size matters

[missnout]

Seriously,  I am about to sell all and buy a fith with my asburgers son(21) and hit the road. income small, and we will need to boondock. What is an optimal size that will not leave me in a wallmart parking lot crying. I have each year gone to the Crocket forest in Texas to hunt. Get a license throw a tent and never wanted to leave. but now If i have this fith dont know where to go, and a little scared almost wish I had a boondocking buddy for a while. I hope to be out before this winter. Can anyone fill my ears?

 

[Suanne]

Welcome to the forum missnout.

If at all possible, I'd encourage you to attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) in January in Quartzsite, AZ. It's an annual gathering that Bob (web site owner) puts on. There's how-to seminars and lots of folks to learn from and rigs to look at. Here is a link -- http://www.cheaprvliving.com/gatherings/. It's a great place to connect.

As far as the size of 5th-wheel, I would say that layout is just as important as size. That is, the layout should give both you and your son some space of your own.

My husband and I have a 20' Class C which is pretty short. But, it works because we both have our own areas. I take the space in the back which is for lounging and sleeping (was a dinette area). John's space is the queen bed over the cab, also for lounging and sleeping. The area in-between (seating, bathroom, kitchen, closet) is a shared space that we mostly take turns using.

Note: I only vacation for weeks with John in the Class C. But I go solo out of my Prius for months at a time.

Suanne

 

[mockturtle]

Have spent a good deal of time RVing in Texas and have observed it to be unusually accommodating to RVs large and small. Some of the COE parks are the nicest anywhere. Are you old enough to have a geezer pass?

 

[missnout]

If at all possible, I'd encourage you to attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) in January in Quartzsite, AZ. It's an annual gathering that Bob (web site owner) puts on. There's how-to seminars and lots of folks to learn from and rigs to look at. Here is a link -- http://www.cheaprvliving.com/gatherings/. It's a great place to connect.

Awsome what a perfect place to start, hope I can get this all done in time. Thank you

 

[missnout]

If the geezer pass is how you feel as well as age then yes, otherwise 46 with working hands is all I can give them

 

[WriterMs]

Our "geezer pass" is getting the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Areas pass for only $10. Before age 62, it is $80 I believe. OH.... I think you can get it for free if one is on full disability. Does your son's condition fall into that category? The pass is not only good for the individual whose name is on it, but also for anyone with him in the vehicle (check current rules on the government website but I'm pretty sure that is correct).

The reason that can be important is that the pass allows you to get in free to National Parks (no free camping in those) and to reduced (or once in a while free) fees for places like wildlife refuges, National Forest campgrounds, BLM campgrouds... basically any federally managed lands that can be open for camping.

You are, I believe, asking for advice on how large of a fiver you can expect to get into many back country places? There have been many discussion threads on this forum that deal with that very question. And some of Bob's recent blog posts have discussed it, too. So your only problem is enough time to dig out tons of detailed information you'll find here on the forums. And you're likely to get lots of responses from those with fifthwheel experience, too.

You will have dozens of boondocking buddies right here on this forum!

Do you plan to travel with the seasons to you are not in places too hot nor too cold?

I also highly recommend taking time to read the articles Bob has put in the "How-To Articles" section of this website (menu link at the very top).

Welcome...I'm sure you are going to love it here --- and when you get out "there."

 

[missnout]

lol, dont try to talk on 2 sites at the same time...

 

[Sabatical]

Although everybody's circumstances are different, the desire is common. Since you asked for advice, I would say go tour your options because the right layout allows for shorter legnth which will help you go more places. More importantly though, don't delay getting out there by waiting for the perfect one to present itself. When you are out there doing it you will find that your perception of need changes. So many folks get caught up in agonizing over details and hit the road later, if at all. Find the courage to gather up the necessities and go adventure with your son. You are gonna meet so many amazing folks out there and have the time of your life. Folks are here to answer questions 24/7 if you need.

 

[missnout]

ok I think Ill do my research here, My son is fully disabled and I never thought of the benefits that may offer thanks bunches.

 

[jimindenver]

Boondocking is easier if you pick your rig with that in mind. Fresh water and waste tanks will determine how long you can go between having to find someplace to dump and refill.

You will see threads about batteries, solar, generators and charging. You will need power while boondocking unless you find a older rig with a fridge that doesn't require 12v and use the rest like a hard sided tent. Read up on it a bit so that when you look you will know to look at how many batteries it can take, what kind of converter, if you go solar, what will fit on the roof.

Storage is at a premium in a RV. Some 5ers and Motor homes have basements but those will fill up fast if you are full timing. Just boondocking alone requires tools and back ups that you wouldn't need in a park. As a occasional camper we take enough clothes and towels, etc to last a trip. Full timing you will need clothing for all seasons including shoes, boots and coats. You will take things with you that we never would like paper work and mementos. So really look at what would go where when you see a rig.

Size can offer more storage and room but it also takes a bigger truck and may be a limiting factor as to where you can take it. Our trailer isn't as tall or wide as others, we use the advantage to go where others can't.

Last thing I would look for is a good size freezer. when you are out more than a week, it is hard to keep fresh food. Many things like milk, breads, meats can be frozen and stay good far longer than they would in a fridge.

 

[missnout]

All I need to do know is sell my place, I have a person coming to look tomorrow, (everyone pray). Purchase my new home and see you in Arizona.

 

[cyndi]

If your son is disabled he can get the geezer pass aka America the Beautiful pass for free
http://www.recreation.gov/marketing...nd_Federal_Recreational_Lands_Pass_Series.htm

Consider a van with a cargo or small travel trailer. You both could have your own rooms

 

[WriterMs]

For people with bigger rigs, I like to point out a blog that is written by members Karen and Tony. Karen uses a wheelchair so she meticulously reviews both camping sites of all sorts and also attractions for their ease of accessibility.

They are in a 25' class C motorhome, but her descriptions of road conditions and such are great. What a terrific resource.

She has state-by-state maps to places they have boondocked (camped for free) indicated by a picnic table symbol. Here is a link to one of the map pages:

http://rollinginarv-wheelchairtraveling.blogspot.com/p/interactive-maps.html

 

[akrvbob]

I'm a fan of Class Cs because the driving position is more normal and you don't have to learn how to tow and back up a trailer. Best of all there are tons of them for sale used of all ages and all prices.

But one of you will have to sleep over the cab, will that work for you? If so, it would be my first thought. I'd also consider getting an economy car and towing it. I know, you'll have to tow something, but a car is very easy to hook up and if you get in a bind all you have to do is unhook the car and drive it away. You can't do that with a 5th wheel!

You can do this!! We're here to help!
Bob

 

[missnout]

I already have a F250 4x4 With a ball in the bed im used to pulling large horse trailers, I have been looking at a used 30 ft fith with a conversion to a ball. but I might need to consider a 27 ft. I liked the 30 with the bunk sleepers in the back.

 

[highdesertranger]

well missnout. you took the words right out of my mouth. I was going to suggest a gooseneck over a fiver. it seems your truck is already set up with a gooseneck so you are in. the thing about goosenecks is you keep your bed open unlike a fiver with that big ole ugly hitch. also goosenecks and fivers are much tighter turning then bumper pulls so are better suited to boondocking. now as far as the boondocking goes how far out in the sticks are you planning on going? do you plan on doing unimproved roads? if you are we can give you some tips. anyhoo glad you are here and good luck with and you sons dream. highdesertranger

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I've never seen a gooseneck that wasn't either a horse trailer or a machinery hauler.  Do they even make people rigs that are goosenecks instead of 5th wheels?  Is it possible to convert a gooseneck to a fifth wheel and vice versa?

Regards
John

 

[rvwandering]

Thanks for the kind words WriterMs!

 Missnout - If you've never had a RV visit a large dealer and check out all of the different RVs. Go through the motions of daily living to see how comfortable you'll be with the floor plan and living space. Buy the smallest one that gives you the best living space. Since you've been tent camping, living outside your shelter is not a new concept and your RV can be smaller than is acceptable for a lot of fulltime RVers. Most will tell you to get the largest one possible. You do not want that if you're planning on boondocking.

 When you make a decision and start looking at used RVs check them very carefully for any type of water damage. Look for ripples and bubbles in the outside skin, staining on the inside walls and soft spots on the walls, ceiling and floor. Check all of the appliances and systems to make sure that they are in working order.

 There are many places to boondock in the west where a fifth wheel will fit. You may not get way back in the boonies but you'll still be in beautiful areas with plenty of room between you and the next camper. Also with your son's Access Pass you'll be entitled to half price camping in many federal campgrounds. The fee is often just a few dollars a night and the campgrounds are very nice. This site gives very detailed descriptions of the campgrounds and will give you an idea of the size of the sites and road conditions. http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/list/nflist.htm

 if you post pictures and links to any RVs that you're considering all of us who have experience may be able to point out  possible problems and advantages to help a bit with your choice.

 Good luck!

 

[highdesertranger]

yes they make travel trailers with a goose neck, although not very common. yes they have kits to convert either way. a buddy of mine just got a toy hauler with a goose neck. if you plan to use either one off road make sure there is enough clearance between the front of the trailer and your bed sides. many are set up to tight to the bed and will hit the sides of the bed when you have sharp inclines. it's relatively simple fix however. highdesertranger

 

[NomadMike]

Missnout, we have a 5th wheel, and are planning on getting it set up for boondocking also. I have read lots of blogs of people with very large rigs, even huge motor homes that boondock. We may not have near the options of the van dweller, but it is doable. Like others have said, make sure the layout of the trailer works for you, and dont get too heavy of a trailer for your truck. There should be a sticker inside the door that states your gvwr (gross vehicle weight rating). If you could tell us what engine your truck has, and more info. on your tow vehicle, it would also help us in helping you. Getting too heavy of a trailer for your truck will make for a horrible experience when traveling, especially when getting into the mountainous regions.