Triton318
Explorer
Joined 11 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: New to RVs -- Planning for First One
In August I purchased a 2003 Ford F-150 with 130,000 miles, in really good shape. It has the 4.6L V-8. Then, last month, I bought a 1981 Sunline 16' TT. I was going to wait until the spring and spend more, but I was bored, so I bought something that needed a little work so I'd have something to do. And yesterday I made reservations at Trout Creek Motel and RV Park in Trout Creek, MT, for June 15 through September 15. So I'm pretty excited!286Views0likes0CommentsTowing/Truck Newbie Trying to Understand
I've been reading on this, and other sites, about towing as I need to figure out what I can safely tow with my truck (2003 F150 4.6L V8; automatic transmission; 3.55 differential). Here are the figures for the truck (all in pounds): From label: GVWR: 6,050 Rear GAWR: 3,500 From Ford 2003 RV & Trailer Towing Guide GCWR: 11,500 Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight: 7,100 Here's a formula I've run across several times: Tow Vehicle GCWR - Tow Vehicle GVW = the Maximum GVWR for the trailer. Now, I don't have the GVW for my vehicle, because I haven't weighed it. This is the actual weight of the vehicle, fully loaded. However, shouldn't I be able to substitute GVWR for GVW, since the GVW should be less than or equal to the GVWR? If I do that: 11,500 - 6,050 = 5,450. So, if I don't exceed the truck's GVWR, I should be able to pull a trailer weighing up to 5,450 lbs (fully loaded)? Is this correct? I know there are other considerations to take into account. When I enter my figures using this online towing calculator (http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml), it says the maximum trailer weight is 3,333 lbs. Also, I'm confused about this: Ford says the maximum loaded trailer weight is 7,100. But 11,500 - 6,050 = 5,450. Shouldn't the maximum loaded trailer weight be 5,450? So for the lengthy post -- just trying to get my head wrapped around this. Thanks. Jay1.3KViews0likes3CommentsRVs Parks for Long Term vs "Campground" RV Parks
I'm still about a year away from getting a travel trailer and tow vehicle, but I've started looking for possible places to stay next summer. For the first five years or so, I'll be working full time (from "home"), so I'm looking for a place to stay for about three months. I'm not really looking for a typical resort/campground type of place, because I think that would be too expensive. I'm looking for more of a place where people go to stay for longer periods of time, where the rates would be lower. Is my thinking correct here? Are there RV "parks" that are meant more for long-term stays where the rates are lower than RV parks that are destinations for tourists/visitors only planning to stay for a week or several weeks? If so, does anyone know of a good resource online for finding these places? Thanks!2.8KViews0likes10CommentsRe: New to RVs -- Planning for First One
Thanks for the replies. As of right now, I have no strong preference regarding a 5th wheel or a travel trailer. I do not have a tow vehicle yet. Is it not possible to find the trailer first, then get a tow vehicle that is appropriate for that trailer? Would someone selling a trailer allow the buyer to leave it at the seller's property for, say a maximum of 30 days, while the buyer finds and purchases a tow vehicle?249Views0likes0CommentsNew to RVs -- Planning for First One
Hello, I just joined this forum. I'm a former sailor who has made a major change in his future plans -- instead of seeing the world from the deck of a sailboat, I'm going to see the United States from an RV. I'm going to be working full time in the beginning, but I work remotely for my employer, only requiring a high-speed Internet connection. Later (I'm 51 now), I might look into doing the work camper thing. I would appreciate any advice and suggestions for choosing an RV based on the following criteria: 1. I will have $18,000 to spend. I want to pay cash and not finance anything. I'm very handy, so I don't mind doing some work to fix something up. I have the skills to repair and add mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures/gear. I'm definitely going to be buying used, both the trailer and the tow vehicle. 2. I will be spending about three to four months in each location, moving as the seasons change to experience the weather I enjoy: 50 to 75 degrees daytime highs, low humidity, clear, sunny skies. 3. For living space: a bed that can remain permanently set up (don't want to be converting a dinette or pull-out sofa into the bed each night); a bathroom with a toilet, sink, shower, and holding tank; a kitchen with fridge, oven/range, double sink, and microwave; a comfortable seat/chair; a permanently arranged dinette for eating meals. I don't need a lot of space. I lived aboard a 28 foot sailboat for a year and a half; it was tiny. 4. I've pretty much ruled out a motor home, because I will occasionally need to drive a considerable distance to visit family. I would like to be able to leave the "home" where it is, and drive a more fuel efficient vehicle. So I'm considering either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. I think what would be most helpful to me right now is to first decide which would be preferable based on my criteria: a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer! Jay8.7KViews0likes25Comments
Groups
RV Newbies
We all start out new. Share lessons learned or first-time questions!Jun 15, 20174,026 Posts Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 21, 202544,029 Posts
