The only way you're going to get a full time unit for $60k is to buy used. It ain't like buying a car where used means used-up. There are few wear parts on a 5er. No motor to wear out.
So how about something like this?$60K
'03 GMC 4500 Topkick with Duramax/Allison
'04 36' McKenzie Medallion triple slide
Cabover kayak racks w/18' touring kayaks.
Bicycle carrier on the front with a street bike & a mountain bike
Snowbird W/Ohio camper dock
Yes.. a good frame is super important but you made a comment that puzzles me...something about the floor plan not being as important as a good frame. I guess I agree with that statement - to a point.
The point is: If you are going to be in the trailer for a long time, as full timers, I wouldn't discount the importance of the floor plan to deeply. I would venture to say that all the "FULLTIME" rigs have a "good" frame so IMHO, the floor plan becomes very important.
For example: The plan we chose has two important characteristics - important to us that is.... that's why we chose it...
1. Side Bath - all in one, like a regular bathroom just a wee bit smaller
2. Rear Entertainment Center - we like this arrangement because while sitting in either of the recliner chairs, or on the couch, your focus is AWAY from the rest of the trailer. The kitchen, dinette, etc are all there, but for the most part it's all in back of you. FOR US there's just too much distraction within noticeable vision in the side entertainment plans.
So... I would reconsider the importance of floor plan for full time living were I you.
What i ment was its more important to focus on the bones FIRST. Thats what we did. I like the tv at the end and Tom hates the Washer in the bedroom.. This is what we'er leaning toward.
Not a full time unit. Having your washer over here instead of over there isn't going to make up for not having enough insulation.
Can people fulltime in a Montana? Sure! I tried it in a Jayco, and woke up one morning with the comforter frozen to the wall where I couldn't get out of bed!
With $60k for a full time unit you'll have difficulty finding used one that's suitable. If you get real lucky and find two, then you can consider floor plans.
DRV has always been a good full-time unit. I just wish we had come across one when we first started fulltiming. Instead, we tried an Pilgrim Open Road because it was lighter weight for our Chevy 3500 and it said on the brochure - for Fulltiming. But it sure wasn't meant for 4 seasons and it was traded off after only 10 mos.
We're on our 2nd Suite. The first one was purchased at an RV show as is and the 2nd one was customized, because we wanted certain features that weren't in the 2006.
We can't choose our jobs. We always luck out and get cold snowy winters in the north or hot humid summers in the south. ;-)
There are many great used Suites for sale by owner on the market under $60k and in your weight range. Some even have the newer upgrades or can be upfitted easily. So search carefully on multiple owners forums or 5thwheel forums.
Good Luck!
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3 (38RSSB3)....our custom home w/2011 upgrades
2010 Ford F450 KR CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
..and I forgot to mention. Many DoubleTree - aka DRV Suites hold up so well, that you can't tell new from used except for the changes in countertop material or carpeting.
Our 2006 Elite Suite was over 2 1/2 yrs old, lived in 24/7 and it looked better than new because of a few improvements we had made.
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