Hello, new to Forest River....buying toy hauler...

[SKYDRIFTER350]

Hello to all. 1st post. I'm Sam from S. Florida

I am new to all this...rv's, etc. I have been recently 'retired' & can't go back to 'my' work for at least 3 years, if ever. So...the decision has been made to liquidate all assets that I won't take with me on my journey.

I have a Honda TRX250R (sport 4-wheeler), a Kawasaki ZRX1200R (sport 2-wheeler), associated fishing & hunting gear, & 3 bicycles among other smaller junk... I plan to put this into a toy hauler & head West.

I wanted to keep my beloved '98 Chevy & buy a 16'-18' camper, but that's not gonna cut it.

I figure I need a Diesel, 4x4, 3/4 or 1 ton truck...& at least 25' trailer. I want one with the bedroom up front that I don't have to unload to camp...to be comfortable & happy. I kinda not planning to come back.

I welcome any & all advice to help me out here. I'd like to get the right set-up the first time .
Thanks..Sam

[Platokidd]

Welcome to the forum from the top side land of Lincoln

[crunchman12001]

Sam,
Welcome to the forum from Bainbridge, Ohio.
Good luck with the next phase of your life!
crunchman

[Oaklevel]

Welcome from SW Virginia


If funds allow get a TH that is big enough that you don't have to unload every night to sleep. Having a separate garage in back is nice. A separate garage is nice to keep any possible gas smell out the the main living area. When you go bigger two AC's are a benefit.

Just got to figure what would work best for you.

Good Luck!!!!

[mud yapster]

Congrats and get a bug 5er toy hauler with separate garage and live up front. Good luck

[chpence1]

Welcome from Franklin Indiana

[mcnabbwr]

Welcome and enjoy your retirement, I do. Look at different models and floor plans, pick the one that works for you.

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by SKYDRIFTER350

Hello to all. 1st post. I'm Sam from S. Florida

I am new to all this...rv's, etc. I have been recently 'retired' & can't go back to 'my' work for at least 3 years, if ever. So...the decision has been made to liquidate all assets that I won't take with me on my journey.

I have a Honda TRX250R (sport 4-wheeler), a Kawasaki ZRX1200R (sport 2-wheeler), associated fishing & hunting gear, & 3 bicycles among other smaller junk... I plan to put this into a toy hauler & head West.

I wanted to keep my beloved '98 Chevy & buy a 16'-18' camper, but that's not gonna cut it.

I figure I need a Diesel, 4x4, 3/4 or 1 ton truck...& at least 25' trailer. I want one with the bedroom up front that I don't have to unload to camp...to be comfortable & happy. I kinda not planning to come back.

I welcome any & all advice to help me out here. I'd like to get the right set-up the first time .
Thanks..Sam

Welcome! I am out west and I think you are making a most sound decision.
My recommendation is to by "pre-owned" i.e. "used". I have an 07 Ram 2500 with the 6.7 diesel. Saved $20k over new. Bought a 2011 wild wood in 2013 and saved about $7k. Don't know how you feel about new vs used but done wisely I think you come out way ahead letting someone else take the depreciation hit. If you'd like any info on places to go and see just ask. The folks on this site are all very well traveled and full of suggestions.
Happy Camping!!

[SKYDRIFTER350]

Thanks everyone.
Looking to get both used. I'm hoping I can get by spending about $20k on the truck & $10-12k on the the camper...

thinking 2005 Chevy 2500HD & a 24'-28' bumper pull....however, lately considering a 5th wheel. Don't really know names of brands etc, I think I know what I need it to have in order to make me happy...tho

been out with my friend a few times & he has an older F350 7.3 & an Octane TH About 25' or so with bedroom up front & 2 beds that lower down in the garage area. its pretty nice & something like would do me well. So, I have seen how it all works & kinda know what you need to be comfortable....

Problem is, where I live, not too many toy haulers for sale!

[Kevin & Judy]

Where were the pictures taken?? Great shots. I really like the house/castle or what ever it is.
Thanks in advance for you time,

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by SKYDRIFTER350

Thanks everyone.
Looking to get both used. I'm hoping I can get by spending about $20k on the truck & $10-12k on the the camper...

thinking 2005 Chevy 2500HD & a 24'-28' bumper pull....however, lately considering a 5th wheel. Don't really know names of brands etc, I think I know what I need it to have in order to make me happy...tho

been out with my friend a few times & he has an older F350 7.3 & an Octane TH About 25' or so with bedroom up front & 2 beds that lower down in the garage area. its pretty nice & something like would do me well. So, I have seen how it all works & kinda know what you need to be comfortable....

Problem is, where I live, not too many toy haulers for sale!

Just a suggestion on the truck. 08 is about when all the manufactures upgraded the transmissions to 6 speed. That's a big upgrade for pulling a TT of any kind.

[rana]

Welcome Skydrifter! Sounds like you've a got a good head about you. I wouldn't go too old on your TT. Maybe a year or two. Just long enough for the previous owner to work out all the first year kinks, but still has a lot of life to it.

I run a 25'r and am very happy with it. Plenty of room, but still small enough to get into just about anywhere. I'll second the post 08' and the 6 speed transmission. Makes a world of difference when towing.

20k for a tow rig might be a little shy. It's doable, but your probably going to be looking at some pretty heafty mileage.

Welcome to the club!

[SKYDRIFTER350]

Hey Guys....can I get an estimate of gas milage I may expect? I know there are many factors involved.,,,already posted what I'm looking for.

[mcnabbwr]

Originally Posted by SKYDRIFTER350

Hey Guys....can I get an estimate of gas milage I may expect? I know there are many factors involved.,,,already posted what I'm looking for.

There are a lot of variables to take into consideration. I get between 9 & 11 towing my unit and 15 & 17 empty depending on conditions.