I'm Hittin' The Road, Too!!! RV Advice, Please?

[Pass Go]

I want to drive around America for a while since I've been forced to retire. I've been weighing options, and now I need help. I've been looking at RV's of various sorts. I don't wanna rig Class A, B, or C, so that puts me into travel trailers and fifth wheels. I don't know anything about fifth wheels, but I'm going to look at one tomorrow. The guy has a Reese hitch that comes with, and the price is right.

I have a 305 C.I. Chevy 1500 short bed truck, and wonder if I have enough power. Is a fifth wheel easier to tow than a trailer? Advantages (Besides being able to unhook the fifth wheel and drive solo)? Disadvantages? The one I'm going to look at is 24' and weighs about a ton and a half.

I have a wiring harness hooked up to my truck, but have no idea if it will hook up to the fifth wheel to run the brakes. Is there a way I can look and tell?

I have a link to CL that I hope works:

http://hartford.craigslist.org/rvs/1790565576.html

Thanks for any info/advice you have!

 

[maric]

I can't give you any advice on what to buy but I can tell you that RV parks are cheaper in the midwest than the east coast. Have fun in your travels.

 

[Dozdoats]

Talk to your dealership about what your particular truck can safely pull- and more importantly, STOP. They can better tell you what the truck's limits are and if the particular trailer you're looking at will work with it.

Good luck on the road! Have fun along the way,

dd (PM me if you get close by...)

 

[hrspwr]

Fifth wheels pull easier. Get a brake controller.
If it was me and I was stuck using a 1/2 ton pickup I would lean more towards a small bumperpull trailer.

 

[Pass Go]

Thanks you guys! Fun is something I'm definitely going to have. I wanted to work five more years, just because, but I'm glad I'm done. No more knot in my stomach - that's really not my style anyway. Play music and sit by a camp fire close to the beach. Might just write that book everyone says I should write. I also have a sailboat in my future. So having my bum in the and and my toes in the water is going to be a primary mission.

Over the next handful of days I'm going to check out five possible RV's, and then make a decision. I'm an RV virgin, so I'm counting on all the good advice I can muster.

BTW, dd, I'm able to saunter gracefully away because of your advice on this board. SEE! I told you I was listening! I'd love to meet ya, and will be sure to let you know when I'm gonna be around.

 

[Pass Go]

http://hartford.craigslist.org/rvs/1789823265.html

I'm also looking at this.

 

[Green Co.]

Before you buy a fifth-wheel trailer, check with the folks that will install the hitch in your truck bed. Many of the newer trucks have too short a bed for the hitch. It will not sit directly over, or slightly forward of the rear axle. I've seen several folk run into that problem.

Do you have a trailer brake controller in your truck at present? You'll need one before you pull any trailer over 3000#. Your truck is probably rated at approx 5000# towing, but it would be easier with a larger engine. The 305 will work ok, just don't hurry. If it has an automatic transmission (probably a 4L60) DO install an additional cooler if the truck doesn't have the towing package from the factory.

Towing capacity: http://tinyurl.com/33nxe4l

Brake controllers: http://tinyurl.com/2b84bo8

Have fun, but be careful.

 

[timbo]

We see a lot of Terrys on the road and campgrounds. Looks like a good sturdy trailer.
Use that upper bunk for your ammo! LOL!

 

[rafter]

Before you buy a fifth-wheel trailer, check with the folks that will install the hitch in your truck bed. Many of the newer trucks have too short a bed for the hitch. It will not sit directly over, or slightly forward of the rear axle. I've seen several folk run into that problem.

Do you have a trailer brake controller in your truck at present? You'll need one before you pull any trailer over 3000#. Your truck is probably rated at approx 5000# towing, but it would be easier with a larger engine. The 305 will work ok, just don't hurry. If it has an automatic transmission (probably a 4L60) DO install an additional cooler if the truck doesn't have the towing package from the factory.

Towing capacity: http://tinyurl.com/33nxe4l

Brake controllers: http://tinyurl.com/2b84bo8

Have fun, but be careful.

If you have a short bed you can get a 'slider' rocking 5th wheel hitch that will work just fine.

We've had both and pulled both 5er's and bumper pull TT and I would recommend a 5er anytime. Easier to pull, easier to back up and turn, and usually have a better floor plan and more room.

 

[Pass Go]

Before you buy a fifth-wheel trailer, check with the folks that will install the hitch in your truck bed. Many of the newer trucks have too short a bed for the hitch. It will not sit directly over, or slightly forward of the rear axle. I've seen several folk run into that problem. Green

Thanks! The current owner has a short bed F150. That's what the Reese hitch came out of, so I believe it'll work. I've heard that towing a fifth wheel is much easier than a TT.

 

[Pass Go]

Hey, Tim!!

My ammo/arsenal is going to be selectively reduced.

PM me if you need ammo as I'm going to go with .357 rifle/hand gun, a shotgun and .22 hand gun and rifle combination.

.45, 30-06, .308, a shot gun and some shot gun shells need to find a new home. The price will be 10% less than what's on the box and I bought a lot of it 10+ years ago. TB2K friends get a better price. I also have arms that can be transferred thru the local gun shop, and I'm VERY reasonable.

Ha. I never thought.

All local pick up only. PM if you're interested. The two .45's are 1911A1's, Springfield .30-06 bolt, Remington 870, and, of course, the shells for them.

 

[et2]

Find out the pin weight of the fiver. It is generally 15%-25% of the total fiver weight. Take that weight and add your fuel weight,passenger weights,and all other item being added to the truck. If it exceeds the allowable weights your truck can handle you will be over your GVWR. It will be pretty easy to exceed in a half ton pickup.

You would be better off looking at a pull behind trailer with a good weight distribution hook up and sway control. If you have 7 pins on your electrical connection the trailer will connect to it. If not you will need to install one. Also as stated by someone you will need a brake controller. Prodigy makes a real nice one.

Fivers pull better than most pull behinds as the weight is directly over the rear axle. However you lose the use of your bed for the most part. And with a short bed PU you will need a slider hitch.

 

[nomifyle]

I like the fifth wheel, but you could use that top bunk in tt for storage. I've done that and it works out well. I advise you get a nice foam mattress, they are so much more comfortable than anything that comes in a camper of any kind. I got mine from Walmart online and have never been sorry, best mattress I've every slept on and I've got a bad back and shoulder.

Judy

 

[Caplock50]

Pass go, PM me the price for the 30.06. You could drop it off as you fly by here.?

 

[Pass Go]

Cappy, you've been PM'd.

 

[Orion Commander]

I have a 95 chevy 1500 with a 5L (305) auto with overdrive. I pull a tandom 7000 GVW cargo trailer. The truck will pull 5800# trailer so I don't load it to capacity. My gas mileage goes from 17 to 9.4 to 9.6 and I can do 60 mpg without pushing the rpm's too much. It is a ball hitch. Truck will hold 400# tounge weight I think. It may be 500# With that weight I have to drive in 3 not overdrive.

If you can buy a little larger truck I would do so. When I bought mine it was for gas economy and did everything I asked of it till I married a gal who vends and pulls a trailer.

I also would go with a weight distributing hitch I think. Can't help with 5th wheel as I have no experience.

Some of the newer trucks are doing great things with mileage and capacity. Do a lot of research. And have fun. Wish I was there as long as you are going west. I refuse to go where I become an instant felon for having a means of self protection.

 

[WorkinStiff]

Get A long bed Dodge Cummins Diesel....Really!

 

[Pass Go]

Oops. I mis-typed .308 when I really meant to key .380.

Yes to the cummings diesel, but not right now. I wanna drive the Chevy into the ground.

 

[Giblin]

I'm glad you are able to get out of CT. We should still try for a CT meet and greet before you leave. Ice Cream at eens farm anyone?

We talked about RV's but "The Piano" 1800's upright won't fit.
Looking at keyboards but haven't found the right one. And then we have the files of books and music.... I think we are stuck here for now.

So where is the vet and bike going on this rig?

 

[Pass Go]

Hey, Giblin!

I sold the bike, the Martin, and next the Vette.

I'm downsizing for life in an RV and sailboat!

Tools, Les Paul, Stratocaster, amps... all next.

I'm looking forward to a smaller life.

I would love to do a meet and greet soon!!

 

[eens]

I'm glad you are able to get out of CT. We should still try for a CT meet and greet before you leave. Ice Cream at eens farm anyone?

I'm willing. Let me know when.

 

[Bud in Fla]

I "lived" in my camper for several years - only got to go home every other week - IF I was lucky. Mine was a 35 ft with lot of aluminum in it to reduce weight.

I started with a Chevy Siverado with a 350 cu in engine. After 18 months, the tranny had been replaced 3 times, the rear end once. Less than 1k miles of towing the camper. Get a Dodge or Ford WITH the FULL towing package! Your 305 is probably going to be a little light in the heels for pulling anything more than a small camper.

Don't plan on ANY truck to be able to stop a camper on wet pavement - any time you haul a camper you need to plan for whats down the road and try to keep some space in front of you - not easy to do, usually!

Check your maps - try to avoid real steep mountains (if you can).

Make sure you have a spare & jacks for the camper! I was going to a job and a truck pulled along side to tell me I was running on a rim. A brand new tire with less than 100 miles on it had blown. Probably due to a hole in a back road short cut that I shouldn't have been with a camper on to start with! If you have tandem axles, you can't feel a flat on a camper.

Get a break controller and learn how to use it! Trailer brakes are electromagnetic. The harder you mash the truck brake, the more the magnets hold and cause the brakes to work. Learn to use the manual control to stop the trailer sway when you're going down hill.

If you get a tow behind, get an anti-sway bar! When an 18 wheeler passes you, the air stream from it pushes your camper and puts slack on the hitch and you can easily total the camper.

As for sanitary issues, DO NOT leave the sewage valve open. That allows all the liquids to drain and you're left with a tank full of "sludge" that then has to be removed (picture a 200 to 300 pound turd...). Use the chemicals and rinse the tank when you empty it. About any camper supply has the rinse wands and chemicals.

Stock up on any plumbing and electrical adapters you see! You'll need them sooner or later! Keep duct tape on hand, too!

Use 1 propane bottle at a time, keep a check on it or just relight pilots when 1 runs out but using 1 tank at a time prevents you from being without hot water or worse heat. Refill the empty ASAP!

Keep a bottle jack, some concrete blocks, wood blocks, etc to level the trailer. A 2 ft to 4 ft level is MUCH better than that little spirit level screwed to the side of the camper, too!

Don't forget wheel chocks. Unless the camper is connected to the truck and the brake peddle is mashed, the trailer brakes do not work. The truck's emergency brakes do not cause the camper brakes to work, either.

First time I hauled a camper, the guy forgot to tell me how to make up the hitch - don't try to use a cheater bar to set the hitch stirrups - use the camper tongue jack to take the load while you're making the hitch and you won't need a cheater.

Good luck -

 

[Pass Go]

Lotsa good advice there, Bud!

The only time I've towed anything was in the army days, and then I had a deuce-and-a-half.

Yes to slow and easy, with lots of space ahead.

I know my Chevy is light. If I burn it up, I can buy another truck ASAP. It's all in the plan.

Your recommendations for extra supplies is acknowledged and appreciated.

I've written it all down.

 

[Caplock50]

Now, with your nose to the grindstone, ear to the ground, shoulder to the wheel, and eye on the ball...lets see you have some fun in that position!

 

[Jonas Parker]

Make sure you add an aftermarket oil cooler and a transmission cooler to your tow vehicle. If you go with a bumper hitch, get a sway control too!

 

[frazbo]

Here ya go, this is what I use all the time. Great place:

everything-about-rving.com/rv-7.html

add the "www." in front of course

 

[Pass Go]

The fifth wheel didn't pass the sniff test, and was dirty. For 2K I guess ya get what you pay for.

Mods please move to Alternative/RV page.

 

[IRoberge]

I'm willing. Let me know when.

I didn't know eens had a farm!!! Would still love to do a CT meet up before you go PG!!

 

[Giblin]

eens has invited us for ice cream at the farm this Sat 2-4. You can PM her for details.
Gib

 

[intothatgoodnight]

Get A long bed Dodge Cummins Diesel....Really!

Ditto -- have towed 7,000-15,000 lbs. trailers using gas-motored 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton chassis -- even with a large gas motor (460 cid Ford, 502 cid GM) powering the rig, still ran hard on certain hills, and were noisy and fuel-thirsty.

Turbo diesels, on the other hand, are an entirely DIFFERENT beast, and are able to run 70-80 mph, up hill and down hill, at a lower RPM and noise level, and at a MUCH better fuel mileage -- GM, Chrysler & Ford all offer 3/4 and 1-ton turbo-diesel trucks -- much less stress because of the sheer torque produced by the turbo-diesel motor. Also, the diesel trucks are typically equipped with extra-heavy duty cooling, suspension, steering and braking systems, and the transmissions are much more rugged and tough, being well-matched to the abundant grunt provided by the diesel engine while under a tow load.

Currently drive a 2008 GMC turbo-diesel 4WD 3/4 ton crew-cab with the Allison 6-speed automatic, and a 2006 Dodge 5.9 Cummins turbo-diesel 2WD 1-ton dualie 4-door cab -- both pull either fifth-wheel or Class 4 hitch -- prefer the Dodge for highway pulling, because of the better ride and fuel mileage, and the longer wheel-base 4-door cab chassis really smoothes out any trailer wag or cross-wind tugging -- plus, has lots of cab room for extra bodies and/or gear -- typically, when Class 4 hitch towing 7500 lbs, fuel mileage can top 23 mpg -- yep, not a mistake -- 23+ mpg.

The GM TD 3/4 ton has PLENTY of power, and the Allison 6-speed automatic is superbly integrated into the truck computer system, such that it shifts perfectly, and at exactly the right time -- up or down shifting, with no jerking or drama, no matter the load or incline. But its slightly shorter chassis wheelbase, coupled with the higher center of gravity, imposed by the 4WD and associated raised suspension, make it a bit twitchy and darty in certain road and cross-wind situations.

With a turbo-diesel, you will no longer need to think about the potential steepness of a hill -- they have so much power that you will literally march right up the hill while using the cruise-control, maintaining 70 mph (or 80 mph) with a full trailer load -- this is particularly important to note if you intend on crossing high-altitude mountain passes while fully loaded (Colorado/Continental divide, high-desert areas in New Mexico, for example) -- the turbocharger will compensate for the altitude-induced power-robbing losses/penalty normally imposed on a non-turbo diesel or gas motor, allowing a nearly effortless crossing of high-altitude terrain with little fuss or muss.


intothegoodnight

 

[eens]

eens has invited us for ice cream at the farm this Sat 2-4. You can PM her for details.
Gib

Thanks Giblin! Yes, we can have a get together this Sat here on our farm. I would love to meet people who live in the vicinity.

Plus we have the best ice cream in the world, at least we've been voted best in CT this year. . I don't think they have a poll for best in the world, yet.

PM me for the address since I don't want it 'out there' for the world to see.

 

[nomifyle]

Just make sure you are going to be able to live with RV living. Its not for everyone. Its a small space and can be very confining unless you are physically able to get out and about.

Judy

 

[Nuthatch]

Yep, I think you might need some larger space options to beat those claustrophobic blues.

Some examples:

Join a local gym or club where you can partake of the endless hot water, stretch out and even have a cup of coffee or read a magazine. Well, my gym has everything from a swimming pool, weights, weight/exercise machines, a drug store, a coffee shop, tv area, etc. It is like a club. I would join one like that, if I was in an area for a month or more.

Prepare to enlarge your space outdoors: netted sitting rooms, awnings, outdoor furniture, that kind of thing.

Spend some time each day in a public area that appeals to you: the library, wi-fi hotspot, the RV park's common rooms, coffee shop, park, college campus.

 

[Pass Go]

All good advice, folks.

Since I won't be going back to work (unless I want to) I'll be setting up my long-term finances in a more permanent situation in Nov/Dec.

Have decided that, until then I'm going to vacate the house at the end of Aug/Sep and hit the road commando-style in my extended cab truck with a hi-rise Leer cap on the back. I know that many of you have seen Trooper Dan's thread, but for those that haven't:

http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?8419-Jobless-and-living-in-my-truck...-(with-Pics)

Fascinating young man.

After I move money around in preparation for being permanently unemployed I'll pick up a travel trailer, and probably get a great deal by buying one in the winter.

 

[Pass Go]

Everything happens for a reason...

I paid a song for this camper. The cost of sticking my toe in the water to experience life on the road is very reasonable. The camper had her maiden voyage last week, and passed with flying colors.

Mid-September will see me down the road, headed west. Thanks to all for your advice!

 

[Thunderbird]

Your pickup is not large, engine or load rated, for much beyond a pop up camper. By the time you buy an RV, or a dually and a fifth wheel trailer, even the depressed market, you might look at a Caddy or Lincon and a credit card. Motels arn't all that bad. If the Bots are correct you may not get too far any way.

 

[nomifyle]

Everything happens for a reason...

I paid a song for this camper. The cost of sticking my toe in the water to experience life on the road is very reasonable. The camper had her maiden voyage last week, and passed with flying colors.

Mid-September will see me down the road, headed west. Thanks to all for your advice!

That sure beats living out of the back of your truck, LOL, which I also considered but decided against and I'll be in one spot.

Best of luck, pm me if you get down to north central Louisiana.

Judy

 

[Pass Go]

While my truck is not a heavy duty truck, it pulls the trailer with no noticeable difference. I didn't include pics of my cap, but it's a hi-rise Leer with windows and screens.

Thanks, Judy, for the invite. I will almost surely be headed your way before too long.

I'm still adjusting my dog to life on the road. We went camping last week, and this week we've driveen 1000+++ miles in the car with family on the way to see family. Adjusting to life on the road for a dog wasn't something I anticipated, but it is necessary. He's doing pretty well.

More pics of the camper when I get home in a week and a half.

 

[Green Co.]

I used a Starcraft pop-up for several years when hunting. When open, they provide a lot of room. The only drawback, you will have to watch the weight of supplies that you carry in the camper. The small tires get hot pretty fast. But that's why you have the topper, huh?

I did find that 12" radial tires are available for a little more $, but performed much better. Another plus, you can find the tires & wheels at many places, I've even seen them in WalMart.

One other watch-for: when camping in really cold weather, the canvas tops tend to sweat when the interior is heated much. I just used the interior fold down bed, no problems.

What breed of traveling companion do you have? They can certainly reduce the boredom.

 

[Pass Go]

I just used the interior fold down bed, no problems. Green

Yes, I thought of that and wondered how it would work, so thanks for that.

My Duppy (part dog - part puppy) is a ten-year-old papillion. I have a medical services certification, photo I.D., and service vest for him. He goes EVERYWHERE with me.

Will do pics when possible. I've always wanted to write something of substance, and I've had such a storied life I'd like to combine the past with the present to write a story from Duppy's perspective about our life on the road. I don't know how exactly, but hope to figure it out.