GypsyQueen7 Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Hi! I'm getting ready to buy my first RV to live in full-time in an RV park for the next few years while I pay off debt and save money before hitting the road full-time! My question is, for stationary living, it seems like it would be better to get a travel trailer so I don't have to worry about the engine, etc. I won't be moving it much, in fact only if the RV park I'm planning to move to becomes a dump or starts housing drug users or something... But I wondered if this is reasonable thinking because I don't have a truck to pull it, so would have to rely on a local towing company to tow it for me when needed. I did find one close by that is 24/7 emergency service, if it were needed. Looking forward to any thoughts anyone might have on this! Thanks! Kirsten “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 I have owned both self propelled and tow-able RVs and there are good and bad factors for each. In my observation, single women tend to be more likely to pick a motorized RV when they are traveling. If you are not going to be driving it, then I'd lean strongly to some type of trailer, probably not a fifth wheel for the one level floor. They are also much easier to skirt for cold weather, even though the Portland area seldom sees much freezing weather, it would still help a lot in keeping the RV comfortable and floors reasonably warm. Part of the question is whether or not you will be thinking of a trade when it comes time to start to travel? You can buy a reasonably good trailer for much less money than one with an engine and it will have less maintenance required. There would be no need to buy a vehicle capable of towing it as long as you are not traveling as you can hire it moved if needed. Travel trailers are the lest expensive of the RV possibilities and you could keep the car that you presently have. For frequent travel I happen to prefer the motorized RVs and think that most women would find them easier to travel with, but the cost is greater and the maintenance is also. A travel trailer is also the least difficult to level if you do not have a built-in leveling system and if you buy a motorized RV you probably should consider getting a leveling system. Since you have no RV experience and you don't plan to travel for several years, I'd recommend buying a modest travel trailer and then planning to replace it when the time comes to go on the road. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailertraveler Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 If you can find a floor plan in a travel trailer/5th wheel that you like; another thing to compare is the annual insurance and registration costs. In many states, trailers are cheaper to register than motorized vehicles. They can also be cheaper to insure since accident liability is often covered by the insurance on the tow vehicle. The difference in insurance premiums may well pay for a move if one becomes necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 I have owned both self propelled and tow-able RVs and there are good and bad factors for each. In my observation, single women tend to be more likely to pick a motorized RV when they are traveling. If you are not going to be driving it, then I'd lean strongly to some type of trailer, probably not a fifth wheel for the one level floor. They are also much easier to skirt for cold weather, even though the Portland area seldom sees much freezing weather, it would still help a lot in keeping the RV comfortable and floors reasonably warm. Part of the question is whether or not you will be thinking of a trade when it comes time to start to travel? You can buy a reasonably good trailer for much less money than one with an engine and it will have less maintenance required. There would be no need to buy a vehicle capable of towing it as long as you are not traveling as you can hire it moved if needed. Travel trailers are the lest expensive of the RV possibilities and you could keep the car that you presently have. For frequent travel I happen to prefer the motorized RVs and think that most women would find them easier to travel with, but the cost is greater and the maintenance is also. A travel trailer is also the least difficult to level if you do not have a built-in leveling system and if you buy a motorized RV you probably should consider getting a leveling system. Since you have no RV experience and you don't plan to travel for several years, I'd recommend buying a modest travel trailer and then planning to replace it when the time comes to go on the road. Thank you Kirk!! You have given me so much great advice!! Price, cost of insurance, and registration, was part of why I started looking into the travel trailer option since I won't be moving around for a while. When I get ready to hit the road in about 4 years or so, I would plan on trading it in for a motorized RV. “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 If you can find a floor plan in a travel trailer/5th wheel that you like; another thing to compare is the annual insurance and registration costs. In many states, trailers are cheaper to register than motorized vehicles. They can also be cheaper to insure since accident liability is often covered by the insurance on the tow vehicle. The difference in insurance premiums may well pay for a move if one becomes necessary. Thanks trailertraveler! That's what occurred to me after I posted, that that would also be a lot cheaper!! “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rif Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Perhaps this ongoing discussion about this topic will answer some of your questions or raise new ones for you. No harm in asking it again, but it's been asked so many times and so frequently that about every thing that can be said about the topic has been said. Still, as I said, no harm in discussing it again. http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=118583&hl= 2000 Volvo 770, 500HP/1650FP Cummins N14 and 10 Speed Autoshift 3.58 Rear 202" WB, 2002 Teton Aspen Royal 43 Foot, Burgman 650 Scooter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Perhaps this ongoing discussion about this topic will answer some of your questions or raise new ones for you. No harm in asking it again, but it's been asked so many times and so frequently that about every thing that can be said about the topic has been said. Still, as I said, no harm in discussing it again. http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=118583&hl= Thank you Rif! I will check out the discussion! “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Saran Posted August 14, 2015 Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 As someone who has done what you are talking of doing, I'll give my two cents. When I got divorced in 2005 (x-wife bought my share of the house) I looked at apartments and found them to be very expensive (this was in California)so I purchased a 2004 Terry 27 ft. TT and placed it in a park not far from the beach for $500 a month including electricity. I was still working at the time and commuting 50 miles each way so all I did was sleep there, watch some TV and eat some of my meals. It worked for me. Phil & Alberta Saran 2019 Keystone Cougar 30RLS 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 diesel Colorado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted August 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 As someone who has done what you are talking of doing, I'll give my two cents. When I got divorced in 2005 (x-wife bought my share of the house) I looked at apartments and found them to be very expensive (this was in California)so I purchased a 2004 Terry 27 ft. TT and placed it in a park not far from the beach for $500 a month including electricity. I was still working at the time and commuting 50 miles each way so all I did was sleep there, watch some TV and eat some of my meals. It worked for me. I've been slowly simplifying my life over the past 4 years, and this is just next step that will get me closer to my dream of full-timing on the road, once I get all my debt paid off, student loans being the biggest killer! I can't wait to move and go from paying $950/mth, to $400 + electric/mth! And I'll only be about 10 miles away from work. Though I keep reminding myself that there will be a transition period and will likely have moments of "what the hell did I do??" But I went through that when I moved to an artists community and lived in a small room with a bathroom, smaller than most travel trailers I've seen, and loved it except for having to share the kitchen with folks who had other ideas about what constituted clean. I'm just so excited for this next step, I'm now looking at travel trailers and hope to buy in the next few weeks. “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill w/bus Posted August 26, 2015 Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 Depends of what lifestyle you are going to have. First is moving every so often. Daily, weekly, monthly travel. Or are you going to sit for a seasonal stay and travel to and from. If the later then I recommend a trailer which means your daily driver is a pickup truck. Just some things to think about. Good luck Bill Bill & Lynn Baxter MCI102A3 Conversion, Detroit Diesel S50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 We have had class C, Class A, travel trailer and 5th wheels. For rull timing and parked most of the time, the 5th wheel is the way to go. Better in cold weather and more storage. But to each his own. What works for me may not work for you. A motorhome is not designed to be parked for months on end. Ken Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theeyres Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 You may also want to investigate fifth wheels. They do offer much more storage and space than a pull trailer and that may be a major advantage. You can find some great buys on used ones. In case you do have to move it, there are plenty of companies that can tow it. 2007 Arctic Fox 32.5 rls for full-timing, now sold. 2014 Sunnybrook Sunset Creek 267rl for the local campgrounds now that we are off the road2007 Silverado 2500 diesel Loving Green Valley, AZ (just South of Tucson) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nana25k Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 As to insurance. While the accident liability may be covered under the tow vehicle, you will still need fulltimers liability on the unit. If someone is injured in, around or because of an issue with the unit you can be held liable. Ron & LindaClass of 20072000 Monaco Diplomat 2005 Honda Element"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" Theodore Roosevelt"We can't control the wind, but we can adjust our sail""When man gave up his freedom to roam the earth, he gave up his soul for a conditioned ego that is bound by time and the fear of losing its attachments." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 We have a motorhome because we move around a lot. With that being said, if we were destination travelers, that is just going to one place and sitting for a long time, like north in the summer, then south in winter, we would have a 5th wheeler. Fulltiming since 2010 2000 Dutch Star 2009 Saturn Vue Myrtle Beach, SC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catrobin Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 I just bought my first RV and got a Class C motorhome. I am selling my house and going to travel around with my 2 dogs. I debated between trailers and motorhomes, and chose the motorhome since I will move a lot, want to feel safe being by myself and not have to get out when stopped, and didn't want to have to back up or hook a trailer up by myself. I think it's an individual choice and what works best for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted August 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 Thanks all!!! “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinseypw Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 For us, major question is where you are going to camp. We like to boondock and get to out of the way spots so a 4x4 truck pulling a 5th wheel was the way to go. I'm fairly sure class a buses couldn't go where we like to be. We like a lot of space so we pull a 32' 5er. I had never towed anything before, never hooked up a trailer and it honestly is pretty easy. After a year on the road backing up is getting easier and I have only once failed to get into a space cos I couldn't back the rig up properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kb0zke Posted August 30, 2015 Report Share Posted August 30, 2015 "I'm getting ready to buy my first RV to live in full-time in an RV park for the next few years while I pay off debt and save money before hitting the road full-time! My question is, for stationary living, it seems like it would be better to get a travel trailer so I don't have to worry about the engine, etc. I won't be moving it much, in fact only if the RV park I'm planning to move to becomes a dump or starts housing drug users or something..." The general advice is that a towable is the better choice for long-term parking and a driveable is the better choice for frequent moving. My suggestion would be to find either a 5'er or TT that suits you and have it delivered and set up at your site. That way you won't have to deal with trading your current vehicle for a truck that will be able to tow the trailer once or twice. David Lininger, kb0zke 1993 Foretravel U300 40' (sold) 2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganto Posted August 31, 2015 Report Share Posted August 31, 2015 If i had to do it all over again i would def go with a travel trailer or a 5th wheel pref a 5th wheel. and i know this from a learning experience where my engine gave me problems and my ( house was in the shop )!! now if i had a travel trailer or a 5th wheel it wouldn't have mattered because i would have still had my house . i'm in a class b and i just hate it now theres no storage space the bathroom is cramped for space the bed is not comfy to my liking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2015 Thanks David and ganto!! I've all but decided to get a 5th wheel, and have someone set it up for me. For many reasons, it really seems to be the best choice for what I will be using it for. Ganto, I like the idea of a class b, but they are super small...do you think you'll get a bigger rig soon? “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganto Posted August 31, 2015 Report Share Posted August 31, 2015 Thanks David and ganto!! I've all but decided to get a 5th wheel, and have someone set it up for me. For many reasons, it really seems to be the best choice for what I will be using it for. Ganto, I like the idea of a class b, but they are super small...do you think you'll get a bigger rig soon?yes a class yes a class b is super small . i have been looking at bigger rigs as i'm looking to unload what i have now and move on!! i love the sprinter vans but there way over priced for what they are and with all of these new emissions standards there crap with the EGR'S failing and the NOX sensors failing and the mb mech not knowing how to fix the issues. id'e go for a nice roomy 5th wheel and an older F350 pre emissions and do a waste vegtable oil conversion to it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwelch Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 If you are on a budget, like me, the travel trailer makes more sense because if a motorhome broke loosing transportation and your living space would be more catastrophic and expensive than losing one or the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Saran Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 Another few items to consider when shopping for your travel trailer. (1) Sit on the toilet, do you fit. (2) Shower stall, stand in it, turn around in it, again do you fit. (3) Look for a TT with some amount of clothing storage. Phil & Alberta Saran 2019 Keystone Cougar 30RLS 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 diesel Colorado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackpanther Posted September 11, 2015 Report Share Posted September 11, 2015 As someone who has done what you are talking of doing, I'll give my two cents. When I got divorced in 2005 (x-wife bought my share of the house) I looked at apartments and found them to be very expensive (this was in California)so I purchased a 2004 Terry 27 ft. TT and placed it in a park not far from the beach for $500 a month including electricity. I was still working at the time and commuting 50 miles each way so all I did was sleep there, watch some TV and eat some of my meals. It worked for me. Hi there Phil, If you don't mind my asking, where is this holy land?! My name is Maria and i'm 23 years old, I live in FL with my husband and we are planning on moving back to Cali for school. I've been trying to sell my husband on a 5th wheel, but he hasn't said much. (The way I persuade him to do anything is to be fully prepared with a reasonable plan A all the way to plan Z) I have been looking into the LA area because our school is USC, do you by any chance know of a place near USC? Thanks for your time! -M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GypsyQueen7 Posted September 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2015 Thought I'd post a little update! I finally did it! Found my new home! I'm so excited...here she is in her new space! “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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