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When Sara and I are moving down the road we are over 50 ft long, 36 feet of living quarters and 15 ft of truck which is our tow vehicle. We weigh over 22,000 lbs., and are exactly 12 ft 6 and one half inches from the bottom of our wheels to the top of our air conditioner at our highest point. There is a good reason we know that but more about that later. We are known among RVers as a fifth wheeler. The term originates from the way that our house attaches to the tow truck. There is a neck like structure that hooks into the bed of the truck at a location where the “fifth wheel” or spare was usually located in cars of the past.

There are several categories of RVs on the road today and they vary greatly in shape and price. The largest and usually most expensive are class A or motor homes. These are the bus looking rigs which usually pull a car behind them called a “toad”. When most non RVers see one going down the road, they often think,” My gosh,those people have to pull another car along just to have a vacation. The gas mileage must be terrible.” Well, motor homes, which range from 34 to 42 feet, do get terrible gas mileage usually 9 to 11 MPG, but believe me it is not because of the toad. In fact, the driver of a motor home usually can’t even tell the toad is behind him and the mileage is not really affected by its presence. And in most cases, if the owners can afford the rig, they can afford the diesel fuel. Class A motor homes are usually considered the “elite” and are most expensive. They range in price from $150,000 up to several million, yes million dollars. In a motor home you can walk around in the unit as it is speeding down the road One can cook a meal, take a nap, (not behind the wheel) or use the restroom. The setup time is minimal. The most recent innovation for motor homes as well as other types of RVs is what is called a “slide out.” Push a button and a section of the coach slides out of the side to increase the living space. Some rigs actually have four separate slides and the added space is unbelievable. Most have two to three slides. Motor homes usually have a king or queen size bed, side by side refrigerator, convection microwave, generator, gas stove, air conditioners, stereo surround sound system, TV, DVD player, antennas on roof and a built in vacuum system. But then many other types of RV’s have all these little “necessities”. In fact, our rig is so equipped.

Accessories usually unique to a motor home are things like a rear camera to watch your toad and the traffic behind you, storage bins that line both side of the coach and a much more sophisticated monitoring system to keep track of motor, water and electrical conditions. Also we have seen motor homes with built in hot tubs, projection TVs, wet bars, ice makers, intercoms, dishwashers, laundry centers, garage disposals, power awnings, massage chairs, wine cellar, and one with a spiral staircase that led to a fold up deck on the roof. This rig also was pulling a double deck trailer with a speed boat on the top and a Yukon toad on the bottom.

Some downsides of class A RV’s beside the cost, are the fact that you can’t backup with a toad, the storage is actually less than you think, (those bins aren’t very deep) and the maintenance, costs can be incredible. Many motor home owners “just let the dealer do it” when it comes to maintenance but then they can afford it. We do most of our own maintenance and as the saying goes, “If you aren’t fixing something, you aren’t RVing.”

The next group of RV rigs is the class B vehicles or what are called conversion vans. Roadteck is one of most popular, and, by the way, most expensive in this class. They look like a van and are very compact and usually come with a generator. They have all the comforts of home and are very popular among “dry campers” (no electrical, water or sewer hookup needed, but can be used) and popular with folks that love to go to places like Alaska or New Foundland. Those places are the land of ferries to get from one island and class B’s are ideal for ferries. They range in price from $50,000 up with an average price of about $75,000. The gas mileage is much better. One of the big downsides of this type of rig that they often lack of a full size bed. Also the water and sewer holding tanks are small which means quick showers and obviously you have to take your entire home with you where ever you go. Class B rigs are for those that want an “up close and personal” travel experience with your travel companion. Notice I said companion, not companions.

The third type of recreational vehicle is the Class C, which is a hybrid between a class A and class B. They look like a U haul truck with windows and doors and are a favorite among those that find a class B too small and a class A too expensive. The Winnebago line is very popular and these rigs are often referred to a “mini motor homes” Be warned however, that a class C can get expensive too. The prices range from $50,000 up to usually about $200,000 dependent on size and amenities. Some class Cer’s actually pull a toad along behind and the floor plans are endless. The smaller class C's often have the bed above the cab which can be a real disadvantage. That means you have crawl over someone to use the potty at night and the roof is often just above your nose.

Another large group of recreational vehicles are travel trailers. In fact our first RV was a 23 ft trailer. This group probably has the greatest variety when it comes to size, price and features. They range in price from a few thousand for a small or used unit up to $30,000 to $50,000 although more can be spent. One of the big disadvantages is the towing characteristics of travel trailers. They can be a devil to pull in the wind, particularly if the trailer is too heavy for the tow vehicle. One type of trailer that has become very popular is what is referred to as “toy haulers” which have a large door on the back that drops down to allow for the storage of a motor cycle or ATV.

Some RVers opt for a pop-up camper which is probable the least expensive type of RV accommodations. The have a canvas sides, are pulled behind a car or small truck and are popular among young families because of their lower cost and a lot of sleeping room for the size of the rig. Pop-up campers are not meant for cold weather camping and we have rarely seen folk “full timing” or living in them as their primary residence. Storage space is limited and there is a general lack of privacy but pop-ups are great for short family trips.

While there are literally hundreds of variations of the Class A, B and C including little tiny “teardrop” campers, A-frame pop ups and Hi Lows which sort where the top folds over the bottom, Sara and I decide to purchase a 5th wheel which is the last major class of RV rigs.

A fifth wheel is usually pulled by a truck, often a dually, which has big hips and a total of 6 tires with four on the back end. 5th wheels be very large and run from 32 ft long up to about 40 ft. They usually have 2 to 3 slide outs and we have seen one with a total of 5 for incredible internal space. Sara and I opted for a 36 ft Mobile Suites 5th wheel. We saw several advantages over the other types of rigs. First and foremost was the cost. We simply could not afford a motor home, at least not a new one, and one has to be very careful with the used models. Second and equally important is the storage space. We moved from a 2300 square ft house with 5 garage spaces to approximately 400 square ft. We pull our 5th wheel with a one ton diesel dually crew cab truck. The truck has an equipment lockable box in the rear and a back seat. But most important is the incredible amount of storage area below the main living area called the “basement”. In it we store the generator, two bikes, a grill, two forty lb propane tanks, two batteries, and over eight large plastic storage boxes for everything from toilet paper to cleaning supplies to light bulbs. The boxes slide out on a long tray for easy access.

There is storage above the back window, below the refrig, above and below the sink in both the kitchen and bathroom, above the bed, below the bed, above the toilet and below the vanity and in the utility closet. And best of all there is a full closet running along the entire front of the rig. In comparison to a motor home we think our 5th wheel has more room and storage.

Another obvious advantage of a 5th wheel is there is no need for a toad. After reaching our destination, we unhook and have a vehicle for exploring. 5th wheels pull with practically no sway down the road and are fairly easy to position in camping site. As far as downsides, after almost 60,000 miles and four winters of RVing we haven’t really found many. The mileage is a respectable 11 to 14 miles per gallon when we are pulling and up to 17 when we are not pulling the RV. We bought our Mobile Suites in first year of production and now, three years later, they are selling for twice the cost. Of course, the minute you drive an RV off the lot, you lose about a quarter to half the purchase price, so we figure we are about even for now. RV’s are not good investments; they are meant to be used and our recent decision to be come “full timers” (sell the house and live in the RV as our primary residence) was made partially to justify our purchase. Besides, we decided to see the world while we still had our health and an opportunity to do it. Some critics of RVers will complain about all that fuel we burn up. When one looks at the TOTAL energy usage of a full time RVER in comparison to someone who is heating, cooling and lighting at two story house, we are convinced that we are using less than before. Once we are at a location we often don’t drive for days. I am sure we rationalize our energy usage but this lifestyle will end in a few short years and we hope to settle into a smaller place.

Life in an RV is multifaceted but there are certain routines. I normally drive and Sara is the navigator. Occasionally she will take the wheel but is not comfortable hurtling down the road at 60 MPH in a 50 ft rig with all our possessions behind us. As a navigator she has gone from, “Which end of the map is north?” to “If you tell me one more time that Europe is in front of us and China is behind us, I am getting out?” to “Why are some roads red and some blue?” to “Is the sun in the east in the morning or at night? to “I figured out how they number the Interstates.” to “Tell me where we are going tomorrow and I will figure out the route.” Now, that is progress. And Sara is that every present second set of eyes. She refuses to sleep when we are on the road and on two or three occasions has saved us from an accident. Enough said. We follow the 3-3-3 rule when every possible. No more than 300 miles, get there before three in the afternoon and always stay in the same place for three days. The last one is kind of hard when you are staying in Bend, ND; Beverly, Arizona; Benton, FL or Boone MS.

When on the road we use the Bible of all RVers, the Woodall Directory of Campgrounds. It lists the major campgrounds or as they are called now, RV resorts, in each state and most cities and towns. They are rated from 1 star to 5 and believe me a 4 star in Michigan is a lot different than a 4 star in Mississippi. When we call ahead to check on vacancies at a 350 site resort, the voice at the other end invariably says, “Well, we might be able to work you in,” only to put you on hold and return with the usual, “We have two sites left and we can hold them with a credit card.” When we get to the park the place is half full. We have learned to counter with comments like, “We are meeting some friends, coming from the other way and aren’t sure how long we will stay or, “The other park near you is 4 stars and not that full.” And that is how the game is played. One general rule, however is that the longer you stay, the cheaper it is per day.

When you pull into the park, the next game is how to get the best site. The longer you plan to stay the more important that issue becomes as there is nothing like a week of looking at the back of the bathrooms or the dumpsters. It is best tell them you would like to look over the park before you pull out the credit card. Never say, “Which sites are available?” or there will only be ones behind the bathroom or dumpster in a half empty park.

Once the site has been determined, you are usually “escorted” to the location by one of the employees in a golf cart. The first time we RVed, we had to back our little rig into an uphill, dogleg to the left, newly graveled camp site lined with boulders and trees. I got stuck and buried the back wheels up to the axles. As Sara and I screamed at each other like maniacs with obscene hand signals and threats of divorce, a fellow camper from four sites down came up asked if we were having problems. Looking at the huge 4W logo on back fender of the truck, he asked if we had 4 wheel drive on the truck and suggested that if we did, we should put it in gear. After that humbling experience, I am willing to accept help in positioning the RV, but prefer that it come from Sara. We have a system down and there is nothing like having someone runs you into an overhanging tree limb, only to leave the scene quickly to make one selective about who is your helper. Often your fellow campers love to come over just to watch. Sara and I use two way radios over the growl of the diesel to communicate. I have come to depend on her. Pride can cost you a lot in damages when backing 22,000 lbs into a small site. And you develop a “second sense” as to which driveway is too narrow, which tree too close or which side of the pump the diesel hose is on. And we can measure at a glance, an overhanging limb that is under 12 ft, six and half inches and ready to sweep the air conditioner off the top in one sickening crunch.

Life is often a series of routines. Life on the road is no different. These routines become most apparent during the set up process at an RV park. Once you are positioned, you first block the wheels and lower the front legs to lift the 5th wheel off the truck. A lever is pulled, lights and brake cord removed, and the truck can be pulled out from under the rig. You then lower the legs until the unit is fairly level. A large 50 amp electrical cord is plugged into the RV and hose is connected. If you have a full hookup, a sewer hose is connected to the exit pipe and your cable TV line is inserted and you are ready to open the slides.

Sara takes care of the getting the interior organized once the slides are out. She sets out the rugs, positions the needed bottles around the sink and checks the refrigerator for any spills. The whole set up process takes about 20 minutes, and you are ready to enjoy your new surroundings. Sara is an incredible housekeeper and has to be. Each square foot of RV see a lot more traffic than each square foot of an average house. The RV is vacuumed each day and every week the woodwork is cleaned and polished.

Breaking camp is done in reverse with a few exceptions. When you reposition the truck under the 5th wheel, it is important to make sure the hitch is “locked” to the truck or a large part of a 22,000 lbs of RV drops on to the back rails of the truck. Most RVs have four kinds of tanks. Propane for cooking and heat, fresh water for washing and shower, gray water to collect dish and wash water and a black water tank for sewage wastes. Each tank has a sensor to tell you their condition and when to empty or fill.

Before you pull out some final checks. Forget to lower the TV antenna and the first tree sweeps it away. I can't tell you how many wheel blocks are crushed everyday. Forget to unplug a hose or power cord and much damage can be done. One last check and you are on your way.

Sara and I in the past four years have visited all lower 48 states, the provinces's of Canada and have crossed into Mexico three times. And still there is so much to see. This gives you a flavor of how we travel. On the road with Sara and Don………………………..