Deb and Ed M
SW MI & Space Coast, FL USA
Senior Member
Joined: 06/07/2004
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If you are planning to stay in one place, presumably an RV park (there is no way to be "stealthy" with a full-blown RV and you WILL have to dump your holding tanks) - your best bet is to hire someone to pull your purchase to a site; then buy an economical vehicle to get around town with. Otherwise, you will be trying to drive and park a large truck all the time. If you plan to see the world (or at least North America) - a small 5th wheel would be the easiest to pull. You STILL will need to dump those tanks frequently; and a nimble trailer will make getting in and out of dump sites easier.
I do agree with others, your budget implies that you will be struggling to keep your RV in one piece and your vehicle running. RVing isn't a cheap way to live; many communities have pretty strong laws about living on the street; and dumping your tanks into a storm sewer will get you some serious fines.
Lastly, if you are truly desperate to have a place to live that is relatively secure - but some backpacking equipment, a cot, some storage totes, a cassette toilet, and a used work van (the Econolines and Express vans will run forever). Being able to "rustic" camp with no hookups saves you a ton of money; $10/month buys you a Planet Fitness membership where you can shower; and you are only dealing with one vehicle that can have problems, not two.
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Joined: 08/19/2009
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Good Sam RV Club Member
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nickthehunter wrote:Lantley wrote:…Once you decide you like RV'ing. Get that one ton dually diesel and be done with it. Otherwise you will be playing the upgrade game the entire time... In my opinion, I would say that is bad advice for a newbie. I have been RV’ing for 30 years and I own an F150 (gas) which is plenty for my needs. A diesel dually would have been a pretty stupid waste of money for me when I was a newbie. Everyone needs to evaluate their own situation and needs. One size fits all solutions don’t exist.
Moderation in all things:
- No, the OP probably doesn't need a new top of the line 450hp diesel dually.
- But also avoid anything unibody...I don't care if it has 450hp.
Of course, this presumes you aren't buying something monstrous or something tiny.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Joined: 10/05/2018
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I think the OP has left the building.
2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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ktmrfs
Portland, Oregon
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Joined: 06/22/2005
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IMHO "I plan to live in it full time" and "SUV tow vehicle" makes a ven diagram with zero intersection. One or the other but not both.
But there are IMHO 1/2 trucks and trailers that would likely satisfy full time use.
As for Lantley comment "…Once you decide you like RV'ing. Get that one ton dually diesel and be done with it. Otherwise you will be playing the upgrade game the entire time..."
I call BS on that. we've RV'd for decades and never ever have I or any of my camper buddies felt we needed a 1 ton dually to tow our trailers, 3/4ton? yes, but we travel a great deal. Nor have we ever looked at a trailer we liked that couldn't be towed with a 3/4 ton. And that includes our current 32ft trailer.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!
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NamMedevac 70
Reno
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Joined: 11/09/2020
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In 2010 for around $10,000 I bought a used 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 V-10 4x4 with around 85000 miles from small Ft Worth dealer that they bought at Dept of Interior auction. I then towed a late model used 28 foot TT (excellent condition for about 15,000 $$) from Texas to Oregon and PNW thru the Rockey and Sierra Nevada mountains and lived full time in the TT in Oregon, Kalifornia and Nevada for a year.
Took me many months to find both truck and trailer at my budget level. It can be done but takes time normally. All the internet searching and looking was fun for me. To tow in high mountains you will need more towing power than towing on the low flatlands of Texas, etc. Enjoy the 4 Rs of life.
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