Flying Blind

[Mugtoe]

I just sold my farm on the Brazos River west of Fort Worth, Texas. I've been here since 1985. I telecommute for my job as the sales department for a small company that makes heavy-duty hand cleaner for printers and mechanics as well as a holding tank treatment for RVs and boats, oddly enough, which perhaps I'll get a chance to try now.

I can do my job from anywhere, so I figured why not do it from everywhere? My job will end on 1 April 2017. So until then, I'm just trading my current bills for road expenses. After that, I don't know what I'll do, but I figure I'll just buy another farm somewhere.

I have a friend who lives in a toy hauler in Arkansas. I went to school with him in Dallas in the late 70s. He's got that and a sailboat in the Sea of Cortez. He insists that I should get a toy hauler for what I want to do.

So let me lay out what I want to do. I'm asking for suggestions. I grew up camping with my family in a tent, but I'm about to be living in an RV.

What I'm looking for is something that will accommodate myself and my two dogs and maybe the occasional guest. I don't have toys, but I do have a large library and record collection. I'd like to find something with a porcelain toilet separate from the shower. I'd like a large kitchen area. I'd like sleeping and living right behind that and then the office in back with a ramp. I'd like an outdoor kitchen and shower as well, and maybe even a deck. I'd like screen over the back, so I can work in open air in Jackson Hole without being consumed. I'd like the ability to put a generator and add solar to it. I'd like large water capacity and storage.

So what do I do? Do I find a bare-bones toy hauler for ten grand and find some shop to customize it for me? I'd really like to have something decent for under twenty grand, and I think that's more than doable. I've got a 2005 Chevy 3500 diesel 4wd, so I can pull enough.

My friend says that pull-outs always leak and canvas is always living in a tent, and I can see that. I'm not opposed to pull outs, however. I'm just a fan of fewer moving parts. I don't need to sleep more than a couple of folks.

So do I just get a cheap trailer and find a shop, or is there a production model on the market that might work for me? I'm an absolute neophyte here, but I'm about to be living in one of these things, and I'm thinking I should perhaps network pretty hard in the next few days.


Anyway, any thoughts would be appreciated.

[down_home]

I think perhaps a Motorhome and toad would better fit your situation as far as livability and durability of the house or coach components.
That is a good motorhome not an entry or enticement model.
Of course you are aware of being able to deduct the mh and toad as business expenes to an extent or entirely.
Talk with tax accountant or lawyer first.

[DesertMax]

Sounds like a Class A owner to me :::

[tatest]

New Horizons custom builds fifth wheel RVs in a range of sizes. They could probably build whatever you would like to design. I don't think anything in your requirements really requires a garage and loading ramp, which is what makes a toy hauler a toy hauler, except you did specify a ramp. But I suspect New Horizons price list is way over your cost expectations.

I understand the toy hauler recommendations because they come in a range of prices and have an empty space in addition to the house facilities (usually up front).

You might also consider motorized if constantly moving. Winnebago and Forest River both have divisions that do custom builds for non-RV applications (mobile offices, command posts, bookmobiles, mobile stores, medical facilities, etc). Any mix of storage, office and living space is feasible, provided the coach is sized to fit the need. Again, this is not cheap.

$10,000 today in the new RV market will not buy a small travel trailer. I suspect for a toy hauler large enough for your list of what you want, you'll be closer to $20K before going to somebody for customization.

[DianneOK]

We fulltimed for 9 years and owned fivers for 11. All had at least 2 slides. Not one ever leaked........

[bgum]

Simple slide outs break and leak then rot. Read the forum for examples. $20,000 is a little low. Good luck.

[2gypsies1]

First, we full-timed for 16 years in RVs with slides and didn't have one leak. It's not that common. Ones that experience leaks will comment on it but those that don't have leaks don't.

If you're looking at a toy hauler, travel trailer or 5th wheel, here's a good site to really get a feel for floorplans.

A friend had a toy hauler for his motorcycle. When he unloaded it they rolled out a carpet, put a drape on the rear ugly hauler door, spread out their recliners, bookcases, desk and had a very comfy den.

Good luck!

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/5thwheel/toy-haulers.php

[Alabama_Jim]

It sounds like a toy hauler may be in order. The area used for hauling toys would make a nice office area.

[Halmfamily]

We currently own a FR Sierra 360PDEK. It is a 42' fifth wheel with a rear door that turns into a deck, access is by a sliding glass door. Think toyhauler but cannot carry toys. Big kitchen, rear living room, large bath, King size bed and tons of room. Been a great unit overall.

[PghBob]

My sense is that you need to find a large RV show not sponsored by a dealer. You can walk through numerous floor plans, pick up info on specs, and determine if a unit can be custom ordered. Some of things you indicated, like the toilet and generator, should be easy. Others, like a large kitchen, need to be further defined by you, perhaps in square feet.

Our motorhome does not have slides. A number of people on the forums have reported issues with them, but there are many others who have had no problems and swear by them. So, its a personal choice. I suggest you don't rule them out at this point unless you *know* you don't want them. They will provide more room, and can be had to increase the kitchen area.

Good luck.

[darsben]

speaking as a fiver owner with 2 slide outs they do not leak.

[arhayes]

Actually there are TH's that have both back AND side decks. What I don't see much of are units with the toilet separate from the shower area. You at just going to have to search the Internet to find units similar to what you want, but I think that if cash outlay is an issue it'll be much cheaper to find a stock unit than have something retrofitted. Good luck!

[dave17352]

You refer to pull outs. Most call them slide outs. I think slide outs are great and the amount of creature comfort they add is well worth it my opinion. I haven't had one problem with mine sense 2005. Sounds like a toy hauler or regular 5th wheel would suit your needs just fine. I think you could find either for 20k nicely equipped, but you may have to look awhile. In my opinion finding the right one used will be much more reasonable than finding a super cheap one and modifying. Now about that deck? I just don't know about the deck unless you plan to stay for long periods of time. Then of course you could build something you could break down and put in your garage. They do make screened in rooms for RV's though. JMHO

[Mugtoe]

I just talked to Jim again, and I think maybe I should look for a fifth-wheel rig. I have the hitch, and I think it widens my options quite a bit.

[Mugtoe]

I'd like the ability to do sustained off-grid living if I need to.