Full-timing for 1 year...TT or FW?

[MelB52]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum, but not new to RVing. A little background: We've owned, in order: 1) Rockwood pup, 2) Skamper pup, 3) Terry Resort 24' TT (really like that Terry) and most recently 4) a R-Vision 26' Trail Lite TT.

Seven years ago, we sold the Trail Lite TT and my truck when we bought a garden home and had no place to park the TT. And in those 7 years we have not really had the time to enjoy a RV. Now, however, at ages 61 & 64, we are planning our "bucket-list" trip to see our "must-see" places in the U.S. and parts of Canada. We plan on spending 12 to 18 months to accomplish this. We'll be purchasing a truck and TT or FW sometime in the summer of 2015 and will start our journey in early 2016.

I have only towed the above-mentioned RVs. No real problems towing the TTs. (I never get in a hurry when towing.) However, I have friends who tell me that a FW is the way to go if we are going to do this trip. I also know that the debate over full-timing in a TT or FW rages on and on. However, I need to start the process of narrowing down my choices/options. TT or FW?

I need the most simple set-up possible. With the TTs, I had anti-sway hitch systems, but never had the Hensley Arrow hitch. I hear it absolutely prevents sway. However, a buddy tells me a FW is a "piece of cake" to hitch and unhitch. And with a little arthritis in the joints, "piece of cake" is appealing.

My priorities are, in order:
1) Safety
2) Quality construction.
3) Ease of hitching, unhitching and set-up
4) Overall interior comfort, storage, and functionality for FT living for one or two years
5) Bang for my buck

A 4-season TT or FW would be nice, although we don't plan on being in extreme cold weather environs during the winter months. Double pane windows would be great. I really like the floor plan of the Rockwood 8280SS 5er, but have no idea what the construction is like. There are some TTs that look appealing, too.

I look forward to hearing from some of you who have a lot of experience with both TTs and FWs from a full-timer's point of view.

Many thanks,

Mel

[valhalla360]

I would leave it open to what you find. Either will serve the purpose just fine.

[2gypsies1]

Your choice of getting a 5th wheel is a good one. Now about your bucket list and timing. I would suggest you not put a one-year limit on completing the U.S. You're going to be exhausted. We've been at it 16 years full-timing and still haven't seen it all! 🙂 Hope everything works out for you!

[littlemo]

MTPockets1 wrote:
Don't short yourself on the truck. Get the one ton or F350/3500 series truck. 30ft fifth wheel will probably be good with 3/4 ton, but close. Add capacity for minimal bucks.

Ditto! Buy 1 ton diesel dually. 5 years from now when you want to upgrade to larger 5er that truck will still be VERY valuable and will keep on pullin' anything you have!

[MTPockets1]

Don't short yourself on the truck. Get the one ton or F350/3500 series truck. 30ft fifth wheel will probably be good with 3/4 ton, but close. Add capacity for minimal bucks.

[Yeti_plus]

Best bet is to go looking at several dealers or a show or ten. When we started looking for our trailer I said no rear slide( saw one I didn't like) and no bunks. I went one way looking at a used unit and she went the other looking at new Jaycos. I found her sitting in a Jayco, she said "this is what Ithink we should buy." So I sat in it for a few minutes while she convinced me, and we have a rear slide and front bunks. It actually works well for us as the bicycles are always in the trailer and clean and dry, and the slide is powered.As many on here say" If Momma's not happy, NOBODY'S happy".
Good luck in the search.
Brian

[bigwheelsturnin]

just our thoughts...why not a motor coach..has it all..self levels..generator ready at the flip of a switch..if traffic stops..for hour or more..you can make coffee..a sandwich..go potty..all inside your coach..just pull a small car..or not..
so easy..there's some great bargains out there..heck..you could live in it..great hunting.. 😉

[wannavolunteerF]

Slightly off topic, but MelB52, you mentioned your wife wants room for her books. Buy her a Kindle and introduce her to the thousands of books she can store in one small device. Yes, I know it isn't quite the same (I am a book lover too), but I can download free and cheap books every day, buy new books at a slightly higher price, or even borrow from the library and have lots to choose from when I want to read. I will keep my special few books when I full-time and let most of my reading for entertainment be on the Kindle.

[MelB52]

trnfla, sure will say prayers for your grandbaby. Our first grandchild is arriving in May, so we're pretty tuned in on the grandbaby network. Know you are grateful for the remission your granddaughter is experiencing. Praying it is permanent.

[MelB52]

DW doesn't really need her own space. When she's had enough of me, she'll just go lay down on the bed with a book and tune me out. Ha.

I certainly appreciate all the info, opinions, suggestions and ideas.

My arthritis isn't so bad that I can't handle stairs. It takes me ten or fifteen minutes to get the joints going in the morning and then I'm ok...unless I sit for a long period and then I just have to start over with loosening up the knees. A shot in the knees every few months helps, too. But steps in a FW aren't an issue in the overall scheme of things.

Based on everyone's replies, and considering our needs and wants, I've decided to go with a FW. I will look at 5ers in the 2006-2011 range and around 30' in length. We do want to be able to camp in national parks once in a while. Does anyone know what is the max length FW the national parks will allow in their campgrounds?

I'll look for a 5er that is towable by a 3/4 ton truck. I definitely want a diesel.

DW & I agree on all this because she trusts me. She only wants to be in charge of organizing the dishes and sheets and towels, and making sure there is room for the books she wants to read. Works out pretty well. I get what I want and she's literally a happy camper. And we all know that when mamma's happy, everyone's happy.

Once we've purchased our truck and FW, I'll be sure and put a picture up.

Again, thanks for all the replies. Really appreciate the input.

[littlemo]

5'er without a doubt for space and ease of handling!

[mdamerell]

From a towing aspect I prefer the 5th wheel. As a trucker I feel it gets the load up were it belongs, over the axle. Honestly, it's what I'm comfortable with. I can tell you my "RV rig" behaves better in the wind than some semi's I've driven. The 5th wheel gives you more living space and often have a large "basement" area for storage.

Down size is weight. The 5th wheel will weigh more and cost more than the TT. Due to pin weights of 2,500 - 3,500# depending upon unit you'll need a bigger truck than the TT would require. The 2005 and later trucks have much higher capacities than the pre 2005 trucks do, so if you buy used watch you numbers they change year to year.

There is also size limitations in some State and Federal parks so you might look at that.

Some people due to health issues find the additional steps inside the RV to be an issue. 5th wheels also tend to ride higher and some require an extra step or two to get into.

Good luck and enjoy your trip. I've seen the country through a windshield. Hope one day to go back and stop for a look around 🙂

[Peg_Leg]

My priorities are, in order:
1) Safety - Most likely towing a 5er is better to tow due to the pivot and weight being located directly over the rear axle. A higher profile does create more surface area for wind. If it's real windy just don't travel that day, it's a lot more relaxing.
2) Quality construction. - Good and bad in both, this will just require you to investigate anything you consider purchasing. This site and product specific site provide massive amounts of information overload.
3) Ease of hitching, unhitching and set-up - I had a 31' TT for 18 yrs and now a 5er for 2 yrs. A 5er is hands down easier for me. I carry a small 2 step stool in the bed of the truck to access the hitch.
4) Overall interior comfort, storage, and functionality for FT living for one or two years - My TT allowed using a shell on the truck, lots of storage, sometimes hard to access. The TT had a single slide for the couch. I would consider a slide to be a must have for the days your stuck inside. Our 5er has opposing large slides, 14'x3'. When closed you can access everything but are in no way livable. When open the space is amazing for a RV. I tell everyone the laminate flooring in the kitchen are is a dance floor. We also have a small slide in the bedroom. Space on the bed side it tight, longer units solve this but I wanted this length so I can double tow a alum fishing boat behind. The basement has massive storage but with carpet and plumbing you have to be more careful than with the shell covered truck bed for the TT.
5) Bang for my buck - Buying a nice used unit give the most bang but will probably require some upkeep.

A single rear wheel truck will limit 5th wheel choices due to the weight carrying capacity of the tires. Gas engine duallys will take you up to 13,000-14,000 GVW due to towing limits. They'll have around 5,000 lbs of weight handling capacity. Diesel duallys have capacities far beyond what you think a pickup should be towing.

See, information overload. Good Luck and I hope you hit the road and enjoy all the many wonders you'll find.

[scbwr]

Although I've always owned a travel trailer, for your purposes, a fifth wheel is the best option. For full timing, you'll get the most living space for overall length, and you reduce the overall length due to part of the trailer sits over the truck bed. Secondly, you are going to have more storage space for gear, etc. which you will need for being on the road full-time. And, it seems to me there are a few more "quality" brands to choose from versus travel trailers, although the market has changed and some of the top end fifth wheel manufacturers are no longer in existance.

A travel trailer would cost less, but if you need to save a few bucks, look for a good used fifth wheel. A lightly used fifth wheel would give you the biggest bang for the buck, providing you have the knowledge/skills to make sure there aren't any problems with the unit. And, I would suggest having any unit that you are ready to purchase be checked out by an independent RV service tech if at all possible.

[colliehauler]

With a little Arthritis Do the stairs bother you? If so a TT might be better. If your going large 5er or TT a 5er will tow better. If a smaller unit A TT will tow just fine and be on one level. I would look around and see what you like, your the one going to live with it.