Getting ready to buy 5th wheel for full time living

[takethehill_rvl]

After kicking tires for 3 years our journey is almost complete. We have looked at Class A, Super C's, and 5th Wheels and we have finally decided that based upon our current situation a 5th wheel is going to give us the maximum space, most quality for the least amount of money to live in an rv full-time.

We don't own a truck but we are planning on being stationary for the first few years at an rv park (we do plan on taking it out occassionally once we get a truck - but will live primarily in one location). We are now trying to decide on which floor plan is best for us. We really like the rear kitchen floor plans but are having a hard time finding a good used one, we don't want one over 2-3 years old and would be willing to get new if it is in our price range. QUALITY is our biggest concern since we will be living in it full-time as we are not fixer upper people.

My wife and I are empty nesters about to turn 50 so we have a few more years to work, but are also looking into opportunities that will give us the freedom to work on the road. We would appreciate any advice and wisdom on the best 5th wheel manufacturers, so far we are looking at the Open Range 388RKS, Montana 3735MK, and the Palomino Columbus 340rk.

Thanks for your help as we close in on the purchase of our rv and begin the journey of full time rv living.

[ReneeG]

I know you indicated you want a rear kitchen but think about how you are going to use it. We take a lot of road trips, but we are not full timers. We have occasionally stopped at truck stops overnight and at roadside rests to eat. With either one, we don't put our slides out and we can access our kitchen area including fridge, our bed, shower and toilet with the slides in. We realized on this RV that this was so important when on our last, we could not get to the fridge with the slide in so we had to carry a cooler to eat our lunch at a rest stop.

[takethehill_rvl]

Cummins12V98, can you please clarify, "If you really want "QUALITY" I would suggest you look elsewhere if full timing."

Are you saying that the units we are looking are not quality? If not which would you recommend, because the last thing we want to do is to purchase a unit that will not hold up to LIVING IN IT EVERYDAY, or are you saying that living full time in Georgia is not the best place?

We are a little confused by your comment

[takethehill_rvl]

Thanks guys for your comments, we do plan on getting a truck so we will use the 5th wheel to travel, but because we both have jobs we will not be traveling often initially. We plan to use this time to get acclimated to living in the rv and preparing to take it out on the road.

The goal is to buy the truck for cash while still working our full time jobs so we can save for it then once we hit the road we will be able to live debt free on the road.

We did check out the Redwoods, loved the quality it just doesn't seem to have a rear kitchen floor plan and that is a deal breaker for us. Also have looked at the Park models but since we do plan on hitting the road eventually these will not meet our needs.

What is the one thing that you did when you first started your full time journey that you would do differently now? We would love to benefit from your experiences.

Thanks

[ReneeG]

donn0128 wrote:
Get a park model for stationary use. Lots cheaper better insulation. Then when your ready to travel sell it and buy an RV.

I would agree since you stated you are going to be stationary for awhile. Full timing means to hit the road, even if you stay in one spot for a little while. Your approach may be a little unorthodox, compared to other full timers. Maybe you are looking to live small or love the idea of being a full timer with the ability to hit the road and travel. You can still do it if you fully understand what to expect. With that said, as one person here already stated, the warranty on the unit should state it supports full time living. Heartland's Bighorns fit this bill.

[donn0128]

Get a park model for stationary use. Lots cheaper better insulation. Then when your ready to travel sell it and buy an RV.

[nomad297]

Have you checked out Redwood? My good friend bought one this year and he and his wife are in love with it. Of course, it's had its little warranty issues, but nothing major. Compared to my travel trailer, their fifth wheel is the Taj Mahal.

Bruce

[mayo30]

One of the first thing you better do is determine in written policy which units are approved for full time living.Your warranty depends upon it.

[Cummins12V98]

"QUALITY is our biggest concern since we will be living in it fulltime as we are not fixer upper people"

If you really want "QUALITY" I would suggest you look elsewhere if full timing.