After a few years with a class A, a couple with a larger TT, we are starting the search for the 5'ver of our dreams. I'd appreciate any help in narrowing our search.
As a part of our transition to this world, I'll be changing the bed of my truck for a flat bed, that will be dropped to the frame, toolboxes added to my taste and a good grade of a hitch. I have looked at the Air Ride hitch and like what I see, but I'm not locked in to that.
We will be living in the rig for about 6 months a year, with traveling about 15k miles a year (that's our current level). Since we do have a taste for more than basic vinyl covered particle board, we are looking for a nice living space, washer/dryer, dual air, lots of storage cabinets and for me - a really BIG basement area. I'm so tired of not having things we enjoy at home that being able to haul a few toys is a requirement. DW requests a lot of windows – a choice I share, since I’ve seen some RV’s that look like caves – we live for bright, sunny days and want to see the outdoors.
One odd special need; we need to have a 5'ver that I can put a small gun "safe" in. Not a 1000 lb monster like I have at home, but one that can carry the guns I use in competitions’ as we travel. Just large enough for a couple rifles and pistols. About 16"wide 60" tall and 12" deep. I have the box, I just need to make sure the box will fit somewhere without DW loosing too much undie space.
If the frame is strong enough to haul a small boat & trailer behind, life would really be good, but lacking that double tow option, I would want to figure out how to “hang” a 2 man off the back. This is really optional, but it would add to the livability for us.
We wandered through a Big Country the other day and it met a lot of our needs, loved the big basement made by placing the frame under the body – good planning. However the sofa and chairs were not what we wanted. I really want to find a sofa that I can stretch out on without making out the bed. My 6’ frame fills up a love seat with my head hanging off on one side and my legs dangling off on the other. Does anybody make a camper with a full size sofa?
My Ram 3500 dually will handle most 5’vers I’ve looked at, I’m not afraid of upgrading if I have to. We really want to get this one right for our needs. I do not want to be looking again in a couple years.
How about it friends? Anybody got a real suggestion?
Larry and Debbie Kruzan
We never turn a corner without wondering in amazement at God's creation!
Most of the Suite owners we've talked to have switched out the furniture with Residential grade (mostly Lazyboy). So don't let furniture be the detraction. That's the advantages of a 5er.
The beauty of any Suite from DRV, they will do many customized things, including possibly finding a spot for your gun safe. There are other mfgers who will do some semi-customization. I'm just more familiar with Mobile Suites brand.
And if you prefer to save by getting a used unit, they hold up well and either the factory or at least 2 others up in Howe, Indiana area can redo nearly anything you want.
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."
We have lived in our Mobile suites since last Nov. They are in another class above the rv you mentioned. The MS has a huge solid frame and large basement. Carraige or Hitch Hiker are two more quality RV's.
B&W is an awesome hitch, you know FOR SURE if it is hitched or not. Very high quality.
Your RAM CUMMINS will handle the load with ease. With my 27,000# combined load I maintain 55mph on 6 percent grades.
New is an option but we bought our 2007.5 MS for less than 1/2 of what it cost new and is in great condition. There are bargains out there. Look for 07.5 or newer, they started to make a lot of changes mid year in 07.
Towing a 5th wheel is so much nicer than a TT you will love it!
Good luck, any specific questions just ask.
2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn 3500 Dually Long Bed, Cummins 350/800 HO, Towin Machine
B&W Companion Hitch, Maghytec Trans and Rear Dif Covers, AMZ/OIL Top To Bottom
2007 1/2 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 27,000# Combined
The boat on the back complicates most of your search. To get anything grand for comfort and livibility, you are going to run too long to be legal, even in those states that allow it. One option is to mount a 2-man over the cab of your truck.
I think the couche sizes are standard unless you find one with an L-couch that I have seen out there in some new models.
The safe can be mounted to the frame anywere you want. There is frame under all the floors.
2006 Ford F350 4X4 SB CC SRW Powerstroke 6.0
2013 Redwood 36RL - full paint - disk brakes
"Comparison is the thief of joy! - Theodore Roosevelt"
Sounds like you do a circuit. I pull a 14' boat behind my 5er. A lot of states won't even allow it. The ones that will all have different restrictions. I agree with with Mile High, you should rethink towing the boat. Besides then the boat won't affect your trailer choice. You could do a fold-a-boat or inflatable also.
2012 Chevy 3500HD Dually 4X4
Crew Cab long bed 6.0 gasser 4.10
06 Hitchiker II LS 29.5 FKTS
Yamaha EF3000iSE
retired gadgetman
Larry and Debbie...The Model Fifth Wheel may be just the right brand for you!
I do not believe they are still in business...recently closed down I think. Their phone (800-552-5250) still rings and an answering machine picks up...Russ is the Owner and it's his voice.
But anyway the used ones are a great deal. (Mid 30's)
It IS a 5th wheel trailer...but has an almost completely flat interior floor front to back. Only one small step up to the master bedroom.
Because of this it has enourmous under floor storage space!
And you'll love this! "In our Rear living room model, we can make room below the floor in the basement, for a aluminum fishing boat accessed from the rear." Good insulation too...Roof R21, Sidewall R9
and Floor R17 plus!
Good luck!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
Thanks guys! The boat thing was a option we can live without, just thought it might add to the fun. I'm thinking about the rack over the truck idea. Winching it up there would not be too hard to figure out, but just might be more work that I'm willing to add to our normal setup/tear down routine.
I will pursue the DRV line. A quick look at their website gave us floor plans we liked. Now I've just got to find some to look at. Two seasons ago there were some folks we camped next to in Florida that had one - It was when I realized just how little storage volume we had. You could have a family of four living in that basement.
Since you're in the midwest, add NuWa Hitchhikers to your list as you can deal factory direct. They generally have a good selection of reconditioned units as well as new. The LS series has nice floor plans but the Discover Americas are a nice step up. Champagnes are awesome but very heavy. We just upgraded to the DA and the storage under is big enough to make a fine doghouse when I mess up again.
larry_kruzan wrote: We wandered through a Big Country the other day and it met a lot of our needs, loved the big basement made by placing the frame under the body – good planning. However the sofa and chairs were not what we wanted. I really want to find a sofa that I can stretch out on without making out the bed. My 6’ frame fills up a love seat with my head hanging off on one side and my legs dangling off on the other. Does anybody make a camper with a full size sofa?
2011 Heartland Big Country 3450TS
2007.5 Chev LMM Duramax/Allison
2010 FLHTC Electra Glide Classic Red Hot Sunglo
Heartland Owners Club - Washington Chapter Leaders
One brand of fifth wheel not mentioned yet is the Redwood. You might want to check them out, too. They are a new brand, a full-time unit similar to the Mobile Suites. they are set up for washers and dryers (most are side-by-side units, a few models have them stacked), and have a large basement, and full-sized 80" couch and 2 recliners in most. Tons of storage inside and out. We have looked at them a few times, and like them the best of all we have looked at, including Mobile Suites, Excel, Montana, Heartland. Also liked the Infinity, but don't know much about it.
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