Young FW full timer needs a new rig 4 months out

[steadypraying42]

So I'm stationed at Fort Lewis and I just entered the full time lifestyle, and what a bumpy road it has been. First off, I believe I purchased the wrong rv (2015 Keystone Hideout 308bhds) to start full timing. Two slideouts, not nearly enough storage and not an ounce of insulation I know this is going to be a rough winter. So next year this time I am planning to trade this one in and go for a front living room arrangement. I'm looking at Wana rvs in Indiana for my next purchase. Unfortunately, they do not accept new rvs as trades.

I'm just stressed out. DW doesn't like that the dogs are under her feet all the time, the kitchen is right across from the ONE sofa we have, the air conditioner feels like it's blowing out heat, and the no space among other things! We love the full time lifestyle, just chose the wrong fifth wheel.

Any of you fine ladies and gents know of any rv wholesale dealers that will accept a new trade? Once again, the army doesn't pay me to enjoy life so I am not looking for anything too pricey. We have a 2015 Ram 3500 SRW longbox with ALL of the bells and whistles, max tow 29,500.

[valhalla360]

Not sure where fort lewis is but even the supposed 4 season rigs are pretty limiting if you are in snow country and 2 people and large dogs are going to be cramped living.

As far as purchasing...spilled milk situaiton...the loss is already there, you just prove it when you sell. If you think you can fix the worst of it with some remodeling, you might consider it but do a professional job without anything too strange (ie: built in dog kennels or other oddities) or you will knock that much more off the resale if it doesn't work out.

A big quesiton in how you proceed is did you make the mistake of financing? If no, I would sell and buy something more suitable for a lot less money. If you financed, that may not be an option unless you have some sizable cash reserves to pay off the bank.

[93Cobra2771]

You are going to take a hit by trading. No way around it. My suggestions
1. Remodel the bunk area to suit your needs.
2. Search "making rv a/c more efficient" and you will find tons of information. #1 issue, in my opinion, is poor separation between the hot and cold sides of the a/c. While the a/c is running, stick your hand in the return side and feel for cold air leaching through from the cold side. Seal it up however you can. I used metal duct tape. Made a big difference.

[edbehnke]

well, it is too late but you went the wrong direction. you went way overboard with purchasing all new without even trying it out.

I don't know your income but i'd suggest you try to get rid of both the truck and the trailer and start again next year after you figure out your loses.

I go with a USED truck and trailer. you don't need a new $50K truck.

as for 'insulation' you really aren't going to get much insulation on any trailer if you get into cold weather. and as for storage, you will just have to decide what you want....the montana 5th wheels are reasonably priced and have good storage.

[C-Bears]

Even if you purchased your new Keystone for 30-35% under MSRP, you will still get "beat up" if you try trading it in.

I would attempt to sell it outright first, get back as much money as you can. Then, as others may have suggested, find the right floor plan you can full time with. Then if it was me I would begin a search for a 3 or 4 year old fiver with that floor plan. I would search Craig's List and RV-Trader in a 100 or 200 miles radius and concentrate on private sellers.

You may just come out of this deal with more living space, a little less money invested, and a fiver more suited for full time use.

[NC_Hauler]

steadypraying426 wrote:
Wow the artic fox is pretty nice. Yeah I put the wrong numbers but regardless my Ram is still a beast.

Yeah, my Ram is a Beast also...BUT, they all have their limitations...GCWR on your truck is 25,000#..think max 5er is 17,000# or there abouts, depends on your tranny.

Artic Fox is a nice one, if not mistaken, VERY WELL insulated..As others have stated, maybe remodel? Doesn't really help your "keeping cooler" or "keeping warmer" issues though. THIS TIME, IF you trade, look for a floor plan you can live with, now that you know what you need...Maybe a unit with 2 A/C's, possibly dual pane windows and check out insulation values, if available.

Also, thank you very much for your service, it's GREATLY appreciated:)

[Halmfamily]

Any dealer will take your trade, you might not be happy with what they give you. On your new unit make sure you get a second A/C and be willing to travel to find the right price. My local dealer would not even come close to a dealer three hours away, so we took a day trip when we picked it up but saved a bunch. Make sure you both spend a couple hours "living" in the prospective RV before purchasing to see if fits you both.

Thank you for your service and good luck.

[steadypraying42]

Wow the artic fox is pretty nice. Yeah I put the wrong numbers but regardless my Ram is still a beast.

[rhagfo]

Looking for a good FW, for full timing think Arctic Fox.

Arctic Fox

[-lenny-]

steadypraying4 wrote:
. We have a 2015 Ram 3500 SRW longbox with ALL of the bells and whistles, max tow 29,500.

May want to re check your numbers, as there is no SRW rated to 29,500....

https://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/towing_guide/pdf/2015_ram_3500_towing_charts.pdf

[stro1965]

Good luck finding a rig that is better suited to your needs. I'm curious how you're getting 29,500 towing capacity out of an SRW though. Those are DRW numbers.

[CarlT100]

steadypraying426 wrote:
Thanks Don for letting me know, tried to find delete button but to no avail on my phone.

And Jim, thank you for your advice. We were hesitant to remodel because we thought once we did finally trade it in that will negatively effect us.

You are going to take a big loss anyway. If it were me, I would remodel.

Thank you for your service to our nation.

[steadypraying42]

Thanks Don for letting me know, tried to find delete button but to no avail on my phone.

And Jim, thank you for your advice. We were hesitant to remodel because we thought once we did finally trade it in that will negatively effect us.

[CC38EL]

Any RV dealer will take in your rig as a trade....you just may not like what they offer. If you go forward with a trade in situation, be prepared to take a serious loss on your rig.

Do you have children? If you don't, then you can look to reconfigure the bunk house area for more space. For you...or the dogs. 🙂

Even being new, it's not uncommon for Air conditioners to be less than perfect. Measure the outside temp and the temp coming from your air conditioner....look for at least 15 degrees difference. If not, take it to the dealer for a check.

Thank you for your service. And good luck with rig and the adjusting phase you're going through.

Jim
USN Retired

[donn0128]

Please read the forum rules about duplicate posts.