travelbuff
Federal Way, WA, USA
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Joined: 03/13/2002
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We are "thinking" of trading our camper for a fifth wheel. We like to spend about three months in Baja during the winter and take the occasional camping trip in the summer. I know we will give up some mobility with a fifth wheel but I think that we really need more space. I think we would want to stay around 30' and wonder what floor plan has worked best for others. I enjoy cooking and my husband often gives me a hand with chopping and dicing. In the camper he just sits at the table and he is in the kitchen as well as the living and dining room. We don't need any extra sleeping accomodations but we do have a German Shepherd who takes up her share of space and then some. Trying to cook with her under my feet is really a challenge. We haven't had a chance to look at any fifth wheels yet but the plans with the easy chairs at the very back look appealing. Of course we would like lots of windows since we are often at the beach in Baja.
Thanks, Chris
04 F350 diesel DRW
04 NorthernLite Ten2000RD
160 watt Solar, Honda 2000
1000 watt Zantrex
PDI 9160 Converter
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Figure out your priorities first. If cooking is your biggest thing, then get a rear kitchen model. If you on the other hand you like looking outside, then a rear lounge might be a better choice. Personally we like looking outside, so the big back window was high on our wish list. Are you looking at used or new?
Donn
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judy&frank
Seattle, WA
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Joined: 06/03/2007
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We love our Crossroads Cruiser 28RL which has a large window in the rear sitting area. Both DW and I cook extensively and with the cold, rainy weather this spring have done it inside. Our kitchen area works well with both of us working together on elaborate meals. We love the floor plan with a total length of 30 feet, we camp in National Forests and Parks as well as COE's and State Parks.
Judy and Frank and Missy (purr-person)
2001 Ford F-250 4X4 Powerstroke 7.3L Extended Cab Long Bed
Crossroads Cruiser 28RL double slide 5th wheel
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sgtpp214
Washburn, WI
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Joined: 03/30/2002
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We went from popup to a fiver in 04. We spent 4 months camping and going to RV Sales looking at fivers. We set up a list of wants:
Rear Window
Central Entrance
Stand up Next to bed
Ample basement storage.
Reasonably priced whatever that means.
We made up a check sheet for each model we looked at and where.
Ended up with a Montana 2980RL and haven't looked back since except to keep eye on traffic in the rear view mirrors.
Dave Kedrowski
2004.5 White Dodge Ram3500 SLT QuadCab 4x4 Cummins Auto 4.1 Antislip SRW SWB Sport Appearance
Keystone Montana 2980RL, Pullrite SuperGlide, Prodigy Brake Controller.
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Glen41
North Texas
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Joined: 01/25/2008
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With the recent closures of some RV manufacturers. I would guess You are in a "buyers" market. You are in a position to make a pretty sweet deal if you shop around. You might lose on the trade-in however you should be able to make out like a bandit on your "new or newer" rig. I would think there are some nervous dealers out there that are anxious to reduce thier new unit inventory. Don't be afraid to be blunt about asking for a really good price. The worst is they would say no.
Go to a major show if possible and walk around in as many floor plans as you can before your mind gets numb. Visit as many dealers as possible and do the same thing. I don't know if you are looking for used, or not but check out the used ones for possible problems with the manuf's quality control.
Pretty soon, you will find that you are looking at only one floor plan more than others.
I would say poll the members here about quality, but we are all afflicted with the "mine is best" desease :-)
You know what you do better than anyone. Get what fits that.
Looks like you have the TV for just about anything. Have fun looking.
Oops, forgot to add "check who is still in business in case you might need parts later".
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C.B.
APPLETON WI USA
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Joined: 12/15/2003
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Chris: Suggest you a look at Cardinal 30TS or any other make with opposing slides. With slides across from each other it makes for a large kitchen/living room area.
Good luck in your search.
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jerryspoolman
Corning CA
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Joined: 11/25/2003
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Having the entertainment center (TV) in front of the couch was important to us. Turning your head to watch TV gets old. The 2 easy chairs add 2 feet to the camper length.
No matter you get it will be a compromise. The newness will wear off, take into consideration where you like to camp. If you like resorts, then 35' to 40' is OK. If you like state parks and federal parks you will have more choices with a shorter camper.
If you already have your truck you can figure how much weight you are comfortable with.
Just Jerry and Vangie
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porky
New Baltimore, Michigan
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Joined: 11/07/2002
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We found while wintering in TX. that our 30' Seahawk was a little cramped so we started looking for something bigger. We liked the 2 chairs in the back but unless you go to a 34' trailer, most of the time the TV is way up by the bedroom wall. So we ended up with a 34' Yellowstone and are very happy with it.
Jim & Marlene
01 Silverado 3500 gas
07 Yellowstone 34' FLR
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Snow Dog
Regina, SK Canada
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Joined: 11/29/2007
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The best advice I can give you is to look around at different 5th wheels. RV shows are good for looking or lot to lot. After you find what you like in a floor plan ask here about the specific models. If you plan to live in it for months at a time, I would also suggest you look at warranties. Some companies will not cover you if you live that long in it at a time. Also they do wear out faster. I would suggest 3 slides. But some have small entertainment areas now, so you might get away with 2. As for someone to tell you what you should buy, forget it. You need to do the leg work so see what works for you. It is a buyers market, so you should find some deals out there.
1998 Dodge 3500 dually turbo.
1999 Nu Wa Snowbird Legend 31 + 2 RLTGBW
1998 12' Porta-Bote with 5HP Nissan and Electric motors
2 X Honda 2000EU
Years and years of experience to gain!!!
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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Go to www.rvknowhow.com and read the Kieva's suggestions for how to select an RV.
My only other advice is to be sure you can use the potti, refrigerator, and kitchen sink, while on the road without having to extend the slide(s).
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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