Exploring higher-end models for full-time living

[ferfer]

We thought of ours as our mobile apartment. And the points made above about storage were rather important to us, also. In addition, and this certainly doesn't apply to everyone, being able to have a Jeep along for those times when offroad 4-wheeling was available was another plus.

Thank you Larry.

My thanks to rvlifer since I did not think of storage comparison because I have limited pull behind knowledge. He pointed out motorhome advantage to fulltiming and storage.

Thanks for reminder that motorhome and Jeep is the combination for offroad 4-wheeling. A stock 4x4 pickup truck might be allowed but often discouraged. Another thought - how hard is it to find parking for F350ish truck vs the Jeep?

 

[rvlifer]

how hard is it to find parking for F350ish truck vs the Jeep?

I have a 2 door wrangler rubicon in addition to the f350 dually. Both can park in a standard parking space so finding spots is the same for both. What is very different is that the turning radius on the f350 means i have to reverse a couple of times going in and out in the space to get the truck squared.

If someone parks on the line then it might mean i cant get in with the truck but if i see someone parked like that i wouldnt want any vehicle parked next to that guy so dont park the jeep there anyways. Most time i couldnt get the jeep in anyways.

I am glad my truck has electric folding mirrors. It would be tough to get past the truck in a crowded lot otherwise.

My understanding is the f450 has a far better turning radius and i wish i had one. I dont have issues parking the 350 but it could be easier. If someone isnt comfortable parking a big tow vehicle could be a much bigger issue than it is for me.

 

[rvlifer]

Regarding off roading. We got the jeep specifically to locate boondocking locations for the rv. Prior to the jeep we used the f350. If is a very capable offroad vehicle but there were a couple of time we almost got stuck simply because of how large it is. I was happy to get the jeep since i didnt have to worry about damaging the tow vehicle and then not being able to move the rv. Never came xlose but it was always in the back of my mind.

 

[Larry N.]

A stock 4x4 pickup truck might be allowed but often discouraged.

On most of the trips I've taken a stock 4x4 is welcome, BUT it often won't fit through some of the places a Jeep goes (thus the discouragement) -- even the 4 door Wrangler Unlimited can be a tight squeeze in a few places. On one trip in Arizona a Grand Cherokee came along and just barely was able to negotiate a couple of spots with the help of experienced folks who spotted for and guided him through those spots.

In some other spots the 4x4 pickup would fit just fine but would likely get high-centered on the rocky humps. On the other hand on some paths it would work just fine, just needing road clearance and, some places, 4WD.

BTW, my Wrangler Unlimited Sahara is stock, and there are a few spots that it can't quite make it, but there are generally alternative paths for those places.

 

[ferfer]

I have a 2 door wrangler rubicon in addition to the f350 dually. Both can park in a standard parking space so finding spots is the same for both. What is very different is that the turning radius on the f350 means i have to reverse a couple of times going in and out in the space to get the truck squared.

Slow and cautious but doable. Need be aware of width of slip and angle of approach. Just thinking of parking in a garage parking lot, be aware if height before enter and complication if duel row parking with narrowed space between. I think open parking would be my first choice.

So how do you get the wrangler to the potential boondocking area when you were traveling in the Luxe? Guess back to the F350.

On most of the trips I've taken a stock 4x4 is welcome, BUT it often won't fit through some of the places a Jeep goes (thus the discouragement)

I know we've hung around some the same 4 wheelers but the best fib was tolerated. There are serious hard core 4 wheelers who do occasionally do easier trails in mixed less experienced groups but there is an unspoken message. Yep been told truck too wide also. We agree our stock manual 4x4 has limits.

 

[rvlifer]

So how do you get the wrangler to the potential boondocking area when you were traveling in the Luxe? Guess back to the F350.

We were travelling with 2 vehicles. I would tow the rv and my wife would tow a small motorcycle trailer behind the jeep.

you are right about parking the truck but it isnt overly difficult if you know a few tricks. Backing into spaces helps at times and if you pull in front of the spot then back up and cut the wheel instead of pulling in right away it is pretty easy.

parallel parking is kinda the same. Easy when you know a trick or two but some never can get their heads around it.

 

[ferfer]

That works - bring all your toys and live in comfort in the great outdoors. Sure you want to sell the Luxe? Not replace it?

At some point in the future Dan will be forced to replace his truck. I have observed the newer F150 size trucks are much larger then in 2000. Do not have a clue what his replacement will be but likely a new toad involved.

 

[rvlifer]

Sure you want to sell the Luxe? Not replace it?

It is going to depend on how my wife's health goes. She has had 5 operations in the past 18 mo. 2 knee replacements, 2 for a broken wrist, and a hiatal hernia. She broke her wrist falling off the rv steps. Before the knee replacements getting in and out of the rv was a struggle. Things are looking good right now but we still need more time to see how things go

 

[RayIN]

i never understood this argument. You still have to disconnect the toad and hook up the water electric and sewer. If you have an autoleveler on a pull behind it is as easy as in a class a. I can disconnect and set up my 5th wheel in less time than most class a i have seen. All depends on the rv

Auto-leveling on trailers was a game-changer. My 5er didn', and setting up/getting travel ready daily on our Alaska trip kept me tired all the time.

 

[Bearcatrp]

5th wheel trailers are easier to pull, back up and control going down the road. Easier for me since I used to drive tractor trailer. You don’t get trailer swag as bad on a 5th wheel as you do a pull behind. Backing is close to the same. Since you’re going 5th wheel, consider a long box. Not necessary but it helps with stability. Plus long box have larger tanks. My long box has a 50 gallon tank. Less stopping for gas. Gas engines are less expensive than diesel engines but diesel pulls better going up hills. Depending on manufacturer, most have 8 or 10 speeds for gas engines. Ram is still stuck on 6 speed but the other two have 10 speeds. Love my 8 speed with my gas engine. May not climb a hill like a diesel but am not in a hurry to get to the top. Made sure you do buy enough truck for the trailer you’re about to pull. A 1 ton will future proof you if you decide to get a larger 5th wheel down the road. Good luck.

 

[ferfer]

It is going to depend on how my wife's health goes.

I am the limiting factor in our travels. I still want to travel but I am happy and often prefer to stay in the mini home while Dan does his sight seeing. I do have a 12+ mile 35 pound foldable mobility scooter for sight seeing etc.

 

[Melissarv]

From all the research I've done, it seems that that Northwood manufacturer is a cut above the rest, in terms of durability and reliability - putting quality products over mass production and profit. Wondering if anyone disagrees with that.

Also wondering if anyone sees some other contenders for quality manufacturers of travel trailers and fifth wheelers.

At this point, I've come to feel that since I'm going to be living full-time in an RV, based in the Pacific Northwest but traveling around the country, and since I have chemical sensitivities and therefore need to have my own washer and dryer units, it is worth the money to invest in a product like the arctic fox fifth wheeler. We're talking about $80,000 now, which is quite a leap from where I started, but is doable with financing.

I'm also wondering if it's true that it's easier to drive a fifth wheeler than a travel trailer. I will be new to RV living and I'm down with the idea of towing something that's easier, as I learn the ropes.

Why not consider class A? I'm a newbie and jumped to a Newmar as I felt it easier then towing and a more reliable manufacturer....

 

[Derby6]

Why not consider class A? I'm a newbie and jumped to a Newmar as I felt it easier then towing and a more reliable manufacturer....

Cost would be one reason. See her thread below.

Looks like I'm going to end up going with used

 

[Melissarv]

Cost would be one reason. See her thread below.

Looks like I'm going to end up going with used

Oh dear...I didn't read that!

 

[The Great Indoorsman]

Northwood definitely has a solid reputation—Arctic Fox in particular is one of the few brands that consistently prioritizes durability over mass production. You’ll hear the occasional complaint about fit and finish (because every RV has something), but overall, they hold up better than most, especially for full-time living.

If you’re looking for other high-quality brands, check out Grand Design (especially the Solitude line), New Horizons if you’re going all out, and Outdoors RV (owned by former Northwood folks). All tend to be better built than the mass-market stuff.

And yeah, fifth wheels generally tow better than travel trailers since the hitch placement gives you more stability and reduces sway. The trade-off is that they take up more bed space in the truck, but for full-time living, it’s usually worth it. If you’re financing, make sure to run the numbers yourself—dealers love playing games with rates. A quick check with this RV loan calculator can help you see what you’re actually signing up for.



If you’re set on Arctic Fox and can swing it, it’s probably one of the best choices for what you need. You’re already making a big investment in full-time living, might as well get something that won’t fall apart after a couple of winters.