kb0zke

Thanks for mentioning that. That was one of the more important things we considered before we bought our Foretravel. One brand that was mentioned several times as being a higher-end coach required one to own one of their coaches before being allowed to post on the forum! They didn't make the cut. We're looking at four options (two of which are Foretravels), and all have reasonably active owners forums.

We're fulltiming in a 1993 Foretravel. It has a Detroit Diesel 6V92TA engine and an Allison 4-speed automatic transmission. Foretravel made the chassis and body. Everything else is off the shelf stuff. Since this is the two-cycle engine, there aren't a lot of mechanics that can work on it, but they are out there. We had an inframe overhaul done a few years ago. The mechanic in charge of the project had his son working with him. The dad has retired, but I'm guessing the son is learning and following in his father's footsteps. We generally plan for an annual visit to Nacogdoches for service work. Depending on what is needed we may go to the factory, Motorhomes of Texas, or one of the other shops in town that cater to the Foretravel crowd. A few years ago Foretravel decided to buy their chassis rather than continue to build their own.

Usually the number that is of greatest concern is overall length. Since part of a 5'er is over the truck bed, the actual overall length is less than the sum of the length of the truck plus the length of the trailer.

I hope you kept his information. If you are going to be there next year when he comes through it might be worth it to get on his schedule.

I suspect that at least some manufacturers read general RV forums. I know that many follow their own brand-specific ones. We have to remember that what I think would be an improvement you might think is a disaster. When one gets to the point of ordering a custom or semi-custom RV it is a different story. When a company is manufacturing for the masses they have to build what will sell. I was about to add some comments to the OP and then noticed the date. One thing that we really appreciate on our 1993 Foretravel is the side-opening tambour doors on the overhead cabinets. The roll takes up a bit of space, but all of the doors are made to move to the rear of the coach to open and to the front to close. In case of a panic stop the doors want to close. I haven't seen those on other coaches, and even Foretravel quit using them in the late 90's. Guess they were just too expensive to make.

We had an inframe overhaul done a few years ago. Ours has a bed that lifts up, so no dismanteling needed. They used an air compressor to raise the coach, put the safety stands in, settled it on the safety stands, and were able to work from below, above and from the rear as needed.

We got the same form when we renewed our licenses in July.

We don't have slides, so we don't have to spend the few minutes it takes pulling them in. Otherwise, we start packing as much as possible the day before a travel day. Outside things, like folding chairs, etc. are stowed. Inside things are put into their travel places as much as possible. I'll fill the fresh water tank IF we're at a site that has water. I dump when we arrive if necessary. Fresh water and sewer hoses are out only when actually being used. We only use water from the fresh water tank. On travel day we have a quick breakfast. While Jo Ann is fixing it I'm putting things away that can be done then. For example, the television rides on the bed, so it can't go there until after the bed is made. Then, after breakfast, I wash the dishes while Jo Ann puts things away. Then I go outside and finish up whatever is left there while she finishes inside. When we're about 10 minutes away from leaving I start engines (generator and Detroit), then go outside and bring in the electric cord. Since the coach will be sitting on at least one tire cover I have to wait until it begins to go to travel height before I can finish the tire covers. By the time that is done Jo Ann has everything inside ready to go. She does a last inspection outside while I do one inside. Several years ago we arrived at a State Park expecting to be there for several days while Jo Ann attended a convention. About 0600 the Ranger was pounding on the door. The river was rising and everyone had to be out by noon. We were out by 0800 and the water was already getting close to the road. Oh yes, in that two hours we had breakfast and washed the dishes. We didn't hook up the car because we were just going across town.

We're going through this discussion now, and we did it 10 years ago, too. We knew we would be full-timers and that was about all we knew. We did tent camping, went to a Class C, then back to a larger tent. We bought a small travel trailer that our Mountaineer could tow just to see what that would be like. We liked it, so sold that and seriously searched for our full-time coach. At first we were against a motor home because they use a LOT of fuel. Then we figured out that they can tow a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Then we figured out that we would always have something towing something else. Once we reached that conclusion the MH became a possibility. At that time we thought we would be moving 2-5 times per month, and only about 150-200 miles per move. That was back in 2012. We now know that life doesn't work that way. We've looking to replace the MH we bought then, and discussing what would be the best option for us. What will fit us may not be right for you. Figure out what you expect to be doing and then find the best coach that matches your wants and needs. Our Foretravel gets about 7.5 mpg, and the towed, a 2015 Lincoln MKT, gets about 25 mpg. We put a LOT more miles on the MKT than we do on the Foretravel. One possibility we're looking at is a combo deal of a 2008 F450 and Mobile Suites fifth wheel. That combo will cost us more in fuel costs but save on maintenance costs. Another possibility is a slightly newer Foretravel. That will give us slightly better fuel economy and let us keep the MKT. Get what suits you and your needs and don't worry about what others choose.

We're leaseholders at The Ranch. Yes, there are lots available now, and probably more in the future. There was a waiting list for a bit, but for the most part there isn't one. We were on the waiting list at Lone Star, but when a lot we liked became available at The Ranch we took it and gave up our slot at Lone Star. Generally, the co-ops require that you be a member of Escapees in order to get or keep a lot. Most, if not all, require that you visit the co-op before getting a lot. The amenities vary from one to another, so do your research first. If you are looking to travel during the winter months there are plenty of places to go. We like the Corpus Christi area. Livingston is also good.

Did you ever think you'd see the day when you were required to wear a mask when visiting the bank?!

"...people don't really swim in Lake Superior or Lake Huron, at least in the UP." Well, I swam in Lake Superior when I was a kid. We had relatives in Bessemer, MI back then, so a trip there was our annual vacation. Back to the original question, we visited two of the Escapees Co-op parks as well as Livingston when we were talking about having a home base. We put down the $500 deposit and got on the waiting list at Hondo, TX. We were perhaps a year away from getting a lot there when one opened up at The Ranch (near Carlsbad, NM). It was pretty much what we wanted so we took it and got our $500 back from Lone Star. The beauty of the Escapees co-ops is that you can turn your lot back in and get back what you "paid" for it plus whatever you spend on approved improvements. All it really costs you is the annual maintenance fee, electricity when you are there, and maybe taxes. Taxes depend on how the State sets things up. Lone Star, for example, has each lot owner pay property tax, while The Ranch pays the property tax out of the maintenance fee. We were certainly very happy to have had our lot a year ago. We were planning our summer travels when COVID arrived. Since we "owned" our lot we could have stayed there permanently if we needed to. As it is, all we have to do is give the office a notice 7-14 days before we return to the park and our lot is ours.

Take a look at http://oopslist.com/ near the bottom where you find women live longer and you will see why women outlive men. Warning: be prepared to laugh and groan at the same time.

I'd agree with Linda. Back many years ago lots of college students bought used VW vans and made their own (relatively) cheap RVs. Some of the richer ones bought used VW Campmobiles (factory conversion). Back then there weren't the amenities available now. We know a couple who fulltime in a 1973 Dodge conversion van. Yes, I said 1973. They aren't small people, but they are minimalists. If I were you I'd be tempted to find a Chrysler or Ford minivan, remove the seats, and start designing. Once you have a design that works, build up the floor with 2x4 structure under everything that will push down on the floor (cabinets, seats, etc.) Fill the gaps with pieces of foam insulation (the sheet kind, not stray in), then put 1/2" plywood down. Use lots of screws to attach plywood to the 2x4s. Now build the cabinets, seats, etc. and attach to the plywood. The more time you spend designing the less time and money you will spend building.

When you run the underground conduit please take the extra care to properly support the conduit at the proper depth. Many years ago a conduit was put under a rock alley. Some years later the rock was removed and asphalt installed. The conduit was installed by simply digging a small trench, placing the conduit down, and shoveling the dirt back on top. Conduit is now trash. Later, when the weather improves, we'll have to dig it all up and do it right. At least the wires in the trashed conduit aren't connected to anything at either end, and we're going to install at least two and probably four conduits to provide for future needs. Distance is only about 50 feet or less, but still will be a fair amount of work.

The Ranch is the Escapees co-op in New Mexico. It is located between Artesia and Carlsbad. They don't take reservations, but you can call ahead to see if anything is available. Rules are changing in many area of the country, so some advance planning is necessary. Plan a route that is a reasonable distance for each travel day, then start working the phones to see what is available and what restrictions are in place. We generally plan for around 200 miles per day on travel days. Sometimes we need to travel for a few days in a row. Other times we like to spend a couple of days between drives. Depending on your tanks and water usage, you don't necessarily need FHU every time you stop. If you are staying for a month, then yes. If just an overnight, probably not. With only minimal water conservation the two of us can go 5-7 days between fill/dump times, so we often don't look for FHU on travel days.

Welcome to the forum. As Kirk said, there are a lot of differences between what you want/need and what we want/need. You mentioned a trailer for weekend getaways. Is it possible that you might want to eventually become full-timers? If so, consider this trailer as a practice one. Do you have any physical or mobility issues, either now or on the horizon? Do you travel with pets? Are you going to boondock (staying in remote places without access to electricity, water, or sewer? What "toys" will you want to bring with you? These questions, and many more, will help guide to you what is best for you. Just to address one point. Most trailers these days require you to go up five or more steps just to get inside. An exception is the Airstream. That may or may not be an issue for you, but it could be for some people.

We've looked at TT and others a couple of times. Each time we decided that we are better off with our lifetime Passport America membership. We started out with an annual membership, then went to a few years, then to the lifetime. We've already saved more than what we've spent, and we didn't use it at all in 2020. Of course, PA parks aren't resorts, and there are limitations, but we don't go to resorts anyway, and we can either work around the limitations or just go elsewhere. Depends on what we're doing at that time.

Just got this email a few minutes ago: "The board has voted to open the Ranch to visitors/renters starting Monday, 1 February."

Well, we're sort of looking for a used luxury 5'er. We're currently in a Foretravel that was $350,000 new - in 1993. Looking at Mobile Suites mainly, but checking others too. Since we're in Wyoming right now a Teton would be appropriate...

After seven years full-timing in our Foretravel, we've decided it is time to make a change. The original idea was an Airstream, but Mama wants a 5'er. Budget is no more than $35,000 and we want a high end coach, so that means buying used. Not a problem as between the two of us you can count on one hand the new cars we've purchased and still have fingers left over. We're looking at some Mobile Suites, but what else? I checked on New Horizons but most of them are too expensive. We're NOT looking at toy haulers. We'll have to get a truck, too, and are looking at F450 trucks (used, of course). Is that enough, or should we go to an F550? They seem to be harder to find, but are available.

You are a long way from looking at something to buy. You have a lot of research to do. Prices are high right now, but will eventually come down. If you spend your time now doing the research and getting finances in order, you will be ready to jump when the right rig comes along. 1. Start by going into every single RV you can. Doesn't matter the price, condition, or type. You are looking at two things: floor plan and quality. There are only so many ways you can arrange a box to make living quarters out of it, so you will begin to notice the same plans over and over. Details will vary from one manufacturer to another, but you will soon learn which ones will work and which ones won't. As you look at older rigs you can tell how they hold up. 2. While you are doing the above you should also be talking about how you plan to travel and camp over the next 3-5 years. With the ages of your children, you are most likely looking at weekends and short (2-3 week) vacations. You won't be carrying as much stuff as if you are fulltiming. Do you want to go to commercial campgrounds, State or Federal campgrounds, boondock? Your choices here will determine how much water capacity you need. 3. My suggestion is to buy your trailer and truck used - for now. Look for something that is fairly new, say less than 5 years old, so that the bugs are worked out but it isn't completely used up yet. Keep in mind that entry-level trailers don't have the quality that more expensive ones do, because they aren't intended to be used more than about a month in a year. On the other hand, the damage a toddler can do to them isn't going to be all that noticeable, either. You might just decide to buy one that is functional (everything works) but doesn't look the best and figure that you will junk it in a year or two. The cost of that trailer is the price of your education. 4. This isn't for everyone, but IF your work permits you to work remotely at flexible hours, you may want to consider road-schooling. Same idea as homeschooling (you teach your own children), but you do it while traveling. Spend a week at The Alamo, for example, learning what happened there and seeing it, then go down to San Jacento for a week to see part two. If you think this might be for you, I'd suggest you buy a fairly good-sized truck to start with (F350 class) because you will need it to tow a larger trailer. Start with the smaller one first, and learn whether the RV live is even for you. 5. TT vs 5'er is a tossup. The TT doesn't have as much outside storage, so more stuff will have to be in the bed of the truck. It also will have fewer stairs to climb. The 5'er has more exterior storage because the truck bed is pretty much taken up by the hitch. Going from outside to the bathroom is usually 8-9 steps up. That's quite a hike for a toddler. 6. Weights and abbreviations. GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating = the maximum the vehicle can weigh. GAWR = Gross Axle Weight Rating = the maximum amount that an axle can carry. GCVWR = Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating = the maximum weight of truck and trailer. Tongue (hitch) weight = the weight that goes on the hitch from a travel trailer. Normally that will be 10-15% of the trailer's gross weight. Pin weight = a 5'er's weight that goes on the hitch. That is normally 20-25% of the trailer's gross weight. Examples: I'm looking at a TT with a GVWR of 11,000 pounds, so I can expect that 1100-1650 pounds will be on the hitch. I'm also looking at a 5'er with a GVWR of 18,000 pounds. That means that the hitch in the bed of the truck has to be able to handle 3600-4500 pounds. The sales people will quote dry or empty weights to you. That number will help you calculate the carrying capacity of the trailer, and that's it, unless you don't plan to put anything in the trailer. The difference between GVWR and dry (empty) weight of a trailer is how much food, water, clothing, cooking stuff, propane, etc. you can carry.

Yes, there are a lot of businesses that still believe in taking care of their customers. Now, an ethical question for you. There is no right or wrong answer. Do you keep the name of this shop secret so that you can return there for other work later on, or do you share it with all of us so that we can support their business, too? As I said, there is no right or wrong answer. All too often we are quick to call out a shop that does something wrong, while we never praise those that go the extra mile. Just knowing the general location of this one is bound to help someone in the future. Thanks for sharing.

I see several different issues here, and the answers to each of them will determine what is feasible for you. First, how often and how far are you moving each time? The smaller the number of moves and the shorter the distance makes renting/hiring a better deal than owning. Second, how often are you returning to the same campgrounds? Do any of those campgrounds offer long-term leases? Check out the Escapees Co-ops and parks that offer long-term rentals. Third, are you permitted to leave an unattended RV on the site? Not all parks allow that. If you can find some that permit it in one of your regular areas, then parking a fifth wheel or park model there might make sense. Finally, are you permitted to have an RV on a site with no way to move it off? The co-ops we checked out all required that the RV be properly licensed. AND that it be capable of being moved. That might be covered with an agreement with a neighbor, but I'd check the rules first. Renting a truck or hiring someone to move your rig is likely going to vary from one place to another. I'd suggest that you start by checking around where you are now to see what might be available there. Then check at one of your other favorite areas. If there isn't anyone available either to rent a truck from or to hire that pretty much answers your question. Oh yes, new vs used truck. Run the numbers and see what the true cost of ownership is. If you are going to be a full-timer, check out the cost of insurance and license in Florida, South Dakota and Texas.

We visited BB a couple of years ago. We ended up staying some distance away, since it was Christmas time and we thought we'd be able to talk to our children. NO cell service in BB for the most part. Also, at that time there were few campgrounds with hookups. Do plan on spending a fair amount of time there, though. We spent three days and that wasn't enough. We'll be back.