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RE: Thinking about fifth wheel
Ne'r truer words spoken Pritch.
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outtaboating
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04/04/08 07:04pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Thinking about fifth wheel
Thanks for the replies. We aren't going to live on the road. We had some health issues, not me or my wife, that we're tending to that also led us back to shore. I misspoke asking which truck. What I meant was please name specific truck models that will pull the rigs in the 34-38 foot range. From this response we aren't interested in the ultra light. I know absolutely zip about pick-ups in this class. My pick ups have always been "stuff haulers" or for work. I need to know what size diesels, bed configuration etc.
I found our 38 foot boat was the best size for assuring the largest number of transient slips available. Eycom mentioned to consider size with respect to parking in older parks. What is the most common sized parking place? What is an RV/fifth wheel "slip" called?
My wife and I were good at quite scream free docking. Like everybody said, it just takes practice. Is it necessary to get permission to use somebody's parking lot to practice? I grew up boating so the concept was easier for us than most. I'm sure after our first practice session I'll know more questions to ask. The times I've rented u-haul type trailers, I found it best to avoid backing up when possible. The damn thing ended up sideways too often. Hopefully the longer tongue on a fifth wheel will make the process easier.
Thanks again for all the responses. BTW, what are the color coded US maps in the sig lines some of you have?
Charlie
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outtaboating
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04/04/08 10:35am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: test
Thanks Tom, that was it. Got my post up.
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outtaboating
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04/03/08 09:46pm |
Forum Technical Support
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Thinking about fifth wheel
Hi to all. As my screen name indicates we are ex-boaters. We lived aboard our 38 foot Chris Craft for 3 years and loved the lifestyle. The social and outdoor aspects of boating were the main appeal. Unfortunately burning 10 to 40 gallons an hour aint in our budget so the Chris is for sale.
I've been reading here that we can probably expect 8 to 11 mpg if we want to tow a fifth wheel. Is that a fairly reasonable expectation? I also have seen that we can get a nice rig for less than $60,000. After cramming ourselves into a boat for the longest time a fifth wheel looks huge to us. We're looking in the 34 to 38 foot range. We always figured we'd get into RV-ing after boating but the space available in the fifth wheel kind of blew us away. We really like the 3 pop out models we've seen.
My questions are:
Where do I learn to tow one? I can dock a big boat in a bad blow but it took a while. Is there a class in the SC area we could attend?
In addition to parking and pulling and backing it up, I'm guessing it isn't as simple as just hooking it up. So any suggestions as to day to day operation would be appreciated.
I've seen ads for "super lightweights" that claim towing with a half ton is doable. That kind of scares me. I'm leaning towards a dually with a big diesel. How big? Best motor? Is it reasonable to buy on with 50,000 miles expecting to get another 100,000 miles if maintained well?
Should I skip all this, buy a riding lawn mower, tiller, goat and just farm? I have a feeling I could blow a pile of money doing that too.
Any advice especially the "reading between the lines" type is welcome.
Charlie
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outtaboating
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04/03/08 09:44pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: test
Sorry to hijack but I can't seem to post a new topic.
When I post, I get;
I keep getting this message when I submit a new post. "The following problems were encountered while processing your request:
> Your message contains invalid formatting. Please use the toolbar provided to ensure proper formatting."
How do I post a new topic?
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outtaboating
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04/03/08 06:18pm |
Forum Technical Support
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RE: Searching the Archives (Link to new turorial inside)
I keep getting this message when I submit a new post. "The following problems were encountered while processing your request:
> Your message contains invalid formatting. Please use the toolbar provided to ensure proper formatting."
How do I post a new topic?
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outtaboating
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04/03/08 05:48pm |
Beginning RVing
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