What options do I have at 6'5?

[Junedays]

So this will be my first time getting an RV. I've narrowed it down to either a TT or a 5th wheel. Most important thing to me is headroom and space... This is what I'd like...

1) A fully equipped kitchen, with a conventional stove/oven, 6+ foot refrigerator, microwave, lots of counter space and storage... Will be cooking A LOT.

2) A bedroom with a king or queen size bed that's ateast 6'4 in length and space to get off the bed from at least one side, a closet and some maneuverability space. Ideally the bedroom would be away from the line of sight of the living space and kitchen. So perhaps down a little hallway and around the corner type of deal?

3) A roomy shower with enough headspace, sink, conventional toilet.

4) Don't need a dining table.

5) Don't need other beds.

6) A living room that's not too close to the kitchen. TV in front of the couch. A decent sized coffee table which will serve as the dining table.

7) Proper heating, air conditioning and insulation that would serve nicely in all (most) US weathers.

Will be living in it full time. Traveling all across the US. Will be parked a few months at a time, so not hauling constantly.

2 people will be living in it.

Looking for something reliable and with good resale value.

What do you guys recommend?

Some of the things I mentioned might sound ridiculous to someone with experience in RVs. My apologies if so. I'm new to this, have an image in my head of what I'd like and just throwing it out there to learn what would be possible and what wouldn't. So very open to advice.

Thank you!

 

[donn]

Fifth wheel will generally have the best head room except in the bedroom area. There 6 feet or so will be the norm. Of course to get the rest of your wishes will require a dually truck.

 

[Laura & Charles]

Welcome to the forum. I don’t think you’ll find any TT that will come close to much of those things on your wish list. A large fiver or large class A is where you need to focus. A fiver of size will need a one ton dually pickup. When we were starting out, that’s the conclusion we came to and my bride didn’t want that big diesel truck to be our ‘grocery getter’, so we went with a class A and pulling a toad. Not saying that’s your best choice.. lots of folks here love their lifestyle in a fiver. I’ll say the fivers I’ve been in certainly have a more house-like feel to them and generally more kitchen space. We usually move every 2-5 weeks. If we were to change our m.o. to moving, say, 2-4 times per year, I would definitely want to consider a fiver. IMO, the more frequently you move makes a class A an advantage.

You don’t say if you’re looking for new or used. The general consensus here is to go for used. (I know there are several here that have gone with buying new and don’t regret it.). But if you consider used class A’s, the Alfa line have good head space. I believe they made a pretty decent product but went under (like many others that either went under or were acquired) with the 2008 crash. I’m NOT trying to sway you to class A… just throwing out an option worth considering.

 

[Junedays]

Welcome to the forum. I don’t think...

Appreciate you're input!

I'm looking for used.

I had a hard time deciding between a class A and a 5th wheel. Opted for 5th wheel for basically 2 reasons...

1) Space.

2) Won't be on the road much, probably 3-5 times a year. So need a car for grocery and stuff. The car plus another wheel seemed redundant.

Still open to a class A if it'll serve my purpose better.

 

[CduB63]

Wife and I full time in a fifth wheel and love this set up. I have no experience with Class A to compare to, but a significant advantage we find is that if you have a truck problem, you might be stuck where you are parked for a few days, but you have a place to stay while waiting on truck repairs wherever you are. Ask me how I know this is handy…!

Most of your floor plan preferences will be hard to find in any one unit as far as I’ve ever seen, unless you have the patience and resources to have a trailer custom built, such as New Horizons RV offers. You sit down with them to discuss a desired floor plan, and they custom build your personal unit according to your specifications. They’re big, heavy and come at a premium price point, but they are exactly what you ask for and I cannot imagine being disappointed.

Good luck in your journey!

 

[8Muddypaws]

Take a look at some of the fifth wheel plans where the bedroom is in the rear. Unfortunately your problem is going to be the showers. Maybe you can find one with a bubble skylight over the shower stall. (Our Bounder has one).

 

[HueyPilotVN]

Just kidding

 

[Rob&Deryl]

See my signature for a floor plan. Headroom in the bedroom is around 6’6”. I am only 5’10” and I had to learn to duck into bed. Huge closer. Great kitchen and big pantry. 12 cu ft fridge works well. Never runs out of hot weather too.
I found the shower to be better than I expected but not hotel sized, I am happy.
So, it is possible…. Btw, we bought used. Spent $5k fixing things after. Ok with that.

 

[Isaac-1]

Year round insulation for most of the US is going to be the big issue, as even so called 4 seasons RV models, are talking about 4 seasons in places like Texas, not in places like North Dakota.

 

[Jkoht]

I'd look into a 5th wheel toyhauler. You can usually find nice ones with big tall garages that double as bedrooms with queen beds that'll allow you to sleep somewhat comfortably. Kitchen space is never great compared to a house in any style, but some big 5th wheels do have islands or peninsulas in the kitchen that help. The stove even at its biggest is only what you would consider an apartment or studio size stove. Most are 3 burners in a triangle and a oven big enough for a pizza or 9x13 pan, but usually not a lot of headroom so don't expect to roast a 24lb turkey. Oh and the rack is either stationary or has one adjustment height. As mentioned before to tow one of these you'll need a good 1 ton truck to pull it.

 

[Kirk]

I had a hard time deciding between a class A and a 5th wheel.

My suggestion is that you and your spouse spend a lot of time visiting all of the RV lots that you can find and not buy anything until you have seen every possible choice. I can tell you from experience that the perfect RV for any person will be wrong for another and there may not be a logical reason for that. In addition, most of us change in what we need/like so our ideal RV also changes. And don't ignore the class A market over a vehicle to shop with as you can easily tow a car when you do travel. If you don't travel at least a few times a year, then probably a self-propelled RV isn't the best choice, but at least look. I think that you also should at least look through a few travel trailers and class C RVs as well since you aren't familiar with them. The best RV is a very subjective thing and your needs, priorities, personal preferences, and even whims are the key to the best answer. If there is a big RV show anywhere close to you, plan to spend at least a day there and walk through at least one or two of everything there.

 

[steveblonde]

I agree with spending time looking at options, 5ers are taller inside (im 6'3") stand in the shower and check the inside hieght, (dont ask how i know) also check the bed, rv mattresses are short so you will want to be able to swap out the matress and still have room to move. My toyhauler works for us but not everyone i love the interior space and the fact its a little more durable for bigger people

Voltage | Luxury 5th Wheel Toy Hauler | 5th Wheel RV | Dutchmen RV

The Voltage offers more luxury, more durability, and more standard amenities than you can imagine in a toy hauler, from Polar Breeze A/C and a Zero-G ramp door

www.dutchmen.com

 

[TonyL]

We have a Highland ridge 337RLS Fifth wheel, the lounge height is over 7' and over 6' in the bedroom. Shower is tall and wide, kitchen is one end of lounge with the sink mounted against a wall, not on an island. If you can find one, might be worth a look.

 

[Tom]

I'm not sure when they were discontinued (i.e. how old you'd need to accept), but Alpha See Ya RVs were known for high ceilings. You'd need to google search to find the other features they offered.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Go 5th wheel. Don’t need a dually. I just upgraded from 3/4 ton to a 1 ton to pull my 35 foot 5th wheel. Not a dually. Has 1 slide, full stand up shower, queen bed, plenty of room in the living room where the slider is. The 8 speed is so much better than the 6 speed in the 3/4 ton. Went long box to get a 50 gal gas tank to reduce gas stops. Almost went diesel but the cost of maintenance is to much per year plus higher fuel cost. But if you have the bucks, a dually helps stability. Another reason for 1 ton in my area is tabs are 1/3 the cost of 3/4 ton. Good luck.

 

[steveblonde]

Go 5th wheel. Don’t need a dually. I just upgraded from 3/4 ton to a 1 ton to pull my 35 foot 5th wheel. Not a dually. Has 1 slide, full stand up shower, queen bed, plenty of room in the living room where the slider is. The 8 speed is so much better than the 6 speed in the 3/4 ton. Went long box to get a 50 gal gas tank to reduce gas stops. Almost went diesel but the cost of maintenance is to much per year plus higher fuel cost. But if you have the bucks, a dually helps stability. Another reason for 1 ton in my area is tabs are 1/3 the cost of 3/4 ton. Good luck.

You dont know the weight or size of the 5th wheel - so you cant say " dont need a dually" maybe its a big 5th wheel he ends up with, cant have a srw truck with my 5er

 

[strugglebus]

Duck

 

[steveblonde]

Duck

That gets real old real fast especially in the shower.

 

[WILDEBILL308]

Only you can decide what works for you. Have you looked at any Newmar diesel coaches? My coach is I think 6' 9" with a king bead and a tall shower. The outher benefit is you said you would be staying in one place for extended time having a car you can tow behind you is going to be much easier to get around in than a big truck and much better fuel cost.
Hearer is your tip of the day!!! If the bead seams a little short (had this on a previous coach) Pull the mattress down and stuff some pillows in the gap up by the headboard. (there are people making filler blocks for that now) This will give you more usable length. I am only 6' 2" but this made a big difference in that short Queen bead.
Bill

 

[steveblonde]

Only you can decide what works for you. Have you looked at any Newmar diesel coaches? My coach is I think 6' 9" with a king bead and a tall shower. The outher benefit is you said you would be staying in one place for extended time having a car you can tow behind you is going to be much easier to get around in than a big truck and much better fuel cost.
Hearer is your tip of the day!!! If the bead seams a little short (had this on a previous coach) Pull the mattress down and stuff some pillows in the gap up by the headboard. (there are people making filler blocks for that now) This will give you more usable length. I am only 6' 2" but this made a big difference in that short Queen bead.
Bill

Sorry but at 5 or 6 mpg a diesel pusher is way more expensive than my f350 pulling my 47 ft 20000lb 5er. I average 8.8mpg pulling and 11 to 15 mpg when not. And im not putting wear and tear on a toad. I have a full size queen, and my "big" truck is a Cadillac to drive -with or without my 5er hooked up. The biggest advantage of a diesel pusher is storage, a diesel pusher had way way more storage under the cabin area