Short 5er for full-time?

[JodiG]

I'm the former owner of a 2003 Hitchhiker II 26.5RL. At 28 feet, it was one of the smallest 4 seasons units designed for full-time use. I sold it in 2011, when I was no longer full-time with the idea that if I wished to travel like that again, it would likely be best to have something a little newer. I'm considering going full-time again but I'm not finding what I'm looking for, which is a 5th wheel with a heated basement storage area designed for full-time use that is less than 32 feet long. Any suggestions?

Also, if this sort of thing is no longer made, I have considered the options of either buying a shorter, lower-quality rig and making due with the limitations and potential repairs such a rig would face being used so extensively OR buying an older rig and dealing with the repairs an older rig would need. Both options seem like a headache in different ways. I'm hoping I've failed to find the brand that has just the thing I'm looking for, however. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[JesLookin]

We are very happy with our Artic Fox 27-5L. Did a lot of research looking for a short sell built 5er. After we discovered the 27-5L we waited for an opportunity to see one, as the nearest dealer is not very close. Then our patience wore out and we drove the 6 hours to see the camper. We bought it the following week over the phone, and picked it up the following week. It was very nice, exactly what we were looking for. Yes it would have been nice to have another window in the bedroom, but the wardrobe is also nice.

[Veebyes]

When we were in search mode the MS 32TK3 was on our very short list of model possibilities. The ability to get into SPs was very much in mind so the 36TK3 was out of the question.

In a land where the mindset of 'bigger is better' rules the 32TK3 is rare but it is out there. Smaller upper market 5ers in general are tough to find.

[JodiG]

So far, it looks like Northwood's Artic Fox 27-5L has most everything I was hoping for. I would prefer 2 windows in the bedroom instead of a closet slideout but hey, with so much going for it, such as short length and four season, I wouldn't want to hang too dearly onto a smaller preference.

jus2shy, I was not aware that Northwood built RVs under another name as well. I shall check out the Glacier Peak line too. Thanks for telling me!

Goon F250, I'm hoping to make it over to the Tampa RV show this weekend. Although I would not be interested in something as long as what you are looking at, it's always fun to look at the new design ideas coming out.

Duck, as I was telling lynndiwagon earlier in this thread, my desire for a smaller rig is based strictly on preference. I don't yet have the truck I'd need. I don't think my Toyota Corrola is going to pull anything heavier than a beer can behind it! 😉 I used to have an F-350 diesel but it was getting old.

PKennedy, I smiled at your post because I've also heard people say that they can get their rig in anywhere they want. I figure it is because where they want to go is entirely different than the types of places I want and like to go. I'm definitely giving those Artic Foxes a good hard look. I know their reputation was good when I was looking years ago and I'm glad to hear their reputation is still good. I was tickled pink when I saw they had an off-road chassis as a standard on their models.

lynddiwagon, I'm glad you are happy with your current unit. I did not find I had a problem heating or cooling my Hitchhiker. However, it was my only RV aside from an entry level Prowler Lynx trailer and that wasn't hard to beat. I prefer 30 amp service because it often less expensive if you can take a 30 amp site. Maybe because I had such a small unit, I did not feel the need for a second air-conditioner. I'm glad you are happy with yours. That's what counts.

campinghut, your post also made me smile. I talked to the people at New Horizons when they came to the Tampa RV show last year. If I had more money, I'd happily let them build me anything. They seem like great people and their units seem as sturdy as one could ever build. It's that pesky thing called "money" that makes other options more likely.

[goducks10]

Coach-man wrote:
Check out Grand Design's Solitude, which is billed as a full timers rig. They have a model which is right at 33 feet long, 320, they are solid with a great floor plan, check them out if your at the Tampa show!

It's 34'-9". Almost 35'.

[Coach-man]

Check out Grand Design's Solitude, which is billed as a full timers rig. They have a model which is right at 33 feet long, 320, they are solid with a great floor plan, check them out if your at the Tampa show!

[campinghut]

If we are just daydreaming for the OP why not recomend a New Horizon or Spacecraft as they would build one to the length he wants or should I say shortness.

[lynndiwagon]

I can appreciate your feelings for the shorter rig. I traded my Hitchhiker II 29.5lktg for the present rig. Some things to consider...older, shorter sites usually have only 30A service which precludes using two AC units. I'm really enjoying the 50A service. Even though the HHII is advertised to be well insulated I have found that the BC is way more insulated and much easier to heat and cool. We don't full time but found the addition of a Splendide washer/dryer to be really nice. I'm not sure a shorter rig could handle one. Going from the shorter HHII to the much longer BC 40' did not really seem that much longer, and wow...what a bunch of storage. I bet the 6' difference would be OK. Thanks for replying to my reply and I'm sure you will make the right decision. Good luck.

[P_Kennedy]

We have a 31' with only 1 slide built on a very stout chassis with a lot of updates and because of the floor plan are very comfortable. We limit ourselves to that size because it would be very hard to replace it, the Arctic Fox 29-5T is fairly close to what we already have. Too many people here get focused what they want vs what they need which is what this single gentleman says he is comfortable with. I disagree with all the comments "I can get my X' unit in anywhere I want". We have found many campgrounds that were very nice and our trailer is just about too big, we found others that we were too big. High end is nice, big is nice but there are other choices and needs for some of us. I would not rule out the Arctic Fox's for a 4 season unit reasonably prices and 29-32' long. They build their frames and have a good reputation, that would be our choice as Triple E no longer builds this type of RV.

[Duck]

I have a 3055RL Heartland Bighorn. It is around the 34'10" length. Is your truck the limiting factor or just preference?
Don

[jus2shy]

Another Northwood product (sold under the Outdoors RV brand) is the Glacier Peak line from Outdoors RV. They have several nicer units under 30'. I'm personally looking at one of those rigs for my family.

[Goon_F250]

We just attended the Tampa Rv show and talked to factory reps fron Lifestyle and from Landmark. They both showed us floorplans in the works for a 5th wheel in the 34 to 36ft range. Lifestyle was projecting this spring. Landmark is sending us the floorplan .

[JodiG]

Thank you all for your replies. I shall check out your suggestions.

Lynndiwagon, I can understand that a smaller unit is not for everyone. I made friends while I was on the road full-time that could not imagine full-timing in my former unit. I was on the road in my 28' long Hitchhiker II for 5 years and lived in it stationary for another year and a half while looking for a house to buy. It was my only home then and I found I had not need of anything that could not fit into it. I LOVED the times I was able to take that last spot in an old campground loop of a popular national park or national forest that none of the bigger rigs could get into. At those times, those with bigger rigs had to look for different, less rustic, and often more expensive, campgrounds because the newer loops, with the larger sites, were full, or larger rigs could not fit in any available site. Since I prefer state and national park settings over campgrounds with more amenities, going smaller is my best choice. I never regretted having less weight behind me either, not at the gas pump nor coming down the hills. I suppose if everybody liked a smaller rig, they'd make more of them. Small rigs may not be everyone's choice but they make me a happy camper. At 34'8", according to specs I've found, the Heartland Big Country 3070 RE would seem huge to me. That said, I appreciate you taking the time to try to think of a unit for me.

camping hut, as I mentioned in my original post, I'm interested in something shorter than 32 feet.

Kennethwooster, I remember that a few full-timers had Carriage Cameos. I did not know that some were as short as you stated. I shall check it out.

The Mad Dorsky, I've heard good things about the Excel Winslow. Price scared me away initially but I shall give it another look. Perhaps it won't look so expensive when I consider how limited my choices have seemed lately.

Again, thank you all for your responses. I knew I could count on you all! I researched RVs and RV related topics on this board for almost a year before I hit the road full-time the last time in 2003. I learned so much from knowledgeable people willing to share back then and I see it is the same now. 🙂

[The_Mad_Norsky]

LifeStyle makes an Alfa Gold model just around 35 feet total outside length.

Link for you: LifeStyle Alfa Gold 3010RE

Also, on second thought, Peterson Industries / Excel makes a 32 foot model in both the Winslow and Limited series.

Link: Excel Winslow 31 IKE

[MTPockets1]

lynndiwagon wrote:
Are you sure you want to full time in a shorter rig? Slightly longer than you old Hitch Hiker is the Heartland Big Country BC3070RE. This unit should fit your needs and wants and is rated for full time use. I can't imagine going any shorter than this one for full timing.

. The Big Horn is also a full time unit with lengths just under 35'

[lynndiwagon]

Are you sure you want to full time in a shorter rig? Slightly longer than you old Hitch Hiker is the Heartland Big Country BC3070RE. This unit should fit your needs and wants and is rated for full time use. I can't imagine going any shorter than this one for full timing.