so I sold them. Sad day.

My kids are now grown and out of the house and my wife is an ex. I want to find a 5er in the 30-36 range that I can use to live in off and on over the next two to four years. My dad lives in Wyoming so I need something that will withstand some chilly/snowy times.

I'd like to spend $20k to $40k. Some of the questions I have and appreciate any feedback.

1) Experience with models that are great in winter, or to avoid.

2) I want to have a washer/dryer and gen set. Should I put in new ones myself or look for ones with installed units? Does it matter?

3) I want to max out ability to have solar panels, good battery bank and inverter so I can go a few days being cautious with usage with no generator.

4) Tips/tricks for water. I had 100 gallon tank in my Alpenlite...that was sweet.

5) Lots of Teton Homes/Carriages for sell out there. Any recommendations on brands no longer mnfged?

6) Putting in great bed after buying? I don't want to sleep on a **** mattress every night. Anyone rip out the bed in their unit and replace with something else.

7) Besides using 4G on mobile (if available), are there any affordabe satellite internet that are quasi-affordable?

Any other thoughts are very welcome!

Thanks,

Ken

[MFL]

elkfarmer wrote:
Best I have seen for all seasons are Excell, Alpenlite, Teton, Citation, Travel Supreme and New Horizon. NUWA higher end models being right on their heels. I would look for a nice used Alpenlite Villa as they had factory solar and gen sets. They were also set up for washer/dryer. New I would look at Northwood, Forest River Riverstone Legacy, Luxe Gold, Spacecraft and New Horizon. Carriage was well built but I prefer the Lifestyle brand. Very few will have the 100/gal on board anymore. Drv does but they are longer than you want. Northwood has 82 with the 16 gallon water heater. With all this said they will all freeze if it's cold enough without proper precautions.

Good advice here ^^^. Living through a Wyoming winter in a FW will be a challenge. Models mentioned above will make it more do able.

Jerry

[elkfarmer]

Should have said Alpenlite had the option for solar and gensets. Pre wired from factory.

[elkfarmer]

Best I have seen for all seasons are Excell, Alpenlite, Teton, Citation, Travel Supreme and New Horizon. NUWA higher end models being right on their heels. I would look for a nice used Alpenlite Villa as they had factory solar and gen sets. They were also set up for washer/dryer. New I would look at Northwood, Forest River Riverstone Legacy, Luxe Gold, Spacecraft and New Horizon. Carriage was well built but I prefer the Lifestyle brand. Very few will have the 100/gal on board anymore. Drv does but they are longer than you want. Northwood has 82 with the 16 gallon water heater. With all this said they will all freeze if it's cold enough without proper precautions.

[valhalla360]

Are you just visiting or staying for weeks/months?

If you are just visiting for a few days, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You might burn a little more propane heating but really not a big deal.

If you will be months in winter conditions...you can make it work but they all suck.

[ppine]

Plenty of people use trailers to live in full time all winter around mining towns. They insulate the bottom of the trailers and fill in the area from the frame to the ground. Electrical tape is common on exposed plumbing. Start with a 4 season coach and then you can add water tanks and mattresses and the like.

Nash, Arctic Fox, Outdoors RV