permanent camping - fifth wheel or toy hauler?

[newholidayx2]

anyone live in either a fifth wheel or a toy hauler? currently in a jayco designer 31ft - thinking of a grand junction 39 ft fifth wheel. Friends looking at the toy haulers
Im thinking the Grand junction that has a separated (by door) living room.
Friend thinks the toy hauler would be the way to go here in FL as the box in the back for the toys could be used instead as a partially enclosed room giving more air to the entire unit.
any thoughts either way?

 

[Cruisin]

I don't live in a camper but we do own a 5th wheel.

A 29 foot Cardinal by Forest River.

They make a lot of beautiful units now and I'm sure that you could find something that you could live in.

I'm not sure about the 5th wheel versus the toy hauler. I think you would have to look at all the models and see which one appealed the most to you.

The toy hauler gives you some good storage space if you need it but a 5th wheel would give you much more living space

You could try posting on the camping board and seeing if they have any useful advice for you.

Good luck finding a unit that will make you happy

 

[sbell111]

My wife and I flirted with buying an American Eagle coach not too long ago. We're having a baby, instead. It will probably be cheaper.

 

[terri01p]

I have never personally lived in a camper but we do own a travel trailer and we are always looking to upgrade...my 2 cents worth is I would go with a fifth wheel before a toy hauler. I think that you will get more bang for your buck with a fifth wheel, I know it just depends on the amount of money you want to spend but most toy hauls have a smaller living quarters than a fifth wheel and smaller bathroom area, even though you can convert the box to a room it will still be hard to cool down/ and heat up unless you place a window air unit there and/ or heater.
I just tend to like the fifth wheels better...that being said the next camper we get will be a toy hauler because my dd is in a wheelchair and it just makes thing easlier for us. So it really just depends on what you want in a camper. you never really know until you stay in one.
We have a cedar creek tt and I loved it, but the first weekend we stayed in it I could tell that it was not going to have enough storage area, so live and learn. Good luck with whatever you get and maybe we'll see you on the road sometime!

 

[minkydog]

We camp in a travel trailer. Once the bug bites you, there's no going back.

Can you find a toyhaulin' fifth wheel? I'd suggest you might want to look at RVnet dot com. You can find out anything you ever want to know about camping, including full-timing, types of trailers, campgrounds, etc.

We have about 2-3more years and we're going to hit the road part-time. Go for it!

 

[OctMtnWoods]

I'm thinking you are referring to a permanently sited trailer? Not going to be moved anytime soon?

If I had to live in a trailer, it would be a 60 or 70 ft trailer designed to be lived in permanently. Not a travel trailer. At the very least, a park model trailer that has full size frig, stove, toilet & shower.

AND in FL, it would definitely be TIED DOWN!!!

Not to mention that they aren't insulated like a house with thick walls, so even with A/C, its gonna be HOT! I would watch for leaks. You've got a good potential for mold / mildew with small quarters & no ventilation from cooking & bathing steam. Like I said, travel trailers are not designed to be lived in full time.

I'm not sure you can get what would be the equivalent to homeowners insurance if you are living in a travel trailer. Sure you could protect the trailer, but not sure if you can truely get what you should have & need for liability & medical payments to others if anyone is hurt on your property. Liability extends away from your property also. Foremost Insurance would probably be your best bet, but travel trailers aren't meant to be lived in permanently.

Lots of terms are tossed around incorrectly in the RV / trailer industry. A travel trailer has a hitch & you hook it up to a car or truck & move it easily.

Mobile home is what people think of when you say "trailer park". Those 60 or 70 ft trailers that are permantely sited with decks & skirts.

Park models are like mobile homes, but shorter (maybe 40 ft) and new ones have catherdral ceilings & 2nd story lofts.

Fifth wheel falls into the travel trailer category but as you know, needs a special hook up into a truck bed.

Then there are motor homes that come in different classes (sizes)........, pop-ups/tent trailers.......

 

[C.Ann]

I'm thinking you are referring to a permanently sited trailer? Not going to be moved anytime soon?

If I had to live in a trailer, it would be a 60 or 70 ft trailer designed to be lived in permanently. Not a travel trailer. At the very least, a park model trailer that has full size frig, stove, toilet & shower.

AND in FL, it would definitely be TIED DOWN!!!

Not to mention that they aren't insulated like a house with thick walls, so even with A/C, its gonna be HOT! I would watch for leaks. You've got a good potential for mold / mildew with small quarters & no ventilation from cooking & bathing steam. Like I said, travel trailers are not designed to be lived in full time.

I'm not sure you can get what would be the equivalent to homeowners insurance if you are living in a travel trailer. Sure you could protect the trailer, but not sure if you can truely get what you should have & need for liability & medical payments to others if anyone is hurt on your property. Liability extends away from your property also. Foremost Insurance would probably be your best bet, but travel trailers aren't meant to be lived in permanently.

Lots of terms are tossed around incorrectly in the RV / trailer industry. A travel trailer has a hitch & you hook it up to a car or truck & move it easily.

Mobile home is what people think of when you say "trailer park". Those 60 or 70 ft trailers that are permantely sited with decks & skirts.

Park models are like mobile homes, but shorter (maybe 40 ft) and new ones have catherdral ceilings & 2nd story lofts.

Fifth wheel falls into the travel trailer category but as you know, needs a special hook up into a truck bed.

Then there are motor homes that come in different classes (sizes)........, pop-ups/tent trailers.......

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For permanent living arrangements, I would definitely go with nothing less than a park model.. Most 55+ communities have quite a few up for sale at any given time - already set up - and often priced quite reasonably.. All you have to do is move in.. Also many of the 55+ communities include your basic cable, water, and lot rent all in one.. That leaves you with only your monthly telephone and electric bill..

If you're looking for things to do in Florida, start riding around and checking these places out.. That in itself can be fun..

 

[HighClass]

anyone live in either a fifth wheel or a toy hauler? currently in a jayco designer 31ft ?

Since you have only been doing this since Dec-its now the beginning of hurricane season.
Do you have an evacuation plan?