For those that are interested, we will share a little bit about our new home set-up.
We purchased a 2010 Elkridge fifth-wheel (37.5' ) with quad slides and comes complete with all the amenities of home of course. This particular model allows for an 88 degree turning radious, which was important for our short bed truck, as we did not want to install a special sliding fifth-wheel hitch. (with those you have to manually slide the hitch back and forth depending on if your backing up or moving forward - basically a lot of in and out of the truck to park). The Elkridge is at the lower end of what they term, full profile - luxury fifth wheels. We added a custom BBQ, that hangs off the side, under the awning and quick connects to our fifth-wheels propane system.
We tow with a 2008 GMC 2500 HD 4x4 (Durmax diesel/Allison tranny). Not towing, we get a respectable 19-20 MPG on the highway and 16 MPG city. Towing on the straights we just about get 14-16 MPG. Up hills a much uglier 10-12 : ) The truck is the business end of the whole works of course, pulling almost 13,500lbs around with surprising stability and plenty of power. These days trucks pretty much take over when needed to gear for appropriate climbs and down grades. So not much work on my part as it's usual in cruise/trailer mode.
The best addition we've made is the folding hard cover over the truck bed. We fold it back and out of the way when towing and then closed down when not. This allows the contents of the bed to be securely locked and unlocked with the tailgate. We never have to remove the cover!
Our "dingy" is a 2010 SYM Scooter (250cc). (the SYM is our second scooter and top of the line, we learned our lessen from our first purchase of a cheap one) absolutely no comparison. Spend the money, get a good one. 70MPG with a top end of 70-75 mph - gets there much quicker with one rider than two. Ample storage, smooth ride, comfortable and handles great. We carry the scoot on a rack with a hitch off the back of the fifth-wheel. The rack has an integrated ramp and an anti-sway lock for the hitch. We had a special Bull Dog hitch system bolted and welded to the frame of the fifth-wheel which will support up to 1000lbs. (scoot weighs 450).We figure whenever we get somewhere, we would prefer to ride around and see the sights versus drive the truck all over the place.
I think that covers the dime tour ; )
Thanks for reading!
Sean
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Giving it all up?
For those friends and family members wishing to follow our travels, we have created this blog. Not real good at it just yet, but figure it will get easier as time goes on.
It all started for real five years ago, with a dream of traveling the country and always having "a new view in the rear window" : )
So you ask. "What makes one trade the security of a stick built home, years of accumulated "stuff" and the comfort of local neighbors, friends, family, and a predictable environment"?
The best answer...wanting something more out of life. Perhaps the thrill of the unknown?
Just like most people, we found ourselves getting caught up in the same everyday rituals. Repairing the house, raking the leaves, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, paying the bills, commuting the same roads and accumulating more and more stuff to fill empty spaces. A safe, predictable routine for most.
Sheila and I have always been travelers and "campers" - for 27 years : ) This also comes with the burden of packing, loading and then unpacking and unloading what seemed like a months worth of supplies for a weekend or week if we were lucky. We all know how that goes. A lot of work for a little "relaxation".
So we decided five years ago, to start getting rid of all the "stuff", simplifying our lives, and set a course for the insecurity of the unknown and ever-changing landscape.
With Shelby off to college, the "rubber met the road" last March after closing on the house, selling, donating and getting rid of all the accumulated things of the last 27 years. We honestly don't miss any of it. (minus of course the 1,500 pounds of necessities we now fit into our storage compartments).
We don't believe we gave anything up. Modern day technology allows for multiple ways to keep in touch with family and friends while working on the road to pay our way.
What we gained of course, was an ever-changing view in our rear window : )
Our intent with this blog is to keep everyone up to date on our travels and adventures with a little insight into the lifestyle of a "full-timer". You can ask us questions or give us your comments, we'll be happy to give you feedback. After all, we have a lot more time on our hands now.
Sean
It all started for real five years ago, with a dream of traveling the country and always having "a new view in the rear window" : )
So you ask. "What makes one trade the security of a stick built home, years of accumulated "stuff" and the comfort of local neighbors, friends, family, and a predictable environment"?
The best answer...wanting something more out of life. Perhaps the thrill of the unknown?
Just like most people, we found ourselves getting caught up in the same everyday rituals. Repairing the house, raking the leaves, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, paying the bills, commuting the same roads and accumulating more and more stuff to fill empty spaces. A safe, predictable routine for most.
Sheila and I have always been travelers and "campers" - for 27 years : ) This also comes with the burden of packing, loading and then unpacking and unloading what seemed like a months worth of supplies for a weekend or week if we were lucky. We all know how that goes. A lot of work for a little "relaxation".
So we decided five years ago, to start getting rid of all the "stuff", simplifying our lives, and set a course for the insecurity of the unknown and ever-changing landscape.
With Shelby off to college, the "rubber met the road" last March after closing on the house, selling, donating and getting rid of all the accumulated things of the last 27 years. We honestly don't miss any of it. (minus of course the 1,500 pounds of necessities we now fit into our storage compartments).
We don't believe we gave anything up. Modern day technology allows for multiple ways to keep in touch with family and friends while working on the road to pay our way.
What we gained of course, was an ever-changing view in our rear window : )
Our intent with this blog is to keep everyone up to date on our travels and adventures with a little insight into the lifestyle of a "full-timer". You can ask us questions or give us your comments, we'll be happy to give you feedback. After all, we have a lot more time on our hands now.
Sean
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