Full time rated?

[FSJPat]

So, due to an impending divorce, I am currently full timing in my Class C MH. Once I sell my house, I plan on trading up to a FW for full timing. The two brands I am looking at are Heartland and Prime Time (Crusader). I have been scouring the websites to find out what models are rated (warrantied) for full time use, but I am not finding the info I am looking for. Thanks for any help.

[hitchup]

We've lived in a Pilgrim Open Road and in two Suites over the last 8 years. By far, the DRV Suites are more comfortable in all 4-Seasons, from -4 up to 101 degrees. The Elite and now our Mobile Suite also withstand the rigors of daily living. I'm in our unit nearly 24/7 while DH is off at his jobsite.

The only reason we are upgrading to a new Suite next month is because they've made so many improvements in the last 5 years, that we can't upgrade this unit to make it match a new unit.

It will be our full-time retirement home and we anticipate living in it at least 25 years.

[Yosemite_Dan]

You are going to get a lot of responses with a wide range of prices and quality. I have lived in a Teton, Bounder (Class A) and Open Range and each has it's advantage and disadvantages at the same time I've known other full-timers with expensive RVs that seem to have the same problems I have. True construction is everything but all trailers are designed for over the road use. If you are planning alot of off-roading or rough roads then consider a "heavy" fiver otherwise go out and get what fits you the best i.e. storage, kitchen, bath etc. at the price you can afford and enjoy full-timing!

[justme]

I would consider more upscale trailers like DRV and on the lower side the Redwood for full timing because they seem to cut less corners in their plumbing, electrical, furniture and basic construction with that use real plywood in the floor and roof. I have noticed some manufacturers like Heartland claim full time because they increase the tank capacity's, propane, water and sewer. Mostly it is a marketing gimmick. When I was in the Army they claimed my tent was for full time.

[kakampers]

Fulltimed for six years in a 2008 Bighorn, and am currently full timing in a 2013 Landmark.

Regardless of previous comments, I can tell you from actual experience that Heartland products are built to handle the rigors of full timing...we towed our Bighorn for more than 80k miles and it was like new when it went to it's new owner.

Heartland was great to deal with, both during and after the warranty period.

[huntram]

motorcycle jack wrote:
DRV's Mobile Suites was created for full timing. With the R ratings it is made for living down to 0 degrees. With the 15" frame it is made to handle any traveling. Just ask someone who has one or check one out. It's not the glitz that makes it a full timers dream but the construction. Things like 17.5" wheels, solid wood interior, residential refrigerator...I could go on but then I'd be bragging, so I'll quit. But seriously they are heavy but will give you all the comforts of home and last for full timing and built for it.

Jack hit the nail on the head! "It's not the glitz that makes it a full timers dream but the construction."

It is true that many like Heartland (Thor)and Forest River use the same refer and stove as the DRV or Lifestye, but it is the construction that will make or break the rig. What type of frame does it have, the floor and joists, cabinet construction. When you look behind and underneath you fill find the true fulltime rigs.
Good Luck in making the right decision for you,
Brian

[MPI_Mallard]

We full-time in a Cedar Creek Daydreamer(a brand I'd recommend hands down) and are very satisfied with it, as far as warranties are concerned all manufacturers only give a one year warranty as far as I know and aside an extended warranty which I think is a colossal waste of money your pretty much on your own so for a fiver to be good to "full-time" in will come down to your needs and your pocket book. Our CC Daydreamer is very well built with Traiair pinbox and center point air ride system and hydraulic levelers and slides, much preferred to electric also what works for us is it has exceptional storage both inside and out which is REALLY important for FT living. Our fiver has a 18 cubic ft. household fridge with icemaker which I wouldn't do without and a combo washer-dryer, add a great layout and computer desk and you have a true "condo on wheels" but all this equals weight (16.000lbs. +) which means you'll need a proper truck to haul it, a 3500 series diesel dually, I cringe every time I see a huge fiver on the rear of some under-rated pick-up struggling under the load, in short to "full time" successfully the fiver that YOUR happy with that will meet YOUR needs will be the right one(exept stay away from anything Fleetwood) do it right the first time and it'll be a blast!!!

Good Luck!

Red Green:
There's only two things that excite
a man, expensive toys and real
expensive toys.

[FSJPat]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
Heartland, Big Horn, Big Country and Landmark are designated for full timing. What does this mean in the grand scheme of things...In my opinion, Nothing. They use the same cheap furniture as many others, same construction techniques, appliances so on. There are many other brands that are not full time rated that may have several better quality furnishings, so on. Heartland will warranty them for full time living. Ever hear of someone not getting warranty coverage because they lived in a unit full time? How does a dealer even know if you are a full timer? Buy what you like and don't worry about it..

B.O.

B.O.,

How do you like your 3250TS? That's one of the main ones I'm looking at; a dealer close to me has a couple in stock. A friend has a 3450TS, and it seems like a great rig, one of the main reasons I am looking at Heartlands.

[richfaa]

IMO.. No 5th wheel regardless of brand or price range is suitable for full timing. Having said that folks full time in all brands all price ranges.

many brands market them selves as "full time rated" the Keystone Montana line just added them selves to that list. If you have the bucks buy one that is "full time" rated. The reality is that you can full time in any brand, any price range. Purchase the best you can afford.

[B_O__Plenty]

Heartland, Big Horn, Big Country and Landmark are designated for full timing. What does this mean in the grand scheme of things...In my opinion, Nothing. They use the same cheap furniture as many others, same construction techniques, appliances so on. There are many other brands that are not full time rated that may have several better quality furnishings, so on. Heartland will warranty them for full time living. Ever hear of someone not getting warranty coverage because they lived in a unit full time? How does a dealer even know if you are a full timer? Buy what you like and don't worry about it..

B.O.

[jmtandem]

The Escapees is a web site full of info for those full timing. You might ask that question on their forum and get the answers you are looking for.

[motorcycle_jack]

DRV's Mobile Suites was created for full timing. With the R ratings it is made for living down to 0 degrees. With the 15" frame it is made to handle any traveling. Just ask someone who has one or check one out. It's not the glitz that makes it a full timers dream but the construction. Things like 17.5" wheels, solid wood interior, residential refrigerator...I could go on but then I'd be bragging, so I'll quit. But seriously they are heavy but will give you all the comforts of home and last for full timing and built for it.

[Eycom]

Consider joining RV Consumer Group. While Some folks don't put much stock in their info, they've been rating RVs for over 20 years, indicating that many people do. They provide ratings for new and used, going back 10 or 12 years, which is helpful now that the "old" new brochures have long flown off the shelves. Membership does cost. But, relative to the overall cost of ownership of a camper, it's a paltry sum to have all that info at your finger tips. In addition, it's a time-saver while pinpointing your needs. Not the only source of information, but a pretty darn good one.

[Capt_Skup]

"Impending divorce", "Hot Nurse" Associated?