skylve

Thanks for the info fellas, I'll get to ordering the jackalopee/wiring kit immediately so I can hopefully be ready to tow within a few weeks.

Hello again HDT'ers, I'm about ready to pull the trigger after 2 years, I'm looking at a few trucks and want to get my jackalopee ready as a plug'n'play setup before I get a truck, but first I got a few questions. 1. Is this the correct website and is it safe? Has anyone used it recently? https://ethitch.com/et-products/jackalopee/ 2. How hard is it to assemble for an idiot? I don't have any electrical experience, only Ikea furniture assembly, basic woodworking, basic automotive maintenance, and lots of Lego building experience from years ago. 3. Can reverse lights be omitted? I don't want to tap into the truck wiring and don't really see them being neccesary. 4. Anyone able to tell how long shipping was to Canada? Thanks in advance, looking to join the community soon.

Good to hear that you haven't had any trouble, but was there signage prohibiting heavy vehicles or trucks on the lots where you parked? Where I am, every retail property has a sign that usually looks like such: PRIVATE PROPERTY Customer parking only. Maximum 2 hours. No truck or trailer parking. No parking 12am-6am Violators will be tagged and/or towed at owner's expense. From what I learned when I worked retail, calling ahead won't matter since a store usually doesn't own the property, a large private company does. I never recall any of my managers or coworkers in the store caring about what happened on the parking lot, but things may be different now at other locations. Then again I'm not worried about the store employees, I'm more worried about the random police officer who might pass by and leave a ticket. Or I just might be paranoid about parking ever since I used to get parking tickets 2-3 times a week when I had my first car and my parents didn't have space to park it on their driveway. Thanks for the clarification, looks like the rules aren't as strict as it seems if you haven't had problems going around back and parking.

It seems that every store parking lot doesn't allow for heavy vehicles, regardless if you're a customer or not and I'm worried that an HDT will severely limit where I can buy groceries and other supplies. Do any HDT owners have trouble parking on lots where the signage prohibits trucks or other heavy vehicles? Are there any alternatives other than bringing an extra vehicle or renting? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone, I'm getting close to buying a tow vehicle, and I'll check back here once that's done, and then once spring comes I'll have to see what local RV dealers have in stock, hopefully there's going to be something that meets my requirements.

That floor plan looks interesting, never seen anything like it in a class A, but class A RV's are expensive here in Canada unless they're older than 20 years.

I'll just have to see what the local dealers have when I'm ready to buy, I'll most likely settle for a 32-35ft fifth wheel with bunkhouse and 1.5 baths, maybe I'll convert the half bath to a wet bath. This is the RV that I want for me, it won't matter if there's extras, the space if always going to be used. TV? TV!!! Absolutely no TV's anywhere on my site, I don't even bother to care for positions/connections for TV's when looking at any floorplan. I'll assume that having larger tanks are better if weight isn't an issue unless someone's experience shows otherwise.

It doesn't rain much during the summer here in Southern Ontario, so as long as everyone can find cover from the rain for 10-15 mins then there's no big issue. The tent idea isn't too bad, but some campsites restrict extra stuff like cars and tents. There's going to be no kids either unless someone decides to bring along their younger siblings. Its going to be my first RV so nothing custom yet, and after some digging I did find a few floorplans around 30 feet with a bunkhouse and 1.5 baths but they are all new ones, so it looks like I might have to buy a brand new RV which is usually advised against for first timers. I did find something almost perfect but its a new model and at $65k CAD it's more than twice my planned budget. https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/fifth-wheels/sandpiper/3330BH/5029

They are more expensive than a regular fifth wheel of similar size and I would rather not pay for something I don't need. That said I will reconsider looking at toy haulers again. If I had the money, I would definitely get a custom RV, but with the budget I have I can only buy something that is already built. There is also the option of converting a cargo trailer but unfortunately I don't have any knowledge of construction or renovation to take on such a project. I drew it, the rear is based on a slide design in I saw a travel trailer where the bed folds in half when the slide retracts.

Hello everyone, I'm about half a year away from purchasing my first fifth wheel, and have been actively looking at different floor plans and models, and I've think I've figured out what I want for the floorplan. My criteria are: 1. Not excessively long, I'd prefer to keep it 33ft or under 2. Separate bunkhouse with at least 3 bunks 3. 2 baths, preferably both having a shower (wet or dry is fine) or 1.5 baths 4. Minimal non-sleeper sofas After looking at various floor plans I've noticed quite a waste of space in many models, for me the rv will be used like a portable cabin; just stay in it to sleep/cook and most of the time you're outside having fun with friends/family. There's no need for lots of sofas and tables for me. I prefer as much split between sleeping areas as possible, so a bunkhouse is the way to go. I'd also like 2 toilets and preferably 2 showers to make sure everyone is comfortable and there's no arguing over who goes when. Looking around I saw only a couple that meet my criteria. What brands usually make similar models and are there any specific models I would find suitable? Below is an example that meets my criteria.

Thanks for the replies everyone, my next time back here will most likely be once I get the hdt. I'm planning on buying the hdt in a few months, and then I'll buy a trailer once the truck is all set up. Happy camping to all!

Mainly personal preference, there's nothing like rowing your own gears down the scenic route. I care as much about the journey as I do about the destination. Definitely one of the nicer trucks, but its in the US, and with the lower Canadian dollar 25k would end up being around 33k along with the hassle of importing it here.

Thanks for the advice on the fenders, never thought of those, added to my list. I was considering using the original hitch but I read that it will destroy the rv frame, so it'll be worth it getting an air ride hitch. I think a couple thousand to get a hitch professionally installed would be reasonable, cause I'd never trust anything I'd install myself to hold a 10,000lb trailer on the highway, so I'm fine with that. I'll likely install some kind of storage compartments later on. That truck is nice, but $42k is still expensive, and I would like a manual transmission which doesn't seem to come in any already built rv haulers. Thanks for suggesting it, never saw an hdt for sale close to me.

I'm planning on buying a medium sized fifth wheel somewhere on the lower end of 30ft+, going to travel to various destinations in Ontario at first, but will slowly explore further. I know an hdt is overkill but the reason I'd like an hdt is for the comfort during travel and due to personal preference, I also don't need a second "car" so might as well get a specialized tow vehicle and it can be cheaper than a decent pickup truck these days. I hit a dead end on that one. Somewhere I read that statefarm and cooperators insures hdt trucks, but I called both and neither insures hdt trucks??? I'll have to do some more digging.

Approximately how much will I need to spend? I'm not planning to change any axles or add a deck.

I've looked at local laws, and pretty much all southern Ontario municipalities prohibit rv parking, but being a bylaw, it is only enforced only by complaint. Many people with larger properties have trailers, boats, and rv's parked on their driveway so it seems that complaints aren't too common. Requirements for owning an HDT rv in Ontario are pretty simple, have an airbrake endorsement and either a full or restricted class A license. There aren't any more restrictions for an hdt than a dually pickup. I'll be hoping the truck I buy won't have any major issues, and I'll try to get an rv fifth wheel professionally installed, the rest like convering into a "motorhome" and changing the electrical connections I can do myself, although it will be a new field for me. Will make sure to consider the fact that I may need new tires. I'm current in truck school, it was actually there that I got the idea to use a hdt for towing an rv. A random conversation with one of the instructors let me to consider an hdt over a pickup truck. I should be fine towing an rv after I finish truck school. Thanks for the advice. I'll be converting my own rig, won't go too crazy, just a different hitch, a "motorhome" conversion, and make an adapter for the electrical, but thanks for mentioning. Alright used it is then, and I've never known that rv inspectors exist. Will definitely have one look at the rv that I will buy. Thanks!

Hello everyone, Lately I've been contemplating on whether or not its worth it to get into rving, I've looked at many options, and generally rving seems to be somewhat reasonable financially. Although I've never stayed in an rv, I've camped a few times in a tent, and I've been to many cottages. I really enjoy going places, so it seems an rv would be perfect to travel both close and far. I'll be moving into a new house with my parents soon and will have space to park an rv so the only thing left will be to decide whether or not to buy and rv and what to buy. I'm planning on spending about 20k on a truck and under 20k on the rv. Now that I've explained what situation I'm in, my plan is to buy a used semi-tractor, get a hitch installed, change the wiring, add a couple extra seats, and "convert" it into a "motorhome". Then buy a used fifth wheel and pull it with the truck. The reason I'd like a used semi tractor is cause its hard to find a reliable pickup truck these days for a reasonable price, and a semi-tractor is much more comfortable to drive in. My main questions regarding buying a truck and rv: 1. Is it a good idea to buy a semi truck and fifth wheel as a first timer? 2. Should I buy new or used for the rv? I've read that used is better in value, but have seen the argument that a used rv can end up being a leaky, broken mess. 3. What would be a good brand/type for a medium sized fifth wheel rv, preferably under 20k CAD? 4. Is modifying an rv necessary, like changing axles, tires, slides, pinboxes, etc? If you want me to clarify anything else feel free to ask, I'm located in Ontario, Canada, thanks.