Our current “home on wheels” is actually our third RV. We currently reside in a 45′ 2010 Monaco Dynasty Class A Motorhome.
We started off this adventure thinking that the best RV for full-time RV living was the biggest rig we could get. After all, we had a whole house worth of stuff to move into it!… or so we thought. We learned the hard way that bigger isn’t always better.
Our First RV For Full-Time
We knew we wanted a fifth wheel RV, so we first got a 2010 Heartland Cyclone toy hauler that was 41′ long.
After buying this first fifth-wheel, discovering it was too heavy fully loaded for our truck, selling it, and finding & buying a new one, we ended up with our current set up which we’ve been very happy with!
Our (Current) Fifth Wheel RV For Full-Time
We learned a lot of lessons from that first RV experience. Many full-time RVers end up switching rigs at least once. This is because you don’t really know what you need in an RV for full-time living until you’ve done it.
Make: Doubletree RV (now known as DRV)
Model: 32TK3 (translation: 32 ft interior, Telescoping Kitchen, 3 Slides)
Year: 2005
Length: 32′ 10″
Layout features: Rear living area, shower and vanity in bedroom area, big telescoping kitchen
GVWR: 16500 lbs
Unloaded Vehicle weight: 12977 lbs
Carrying capacity: 3523 lbs (minus 800 lbs water weight = 2723 lbs)
Fresh Water tank: 100 gallons
Black tank: 50 gallons
Gray tank: 75 gallons
Things we love about this rig: big carrying capacity, great insulation, double-pane windows, big kitchen for cooking at home, shorter length to fit into most campgrounds.
We’ve done a lot of upgrades to it, including:
- 2700-watt solar system
- Lithium batteries
- Added a Truma water heater
- Replaced the RV flooring with vinyl plank
- Updated the awning and all the slide topper fabric
- Replaced all the RV furniture
- Upgraded the RV kitchen sink faucet and added RV water filtration
- Installed a 12V refrigerator
- Replaced the pin box with a Gen Y gooseneck
- …and more!
We’ve learned that full-time RV living is sort of like living in a house – you always have something to fix or upgrade!
Video Walk-Through of our Home on Wheels:
Are you still looking for your home on wheel ? Check out our article on how to find the best RV to live in full-time that fits your travel style.
Truck
We bought a used Dodge Ram 3500 to tow our RV. Tom is a DIY guy, and liked the idea of being able to work on the Cummins engine himself.
Make: Dodge
Model: Ram 3500, Dually
Drivetrain: 2WD (for better fuel economy)
Year: 2010
Engine: Cummins 6.7, Diesel
Modifications: Re-geared differential from 3.42 to 4.10 gear ratio, for more towing torque
Upgrades/Fixes: Crank case filter (clogged), rebuilt front end control arms, valve lash adjustment, and replaced the engine thermostat.
Getting used to driving a big dually truck was a bit of an adjustment at first, and one of the things to consider as you pick out your RV for full-time living.
What Is The Best RV For Full-Time RV Living?
This video explains why WE chose a fifth wheel RV for full-time living. We discuss what we perceived as pros & cons to other RV types and why the fifth wheel fits our life- and travel-style.
The best RV for full-time living is going to be different for everyone based on their preferences. We hope this helps you with your full-time RV decision!
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