jjwms
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Re: Short 5er for full-time?
We full-timed for 10 years. 6 of those were in a HH-II that was 31 feet long with two slides. If we were to go back to fulltime we would seriously consider an Artic Fox because they are 4 season rigs. Granted they are more expensive but in our opinion one gets what they pay for. But floor plan you can live with is really the key. However, having said that, we would now also consider a good quality motorhome with slides about 33-35' long and pull our 2012 Jeep Liberty four wheels down.389Views0likes0CommentsRe: where do you winter?
We wintered in several places as fulltimers for 10 years. But our favorite was Rockport, TX. There are several RV parks there at reasonable cost if you pay by the month. We actually liked Lagoons RV Resort best because it was across the street from a city park with good walking trails. We also got our mail general delivery and the post office was across the street the other way from the RV park. In addition, down there they call you "Winter Texans" not GD snowbirds like we were actually called in Arizona.173Views0likes0CommentsRe: Is 27' too long?
After 10 years fulltiming we traded our 36' fifth wheel in onto a 31' fifth wheel. That lasted for a year and we realized it along with the dually pickup was too big to get into US Forest Service CGs in our area. So we downsized to a 28' class A motorhome. On long weekends or trips we tow a 2012 Jeep Liberty. But now we can get into almost any campground plus have the 4,000 watt generator when needed to run the air conditioner. And at our age it is a lot more comfortable for us and everything is on one floor when we get into the unit. Yeah, my knees have begun to talk to me when I negotiate stairs.510Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wardrobe Space
When we first began to full-time we had a fifth wheel with a big living room slide but without a bedroom slide and only shirt closets. Within 6 months we traded it in for a fifth wheel with the big living room slide and a bedroom slide so we could have decent hanging space. I also put wire shelves at each end of the closet. We didn't pack a lot of clothes but enough we used all the space we had. So I would recommend you look at a bigger rig with a floor plan you can live in. It's really important that folks realize that fulltiming is a lifestyle and it is NOT camping.411Views0likes0CommentsRe: Possible Routing
If you try to include the Black Hills in your trip don't try to do it without reservations if you will get there around August 1st. the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally basically takes up that whole month and it's all but impossible to find a place to stay in an RV or even motel. You are talking about a lot of miles. A route planner software would be highly recommended.288Views0likes0CommentsRe: Is a 40 foot fifth wheel too long to access neat places?
We fulltimed for 10 years and a good share of it was in western USA campgrounds. Believe me when I say that when we had a 32' 5er we got into a lot more US Forest Service and state campgrounds than we could when we later moved up into a 36' 5er. As to truck, if you are going to tow a 40' 5er step up to at least a F550 Ford or 5500/6500 Dodge/GMC/Chevrolet truck. A medium duty tractor would be better yet. For our 36' HitchHiker Champagne at 16,500# we had a F550 and needed it. Yes, we were outdoor people and liked the back country as well as boondocking. And no, we never stayed in a WalMart lot and called it boondocking.402Views0likes0CommentsRe: Study Butte Does it exist?
Yes, the RV park you mention does exist. I will guarantee you will feel the heat at that time of year. By the way, we learned that the pronunciation of Study Butte is Stew-dee Butte from one of the locals. We enjoyed our stay there because we had full hookups. That is not the case in the RV campground inside Big Bend Park.355Views0likes0CommentsRe: Two adults comfortable in the over cab bed?
Just a comment. Winnebago makes a small class A that we feel is better than a C for comfort and livability. there is one that is about 24' in length and we opted for the next size up that is 28' long with two slides. It is called Vista as a Winnebago. I don't remember what it is as an Itasca. But take a look at it and you may like it better than another class C.263Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mt Rushmore CG's
You have good advice on campgrounds but none on time to tour the Black Hills. The only advice I will give you on that is do not try to do it in August. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place then and you will not find an empty RV park or campground nor at this late date will you probably be able to make reservations. Believe me that I know what I'm talking about. We were fulltime RVers for 10 years and before that lived in the Dakotas for 21 years. We also had a membership in Hart Ranch RV Resort and even members had to have reservations in August or they couldn't get a site.184Views0likes0Comments
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