kakampers
Fulltimer
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Joined: 04/02/2004
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I'm amazed at how little people actually read...
To answer your question. What you should consider in a NEW unit in which to fulltime, in my opinion, are:
1 - Dual Pane Windows
2 - Good insulation factors in walls, ceilings and floors
3 - Enclosed heated underbelly/tanks
4 - Adquate storage capacity...some units can hold very little after added
options
5 - Second A/C if planning on being way south in summer
6 - More residential like cabinetry and porcelin sink/toilet, etc...these hold up better to everyday use
7 - And of course, a truck that can safely pull such a vehicle
These features can be found in most RV manufacturer's lines from mid-priced to the very high end...so know your budget before starting to shop. Any reasonably well built unit with the above will do quite nicely as a fulltime unit, unless of course, you plan on staying in exceptionally cold weather...Good Luck in your search!
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B W M
Princeton IN.
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Joined: 08/23/2009
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You did not say if you will be moving around! If you are moving around go south for the winter then back north in the summer. We spend April to Nov in IN and head south for the rest of the year. AZ. NM. CA. TX. where it is nice for the winter.WE move south as it gets cold.WE do not like Florida so we do not go there any more. ==== Good luck
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2Rovers
On The Road
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Joined: 11/09/2004
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skylos wrote:Is there a reason not to use your furnace?
None that I can think of other than utilizing more propane etc. We use the Vornado small heater just to keep the temps consistent in between the cycles of the furnace. Heaters such as the Olympian Wave are much quieter however. I don't care for the noise of a heat pump running.
I think sometimes we forget that the freedoms we have are freedoms not because of celebrities. The freedoms are because of ordinary people who did extraordinary things, who loved this country more than life itself.
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PBLouie
My Easy Chair
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Joined: 07/02/2007
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Thanks for all the answers. I won't be moving around for a few years yet. However I will be looking for a new fiver probably next year. One with more insulation and one with thermopane windows. I was looking at a Montana here, it has good insullation in the ceiling, walls, and floors but it didn't have thermopane windows. I asked the salesman about it and he told me that they didn't order them with them because the day/nite shades did as good as thermopane. What do you think?
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Steve (Me! Not Really Retired)
Skeeter (The Wonder Dog)
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2005 Dodge Ram 4X4 2500 Cummins
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi PBLouise,
How do you tell if a salesman is lying?
Answer: His lips are moving.
Honeycomb shades are a far cry from dual pane windows, insulation wise. Day/night shades may be less effective than honey comb units. Go with dual pane--short term pain for long term gain!!!
Anything that covers the windows and cuts down on drafts is a good addition.
PBLouie wrote:Thanks for all the answers. I won't be moving around for a few years yet. However I will be looking for a new fiver probably next year. One with more insulation and one with thermopane windows. I was looking at a Montana here, it has good insullation in the ceiling, walls, and floors but it didn't have thermopane windows. I asked the salesman about it and he told me that they didn't order them with them because the day/nite shades did as good as thermopane. What do you think?
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
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kakampers
Fulltimer
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Joined: 04/02/2004
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PBLouie wrote:Thanks for all the answers. I won't be moving around for a few years yet. However I will be looking for a new fiver probably next year. One with more insulation and one with thermopane windows. I was looking at a Montana here, it has good insullation in the ceiling, walls, and floors but it didn't have thermopane windows. I asked the salesman about it and he told me that they didn't order them with them because the day/nite shades did as good as thermopane. What do you think?
What we've found is the dual panes WITH day/night shades work well together...the shades add an extra "pocket of air", which is an insulator itself....but I would NOT be without my dual panes. Never listen to salesmen...EVER!
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PBLouie
My Easy Chair
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That's about what I figured. I am still opting for the Dual pane windows. More is always better.
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elh0146
Sioux Falls, SD
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Joined: 01/13/2002
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PBLouie wrote:So keeping that in mind, what should I be looking for as far as a full timing options on a new 5er.
Wheels so that you can move to warmer climates in the winter?
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Dustytuu
Somewhere in the USA
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Joined: 03/16/2004
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You may consider the electric fireplace. They do take the chill out. We have two of them in our 5th wheel. Saves on propane. I don't like those little portable heaters sitting around in middle of floor to trip over or knock over.
Washer and dryer is nice. Don't have to go to the laundry room and sit for hours. Besides you don't know what was washed in those washers before you use them.
2008 dodge 5500, diesel,Laramie, pressure pro. RBW hitch 22K.
2008 Carriage Carri-Lite, 36SBQ, 4 slides,dishwasher,washer/dryer,2 fireplaces
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duane124
planet erth
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one thing i did when i full timed a winter is to get an electric hot plate and convection oven
this is based on being in a campground where electricity is included
another essential is heating your waterline(w/heat tape)
i wasn't above pulling a drop cord in to run my electric heater(off the 110 plug at the pedestal ) to keep my 30 amp service in check
nothing sucks worse than a circuit breaker tripping at 4 am.......brrrrrr
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