Although DH and I are still 7 or 8 years from being able to full-time (or at least "part-time full-time") -- it's something we think about often.
Hubby always talks about what kind of fiver/truck combo he will get when we do go full-time, and truthfully, I've never given deep thought to any other rig.
But recently, I've found myself wondering -- do we really want another fiver and truck, or would a Class C (and small toad) be the better way to go?
I like the idea of being able to park someplace and then just step into your living room without going out of doors. I also like the idea of having something that gets great gas mileage for sight-seeing and errand running (a toad instead of a pick-up).
But what am I NOT thinking of? Why did YOU go for a C over a 5er, or vice versa?
Any thoughts, advice, comments? I'd love to know your personal experiences. All suggestions are much appreciated.
THANKS in advance!
7/16/08
Please note: Tonight we're taking off for four days at the ocean. I will not have Internet access. I look forward to checking this post when I return on Sunday. In the meantime, please know that I'm not ignoring you or this thread. I will be dying to know what you've all said by the time I get back, and will respond to additional comments at that time. THANKS A MILLION EVERYONE!
* This post was
edited 07/16/08 10:08am by SwanInWA *
Teri--the RV.net addict!
DEAR and WONDERFUL husband Eric (& furry faced Angus!) Western Washington
.
I had neighbors who snowbirded in a class C. They were amazed at the amount of usable space we had in our trailer verses what they had in their rig even though theirs was larger by about 4 feet.
They didn't like having to climb a ladder to get into bed, age was creeping up on them, and they also talked about the fact it wasn't all that easy to get out of the front seats and into the living quarters. She said it was much easier to open the door, get out and then open the door to the living area and enter that way.
He said that if he had to do it all over again he would buy a class A. I figure that a class A would have more power to pull that toad you are talking about.
Rich,and Tobi (the rescued dog)
Prowler 5ver, 84 Ford F250 KCOCOLOR78 Weather
Colo. Spgs. CO
The more days you spend in your rig, the tendency is to want more living space. Unless you opt for a high end class C is highly likely that a 5th wheel will provide a better living situation.
In regard to gas mileage, my truck gets about 18 on the highway, and a low mpg toad would get, lets say 36 just for easy of computation, which translates to approximately a 50% fuel savings, but when you actually figure the sightseeing miles per gallon savings it really doesnt add up to that many dollars.
If I was really on a tight budget, rather than sacrifice living space, I would just travel fewer miles on average during the week, ie, staying longer in campgrounds gets you better rates, staying in state parks, more frequent do nothing days and etc. The days of moving every other day and traveling great distances each day are ending due to high fuel prices. Not only are expensive, but also very tiring. Following the 2/2/2 rule seems to work out fairly well for us. Two hundred miles per day, off the road by 2 and a rest day after two days of either traveling or sightseeing.
The nice part about full-timing, is that there really isnt any hurry. Slow down, relax and enjoy. On vacation time frames are different than being retired and fulltiming.
I couldn't see me fulltiming in the nothing less than a huge class A or fifth wheel. I couldn't afford the Class A I'd be happy with, so it would have to be a Huge 5er with many slide outs, and fuel will be so expensive by then I wouldn't move it too much, so a Class A would also be a waste for me.
We are a family of 3 fulltiming in a 30 foot class C. We looked into all options and this was the best choice for us.
We may go to a 5th wheel at some point so our son can have his own 'room' when he outgrows the over-cab bunk space in the Class C.
I don't care for the aesthetics of a 5'ver and truck that much. Definitely don't want to run my errands in a big truck. Doesn't appeal to me. I love the C and small toad. We are very happy with it. We would consider trading up only for space issues since we have a child.
We're not fulltiming, (yet) but when we do, I would probably choose a fifth wheel and truck.
Why you ask?
Well we have a class C now and I couldn't see fulltiming in that due to the size. A 5er is MUCH more like you're own home with fireplaces, washer dryer hookups, and overall size.
A class C is ok to travel about. But if you fulltime, you "usually" stay in one place for a few weeks and move on.
Now the pro's and con's...
Fifth Wheel & TV Pro's...
Bigger, roomier, and more like home.
No engine maintenence on Fifth Wheel.
MORE storage space than a class C.
Washer and dryer hookups.
Higher cielings in living area. (better for hot days).
Pickup truck to go pick things up you may not be able to in a small car.
Fifth Wheel & TV Con's...
Tougher to pull and move around, (if you are inexperienced).
Harder tp set-up than a class C (rainy days).
You almost always need a spotter when backing up. (watching trees).
You always need a bigger space at campground for trailer and truck.
Your tow vehicle will get worse mileage as an everyday driver than a small "toad" would.
Class C & toad Pro's...
If you move around a lot, this is best by far.
A little lower to the ground. (easier to get in and out of.)
Decent room if you get one with slides.
Easier to work on roof and clean. (not so high.)
Smaller toad get's better mileage than pickup truck.
Easier to get around than 5er.
Built in generator. (when on the road between locations, you can put a/c on and cook with microwave.)
Less tires to maintain. (5er and truck have more expensive tires than class C and small toad. Especially with dooley pickup.)
Class C & Toad Con's...
Smaller everyday living space.
Smaller storage space. (fulltiming, you want more storage.)
Another engine and drivetrain to maintain.
No room for washer/dryer.
Tighter bedroom and living space than 5er.
Now I'm sure there are ton's of things other people can add, but those are some of the things I can clearly see.
We purchased a class C only to pull my Camaro around on a trailer.
If we had a 5er, we could NOT do that.
When we fulltime, I can guarantee you we WILL be in a 5er. The Camaro will have to stay in my sisters garage, unless they build a 5er that can haul a car inside and have a decent living area.
Good Luck in your choice.
Joe
2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4 3500 RC/LB 6.0
2007 Chevy GS Conquest Super C 6349
2007 Chevy HHR Toad 2LT 2.4
1990 Chevy G20 Cargo Van 305
1967 Chevy Camaro Pro Street 468/650hp BBC
My 70's Show - Tom Kent Radio Network - K•Hits 106.7
Thanks for the wonderful responses I've gotten so far, this is the kind of food for thought I need. I will add a few general comments just to fill in some info gaps:
1) We have taken a few month long trips in our current 24' (no slide) fiver. While I wouldn't want to full-time in it, I think we could live well in something about a half dozen feet bigger and with one slide. Believe it or not, we really don't need a lot of space. I can live without the washer/dryer.
2) I've looked at some Cs (and by looking I mean fantasizing on the intenet, no serious searching at this point) and if we were to get a C it would probably be in the 30ft. range with a rear bedroom. I agree totally agree about climbing a ladder for bed, DON'T WANNA. And I'm only 42!
Please note: Tonight we're taking off for four days at the ocean. I will not have Internet access. I look forward to checking this post when I return on Sunday. In the meantime, please know that I'm not ignoring you or this thread. I will be dying to know what you've all said by the time I get back, and will respond to additional comments at that time. THANKS A MILLION EVERYONE!
I think the biggest thing you have to watch out for is the cargo capacity of a class C. Full-timing means you need to have more stuff with you........and the weight can add up pretty fast. But it depends on how light you can travel.......some folks can full time in a class c because they don't mind keeping things very simple and down-sized. The majority of folks full timing need the space and extra cargo capacity of a FW or motor home.
And, if you decide to tow a toad (second vehicle) with the class c....make sure you find out how that effects your cargo weight limit.....I don't know anything about it myself. But I do know that there are towing limitations with a class C.
2001 Dodge 3500 DRW V10 Magnum
2002 Sunline T280SR
Arrow Hensley Hitch
10' Porta Bote My photo galleries.
We have enough time in our C to know that it wouldn't work for us as a couple, to carry around everything we think we must have with us, let alone everything we own and will not yet part with.
If you really think you would prefer to pack your life into a small motorhome, consider a 30 to 34 foot class A, on 18,000 to 20,000 pound chassis. You can pack along more of it.
On the other hand, when I was in the service I had guys working with me who could fit their whole life into an old Dodge Monaco, Sedan deVille, even a VW bug. One friend needed a VW van, as his Triumph Bonneville was a lifestyle essential, but not itself adequate to carry everything. But they were still single.
The only comment I think needs to be addressed is this one;
"don't want to climb a ladder to get in bed in a Class C."
In a Class C, the cab over is NOT the only place to sleep.
There is the couch, dinette, and a real honest to goodness bed in these MH's! Certainly no need to climb into the cabover.
IMHO when it turns to discussing how much room you need to full time is all relevant. I sold a 4,000 square foot house. so for me there certainly is not a MH made that is going to make me feel......'like I am at home'!
Just like you didn't sit in your house 24/7's we don't sit in our MH's 24/7 either. 'Space' needed in a specific type of RV for full timing IMHO is an over rated subject. I think the 'type' of RV they like is what more people lean to one way or the other, coupled with what type of traveling they prefer.
Case in point my friend traveled from the midwest to the west coast in a van, enjoying all the sites I will be enjoying in a MH. And to this day still can't understand why I bought one!!.
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 BlueOx Aventa LX We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
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