Old Camper... New to Fifth-wheeling!

[parhound]

Hello RV'ers,

My wife and I have tent camped for years. I grew up camping alot with parents that belonged to camping clubs. Now that I am reaching that age of closing in on retirement (5 years) we have decided that the open road is where we would like to spend as much time as possible while we can. Our original plan was to buy a used motorhome and travel in that manner. Now after talking to many people in the RVing world, we have decided to buy a fifth-wheel and diesel truck. We just got back from an RV dealer today and are close to buying a "Big Country" 3250TS. Our next adventure will be aquiring a truck that is suitable to pull it. Just thought I'd get on here and ask for any advice at all from all you experienced RVer's. Thanks in advance!

 

[DW_Gray]

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum. You've come to the right place. Just like I discovered, you'll find a wealth of great information here. I'm glad your seeking information before you commit to buying.

As far as choosing a 5th wheel to meet your needs, I recommend you choose one that will meet the needs that will match how much you will travel. It is my impression the some 5th wheels are sold and priced for the weekend camper that may go camping 10 or less times a year. For those who plan several week trips or 3 or more month long trips, you may consider looking at 5th wheels that will meet that need and they generally cost more and they are well worth it. Then there is the high end class for full timers or those who just want the best they can buy. So you and your wife need to ask yourselves where you fit into the 3 classes I've described.

I recently talked to some new full timers here where Amy and I are staying. They bought the low end 5th wheel and after 2 months, the wife regrets it very much.

As for a truck, I recommend you read the article shown in my signature below.

Again, welcome to the forum.

 

[jimtoo]

Hi parhound,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and hopefully to the family. We have a great bunch of people here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.

We hope you chose the Big Country and become part of the Heartland family. If you need questions answered, just ask, we are here to help.

Jim M

 

[TXBobcat]

Are you planning to fulltime? Meaning selling your home and moving into a 5th Wheel. If this is so you should look into a Bighorn or Landmark. They are made for fulltime use.

If your keeping a home and traveling part of the year then most any trailer you choose should serve you well.

For most any trailer you purchase from Heartland, a new one ton truck should serve you well.

BC

 

[Nabo]

Welcome to the forum. The Big Country 3250 is a great coach. We had a 3250 for 5 years traveling over 25,000 miles from FL to PA, out to WY and many other places. Great coach!!! We pulled it with a 05 Dodge 2500 diesel truck without any problems. The truck didn't even know it was behind it. Hope it works out for ya'll. Oh by the way, we were tent campers also but the ground just got too hard for comfort.

 

[SJH]

Hello and welcome to the forum. No doubt you will really enjoy the Big Country, which is also approved for "full-time" use. We really like ours! I sent you a PM with some weight specs and information you may find helpful!

Best Wishes!

 

[parhound]

Thanks to all you folks that replied to my post. I can see that this will be a valuable place for information! Still haven't pulled the trigger on buying the 3250 (although I think my wife is ready). After doing my research I am impressed with what I have seen with the Heartland RV's. They seem to be on the cutting edge of quality and technology when it comes to the construction and design of their product. Being a "newbie" to RVing I'm sure I will use this forum to "pick your brains" on a bunch of questions I have. Thanks again and I am looking forward to more advice as we go along! As long s I"m here I might as well ask a few more questions. What is the best kind of insurance for an RV? What about RV Clubs? Roadside Assistance? Sorry... I'll try not to ask too many questions at one time! It sounds like there are a great bunch of people on this forum! Thanks again

 

[SJH]

As long s I"m here I might as well ask a few more questions. What is the best kind of insurance for an RV?
Really depends on your specific needs. We use a "Full-Coverage" policy from a company in Oregon. They have reasonable rates and have been excellent with our other vehicles.

What about RV Clubs?
Can't go wrong with a Heartland Owners Chapter near you! Some, myself included, also do Good Sams or something similar for discount fees at many parks.

Roadside Assistance?
Currently we don't have this. Tried Good Sam's ERS and it was worthless in our experience. Got a refund and intend to try Coach.net.

Sorry... I'll try not to ask too many questions at one time! It sounds like there are a great bunch of people on this forum! Thanks again

Most on forums like to talk "RV" so don't worry about asking questions!

Best Wishes!

...........