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!

[BarbaraOK]

Avi Gili wrote:
Thank you all for your replies.

Just to clarify, we do have a few makers & models in mind. However since we have no experience in rving we wanted to hear what some of you experts have to say.

After reading all your comments we have decided that the wise thing for us to do would be to rent an RV for a week or so and see how we feel with regards to size, living space and comfort etc...
We are looking to purchase the Ford F-150 as our towing vehicle - anyone has any light to shed on this vehicle?

As I said on another forum, and will say again, that isn't ENOUGH TRUCK, for a 30' trailer, whether toy hauler or not. Not so sure why you think you need a toy hauler, but with an F-150 truck it isn't going to happen. You need a cargo carrying capacity (that's how much stuff you can take with you) of between 1000#-1500# PER PERSON for fulltiming. Fulltiming isn't a weekend it is 24/7, 365/year so everything you need goes with you. Yes, we've seen people who fulltime with very little - they exist on the road, they aren't enjoying it.

$13K will get you something, but you had better have another $10K or so in your repair fund, because old/cheap units almost always need 'upgrades'. For every one that finds the perfect rig for almost nothings there are thousands upon thousands who find their worst nightmares. It can be done, but it takes knowing what you are looking for, asking the right questions, being realistic in your own abilities, having the repair funds to take care of problems, and the ability to replace those funds as needed.

[jerseyjim]

Currently have a motorhome, but when I DID tow a TT,(2 of them) I had two towing vehicles:
1- a 1986 full size Ford Bronco with a 302 and a towing package. It did OK...just OK.
2- a 1996 Ford F-150 XLT with a 351 (5.8)with a 7000 pound towing package and a 3:55 rear. SO much better than the Bronco. Load the 750 pound Harley in the bed, hooked up the TT...the truck did it all with seemingly little strain.

Both TT were 22 feet long and 4000 pounds. Keep in mind tho, what I had was a weekender, 2 weeks at the most setup. Full timers...different needs.

[Avi_Gili]

We are not looking for a fifth wheeler, a TT or TH is more like what we are thinking to purchase

[ncrowley]

For most trailers and fifth wheels, a F150 is not powerful enough. You will need to get a truck that can pull more weight. Also, do not get a truck that can just barely pull the weight. You want a margin so that pulling is comfortable. Also remember that you need to take into account the weight of trailer or fifth wheel and then add in the weight of what you carry in it. First decide on the trailer or fifth wheel and then decide what truck you need.

[MNGeeks61]

Avi Gili wrote:
Thank you all for your replies.

Just to clarify, we do have a few makers & models in mind. However since we have no experience in rving we wanted to hear what some of you experts have to say.

After reading all your comments we have decided that the wise thing for us to do would be to rent an RV for a week or so and see how we feel with regards to size, living space and comfort etc...
We are looking to purchase the Ford F-150 as our towing vehicle - anyone has any light to shed on this vehicle?

I would hold off on purchasing the tow vehicle until you can determine what size and type of RV works for you. An F150 even with "max tow" is not likely able to handle the majority of fifth wheels.

We had a Dodge Ram 2500 before we settled down and towed a 29FKSS Wildwood front kitchen with one large slideout. It had a walkthrough bathroom with plenty of space in the "living room". But the bedroom didn't have a slide so it was a little small.

That model had enough storage for us, and I think we would have managed if we full-timed. Your needs will probably be different than my wife's 🙂

[Avi_Gili]

Thank you all for your replies.

Just to clarify, we do have a few makers & models in mind. However since we have no experience in rving we wanted to hear what some of you experts have to say.

After reading all your comments we have decided that the wise thing for us to do would be to rent an RV for a week or so and see how we feel with regards to size, living space and comfort etc...
We are looking to purchase the Ford F-150 as our towing vehicle - anyone has any light to shed on this vehicle?

[deprived]

Aridon wrote:
If you can't find any, you aren't looking hard enough.

Boy, ain't that the truth?

[ncrowley]

Given your budget, you really should rent different types of RVs to see what you can live in. Some can live in a smaller trailer and some need a 40 foot 5th wheel. Your budget will not get you a large 5th wheel or class A unless you really go back in years. You need to set aside money for repairs for an older RV.

[jerseyjim]

GREAT IDEA to rent an RV for a couple hundred bucks than to spend many many thousands to find out you don't like it.

Sometimes the reality (fantasy) is not the reality. Let us know what happens!

[tinner12002]

In my opinion you probably won't find much if anything in your price range that's suitable for full time living for 2 people unless its a 10yr or so older unit.

[PghBob]

Since you are new to the RV life style, I would recommend you start by going to a large RV show. Not one put on by a local dealer, but a large show with multiple vendors. This will provide you with the opportunity to view floor plans, build quality, storage, and other pluses/minuses. Since your purchase will be a full-time home, you need quality so your not spending more time fixing rather than living. There is much to learn, that as newbies, you likely have not experienced. Another thing you might want to consider, is to rent any RV for a week, take to some campground and learn how to back up, hook up, dump, operate the appliances and so forth. Good luck with your search.

[2gypsies1]

Dick_B wrote:
According to the RV Consumer Group the best type of RV's for most full timing is a 5th Wheel. The detailed discussion is located in their Rating Book (at least it was in 2002). In addition they suggest that the rig for full timing be made especially for that service. This would include high end appliances and utilities due to their extreme service; ie 365 days per year of use instead of a few vacation days.

This certainly is not true. Full-timers easily live in all kinds of RVs and in all price ranges. Many comfortably full-time in a cargo van.

[Dick_B]

According to the RV Consumer Group the best type of RV's for most full timing is a 5th Wheel. The detailed discussion is located in their Rating Book (at least it was in 2002). In addition they suggest that the rig for full timing be made especially for that service. This would include high end appliances and utilities due to their extreme service; ie 365 days per year of use instead of a few vacation days.

[2gypsies1]

I answered on your post on another forum. Check it out!