Choosing an RV for full timers

[Avi_Gili]

Hi guys, we are new to RVing but are very enthusiastic. We are looking to buy our first RV and live in it full time. We heard people refer to it as “Full timing.” We’re hoping to get some tips from all the experienced folks out here and recommendations on selecting our first RV. At the moment, we don’t have a vehicle for the towing. To not be limited by the vehicle, we’re looking to decide on an RV and then buy the truck that best suit for towing it.

After doing a research about the different options available, we came up with a list of features we need in an RV.

RV requirements list:
Budget $13,000
Travel trailer / Toy hauler
Up to 30ft length
Sleeps 2 minimum
Queen bed
Sitting area with a table
Private sleeping area (area that can be close off)
Ramp back door - preferable
Kitchen i.e. refrigerator, range oven, microwave, sink etc
Shower & toilet
No expandable tent (hybrid)
Awning
2 axles

Any suggestions regarding make and models of RV based on those features and budget would be greatly appreciated!

[lanerd]

As mentioned, TTs have minimal storage. For that reason, I would go with either a 5th wheel or a Class A motor home...depending upon if I was going to pretty much stay in one place (5th wheel) or move around a lot (motor home).

$13000 is, in my opinion, no where near enough moola to start with.

Ron

[Aridon]

Live in it for several hours or a day. Check out everything from the bed to storage to kitchen etc as you go through your imaginary day. Play house and figure out where everything will go and look for shortfalls. If you can't find any, you aren't looking hard enough. Floorplan and storage are the most important items.

[Clay_L]

TTs have very little storage compared to 5th wheels. At least that is true of the ones I saw while full timing for 10 years. I did see a few people full timing in TT though.
One thing many people don't realize before they start full timing is how much the stuff they need/want in their RV will weigh. We found and a lot of full timers have said that about 1500 pounds per person or more is desirable.

[qtla9111]

Try this one.

[brookside]

I would look at either an older "Nash" or "Arctic Fox" manufactured by the same company. You'll be looking at older units so how they were cared for may make a bigger difference than the manufacturer though. Don't get caught up in "full-timer" unit as once out there, you will see people full-timing in everything imaginable.

You didn't mention a towing weight limit which is VERY important. Do you have the vehicle that you will be towing with or will you be purchasing one?

[garyemunson]

X2 on what Donn pointed out about the back door. I have a friend who will not take his TH unit out in the winter as the heater just won't keep up with really cold nights. You don't mention where you will live so if you are in the South, that might not concern you. For a tow vehicle, bigger is always better. a 3/4 ton truck will have more towing capacity and bigger brakes. Also, for full time living, be sure the unit has the 'arctic package' or whatever the particular mfg calls it. Many travel trailers sold in the South have water lines exposed to the outside temperatures. If you will be living where it freezes, this is a BIG issue. Units intended for colder climates have the plumbing up inside the heated space. Something important to consider is if the wiring (especially on an older unit) is up to powering an electric heater. Many RVs burn each winter from an overloaded circuit. This can be remedied by adding a dedicated heater socket with heavier wiring. Not too expensive to do and provides much peace of mind.
Also, as Donn said, don't expect 'full timing' to be living on the cheap. Apartment living is a good comparison. You do have to pay for a place to park it and you will find maintaining it a continuing expense. RVs are considerably less durable than a regular house and keeping up with water leaks is only one of the necessary and ongoing tasks. Also as Ten pointed out, there are RVs for weekenders and RVs intended for more permanent use. Shopping for our last motorhome we had a salesman who was familiar with this and pointed out the differences in storage between the units we looked at and how some were more suited than others for extended occupancy.

[jerseyjim]

Of course it all boils down to "how much can you afford"? An interesting sidebar for full-timers is the "work-camper" role. Free sites, minimum wage and just a few hours per week. Lot of folks do this.....meet all kinds of people (interesting, of course).

g'luck!

[TenOC]

For FT look at storage. A number of RV are manufactured for the "weekender" and give up storage for a large "living" space.

Having said the above. I could do without about 1/2 of the stuff I have in the TT. . . . . :B

[donn0128]

For full timing I think your hudget is a little short. Remember, your going to be living in this RV full time. But for your 13K an older Arctic Fox TT might be a good option. Depending on how often and where your planning to spend winters toy haulers with that huge back door might be a big mistake. Almost everything else on your list is pretty standard fare on all RVs. So, how about laundry facilities? Do you want a bath tub or is a shower only OK? Do you plan to live in one place or move around? Do you plan to boon dock or established RV parks? What do you intend to tow it with? Budget for living? Remember full timing is generally not cheaper than apartment living. Factor in 35 to 50 dollars a night for RV spaces can add up in a hurry.