Pre-purchase advice on size TT for disabled

[watersprite]

Newly minted member...please be kind.

I need advice on what size TT to purchase that meets my physical limitations(bad heart). My plans are to travel, solo, between eastern Washington and Arizona (snowbird style). I will live in this TT year round and I am used to a Spartan existence.

I have yet to purchase the tow vehicle, though it will be at least a 3/4T. My priorities will be 4x4 and diesel, though diesel is least likely by budget constraints.

Both the eventual tow vehicle and TT will be used and each in the $15,000 range. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

So what size TT would members recommend?

[ol__yeller]

I also have a bad heart. I had to sell our 27' Keystone 243RKS because it was too much for me to keep up. I have balance issues as well related to my heart attack so roof and ladders are not in my network anymore. You will need a power tongue jack and power stabilizers would also be a nice addition. My wife lifted the heavy anti sway bars off the hitch but that is also a consideration. Don't forget how heavy the receiver is for the hitch. I became able to do most of the other hookups myself but appreciated her assistance as it allowed me to not be worn out after setup or before driving home. Consider maintenance that will need to be done especially for winterization. My kids were helpful but I didn't want to be that dependent on them. My '99 F250 was a great truck and I found that the V10 was a very capable towing machine especially with the right gear set. I sold my truck as it was getting long in the tooth and deteriorating from just sitting around.

We have been looking for about a year now for replacement as we miss camping very much. For us a small class C seems to be the best replacement given my limitations. I have considered a smaller TT and truck but find it hard to live with downsizing that much. As of right now the best solution for us will be the new Minnie Winnie 25B. I just need to figure out how to pay for it without going into debt. Good luck in your search. I wish you many more years of breathing and enjoying nature.

[dadmomh]

In thinking about a 5er, and you mentioned some health issues, bear in mind that the bedroom and bathroom require going up and down 3 or 4 steps. This may or may not present a problem, don't mean to appear too personal, be we have a disabled adult son and have learned to take small things into consideration.

Wonderful news about the common ground with the ex....nice when that can happen.

[watersprite]

WE have also been looking at a 30ft Class-A with a Chevy Workhorse engine that could conceivably work provided it has the power to tow a Ford Expedition SUV. Our planned travel routes include some mountainous travel on asphalt. Anyone have any input on this?

[watersprite]

The discussions with the ex has gone well and she has decided to join me on my terms (surgically separated from our 26 year-old daughter). I now have a very healthy 51 year-old co-driver! And cook!!!

We know OUR limitations, though. So back to size of TT or 5th-wheel, where distance is sometimes bliss but poverty from buying too much has its own problems. And I will eventually zero-in on the weight issue but right now "long term living" length and "towing" length (not necessarily the same) is my starting point. I hope there is some measure of clarity there! LOL There are times when we all need our own little space.

[gtkato]

Watersprite
I also am an avid fly fisherman. I have owned every kind of RV in the last 40 years. I loved the Truck Camper for reaching those remote fishing spots, but not as useful once reaching the destination.
I have always stayed with 4X4 (used many times on muddy roads).
I now find find the Travel Trailer the best solution for fly fishing.
Once at my camping destination, I can explore the remote fishing spots with my truck. My new Lance 1985 is perfect for two, and my previous Lance 1685 is perfect for one (it is small enough to get into most destinations). I went back to 1/2 ton from diesel because it drives like a car (with 4WD) and pulls the TT like a dream.
You should be able to find a small 16-18ft trailer in you price range that will allow long term occupancy.

[watersprite]

Well you have got me thinking, for sure. Going into discussion with my ex about teaming up for a last swing or two. She wants to see Montana. I want to fly fish Montana. I believe we can find common ground, but a Class A is her happy spot. And she has the 4x4.

[dadmomh]

If you went with a smaller size C, you could get a small, enclosed utility trailer to keep your fishing equip and inflatable. DH has one for all his RC....well, not ALL, but some, and it's easily moved around with a dolly from Harbor Freight - about $40 - $50 - and would fit in there, too. He added a roof vent and is going to be getting a vent cover so he doesn't have to worry about rain blowing in. I agree that a small C would be lots less work for you, no hookup issues and minimal set up.

[watersprite]

Hmm...Backing into sites. Two choices then, camera system or inviting the ex-spouse. I KNOW how much she costs so just need cost of camera system. lol

[brulaz]

Hitching up a Travel trailer (TT) is not that hard, if you have a rear view camera in the truck. And the same system can have a rear-view camera on the trailer, helping you back into sites, since you will be alone.

A fifth wheel hitch can stay in the bed of the truck, if that leaves enough room for your boat and stuff when fishing. A TT hitch would probably have to be removed as they stick out so much and may even interfere with the tailgate. And they are heavy.

Other problems are leveling the trailer. With a heart condition, I guess you want to do as little heavy work as possible. You can use an electric drill to raise and lower the scissors jacks at each corner of the trailer. And be sure to get an electric tongue jack if you get a TT. Not sure how you level a fifth wheel, but I'm sure some have electric jacks. But maybe not for $15,000.

Have you considered a Camper in the truck's bed? Maybe too small for an extended stay, but you can definitely get into places you couldn't with a trailer. They can have electric jacks to level and lift them off the truck. I've seen a lot of fishermen with them park right next to the river. They do require a hefty truck though.

Good luck in your search.

[watersprite]

I am an avid flyfisher and need a truck to travel between areas inaccessible to those type rigs. I need to unhook at times...plus I use an inflatable which I need to carry inflated.

No, those type rigs would not work for me. Thanks anyway!

[gbopp]

loulou57 wrote:
When I read your post my first thought was for you to think about was to change from a TT to either a conversion van or a class C. Just thinking it would eliminate you having to deal with hitches and a van would be like driving a truck. I help my hubby with the hitch etc but I could not do it myself.

Just a thought!

I agree. A small Class C or a Class B may be a good choice. JMO

[watersprite]

Yes, I have thought on that issue (but probably not enough). It may be that I go 5th wheel, where I will be able to see the hook-up, or so I guess with no experience to back that up.

I will be doing more living and less driving. Or so the thinking goes.

Being the newbie and short-sighted, I failed to notice that there is a forum for Full Time RVing and one for disabilities. Full service joint!

[loulou57]

When I read your post my first thought was for you to think about was to change from a TT to either a conversion van or a class C. Just thinking it would eliminate you having to deal with hitches and a van would be like driving a truck. I help my hubby with the hitch etc but I could not do it myself.

Just a thought!