โMar-20-2014 06:46 PM
โMar-22-2014 04:58 PM
MidwestFarmer wrote:
Again, we appreciate your input. So far we haven't cancelled the purchase :). Supposed to meet this Tuesday to complete the transaction. Wish our weather would be better for it. Predicted to be high of 39 with a chance of precipitation. ๐
โMar-22-2014 04:08 PM
โMar-22-2014 06:30 AM
โMar-21-2014 05:31 PM
โMar-21-2014 02:54 PM
โMar-21-2014 02:39 PM
โMar-21-2014 02:27 PM
โMar-21-2014 01:43 PM
โMar-21-2014 12:44 PM
โMar-21-2014 12:39 PM
MidwestFarmer wrote:
My 2 towing concerns are when it comes to 1) the higher profile (11 ft) than I am accustomed to and 2) any kind of "mountain" travel, so any advise or comments on those concerns would be appreciated.
I Don't think the height will be an issue. My fiver height is 12'10" and I have not had an issue. You do need to know your height and be aware of your surroundings, but I try to stay on main drags and have never had to turn around due to height. Just be aware and read signs (in particular when going under covers at gas stations, etc). Be patient in the mountains. Stay in lower gears if needed not only for going up the mountains, but in order to use the brakes less when descending.
As far as being away from the homestead, I guess I am concerned that we might be a couple years too early with this venture and should wait until our daughter goes off to college in a couple of years. Leaving the kids at home is not too big of a deal since, as a couple of you have already mentioned, the 22 year old is very capable of keeping watch over everything.
I can't really help you there since I don't know the kids involved. Trust your instincts here. Start with short trips and go from there. You will be able to tell how long is too long.
If we were to move ahead with this purchase (which would be within the next few days) I DO NOT look forward to dealing with the whole "black water" procedures, as well as the other set-up and tear-down procedures (so any comments are on that are welcome), although I am experienced with the actual "hooking-up" to the truck/trailer thing, as mentioned above and that is not a concern.
As many have stated, the black water procedures are not that bad. Keep a pack of disposable gloves nearby. We do as one person above stated. I handle the outside set up and wife does the inside stuff. We are now completely set up within about 10 minutes max. It will take you about 30 minutes or more the first few times, then it will become second nature and not a big deal.
One final, specific question: For any of you who own or have looked into the Keystone Copper Canyon from the 2009 vintage, we would be very interested in your comments about this particular make, model, etc., as well as any specific common problems to check-out prior to possible purchase.
I wen tin a Copper Canyon lookinf a few years ago and it was nice. I don't really know much about them, but I would approach it just like any other used fiver. Do the slides would properly and are the slides seals in good condition? Do all the appliances work? Get on the roof and look over it well. Do you see any tears and is the caulking in good shape? Water is the single biggest enemy of any RV. Does the fifth wheel smell moldy? Are there any soft spots in the floor? are there any wavy walls? Look under the RV. Are the tires and axles in good condition? Ask the owner any questions you may have, but be sure to ask this one "Has the fifth wheel ever leaked or have you ever had any water damage? Have you ever had any problems with the brakes, bearings or axles?
This is actually a good time to explore the RV lifestyle. You can take short trips and see how it goes. If you love it, you will know it by the time you are fully retired and can then consider upgrading. If you do not like it, you will know to look elsewhere for fun when retiring. You are doing it right and minimizing your expense be starting used. You will never know whether or not it is something you love until you try it. As suggested above, you can rent, but this can get expensive quick since many Class C's around here rent for about $300 a day. I hope this has helped. Good luck in whatever you decide.
โMar-21-2014 11:40 AM
gemsworld wrote:
If your husband is getting cold feet, DON'T do it. Wait until he's ready to take the plunge, or both of you are going to be miserable.
Good luck!
โMar-21-2014 08:51 AM
โMar-21-2014 08:23 AM
โMar-21-2014 07:37 AM
โMar-21-2014 07:27 AM
MidwestFarmer wrote:
Have others gone through similar hesitations prior to making the first leap into the world of RVing, or is this a unique situation? Although he was excited about the prospect of traveling the U.S. byways to explore our country, he is now concerned about spending the money on something we might not end-up enjoying, as well as concerned about all of the unknown "work" that might be involved in setting-up, hooking-up, water, heat and electrical management, as well as being away from the homestead for extended periods of time.