My husband works in construction and will be going on the road in a couple of months for an extended period of time and in about six months I will be joining him along with four cats (we had a 15 year old dog but he went to doggie heaven a couple of months ago and we could never have taken him along anyway). We recently purchased a Ford 350 diesel dually which can safely pull about 11,000 pounds, which would include trailer and the stuff in it.

What I would like to know is if anyone know brands or rv's that are good and brands that we should stay away from. There are top of the line ones that are way too expensive for us, so we are looking for something that is sound, with some space, but not too expensive. We will most likely be staying in one place for up to a year at a time, so we won't be on the road all the time.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Namaste,

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2001

Answers

Hi Judy, When we bought one we bought a used jayco and were very happy with it. They are well built and pull nice and hold up well under "heavy living"........like we lived in ours for several summers (like April through October) and wintered on weekends here on our land and were comfortable.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2001

Judy, I really don't know this for a fact, but somewhere in the pile of useless trivia in my mind, I seem to remember that buying an RV used was quite often a good idea. Apparently, you can get one that hasn't been used much, for a WHOLE LOT less than new. So that might be something you want to explore.

I'm sure you'll still need to know which makes are good, but I have no information about that.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2001

I have been dreaming of getting an R.V. lately. Maybe it's an over 40 thing! It sure would be nice to take off in one! And to have under the tree for company. Tren

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

My parents have been full-time campers for about 2 years now, ever since my dad retired. They have a 5th wheel trailer and the same pickup that you just bought. They've been spending winters in Florida and summers travelling around the US. I'll be seeing them the last weekend of this month (we're having a party for their 40th wedding anniversary) so I'll ask them for their recommendations.

I agree that a used trailer is a good way to start, especially if you haven't done this before. A lot of folks buy the big fancy trailers and then 6 months later decide they hate the lifestyle and want to go home. Is there a campground near your house? Most campers love to talk about their trailers and would be happy to talk to you. Look for someone who has a "Good Sam" sticker on their trailer. "Good Sam" is a national camping club, they have a newsletter and a national convention every year in Wyoming. There also are some national magazines such as "RV Life" that have reports about various set-ups.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Thanks all for you input. "Preowned" (that's there terminology that the sales sharks use for used) sounds like a good way to go to begin with. There is a campground not too far from us and a few over in the New Orleans area, now I just have to get up my nerve to go ask around.

We went to RV sales lots this Saturday and saw the most amazing truck camper that slides into the bed of the truck. Queen size bed, bathroom, kitchen and slide-out dinette and you can take it off the truck and still use it because it has braces that holds it up. It was really expensive, but a used one would not be so high. One person I read about had one of those and a trailer that they pulled. He said it was handy to have two bathrooms and two kitchens. And we saw the sweetiest little used trailer, it had lots of kitchen storage and twin beds. It's was really too small to be practical for "fulltiming" but it would be great out under a tree for company or to just get away.

Thanks for the input on the Jaycos. I have been looking at them on the internet, and they do have a lot to offer and its good to hear personal experience.

I am going to have a really hard time picking out the limited number of books I can take with me. There are serious weight restrictions on how much you can put in these trailers and how much weight a truck can safely pull. I have never been one to travel light, even going to work and I always have to have a book or two with me at all times.

Namaste,

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Hey, did you know that there is a forum right here on Lusenet about Apache pop-up trailers? I know that's not exactly what you're looking for, but it might be helpful. Maybe you should poke around in there, see if anyone can point you in a direction to get more info on the kind you are interested in.

If you're staying put in any particular area, try to get a local library card. If you are not using your current library, start doing so, build up a reputation for reliability. See if you can get a letter of reference from your local librarian to show elsewhere. I think they might be more willing to loan books to someone who has good references, if your living at a temporary address.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Joy, that is an excellent idea about the library as we will be staying put for up to a year plus at a time. I do use the library and I will speak to them about a reference.

I am going to that Lusenet forum right now.

Namaste,

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Judy, if you're just talking about light, pass-the-time reading, I'd say scout out the local used bookstores when you get there. Buy the books, read them, and then sell them back. Another idea: if you're going to be in one place for a year you'll probably have a PO Box or some way to get mail. Have someone from home ship your books to you when you get there, and then you can ship them back home when you're done with them.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Judy, I only have one thing to say; AIRSTREAM. I've been living full time in my '72 31 foot sovereign for over two years now and still love it. I bought it used for $3500 two years ago and it's the best money I've ever spent. Comfy even in an Idaho winter, and when I've completed my solar package I'll be totally independent. Other trailers seem like weekend campers, but Airstreams are like a home, snug, roomy, and reliable. I'm planning on living in mine until I build my own house.

There are also Airsteam caravanning clubs, and there's nothing like the sight of a hundred silver twinkies parked together. They are in my humble oppinion the prettiest trailers around.

Just my oppinion for what it's worth.

Rick

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001