Hi from Tampa, FL

[raisekayn]

We have borrowed a (very good) friend's RV and have rented an RV but now we are looking for the rig of our dreams.  We're headed to the FL RV Show next weekend to narrow down our choices even more.  Next summer, we hope to be full timers.

Dream rig: Class 8 Hauler (Volvo 860 remodeled into a motor home/hauler) and a Fifth wheel toy hauler.  Not sure which make yet... that's why we're visiting the RV show.

Looking forward to reading all the words of advice here from remodeling to RV clubs.

Happy New Year!

Kathy & Mike

 

[Arch Hoagland]

Welcome aboard!

Guess you won't be getting any warnings of a tow vehicle being to small to pull your trailer!

It's always fun looking at new RV's....Good luck!

 

[raisekayn]

Nope... vehicle not too small.  And though it's not required (cause we're licensed in Florida) I plan to get my CDL this summer for knowledge and experience behind the wheel of this beast.

Cheers!

Kathy

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

We met some folks who had a similar rig, a Freightliner FL80 modded as a RV hauler plus a 40 ft Royals International 5W. Spectacular rig!  Good luck with your shopping.

I gather you like the Volvo and have your reasons for that choice, but there are some excellent Freightliner haulers available too. Transwest, a major truck & RV specialist in Colorado always has some nice ones in stock - take a look at https://www.transwest.com/category/hauler?page=0

Slightly less capable but still good ones are F450/F550 based haulers with Highwayman custom bodies. Highwayman will build a hauler body on any truck you like, though, including that Volvo 860.
https://www.highwayproducts.com/c/truck-service-bodies/p/highwayman-rv-hauler/
http://www.800toolbox.com/rvtow-1/rvtow.htm

 

[RVMommaTo6]

Hi Kathy and Mike, welcome to the forum! There's a mini rally near you next week, check out the rallies forum for more information if you're interested!

 

[Gizmo100]

Welcome to the forum Kathy & Mike

Sounds like you know what you want and that's a good start.

Best of luck in your search for each piece of the set up.

 

[touchracing]

You will want to check out Showhauler at the Tampa show.  They do some nice class 8 rigs.