Our Fifth Wheel
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TENT CAMPING OR GET AN RV?
Kathy and I wanted the kids to appreciate the great outdoors, so once they were old enough, we decided to start tent camping. After trips to Pfieffer Big Sur SP, Limekiln SP and Lopez Lake, we realized that if we continued tent camping, we would be limited to a couple of long weekend trips a year--Kathy couldn't keep warm and the kids couldn't stand the public showers.
The hunt began for alternatives. Though Kathy would be comfortable in a tent with a cot and heater, the kids still would have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the campground shower. After looking at pop-up tent campers, Pat ruled them out as he didn't think they offered many advantages over a tent--canvas sides let the cold in and limited or no bath facilities. Up next were low-cost travel trailers and fifth wheels, with the 5th wheel winning because of superior handling while towing and a shorter overall length for tow vehicle and trailer.
On April 13, 2002, we purchased a new 2001 Fleetwood Wilderness 822 5J fifth wheel; however, while being prepped for delivery, the trailer caught on fire! It didn't burn to the ground, but it was bad enough that it could no longer be sold. Though disappointed, we were fortunate it happened a day before delivery instead of a day after!
It took a while to sort out the details with the manager of the RV dealership, but on May 10, 2002, we signed the papers for a steeply discounted 2001 Komfort 23F. In the end, we ended up with a much better fifth wheel for just a little more money.
We tow the 2001 Komfort 23F fifth wheel trailer behind a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins diesel engine. We've been able to put it to use frequently, which is made easier by keeping it at home, stocked and ready to roll whenever we get the urge.
Upgrades to the trailer include:
* Xantrex Link 1000 Battery Inverter Monitor (29 May 03)
* Xantrex Freedom 20 Inverter (3 Aug 03)
* Four Trojan T-105 batteries
* Olympian 3100 catalytic heater (12 Aug 03)
* Undercarriage storage rack for our Porta-Bote (Mar 04)
* Storage platform (May 04)
RV STORAGE (Summer 2002) Pat spent a lot of long weekends in the summer of 2002 preparing the house so that we could bring our new RV home. Demolition (block wall), construction (gate, concrete, utilities, etc.) and landscaping were just a few of the many projects. Having the fifth wheel alongside the house really makes it convenient for getting ready for and returning from trips. It's also come in handy as another set of beds for visitors. Fortunately, I (Pat) have not had to use it yet :-) See more photos in the photo album
PORTA-BOTE STORAGE (Mar 2004) To transport our 10-ft Porta-Bote, I built an inexpensive undercarriage storage unit for our 5th wheel trailer. I used two 12-ft galvanized roofing panels to protect the boat from road debris. The panels are supported at the front and in the middle by angle irons (bent into a U-shape and bolted to the frame) and at the rear by the axle. A hinged plywood door covers the front opening. See more photos in the photo album
REAR STORAGE PLATFORM (May 2004) Figuring out a way to carry the bicycles is what started this whole project. I had been putting them inside the trailer, but as the number and size of them grew, it became difficult to use the trailer for pit stops on the road. The platform also gives me an easy way to carry firewood and other miscellaneous items. See more photos in the photo album