northtoalaska
no where and everywhere
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Joined: 01/10/2006
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I'm being thrown into rv'ing full time because of finances. I'm retired and have read alot over the years on travel trailers. I always thought i'd get into one but have just read that they are kind of dangerous. I think they sway alot and what if I don't load it right? I didn't think I'd be able to hook up a 5th wheel alone. So now I'm confused and afraid and don't know which way to go. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
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FXSTOHIO
Ohio
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Joined: 01/27/2009
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Never had a 5th wheel but have owned 2 tent campers and 3 travel trailer and the last 10 years I have hooked them up alone as my wife is disabled. They are really easy to hook up once you get use to the distance and aliment of the hitch.
2008 Pilgrim Lite 21LRB
2004 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab 4x4 5.3 Tow Pkg 3.73
Yamaha EF2400IS
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Goldencrazy
madison wi
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Joined: 06/21/2007
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Not sure what you are thinking but if you do not all ready have an rv either TT or motorhome finances may not be the best direction as it will cost significant money to get started from scratch. If you are thrilled to go full-timing and traveling then it could be fun. I think a moderate sized motorhome in the B plus or C area would work well with an inexpensive toad. Much easier to unhook the toad than the fifth wheel I think and your daily drive around car can be more fuel efficient than a tow vehicle. I would look in the 28 foot range for a class C with bedroom in rear. Easily driveable and still good room for one person. Prices used these days are good. Good luck but don't assume this is the cheapest life style. There are smaller more rural communities around the country where you can rent a nice one bedroom apartment for at least what it would cost to roam in a moho.
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johnrbd
Hanford CA
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Joined: 09/12/2005
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Before I purchased my first 5th wheel, I had only pulled two different tent trailers. I found 5th wheel very easy and quick to hitch and unhitch.
With tent trailers I dinged up truck license plate. I was much easier with an assistant to connect tent trailer. With 5th wheel, I lower tail gate and back truck up to pin. Adjust pin height to match, back truck until hitch pin lock slams shut. Connect breakaway cable and connect trailer 7-pin wire. Raise hitch and inspected all around for anything I may have forgotten to do (disconnect power/sewer/water/cable). Remove chocks and secure rig and leave.
It's a one person job hitching and unhitching.
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garry1p
Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/12/2004
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I was at a CG in Memphis, TN when a 5th wheel came in and was set up in what I thought was record time.
I thought to myself man that guy knows what he is doing.
Much to my surprise it was a lone female I was impressed how she went about setting up and how fast and easy she made it look.
We all know practice makes perfect and the only way to get the practice is to get out there and do it.
I have never owned a 5th wheel but have owned TT and class A. Of course the class A has to be the easiest to set up but a TT is just not that hard to pull or set up.
Garry1p
1990 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite XL
454 on P-30 Chassis
1999 Jeep Cherokee sport
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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Joined: 03/13/2007
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I think you'll do fine with anything you purchase, I've seen just about every thing driven and lived in by everyone. It's what you feel best living in. There are all kinds of RV's out there. Each has It's own advantages and disadvantages. If you plan on staying put of a few months at a time, a class "C" or "A" might be better, with a toad (car in tow). Since it will be cheaper and easier to go on daily errands. A trailer or 5th wheel will tend to give more comfort and feel more like home. But you will need a good size pickup to haul it around. Sway is easy to to control, with the proper sway control. You should go out and look around (if you haven't already) and go with what you wish to live in. Believe me after a few miles, and stops, you'll be an old hand. Bill
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Rockiesview
Western Colo.
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Joined: 07/17/2009
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I've handled TT & 5th wheel, I prefer 5th wheel for handling and more room (and storage). I think the 5r is easier to hook-up, (no equalizing/sway bars).
A neighbor just bought a new class "C" 26' w/ a rear bdrm, small slide (couch)w/o a dinette (pedestal table), and looks like the ideal "small but large enough to be comfortable" unit. It is a Forest River, I believe "Sunseeker.
I think a small MH whether class A or C would be the best thing, especially now with economy the way it is.
Another neighbor went to Phoenix (Mesa)last spring looking for a newer 5r and dealers were more than willing to deal, it wound up w/ 25-30% off their asking price, (used unit).
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Moved from Forum Techical Support.
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RVUSA
Orlando, FL, USA
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Joined: 01/04/2005
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Class C. Less effort for a beginner, and you can tow a car behind it.
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lawnboy1
Palmyra,Pa
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Joined: 12/27/2007
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a 5th wheel is simple to hook and unhook . once you have a routine set up stick to it ,plus they tow better with no sway,more usable space inside.
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