| We have been camping or RVing for over 30 years | | | | used by Full Timers who sometimes camp in cold |
| now and for the last three years we have been Full | | | | weather. We travel in a 5th Wheel and have spent |
| Time RVers. During that time we have owned almost | | | | winters in Nebraska and Connecticut, both states |
| every class of RV on the market. One thing we | | | | noted for their cold weather. However, not all 5th |
| learned quickly is there is no best type. At least not | | | | Wheels are set up for Four Season Camping. If you |
| that someone else can decide for you. | | | | are going to use the RV in cold weather be sure to |
| All RV's have advantages and disadvantages. | | | | check with your dealer first. Most 5th Wheels have |
| Whatever you choose is very much a personal | | | | slide out walls that increase the living space. Options |
| choice based on your individual preference, needs and | | | | include Fireplaces, Washer & Dryer hookup, and |
| budget. What we have learned and share with you | | | | may other luxuries. |
| now, is our opinion of what type of RV is best for | | | | The issue with 5th Wheels is the tow vehicle. You |
| certain types of camping. | | | | can almost count on at least a good ¾ Ton or |
| Tent Camping | | | | larger Pick Up to tow it. The factors to how big a |
| Although not an RV, tent camping is great fun | | | | tow vehicle is the RV Pin weight and overall RV and |
| especially if you have children. There is something | | | | truck weight. |
| special about tenting and campfires with children and | | | | In my opinion the 5th Wheel is the best all around RV |
| we had great fun tenting with ours. You can buy a | | | | you can buy. |
| good tent at almost any sporting store and many | | | | Motorhomes |
| department stores. | | | | Motorhomes also come in many sizes, from vans to |
| Obviously you will need something to cook on. We | | | | 45ft monsters. They come in two types, class A and |
| found the propane gas camp stoves better than the | | | | Class C. Class A is a bus type and a Class C has a |
| liquid gas. Since there is host of things like pots, forks | | | | truck front. These are also broken into two types, |
| and the like we found it best to keep a plastic bin | | | | Gas and Diesel engines. |
| (ours was wood) called a "Chuck Box". In your chuck | | | | Motorhomes are great on the road as the |
| box keep all your camping stuff so when you go | | | | passengers can move about and a rest stop gives an |
| tenting just put the Chuck Box and tent in the car | | | | easy pit stop. Motorhomes are easier to set up than |
| and go. | | | | other RV's. Most have self leveling hydraulic jacks so |
| Pop Ups and Hi-Lo Type | | | | when you pull into a RV Park you push a button and |
| When the children were young we probably had | | | | all is leveled. No boards under the wheels and no |
| more fun in our POP Up than any other camper. | | | | unhitching from the tow vehicle. Since most |
| They are well equipped and unlike a tent, you sleep | | | | Motorhomes come stock with generators and large |
| off the ground. They are very easy to tow and | | | | holding tanks they are more self contained than |
| store. When you set them up, they are really roomy | | | | other types of RV. |
| and a very good choice for family camping. They | | | | The question often arises as to what is best Gas or |
| come in all types, canvas sides and hard sides that | | | | Diesel. Only you can answer that but when you add |
| either snap together or rise up like the Hi Lo type. | | | | a diesel engine you also add thousands to the price. |
| Travel Trailers | | | | They are more powerful and seem to run forever, |
| Travel Trailers come in many sizes. They are the | | | | but you will have to decide if the extra cost is worth |
| least expensive of the "hard side" RVs. Most are | | | | it. |
| spacious and well equipped. They do require a tow | | | | Motorhomes are very well equipped and the higher |
| vehicle which is a drawback if you do not own one | | | | priced ones are luxurious indeed. The price for these |
| for the trailer size you want. Travel Trailers use a | | | | units is not for the faint hearted and often cost |
| special hitch that causes the RV and tow vehicle to | | | | more than a house. |
| share the load. This eliminates the rear end sag of | | | | Large motor homes require a vehicle that can be |
| the tow vehicle. In our opinion Travel Trailers are | | | | used when the Motorhome is parked at the RV Park. |
| great for summer vacations and weekends, but are | | | | There are several ways to tow these vehicles from |
| usually not equipped for cold weather. Therefore, | | | | towing equipment to trailers. The towing of the |
| they are not usually used for winter or Full Time | | | | vehicle is a science in itself and probably will require a |
| RVing. Most models have slide out walls that increase | | | | chat with the dealer. |
| the living space. | | | | With any type of RV, visit dealers and RV shows |
| 5th Wheels | | | | and look at the different types and sizes of the units. |
| 5th Wheels are so names because of the wheel type | | | | After a while you will begin to develop a preference |
| hitch mounted in the tow vehicle. The hitch is a | | | | for a particular type of RV. |
| scaled down version of a commercial truck hitch. | | | | Another thing you might consider is buying a used or |
| Again you need a tow vehicle and usually a good size | | | | less expensive unit with plans to trade it for your |
| one to boot. Because of the way a 5th Wheel | | | | dream RV after a year or two. After living the |
| hitches to the tow vehicle they are easier to tow | | | | lifestyle for a while you'll have a better feel for the |
| and maneuverable. They are very roomy and are | | | | kind of RV that will suit you best. |