I'm probably asking for trouble but...

[hushupu]

We have never camped. We have stayed at the Fort in the cabins. Me and DGF are thinking we may be able to retire in 5 yrs at a fairly young age of 55 for me and 45 for her. The kids will be out of school.
We want to spend several weeks at the world. Probably most of the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. and a couple of shorter trips during the year.
I am not intimidated by driving a large vehicle. I owned and drove 4 different Peterbilt 379s through 48 states in my life.
We are fortunate the cost will not be the #1 deciding factor in our decision.
What would the experts on this board recommend. A class A, a fifth wheel, a travel trailer. We would want to have a secondary vehicle with us so it would either be the the tow Vehicle or a towed Vehicle.
We would expect our children to visit from time to time but we are not really expecting them to travel with us much. We have no grandchildren yet.
We obviously have some time to explore these options but it would be nice to hear some opinions from some experianced campers.
Our other option would be a large DVC purchase but this seems much more flexible.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Welcome to the camping boards,
I would go for a 5'ver or a large TT ,,just my preference.

 

[des1954]

Good planning!! There are positives about 5'ers & Class A's. If you've driven semi's, then neither will be any problem for you. Go to as many dealers & RV shows as you can, and choose wisely. We've had Class A's & no 5'ers because my DH doesn't like to tow. Also - keep the lady in mind should she be in a position where she has to drive. A Class A, while intimidating, is easy to learn how to drive.

 

[becky1960]

We currently own a 5th wheel, but we have taken a Class A before also. I would go with a Class A as you have more room while driving for someone to get for drinks Etc. The room can be about the same.

 

[stefa70]

Just my 2 cents, while there are beautiful 5th wheels and motor homes, and conveniences to both, we went with the travel trailer. With the motor home, you would need a tow vehicle, with a 5th wheel, you lose your truck bed storage. We put our golf cart, grill, and/or bikes in there. I guess it all depends on your preference. Good luck on your search, it's a lot of fun just looking at all of them!

 

[retired and happy]

We have a MH and tow a cargo trailer...but that's just us and it fills our needs. I agree you should visit several RV shows and dealers and test drive a few as you narrow your selection. Also look carefully at the floor plan with any slides opened and closed. Be sure it will work for you. Also consider winterizing requirements unless you intend to escape every winter to the glorious southland.

The position of entertainment centers and the fabrics of the upholstered furniture can also be factors if you will live a great amount of time in the unit. Privacy considerations include doors to the bedroom and bath facilities, and perhaps a comfortable chair in the bedroom....a place to read while the "big game" is on in the living room...or vice versa.

How many does it need to sleep? Do you want a laundry on board? separates or a single unit? Check the galley layout. Lots of things to consider while you are looking.

Welcome to the crazy lifestyle that lets you enjoy life wherever you want to roam. And congratulations on the early retirement plans.

 

[mnsprk]

You know you will get a lot of different opinions, so here is mine!

We've had TT's, FW's and now our 2nd MH. We personally will never go back to any type of trailer. What we like the best is the fact that the rear of the coach stays relatively cool just using the dash air. When you get where you going your not setting up a "hot box". The same applies when you stop at a rest area, Wal Mart, or truckstop for lunch, fire up the geny and enjoy it in a cool environment. Easier for potty stops as wel, no getting out and running back to the trailer.

I also think setting up is a little easier as well.

If your thinking about a golf cart you could tow a full size pick-up with the cart in the bed as long as you buy the right size MH.

Happy hunting and enjoy.

 

[clkelley]

Also - keep the lady in mind should she be in a position where she has to drive. A Class A, while intimidating, is easy to learn how to drive.

That is the NUMBER ONE consideration in my book. Both of you should be able to handle all aspects of the unit. (Or be prepared to pay someone else to transport it home in case of an emergency.)

 

[SC DAD of 2]

RV.NET Forums is a great resource for purchasing info on type/new/used campers. While we love our TT, if money is not such an issue I would definitely go class A.

 

[hushupu]

Thanks for all the great advice and ideas. You gave us alot to think about.
I like the idea of hauling a full size pickup with a class A and putting a golf cart in the bed. Now where do I put the Harley.
I did go to a local dealer with some pretty decent inventory. I also found someone who rents everything but Cass A's and we are planning a couple of trips this sumer with the kids. We should have some fun making this discision.

 

[2goofycampers]

A class A toy hauler will give you a place to put the Harley and a golf cart, then your toad can be smaller.

 

[NLPRacing]

We've had experience with everything from tents to pop-ups to travel trailers to 5th wheels, but when it came time to buy, we got a Class A. First we wanted to decide whether to tow or to drive. The pros for towing was that it would be cheaper, but we would only be able to use it when we get to our destination. Since we like to go on long trips, something we could drive & use during the trip was going to be better for us. So then we had to decide on what kind of motorhome, Class A, B or C (we even considered a slide-in truck bed camper for about 5 seconds until we saw the prices of the nicer ones, ouch!). Based on what was available in late 2004, the size & available floorplans made us decide on the Class A. Today, I would probably look at some of the so called "B Plus" & "Super C", but I would probably end up with a Class A in the end. For us, pulling my Mustang "toad" made more sense then buying some big pick-up to just pull a trailer. Now that we don't fit in the Mustang anymore, we have an Expedition EL set-up as our "toad". Despite the fact that the Expedition would make a great tow vehicle, we would never think of getting rid of the motorhome for a travel trailer.

It all comes down to personal preference. Don't be in a hurry. Look at everything, weigh all your options & pick what's best for you. For us, it was a Class A. For my brother in law, it was a travel trailer. For my brother, renting a trailer once or twice a year is all he needs to do. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[dblr]

I drive tractor trailers so I lean towards the 5th wheel,but what ever you choose take the time to try the insides out I mean sit on the toilet stand in the shower even lay on the bed to see how you fit. Once you think you found the one that's best try to see if you can hang out in it on the lot the longer you can be inside it the more you can tell if it will fit your needs.

 

[BradyBz12]

...what ever you choose take the time to try the insides out I mean sit on the toilet stand in the shower even lay on the bed to see how you fit.

Agreed!! We just bought a new TT and are selling our 21' Kodiak hybrid. It's an awesome little camper and served us amazingly well for the past 5 years (it made four 2-3 week long trips to the Fort among many other weekends) but IMO that thing didn't have a single comfortable seat in it.

I love so many things about that camper, but I've hated the couch from the word "go." It was not deep enough or long enough to actually sit on it and relax. Same with the dinette. While weekend trips and most of our time at the Fort is spent outside, on that odd rainy day, or even returning from the parks in the evening when you want to sit and catch the news before bed, there wasn't a good place to sit and really relax.

Then add three 40-ish pound border collies to the mix and well....

Let's just say we've gone a bit bigger and much more comfortable this time.