New to RVing... ready to commit soon and would appreciate input!

Hello helpful people of the internet. We've been lurking on your resourceful forums for months now, and after more research have narrowed down our search for the 'perfect' fifth wheel.

We're considering a 2005 Hitchhiker II 29.5 LKGT (and remodel the interior) or a 2012 Open Range 337RLS. What are your thoughts? My husband and I plan on taking a mini-retirement (thanks, Tim Ferris!) later  this year, we plan on full-timing for a year with our 1 year old daughter and our whippet mix. We want to hit all major national parks and stay in state parks with some boondocking mixed in. On  either unit we'll have to add solar panels (can this be done with any rig or does it need to be pre-wired?) and a composting toilet. Thinking about just adding a portable generator since it seems easier than a built-in.  We don't really have time pressure but want to travel all over the country (and also visit Canada, Mexica and Alaska). From our research both rigs are good quality, comparable insulation and durability. We can get the HH for about 10,000 less and like it's layout better, but are also drawn to the newer Open Range.

We don't have the tow vehicle yet because we wanted to make sure we know the requirements of the FW first. DH definitely wants a diesel, and is currently searching the internet for F350 or RAM3500s... we would also appreciate any input you'd have for the tow vehicle. We're thinking about getting an Anderson hitch unless you have better recommendations.

Looking forward to hear what everybody is thinking!

Hauling around a portable generator big enough to run a fifth wheel is a major pita, especially if you like A/C.  I love having a generator that all I have to do is push a button. You might want to reconsider that. Not familiar with the units, but good luck on your adventure.

Get the floor plan you like.

It will be easier to live in.
Solar systems can be added to any RV. A one ton truck would be my choice. You never hear someone complain about having too much truck.

And why a composting toilet?

I'll say the Andersen hitch is great IMO.  We have it and love it.  Great idea to wait on the truck until you pick the trailer.  And I do agree bigger the better.  I went as big as I could go without going to a dually.  I would love a dually but won't work for me now.  Maybe in 13 years when I retire.  8)

Which one do you really like the best?  Go with that.  However, you might have less problems over all with the newer model?

With a big enough black tank, you don't need a,composting toilet. We have a 40 gallon one, and two people using it 100% of the time do not fill it up in a week. You generally need to come in to civilization once a week anyway for groceries, and it isn't hard to find a place to dump tanks. Your gray water will need to be dumped too, and I hope you know you can't just dump that on the ground; you need a dump station. And I agree to look at the floor,plan first, then decide which rig. The generator isn't that big a deal since in a year long trip, you can just plan on not being somewhere hot (requiring big generator for the AC).

kdbgoat said:

And why a composting toilet?

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Not the original poster, but I plan on going the composting commode route also. The Nature's Head is my choice, based on mode of operation, and there are other designs out there that I would not use.  The most obvious reason . . . no need to collect and dump a black tank.  Yes, I know it is no big deal to do so, and I'm not a sissy and there is no yuck factor in it for me.  It does seem a PITA however, and it boils down to what method is more appealing to one person vs another.  It means not dealing with poop pyramids, bad sensors, messy hoses (messier than gray hose usage alone), rinse nozzles that clog, a second tank to sterilize now and then, seals that fail.  That's not to say that a composting toilet is a free lunch as you have to deal with liquids disposal more often, carry peat moss or coconut coir, and a stomach flu/virus results in problems that have to be dealt with, but FOR ME and my needs, it is a more attractive alternative for waste management.  It's just a choice -- like solar shades or not, automatic levelers or not, washer/dryer or not, gas vs. propane generator, and probably a whole list of other things.  Hope this helps,  Linda

Welcome to the Forum  ;D

1.  Get the FLOOR PLAN you like better!

2. Either FW will need a 1 ton truck, although neither is big enough to DEMAND a dually.  The dually always gives a more stable towing platform.  The diesel is a good idea for what you are planning.  Look used and save some serious cash!

3. Hitting all major NP and seeing Canada and Alaska and Mexico in one year???  Too much!!!  Pick 40 or 45 top locations and plan to stay for a week per location.  Also remember you are NOT driving a car!  Limit towing speeds to 60 or 65 mph.  Limit drive time with the camper to 5 or 6 hours a day.  When going to a new location, try to be in your camp site by 4 or 5 PM so you can get set up in the daylight and have some time to unwind.

4. Andersen hitch is an excellent choice!

5.  There are several threads on generators.  You can go with two companion generators and use what you need.  For basics, one is enough.  Hook them together and you can run one A/C unit.  If you have the generators, there is less of a need for the solar. 

Thank you for taking the time and giving me your input, everyone! We have put a deposit down on the Hitchhiker and are looking to pick it up in 2 weeks. We also found a used 2011 F-350 that we like and got an offer accepted. We're having it checked out this week and hopefully can take it home next week! We're excited to get started with the interior remodel/updating and prepping for our transition!

muskoka guy said:

Hauling around a portable generator big enough to run a fifth wheel is a major pita, especially if you like A/C.  I love having a generator that all I have to do is push a button. You might want to reconsider that. Not familiar with the units, but good luck on your adventure.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your input. I haven't done sufficient research on generators yet, just thought it was a necessity for the occasional boondocking.

halfwright said:

Get the floor plan you like.

It will be easier to live in.
Solar systems can be added to any RV. A one ton truck would be my choice. You never hear someone complain about having too much truck.

Click to expand...

Thank you, we did. This layout will simply work better for our small family!

kdbgoat said:

And why a composting toilet?

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Several factors... less chemicals and dumping to deal with, being more environmentally friendly and being able to stay off the grid longer.

Elkhounds said:

I'll say the Andersen hitch is great IMO.  We have it and love it.  Great idea to wait on the truck until you pick the trailer.  And I do agree bigger the better.  I went as big as I could go without going to a dually.  I would love a dually but won't work for me now.  Maybe in 13 years when I retire.  8)

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Thanks, we found a used F-350 Diesel (not a dually) and that should be enough to pull the Hitchhiker

Peggyy said:

Which one do you really like the best?  Go with that.  However, you might have less problems over all with the newer model?

Click to expand...

That was one of our considerations, as well as availability of parts for a discontinued unit. After talking to Kansas RV center (the Nuwa specialists) and doing research for aftermarket parts we feel confident we made the right choice.

UTTransplant said:

With a big enough black tank, you don't need a,composting toilet. We have a 40 gallon one, and two people using it 100% of the time do not fill it up in a week. You generally need to come in to civilization once a week anyway for groceries, and it isn't hard to find a place to dump tanks. Your gray water will need to be dumped too, and I hope you know you can't just dump that on the ground; you need a dump station. And I agree to look at the floor,plan first, then decide which rig. The generator isn't that big a deal since in a year long trip, you can just plan on not being somewhere hot (requiring big generator for the AC).

Click to expand...

That's a great point about needing fresh food once a week and needing to find civilization anyways ;-) we did plan on connecting the black and the gray tank to make one large gray tank, which we would then dump once we're back 'on the grid'. We are drawn to environmentally friendlier alternatives but it doesn't mean we will be dealing with poop without the yuck factor - I guess it's just a matter of preference. We probably won't be needing a huge generator then because we do intend to follow 70 degrees year round...

Dreamsend said:

Not the original poster, but I plan on going the composting commode route also. The Nature's Head is my choice, based on mode of operation, and there are other designs out there that I would not use.  The most obvious reason . . . no need to collect and dump a black tank.  Yes, I know it is no big deal to do so, and I'm not a sissy and there is no yuck factor in it for me.  It does seem a PITA however, and it boils down to what method is more appealing to one person vs another.  It means not dealing with poop pyramids, bad sensors, messy hoses (messier than gray hose usage alone), rinse nozzles that clog, a second tank to sterilize now and then, seals that fail.  That's not to say that a composting toilet is a free lunch as you have to deal with liquids disposal more often, carry peat moss or coconut coir, and a stomach flu/virus results in problems that have to be dealt with, but FOR ME and my needs, it is a more attractive alternative for waste management.  It's just a choice -- like solar shades or not, automatic levelers or not, washer/dryer or not, gas vs. propane generator, and probably a whole list of other things.  Hope this helps,  Linda

Click to expand...

YES! All of the above. Thank you for your input, Linda!

grashley said:

Welcome to the Forum  ;D

1.  Get the FLOOR PLAN you like better!

2. Either FW will need a 1 ton truck, although neither is big enough to DEMAND a dually.  The dually always gives a more stable towing platform.  The diesel is a good idea for what you are planning.  Look used and save some serious cash!

3. Hitting all major NP and seeing Canada and Alaska and Mexico in one year???  Too much!!!  Pick 40 or 45 top locations and plan to stay for a week per location.  Also remember you are NOT driving a car!  Limit towing speeds to 60 or 65 mph.  Limit drive time with the camper to 5 or 6 hours a day.  When going to a new location, try to be in your camp site by 4 or 5 PM so you can get set up in the daylight and have some time to unwind.

4. Andersen hitch is an excellent choice!

5.  There are several threads on generators.  You can go with two companion generators and use what you need.  For basics, one is enough.  Hook them together and you can run one A/C unit.  If you have the generators, there is less of a need for the solar.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your help, grashley!
We ended up choosing our preferred floorplan despite the unit being 6 years older. We found a 1 ton diesel but it's not a dually. Like you said, it should be enough for our purposes. used was definitely the way to go and I'm glad we didn't drop 70k+ on a new F-350. Good point about the generator/solar combo. I'll have to research more as this might be something we won't upgrade right away... as far as our planned route - we're not set on the one year timeline, but want to eventually hit all those mentioned before. We planned on staying at each location for a week minimum to make sure we can fully experience it rather than just checking things off our list. One of the reasons for this mini-retirement is to slow down and be more present instead of always go go go. We're still waiting on my husband getting his clearing papers from the military so we do have a few more months to plan our route accordingly.

Would you recommend installing the Andersen hitch ourselves or should we have a shop do it? Keep in mind we've never owned an RV and don't know (yet) what we're doing...

ndna said:

Would you recommend installing the Andersen hitch ourselves or should we have a shop do it? Keep in mind we've never owned an RV and don't know (yet) what we're doing...

Click to expand...

Does the truck have the goose neck ball in the bed already?  If so just put the ball in that and put the Andersen hitch over it.  3 bolts to tighten down and you are done.  There are a couple good youtube videos on it.  Here is a short one:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJDZrmzBa3c

Putting the block on the trailer is a one time deal and also not hard to do.  That is shown in the video as well.  If you are not sure you want to do it then let the dealer.

Elkhounds said:

Does the truck have the goose neck ball in the bed already?  If so just put the ball in that and put the Andersen hitch over it.  3 bolts to tighten down and you are done.  There are a couple good youtube videos on it.  Here is a short one:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJDZrmzBa3c

Putting the block on the trailer is a one time deal and also not hard to do.  That is shown in the video as well.  If you are not sure you want to do it then let the dealer.

Click to expand...

The truck doesn't have a goose neck ball yet. Thanks for the link!

You may want to let a shop install the gooseneck setup unless you are ambitious.  A mechanically inclined 10 year old who can read could install the Andersen to the gooseneck ball!