full time class A or travel trailer?

[captianmike]

Hello my name is justin. i am a single male auto mechanic with a dog looking at full time rving. i need input as to weather i should get a used class A or travel trailer. the rv will be parked 90% percent of the year, and may go on 1 or 2 trips a year. I am looking for adequate space and storage which the classs A has, as for most travel trailer i like they are just above my trucks towing capacity ( 2011 F150 3.7 ) so i would have to buy a newer and more powerful truck. maintnance is not an issue since i know how to diagnose and fix most mechanical and electrical issues. does anyone have any suggestion to what type of rv i should get?

[captianmike]

Went to first rv show found a 29 ft salem travel trailer with two slides, dry weight 7513lbs tongue weight 826lbs. Not bad for 24,995

[wannavolunteerF]

If you look at trailers, you will find that you may can find one big enough for you without going over the weight limits of your truck. My 24 ft (28 with hitch) travel trailer is large enough that I could live in it and well within my F150 ratings. It is only 5200 lbs empty and max weight of 7200. the only thing that would make it difficult to live in full time is that the sofa sits horrible after about 30 minutes.. an ottoman helps, but something else would sit better..

[Jim_Shoe]

One thing to keep in mind. Like me you're a single traveler. I drive a 'C' and pull a Jeep Wrangler. Its a lot easier to drive the little one (Jeep) up to the big one (C) than it would be to back your truck up to the TT without a spotter, since you can't see the hitch. I'd go for the 5er because you can see what you're doing. Just a thought.

[mlts22]

I'd look at a more powerful truck anyway, since a 3/4 ton or one ton can come from the factory prepped for a fifth wheel hitch. The reason a fiver would be a good bet is because it tends to have more storage space, and that with some skirting, the space underneath the tongue can be used as well.

As above, a fifth wheel toy hauler might be something worth looking at since the back door can fold down and become an enclosed porch on larger models. Plus, the garage can be used as that, or it can be provisioned with two queen beds. Quite versatile.

[Grit_dog]

If I was single and living in a RV I'd get a toy hauler. Even if you don't have Toyz to put in it, it is good open space/storage. If you're just towing local and not through the mountains bet you can pull a fair size bumper pull camper with your 6 banger F150 and a set of Timbrens or rear overload springs.

[Bumpyroad]

for mostly sitting and little towing, I think I would lean towards a TT instead of a 5er. you wouldn't have the bed of the truck with a hitch in it, etc. I haven't priced comparable units 5er vs TT but there might be some advantage there.
bumpy

[wintersun]

A trailer will provide a great deal more living space and storage space. It also is a more viable RV for adding solar panels should you want to boondock at all.
With the limited towing and flat terrain in your part of the country I would not hesitate to tow up to the maximum tow load rating for your pickup.

The 2011 F-150 depending on the cab (the manufacturers subtract 160 lbs. per passenger seat) and engine your truck can tow at least 7800 lbs. and possibly as much as 11,300 lbs. which encompasses all the travel trailers and the majority of 5th wheel trailers.

Slide-outs will provide more living space and as you plan to stay in one place they are good investment. A travel trailer leaves the bed of the truck free for other gear. Add a fiberglass cap if you do not already have one and you can put recreation equipment and even miscellaneous campsite furniture, etc. and take it along and not need to store them in the trailer or attach them somehow. It also makes it easier to add a roof rack for kayaks or canoes.

Spend a day or two at campgrounds in your area talking to people with motorhomes and travel trailers and 5th wheels and you will learn a lot and can see the differences in layouts and available space for storage and living areas.

[rockhillmanor]

the rv will be parked 90% percent of the year,

Never permanently park a MH. Buy a trailer! :B

[FunnyCamper]

if you buy a new truck, get the biggest 5th or TT it can handle. if you opt out of the new truck...find the biggest your current can handle.

MHs are meant to be driven, sitting is not good.

[captianmike]

For new "somewhat" fuel efficient truck im looking at the new 2015 f150 ecoboost, has a 11,500 tow capacity. Only planning on short trips like florida keys or daytona.

[Bumpyroad]

ncrowley wrote:
If you are parked most of the time, definitely get the trailer.

x2 or 3 or ?
bumpy

[intheburbs]

Depending on the frequency/distance/duration of the trips you want to take, you might want to look at destination travel trailers.

[Golden_HVAC]

With a fifth wheel, you will have stairs from the bedroom and bathroom to the living room. Travel trailer can be pulled by any F-250 while a fifth wheel might require a more gas hog F-350 or dually. Hitch weight can be as much as 3,000 pounds - and a Montana might have 4,000 pounds when wet and loaded with a full timer's stuff inside.

My guess is that your truck will become the daily driver, and you don't want a gas hog just to pull the fifth wheel a few miles a year. The F-250 should get better mileage.

It might be difficult to find a travel trailer with dual air conditioners. I would highly recommend them if you like to sleep at 72- 75F temps. I have a 30' RV with dual pane windows and fair (1.5" foam) insulation. In Mesa AZ, I would leave the A/C on 24/7 and still not go below 85 inside when it is 110 outside and nearly 0% RH. You will use a lot of your cooling ability just to remove humidity from the air.

Many travel trailers can have a 14" square vent removed and new A/C installed. I would be looking for a 50 amp service to the trailer, regardless of it being travel trailer or not. You probably will want to run the water heater on electric, and also be able to make coffee and run the microwave at the same time. This can happen in a 50 amp RV, while a 30 amp RV you have to be careful not to run to many 10 - 13 amp appliances at once.

If you don't plan on moving the RV much, many dealers or even a private seller can park the RV on your campground site, then leave it there. If you want to go camping, then get something like a Aliner.com

Fred.

Good luck!

Fred.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

5th wheel. More room.