We're going to pull the trigger next year. We're paying off the S&B and keeping it as a home base. Will make 2-3 trips a year each with a 2-4 month duration.
We've had 2 5'ers and kinda know the ropes. First was a 27' Forest River WildWood - had lots of warranty problems with it. Put a bad taste in our mouths about FR, but I understand they're a different company than they were in the late 90's.
2nd was a 2001 31BWFS Sunnybrook which was trouble free and a joy to own.
Now, the truck is my domain, and I get complete control over that. But, the 5'er is DW's. I have veto power, but here's what we're looking at:
DW really wants a Big Country or Big Horn. Her main criteria are w/d prep, generally 4 seasons, fireplace (I know...), TV on opposite side as recliners (not in the back or front).
King bed is optional - we can do with queen or king. The trailer needs to be big enough to not get bad cabin fever if there's bad weather and we have 2 medium size dogs (60-70 lbs). I'd really like auto-level system, but I can live without it. So, we're probably looking at 38-40ft in length.
I like Heartland's all-in-one docking station for water, power, tanks, and cable/satellite.
I feel we will want to keep and use it a solid 10 years before we sell it and the S&B and settle in to a retirement community.
We intend to buy new and pay cash for both the TV and 5'er. Budget is right around $60k-65k for the 5'er.
Our so-far planned trips have us spanning the country at a leisurely pace and back home for about 1-2 months at a time for doctor visits and prescription refills and such.
So, with all that said, I'd like to hear from the community about whether the brand we're looking at is reliable and if the budget is realistic.
I know everyone is different and has different experience and needs. Thanks in advance for your contributions.
F-350 SuperDuty SuperCab 8' Box
On deposit: Open Range Roamer RF337RLS
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Used to have:
2001 Sunnybrook 31BWFS 5'er
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Retiring 2015
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DShizzel -- An over the hill white guy with "Shizzel" in his handle.
