RV specifically for Full-timers?

[highplateaudrifter]

Is there a brand of RV (any type) that is actually designed specifically for full-time RV'ers? It seems to me that every RV I have ever seen is designed for the occasional user (98% of the total market) who puts their RV in storage most of the year.

[campinqt]

Carriage is probably the best full timers unit for the money. KZ builds the Escalades which are awesome for full timers. Both awarded DSI awards, so good manufactures who will back up their product

[afchap]

You don't indicate what type of RV you are interested in, 5th wheel, motorhome, etc. The higher end rigs from any mfg tend to be more suited for fulltiming, but you still have to do your own research and inspection to weed out those that just don't use quality materiels and quality construction tecniques.

[travlnjo]

Hi,
you also didn't specify where you'd like to full time it. My Forest River Wildwood would be ok for full timing if I took it South each winter. I would like to do that someday, but still have kids in school.
I think the only hold up on full timing in your RV is your definition of home. I sleep in my RV even when it's parked in my yard outside of my house. I live in it practically all summer.
Now this is a relatively small camper, 29 ft with one slide out. It has bunk beds for the kids, but I'm already envisioning that place as my sewing/office in a few years.
I've had lots of friends that travel a week to a new sight, stay for almost 3 months and are off again.
So, if you're into full timing, or would just like to try it, rent something that looks comfortable for a couple of months. Try it out, and make lists of what you'd like to add. It's just as much fun decorating and adding to an RV as it is to your home. Have a ball!
see ya on the road!:p

[scrappycrafter]

We have had 2 Carri-lites and now have a Montana 5th wheel. All have their own qualities. We just keep getting bigger. And we don't purchase new, so we keep them til they shouldn't be on the road anymore. I am very happy with our 2000 Montana 3555RL. It has ample livlng space and a nice enclosed computer desk. Of course, more storage is always something we would all like, especially since Don has his tools, and I have all my crafting and kitchen "stuff" and clothes! We usually have a clean up, throw out day before we hit the road in the fall. We are supposed to throw out clothes and shoes, etc. when we "replace" them, but sometimes we hang on to things to long! This is my first post, I just signed up today and am looking forward to reading and learning more. We enjoy our Montana Owners Club Forum, hope we have time for 2! Judy:)

[egrabill]

We started fulltiming in a Teton and now have an Escalade. Both fifth wheels are great in cold weather and hot weather. While Teton does advertise as being a year around use RV and it is, Escalade doesnt go that far, but should. We are extremely happy with the Escalade.

[likenit]

Is there a brand of RV (any type) that is actually designed specifically for full-time RV'ers? It seems to me that every RV I have ever seen is designed for the occasional user (98% of the total market) who puts their RV in storage most of the year.


You have asked a question that has no one answer.:confused: Remember that most people are very loyal to the RV they have and often promote that as being something for fulltime use. When you ask that question, your answers will range from people that are extremely knowledgeable, to people that really have pretty limited knowledge of their own rigs quality and potential for full-time use.
The most often referred to guide to RV'S is http://www.rv.org/ You will find people that have strong allegiance to this rating guide to those that think it is a farce. I believe their is a high correlation regarding their opinions and how their rig is rated. They do break their ratings into use categories of full-time, snowbird, vacationer and weekender.
There are also so many factors to weigh regarding whether you will spend time in very hot and cold climates, how big a truck are you willing to purchase and drive in order to safely tow the rig.
We bought our first rig in 1995, after 2 years using our parents trailer in the summer and learning about RV'S. We used our new 5th wheel 5 months of the year in the summer on Lake Superior where we were generally not dealing with hot weather. It served us very well for that purpose, but we continued to go to RV Shows and gather information. I am a fanatic about researching anything before I buy.
We started full-timing in our 95 rig on 6/6/06 and continued to research for our replacement rig and made a 2 day factory visit before placing an order. We are extremely happy with our choice because it fit "OUR NEEDS" at the time.
I would suggest you start finding the "Owner Forums" on the Internet and listen to what they have to say about their rigs and ask, ask, ask questions.
I will share a list of manufacturers that we considered after 13 years 100's of hours on research.
New Horizon, Peterson's Exel, NuWa Hitchikers, Carriage, Travel Supreme, Newmar, Teton, Holiday Rambler and McKenzie. Here is a link to the Manufacturer Sites of all RV'S. http://www.rvnetlinx.com/wpmanufact.php?pg=1&cat=usa for quick access to looking at the offerings.
I would not rely on information a salesman tells you for either an RV or Tow Rig.
Our selection was a NuWa Discover America 339 RSB, because it could be handled by my present tow vehicle and the next one I plan to buy. If I had a truck with a higher tow rating, I would have probably moved up to the Champagne and revisited some other brands.
If I was willing to tow with a semi type tow rig, I would have looked a lot closer at high end New Horizons, Carriage, Teton, Newmar, Travel Supreme and the Hitchiker Champagne.
With all of that said, I am also a person with my opinions based on my research which may or may not be valid.
A site I would suggest you start visiting for NuWa is http://www.nuwaowners.org/ This site was totally set up by NuWa Owners and is not factory sponsored, although the CEO of NuWa and many other employees are frequently trying to help owners with any questions or concerns they have. There customer service is hard to believe in todays world. I would also recommend trying to find similar sites for other owners.
The research into purchasing an RV can not properly be done without at the same time looking at tow rigs and understanding what should be considered in selecting what you need or understanding if your present truck can safely handle the trailer you are considering.
The links listed below should be very helpful.

http://www.rversonline.org/ArtWtandBal.html

http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/weight/index.html

Best, LIKENIT

[jim01]

Well stated, Likenit.

My advise would be Research, research, research, and then some more research.

There will be no RVs that are 100% right for you. You have to figure out which one comes closest to your needs, and every one's needs are different.

You can talk to people and get an idea of what they like or don't like and find out if they have had problems, but like Likenit said, most people are very "Brand loyal", even if they have had problems with their unit.

Sorry I can't help you more, but in the end, you have to decide what you need.

[herb5943]

My wife and I purchased the Denali 33RL-H5. It is very similar to the Montana. It is aprox 35' and is very confortable with 3 slides. We left our home in Iowa last October and returned in early April. I could very easy live in it full time. By going the fifth wheel route we had the tow vehicle to use while the unit was left in RV camps. I did notice that there were a lot more large motorhomes on the road towing small vehicles than units like ours. We purchased the Denali with the plan of possible going full time. It really boils down to how much space you need to be a happy camper. Do your homework, no one unit has everything.

Best of luck to you on which ever you choose.

Herb

[travlynwomyn]

All the comments are excellent - and I agree that in the end, it has to be your personal choice. None of us use our rigs the same way. Ask lots of questions and go online and do serious research. In the end we opted for a CrossRoads Cruiser CF29CK - it's a mid-range fiver, not too large for most state parks, and the extra insulation has been terrific.

I'm a fulltimer, but was also a solo RV transporter for 4 years before becoming a Workamper. All references to your tow vehicle in the previous posts should be your No 1 priority unless you get a motorhome. Far too often I towed 'empty' units that were far too heavy for my 1ton, dually diesel Ford 3500. It's also important to understand that the posted weight on the sticker does NOT include options - they are based on the basic unit.

In other words, the weight of my unit with extra insulation, a larger refrigerator, AC and hot water heater, heavier windows, etc - are NOT reflected in the sticker weight. Extra fuel tanks on your tow vehicle, fluids in your holding tanks, etc . . . are also above and beyond, and it's up to the individual to weigh truck and RV to get the loaded weights, then do the math.

Long, uphill grades, steep downhills, and mountains canreally become unpleasant surprises.

Be sure all your exterior controls are where you can access them, and get a layout that fits how you will use your new home. F'rinstance - I do not like doors that open to reveal my living area - if someone has to use the sofa bed it can be embarrassing if people are running in and out. I also prefer a center kitchen as they ride better and have less chance of drawers opening and items falling - like knives bouncing out of knife racks behind the stove in transit. I bake, so I want a stove - not just a microwave or convection oven. I also have a gripe against stove tops beside the door. My son burned his hand badly on a house stove beside a door when he was two - when I see unprotected stove tops beside the door I envision hands reaching that appliance as a booster - not practical. TV location - also important on occasion. I do not like it above a computer desk as I don't like people looking over my shoulder - my TV table works just fine - I have a slightly larger one that stores behind my sofa in transit, but is large enough to work with my Wacom tablet.

[herb5943]

You brought up some very good things to consider. Three things that we also looked for, while traveling we wanted to be able to get to the refrigerator, toilet and bed without opening any slides. Our center kitchen model does all three for us. Your right, our one ton was too small for some that we looked at. By choosing a unit light enough in total weight and on the pin you will be able to travel a lot easier.

Herb

All the comments are excellent - and I agree that in the end, it has to be your personal choice. None of us use our rigs the same way. Ask lots of questions and go online and do serious research. In the end we opted for a CrossRoads Cruiser CF29CK - it's a mid-range fiver, not too large for most state parks, and the extra insulation has been terrific.

I'm a fulltimer, but was also a solo RV transporter for 4 years before becoming a Workamper. All references to your tow vehicle in the previous posts should be your No 1 priority unless you get a motorhome. Far too often I towed 'empty' units that were far too heavy for my 1ton, dually diesel Ford 3500. It's also important to understand that the posted weight on the sticker does NOT include options - they are based on the basic unit.

In other words, the weight of my unit with extra insulation, a larger refrigerator, AC and hot water heater, heavier windows, etc - are NOT reflected in the sticker weight. Extra fuel tanks on your tow vehicle, fluids in your holding tanks, etc . . . are also above and beyond, and it's up to the individual to weigh truck and RV to get the loaded weights, then do the math.

Long, uphill grades, steep downhills, and mountains canreally become unpleasant surprises.

Be sure all your exterior controls are where you can access them, and get a layout that fits how you will use your new home. F'rinstance - I do not like doors that open to reveal my living area - if someone has to use the sofa bed it can be embarrassing if people are running in and out. I also prefer a center kitchen as they ride better and have less chance of drawers opening and items falling - like knives bouncing out of knife racks behind the stove in transit. I bake, so I want a stove - not just a microwave or convection oven. I also have a gripe against stove tops beside the door. My son burned his hand badly on a house stove beside a door when he was two - when I see unprotected stove tops beside the door I envision hands reaching that appliance as a booster - not practical. TV location - also important on occasion. I do not like it above a computer desk as I don't like people looking over my shoulder - my TV table works just fine - I have a slightly larger one that stores behind my sofa in transit, but is large enough to work with my Wacom tablet.

[travlynwomyn]

you're right about wanting to access the fridge, Herb. I can get to the bed and bath just fine - but I ended up lucking out on the fridge part - but it was ultimately my own choice. I have an island kitchen with the sink in the middle (but it was worth it for THREE work surfaces, excluding sink covers and stove cover . . . and FOUR outlets in my kitchen alone - 8 total plug in spots - I haven't seen that in a million-dollar plus Prevost!!!! Fortunately, stopping for a bite on the road has never been a problem as I only have to open the main slide about a foot to get through. I thought it would be more aggravating at crowded RV parking areas such as Flying J - but it's worked out fine.

I also requested linoleum throughout the living room/ kitchen floor as my sink's on the island - it's a breeze to sweep up, and a couple of throw rugs keep it cozy.

Another delightful surprise is that no plumbing follows an outside wall - the shower lines are between the bath and living room and sink being in the center of the kitchen means less chance of freezing lines.

Just another feature to keep in mind.

Our other treat is an extra electric outlet outside at the top of the door, under my awning, with a switch inside my rig for awning lights. No cord issues to drag around and trip over at ground level. - Vicki

[streetwise]

We have full timed in a Tiffin Allego Bus since Oct of 2005. It has everything I would want in my home. Lots of storage, great coach with a great warranty and top of the line customer service. As this was our 1st motorhome or camping experience we had lots of questions. The guys in Red Bay are more than helpful. We also joined several campgounds and FMCA and found the information on websites and magazines helpful. As well as the great campers we have found along the road. Happy traveling
Sue Streeter
sue.streeter@cox.net
streetwise.worldventures.com

[racerx]

The best advice for you is the same as if it were a home you would purchase. get one that fits your needs and has the best warrantee and re-sale value. Keep in mind that if it has a motor, it will take maintenance and you want as many service centers as possible to be available to you. Example, Monaco has over 250 service centers across the US.
SR

[rvcrazy40]

I dont need 10 mirrors in each room. I do however like the wood and dont mind treating it to an occasional Old English. skip

[dlrupper]

I have been full-timing 13 years in the same RV. My HitchHiker II has been up to the rigors of full-timing. I Plan on keeping it another 13 years. It has logged over 90,000 miles traveling "on the road" (we keep track of the mileage on the 5er). Saturday it withstood a crippling hail storm. Hail the size of tennis balls hit the RV and Dodge Ram pickup. So far all I can see on the HitchHiker is 2 slightly broken plastic vent covers and a dented up metal refrigerator cover. The sewer hose was broken completely through.

Unfortunately I'm waiting for the insurance agent to look at the truck. It sustained over 100 dents.:eek:

[sagefolk]

Hey, we traded our old 33' 98 Shasta Phoenix 5ver for a 39' 2008 Heartland Big Horn and so far absolutely love it! It is a 4 season rig, all insulated, has and electric fireplace that puts out heat or not, flat screen HD tv, and airbed hide-a-bed, central vac, procelain toilet, the works...but the best thing that we really like is the room we have in it, the basement is as big as some smaller rv's and the kitchen storage and area are huge. It even has a laundry shoot in the top step, flip it open and stick a basket in there so no dirty clothes all over. We are very impressed with our new rig. It is 4 slides and it all works with one button. Amazing! Anyway, I think its great for full timing in but we aren't ready for that quite yet.

Alanna in Oh:D

[karyljm]

My parents RV'd fulltime up until about 3 years ago and they probably traded their home 3 times. I will find out for you what the best ones are for living and get back to you.:)

[tenntravler]

Check out Doubletree RV thay build 5th wheels only.:)

[wallabydan]

Some of you may hate for this but I have fulltimed in this old 25 footer for going on 12 years now and the only thing i wish we had done was get a trailer instead of class A coach! Coaches are fine if you change your address each month but if you are in one place for say six months at a time or dry camping in the woods then a coach is too much of a burden fuel and maintenance wise. I have a friend right now that has a 28 footer with a ford F-150 and a small V-8! They are out there all year long and saving gas all across the country. That is what we are planning to get!! I have loved our coach but with the cost of fuel, Need to change our way of thinking here!! :(

[jgr1957]

Is there a brand of RV (any type) that is actually designed specifically for full-time RV'ers?


What KIND of fulltimer? Moving around all the time (every few days, anyhow), moving every month or so (when you get sick of the view out the windows) or parking somewhere and living there for a year?

How big are you looking for, and how much do you want to spend?

If you want to stay on the move, consider a bus conversion, then figure out your budget. Coach conversions last far longer than stick and staple RVs, because they are built into a shell designed for a couple of MILLION miles of service. Everything is industrial strength, and designed to be repaired rapidly. In fact, several of the major bus builders are owned by bus companies, so you KNOW they are designed with the end user and mechanic in mind -- a down bus costs money every minute.