Are there travel trailers built to full time in?

[Fireballsocal]

I thought I knew the answer to this till I started really thinking about it. As far as I know, there are no designations for trailers that are built to full time in (Park models not withstanding). Aside from the better built trailers (Airstream, Lance, Outdoors, etc.)am I right in thinking that what you see is what you get?

(Edited to say: I am putting some thought into seasonal work at national parks as I get closer to retirement. 6 months at a shot and living in an RV is preferable to a dorm.)

[myredracer]

Just what is it about FWs that makes them okay for full-timing while a TT isn't?

A FW uses the same components like appliances, cabinetry, entry door(s), furniture, flooring, plumbing, electrical, etc., etc. I know the frames are heavier but I have read many stories of frame failures in FWs and actually more than the frames on TTs.

For full-timing I'd definitely look at Northwood products - Arctic Fox & Outdoors RV. For starters, they build their own heavy duty off-road frames and have thicker walls and better insulation overall. There's some TTs I would stay as far away as possible but won't mention them here.

Stay away from anything with an "ultra-lite" or similar label on it. Finding a TT with a strong frame would be my first priority but it's hard to tell without inspecting them in person. A TT manufacturer can call their frame "heavy duty" but can be among the weakest out there. TTs with high CCC should indicate stronger frames. I'd want stronger 3" axles and bigger 12" brakes and tires with a higher load capacity rating. If a TT comes with the cheapo plastic spring bushings, throw them away immediately and install the Dexter wet bolt kit and equalizers (or Mor/Ryde equivalent).

There's quite a few things that I'd also be looking for, some of which could be optional upgrades. Get a TT with shock absorbers, larger fridge, walk-in shower to name a few. If it comes with a jacknife sofa (which are painful to use), get rid of it and install a nice double recliner love seat or theater seating. Make sure there is plenty of storage space.

[lbrjet]

Our first long trip was for 15 months. Guess no one told my trailer it couldn't do that.

[jaycocreek]

(Edited to say: I am putting some thought into seasonal work at national parks as I get closer to retirement. 6 months at a shot and living in an RV is preferable to a dorm.)

I have lived in many for over six months at a time while working and 4 full time yearly as my main and only occupancy.A 34 ft Terry which was very well made..A 24ft Beaver class c,another well made rv,a 35ft Jayco fifth wheel and my currant Ketstone Springdale.All were with atleast one pet and a kid in Idaho temps.

None were really better than the other as long as you fix thing as they happen and not put it off.I would not hesitate to head out or live in my currant Springdale for as long as I wanted too.

Keep on top of maintenance and you won't have any issues with whatever unit you choose "If" you do a thorough walk through and find one with solid floors/cabinets etc.

[qtla9111]

More money doesn't guarantee better quality. There are several "fulltime" rvs that are constantly on the forums with build problems.

I find that most of the money is on cosmetics such as solid wood cabinets, granite counter tops, tile floors, all the bells and whistles that eventually go wrong as they are part of a major harness that you cannot get to for repairs.

Maintenance is the key, find something with a good floorplan at a reasonable price. Remember, most who start out fulltime quit not soon after and that is one reason why used rvs are cheap.

[jmtandem]

Why would you need a 1 ton? At 10,400lb GVWR any 3/4ton could tow it, heck a properly equipped F150HD could as well. If it was a 5er you might need a 1 ton but as a bumper pull you only need ~2,000 payload and a big enough engine.

The Arctic Fox 30U is large and heavy. I would not want to pull it with a half ton truck regardless of the engine's power. A three quarter ton would be minimum for me. The tongue weight could be 1400 pounds not including the weight of the hitch. That is a lot of the half ton's payload devoted to just tongue weight. It is also probably more tongue weight than the stock receiver is designed for so an aftermarket receiver would be needed. Add a bunch of stuff in the back of the truck, people, dogs, bicycles, kayaks, etc. and the half ton is loaded beyond manufacturer's payload if not towing specifications. Full timers take a lot of stuff with them, after all they are full time living in the coach. For me it would just be too much for a half ton truck.

[NWnative]

The Airstream Classic series is marketed as a full time unit. They are very expensive and smaller than a 5vr. We have a 30ft flying cloud and it is perfect for us in terms of size. I would full time in it without hesitation. All depends on what you want and how strong of a relationship you have with your better half....LOL. Sometimes more space is a good thing. With that said, I spend more time outside than I do inside so....don't need tons of space when traveling.

[Fireballsocal]

gmw photos: It sounds like you have been getting excellent service from your fun finder. I'm fairly frugal too, but I put a lot of value in peace of mind also.

RV Crazy, I have a first generation Toyota Tundra and a Lance 1880. Both will get upgraded before I leave on this adventure. I plan to buy another Tundra with four wheel drive and the 5.7L motor. I also wouldn't mind sticking with Lance but am not opposed to another brand.

Again, I'm just starting to look into what this whole idea entails. I have a bit of freedom in that I have no children, so I am starting to see an opportunity where I can get out and explore while I'm still relatively young.

[Fireballsocal]

Some great info so far guys and gals, thanks! Tiger4x4RV, the destination trailers are designed and built a little bit differently than a normal RV, basically for exactly what I would be doing however start around 10,000 pounds so would need a heavy duty truck. They show me though that there is a difference in build quality between the two types of pull trailers.

afidel, I'm going to do some digging on escapees, thanks for the tip!

1stgenfarmboy. You can absolutely full time in a tent, if you so desired. I have the luxury of planning far in advance though and being able to choose an RV that will give maximum service for minimal wear should be a wise investment. I am just starting to explore this idea right now and have a good 6 years of gainful employment at the minimum before I decide to shirk responsibility and live in a van down by the river, metaphorically speaking.

[afidel]

RVcrazy wrote:
What is your tow vehicle? Arctic Fox is at the top of my list for FT in a TT. If you have a 1 ton truck & are talking about only moving it seasonally, take a look at a used 30U floorplan.

Why would you need a 1 ton? At 10,400lb GVWR any 3/4ton could tow it, heck a properly equipped F150HD could as well. If it was a 5er you might need a 1 ton but as a bumper pull you only need ~2,000 payload and a big enough engine.

[RVcrazy]

What is your tow vehicle? Arctic Fox is at the top of my list for FT in a TT. If you have a 1 ton truck & are talking about only moving it seasonally, take a look at a used 30U floorplan.

[1stgenfarmboy]

gmw .... ,there is no place in here for logic and sensible thinking.:W

[NanciL]

We (my wife and I) spend six months in ours and we bought it right off the RV lot.

Many snow birds do the same

Jack l

[gmw_photos]

For what one so called full time rated RV would cost me, I could buy three "throw away" trailers, and just junk them out every ten years. Let's see.... I'd be 95 years old by then. Which probably won't happen.

I have spent on average about 7 months per year for the last five years in my $14,000 (new) funfinder. Only routine maint and mods to suit my use. Getting ready for a fall trip now, and then winter in Arizona again in it.
But then I am, shall we say, "frugal". I also take care of my stuff, which I think is a big key here....be reasonable in how you treat it, and maintain it constantly.

[rbpru]

Some TT are not designed for year round or continuous use. That is why some manufacturers advise against it.

Full time occupancy usually requires a larger unit, hence the recommendation for 5vers and Motor Homes, but do not expect the typical TT, which is built and priced for recreational use, to hold up to continuous occupancy.

As mentioned, if you want a TT for year around use, they are out there. Their features, amenities and cost are reflective of there intended use.