New to RVing and In Need Of Advice! :)
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โMay-29-2023 01:53 PM
I do plan to live in my RV full time.
And which SUVs/trucks would you recommend, considering my budget is around 20k?
Any advice is much appreciated!
Thank you!
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โJun-07-2023 08:59 AM
Took me many months to find both truck and trailer at my budget level. It can be done but takes time normally. All the internet searching and looking was fun for me. To tow in high mountains you will need more towing power than towing on the low flatlands of Texas, etc. Enjoy the 4 Rs of life.
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โJun-06-2023 04:55 PM
But there are IMHO 1/2 trucks and trailers that would likely satisfy full time use.
As for Lantley comment "โฆOnce you decide you like RV'ing. Get that one ton dually diesel and be done with it. Otherwise you will be playing the upgrade game the entire time..."
I call BS on that. we've RV'd for decades and never ever have I or any of my camper buddies felt we needed a 1 ton dually to tow our trailers, 3/4ton? yes, but we travel a great deal. Nor have we ever looked at a trailer we liked that couldn't be towed with a 3/4 ton. And that includes our current 32ft trailer.
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!
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โJun-05-2023 10:56 AM
Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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โJun-05-2023 09:38 AM
nickthehunter wrote:Lantley wrote:In my opinion, I would say that is bad advice for a newbie. I have been RVโing for 30 years and I own an F150 (gas) which is plenty for my needs. A diesel dually would have been a pretty stupid waste of money for me when I was a newbie. Everyone needs to evaluate their own situation and needs. One size fits all solutions donโt exist.
โฆOnce you decide you like RV'ing. Get that one ton dually diesel and be done with it. Otherwise you will be playing the upgrade game the entire time...
Moderation in all things:
- No, the OP probably doesn't need a new top of the line 450hp diesel dually.
- But also avoid anything unibody...I don't care if it has 450hp.
Of course, this presumes you aren't buying something monstrous or something tiny.
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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โJun-05-2023 06:43 AM
I do agree with others, your budget implies that you will be struggling to keep your RV in one piece and your vehicle running. RVing isn't a cheap way to live; many communities have pretty strong laws about living on the street; and dumping your tanks into a storm sewer will get you some serious fines.
Lastly, if you are truly desperate to have a place to live that is relatively secure - but some backpacking equipment, a cot, some storage totes, a cassette toilet, and a used work van (the Econolines and Express vans will run forever). Being able to "rustic" camp with no hookups saves you a ton of money; $10/month buys you a Planet Fitness membership where you can shower; and you are only dealing with one vehicle that can have problems, not two.
Looking for a small Class C!
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โJun-01-2023 06:48 AM
For the rest of us with not only budgets but also the ability to make reasonably sound decisions about what kinda camper we will reasonably have for however long, it sounds just silly.
But I know plenty of people who cycle through campers then trucks then camper then truckโฆ. that Lantleys advice makes sense for. Those that canโt make up their minds and those that generally end up spending a lot of money to โupgradeโ repeatedly.
So if the shoe fits I suppose
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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โJun-01-2023 06:37 AM
Lantley wrote:In my opinion, I would say that is bad advice for a newbie. I have been RVโing for 30 years and I own an F150 (gas) which is plenty for my needs. A diesel dually would have been a pretty stupid waste of money for me when I was a newbie. Everyone needs to evaluate their own situation and needs. One size fits all solutions donโt exist.
โฆOnce you decide you like RV'ing. Get that one ton dually diesel and be done with it. Otherwise you will be playing the upgrade game the entire time...
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โJun-01-2023 06:21 AM
2018 Wrangler JLU - pulling duty as a daily and toad
2012 Audi A7 - daily fun car
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โMay-31-2023 06:33 AM
so I always tell people now if they are planning on buying both.. get the rv first, then find a truck to tow it. unless you are going to go out and buy a 1 tone dually diesel.. then you aren't limited to much.
I will add to this. Once you decide you like RV'ing. Get that one ton dually diesel and be done with it. Otherwise you will be playing the upgrade game the entire time.
Most don't realize the cost of the trucks is relatively equal.
A 1/2 ton gasser cost the same as a 3/4 gasser.
Once you decide to go diesel a 3/4 diesel cost the same as a 1 ton dually.
You must just decide what truck you want. If you are in it for the long haul get the 1 ton diesel dually and be done with it.
r,RV760 w/BC20,Glow Steps, Enduraplas25,Pedego
BakFlip,RVLock,Prog.50A surge ,Hughes autoformer
Porta Bote 8.0 Nissan, Sailun S637
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โMay-31-2023 04:55 AM
You never hear of anyone who has bought their last RV first. Meaning, you never know what you want until you know what you want. If a trailer or FW is your target then I would buy the biggest truck I could get my hands on in my budget. If you stick with RV'ing then the odds are you will buy another RV in a matter of a time. A larger truck doesn't confine you and offers freedom to expand to a different or bigger RV. Not to mention that a vehicle that only marginally can tow your RV is a horrible experience and can be downright dangerous.
Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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โMay-30-2023 04:57 PM
If I was doing it again, I would decide what I want for a rv, then buy the truck or what not required to pull it. I started out with a bigger tent trailer behind a 91 ford ranger, then got a 98 F150 and found it towed so much better. Then I traded that in on a 28 foot trailer and again had to upgrade to a 99 F250 Deisel so I could get up big hills decently. then we bought the 5th wheel and I was over the weight capacity of my rear end of the F250 so I had to buy a 2014 F350 diesel and that is fine. the problem I run into now is we also bought a older truck camper to see how we liked it, and we love it but because I didn't buy a dually truck we have to be careful one what camper we get as I really don't want to buy another truck right now.. maybe in 9 years when I retire but not now haha
so I always tell people now if they are planing on buying both.. get the rv first, then find a truck to tow it. unless you are going to go out and buy a 1 tone dually diesel.. then you arn't limited to much.
2016 Cougar 330RBK
1991 Slumber Queen WS100
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โMay-30-2023 01:33 PM
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โMay-30-2023 11:40 AM
This board does not see a lot of the latter. So the perspective here is not the same as you might see elsewhere.
If the OP is choosing this lifestyle for economic reasons, then they might get more tailored responses elsewhere.
Let's face it, few here live(d) fulltime in a cheap used RV because they couldn't afford housing. So our responses are not going to reflect decisions and choices based on that.
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)
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โMay-30-2023 11:05 AM
MFL wrote:
Welcome to the forum!
First time RVer, and living in full time, normally do not go together! A FW would be a much better option for full time living. It would require a HD truck to carry the pin weight, and tow it.
Any trailer big enough to live in, will be a learning experience for someone not used to towing. As you add more information, as to travels, or mainly park and live in, we will be better able to advise. ๐
Jerry
I understand what you are saying, Jerry. But there are exceptions, and you did say "normally".
Our first RV was a 41' diesel pusher for full time use. But there was a ton of research done before that purchase. And it looks like that is what the OP is doing. He's asking questions.
BTW, our 2nd RV was a 43' DP full time, followed by a 27' Class C for part time use. Now our 4th RV is a 42' fiver full time.