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Thinking of full-timing and know that a fifth-wheel is the right RV for you? Well, you have a lot of choices. While I could spend all day going through the various bands and floorplans, I thought it better and quicker to just highlight three fifth-wheels that are an excellent option for someone thinking of full-timing.

Here are three you shouldn’t overlook if you’re thinking of buying a fifth-wheel to live in all the time:

1. Keystone Cougar 338RLK Fifth-Wheel

A model that’s not too large, but still gives you plenty of living, sleeping, and kitchen space is the Keystone Cougar.  While you can choose from the 11 floorplans the company offers, we like the 388RLK. I appreciate the large open living room and kitchen area. The kitchen island mounted double basin sink in the kitchen and theater seating in the living area provide a seriously homey feel.

Keystone quality is well-known, and the Cougar has been the best-selling fifth-wheel in its class for two decades. the Cougar comes with class-leading water tank sizes, high ceilings, and residential-sized appliances in most cases.

It’s also equipped with the latest technology like two large TVs with Key TV (the largest measuring 50 inches), an auto leveling system, and a powerful HVAC system that should keep the Cougar comfy in hot and cold weather. We’ve done plenty of video reviews on Cougars, so if you want to learn more, head over to our YouTube channel.

2. Heartland Big Country 3965 DSS Fifth-Wheel

The Heartland Big Country 3965 DSS fifth-wheel offers a similar floorplan to the Cougar 388RKL shown above but with some subtle differences. The bathroom is on the opposite side of the RV with a large closet across from it and the TV and dinette are on separate slides. You still get a double-basin sink located on an island and an open floor plan that makes it a dream to live in.

Heartland’s Big Country, specifically the 3965 DSS, is a large RV that comes with plenty of space and quality amenities and features perfect for full-timing. The spacious kitchen features a three-burner stovetop and large oven and refrigerator. The living room comes with theater seats, high ceilings, and a large 50-inch TV for easy lounging.

Heartland RVs aren’t quite as much of a high-selling RV as some of its competitors, but it provides a whole lot in a versatile and comfortable space. If the floorplan above doesn’t do it for you, the Heartland Big Country comes in seven different floorplans, so you’re bound to find one that fits your preferences and needs.

Keystone Montana 3701LK Fifth-Wheel

If you like the Keystone Cougar but just want something with a little more of everything, then the Keystone Montana is an excellent choice. The 3701LK fifth-wheel is one of my favorites. It has a spacious bedroom space up front, a bathroom in the center of the trailer, then a spacious living area with plenty of seating and a large L-shaped countertop in the kitchen.

I referred to the Keystone Cougar’s quality as high, but the Montana takes the cake if you were to compare the two. Everything from the basic construction to the high-quality materials sets the Montana apart. It’s a luxury fifth-wheel with 20 different floorplans to choose from.

It offers a host of industry-leading features, including residential appliances and amenities like a seamless fiberglass shower (or a soaker tub in certain floorplans), large 12-gallon water heater, and much more. Also, Keystone will honor its warranty for RVers who full-time. That’s not true of every manufacturer out there.

If you like the Cougar but want something a little bigger and more luxurious, then the Keystone Montana is an excellent option. We don’t have a video review of the specific floorplan I like, but we can show you walkthroughs of other versions of the Montana fifth-wheel on our YouTube channel.

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Do you have a fifth-wheel in mind you think is fantastic for full-timing? Leave a comment below!

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Big Bend National Park is one of the most unique and remote national parks in the country. In fact, it’s so remote that it’s one of the least visited parks. So, if you don’t like the crowds that most national parks have, Big Bend is where you should go RVing this year. Just because it’s the least visited doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the long drive south. There are so many reasons to visit this 801,163-acre park!

Why Visit Big Bend National Park in Your RV?

Big Bend has an incredibly diverse landscape: mountains, desert, rivers, forest, and even waterfalls. So, whatever your favorite outdoor activity is, you’re sure to enjoy it there.

It’s also the largest Chihuahuan Desert protected region in the country and home to the southernmost mountain range in the U.S., the Chisos Mountains. Its unique landscape is home to more than 1,200 plant species and more species of bird than any other national park. It’s openness and lack of light pollution also makes it one of the best places to stargaze.

Things to Do at Big Bend National Park

With over 800,000 acres of land in Big Bend. There’s plenty to do. Don’t come here without being prepared to explore. Here are a few options.

Take a Hike…or Three

There’s an abundance of hikes for all ability levels in Big Bend! A few of the most popular hikes are the Lost Mine Trail, The Santa Elena Canyon Trail, and the Window View Trail.

• The Lost Mine Trail, which is about 4.8 miles round trip offers some of the best views. It’s moderately challenging, leads to a ridge overlooking Pine Canyon and Mexico’s Sierra del Carmen.
• The Window Trail is an easier hike and one of the most popular in the park. It leads you to a narrow pour-off, overlooking the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. The pour-off resembles a “window” and offers incredible views, especially at sunset, but only if you’re brave enough to hike back in the dark.
• The Santa Elena Canyon Trail consists of stairs that take you up the canyon and then leads you to a trail down to the Rio Grande. You can cool off between the canyon walls in what feels like a little oasis. Walking just about half way across the river will put you in Mexico!

Go to Mexico

Don’t forget your passport. Around 118 miles of the Big Bend National Park border run along the international border between Mexico and the U.S. At the Boquillas Crossing, you can either walk or take a small boat across the Rio Grande to the small village of Boquillas.

Once across, you can hitch a ride in a pickup truck, walk, or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent your own donkey, to take you up into the village. While the village is very small, there are a few restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a B&B. Most tourists grab a margarita and a taco and head back to the park.

Soak in the Hot Springs

The hot springs are the perfect way to relax after all the outdoor activities you’ll enjoy. They offer the most peaceful setting since they are right along the Rio Grande. Since the daytime is too hot and sunset is the most popular time, making the springs a little crowded, we recommend visiting at sunrise. There’s a short, leisurely hike to the springs, making the soak extra rewarding!

Take a day trip to Terlingua and Lajitas

Depending on where you are in the park, Terlingua and Lajitas are both within a short drive and can’t be missed. Terlingua is an abandoned ghost town and home to the historic Chisos Mining Company. You’ll enjoy the quirky roadside attractions, local dining spots, and even some shopping.

Lajitas is quite the opposite of Terlingua. It features a modern resort with an 18-hole golf course, restaurant, swimming pools, zip line, spa, and horseback riding. Whatever you choose to do there, you absolutely can’t miss the town’s mayor, a beer drinking goat named Clay Henry III!

Don’t forget about Big Bend Ranch State Park

Many visitors skip a visit to Big Bend Ranch State Park and focus solely on the national park. But, many would argue that the state park offers equally, if not better, scenery. It’s actually Texas’s largest state park and offers a rugged volcanic landscape and a more “wild west” experience. Most of the hiking trails are primitive with few signs, making it a great place for some solitude.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is considered one of the best drives in Texas. It’s approximately 40 miles and takes you through the park’s most scenic landscapes. The drive ends at the breathtaking Santa Elena Canyon, where you can hike the canyon and then cool off in the Rio Grande.

When to Visit Big Bend National Park

The best time to visit Big Bend is in the spring or the fall. Summer brings crowds and temperatures of up to 100 degrees. It’s also important to remember that the desert is a place of extremes! In the winter, temperatures can dip down to the 30’s making it hard to enjoy everything the park has to offer.

The desert flowers bloom sometime between March and April, making it the most popular time to visit. However, fewer crowds and comfortable weather make September to November a great time as well.

Where RVers Can Stay

Choosing where to camp is really a matter of preference. There are four different campgrounds inside the park and while you’ll need to make reservations well in advance, camping inside the park can be a real treat. You’ll experience the best stargazing and be close to all the adventure.

Camping outside the park will likely mean you’ll have to drive long distances in order to explore since the park is so large. However, staying outside the park is the only way you’ll have cell service since the only way to get wifi is at the visitor centers.

Also, many campsites are without electricity and either don’t allow generators or have strict time frames in which you can use them. So you’ll need to decide which option is best for you, depending on these factors.

Getting to and Around Big Bend National Park

Since Big Bend is one of the most remote areas of the country, it’s extremely important to be well prepared for your drive to the park. Gas stations are hard to come by and can be hundreds of miles apart so be sure to gas up every chance you get and keep an extra couple gallons on hand, just in case.

Once inside the park, the visitor’s centers have gas, but it’s not uncommon for them to be out of service. Chances are you’ll be driving A LOT within the park since everything is spread out, so don’t risk it. That being said, you’ll definitely want a car or motorcycle inside the park, since it takes at least an hour to drive from one side to the other.

Tips and Tricks Specific to RVing at Big Bend National Park

Prepare to be out of cell service any time you are inside the park. Therefore, be sure to bring a paper map or download one on your phone. With the desert heat, you’ll want to make sure you always bring enough water along on your explorations.

Also, be aware of wildlife, especially at night, since many of the animals in the area are nocturnal. You’ll notice javelinas, coyotes, cougars, jack rabbits, deer, and even bear will be on the trails and along the side of the roads the moment the sun goes down. You’ll also want to be sure to keep your campsite clear of food and trash. 

For the latest info on visiting Big Bend National Park, visit their website: Big Bend National Park

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Have you been to Big Bend National Park? What tips can you share?

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In this episode of Stories from the Road, Sam interviews Marc and Julie Bennett of RV Love.

Marc and Julie are full-time RVers who have been traveling for the past 4 and 1/2 years. It’s easy to tell that they really love RVing.

They love it so much that they even co-authored together the bestselling book “Living the RV Life – Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road”. Marc and Julie share their adventures as RVLove at their blog, YouTube Channel and on social media, and recently appeared in the RV Nomads movie. They also run online courses to help you hit the road as an RVer at RV Success School.

They are best known for their positive attitudes and practical advice. Their mission is to empower, entertain, and educate others considering living the RV life. In this interview, they share some really great tips on why RV life is so great and how to make the most of your travels.

Highlights from this episode

• 2:50 – Tampa RV super show
• 7:40 – Camping at the Tampa Show
• 12:43 – The Bennet’s Rig and the “Ultimate RV Makeover”
• 18:20 – Living the RV Life
• 24:40 – Most memorable trips
• 33:47 – RV Love’s origin
• 39:05 – Stories from the Road

Marc and Julie’s tips and advice for RV life

RV life: You never run out of experiences, you never run out of stories, and you definitely never ever stop learning.

RV breakdowns: Keep a good attitude during these times. Breakdowns are always stressful. Remind yourself that someday this event could make a great campfire story. Try to find humor in your situation.

Also, get roadside assistance with a great towing package! This will save you so much money and stress during breakdowns. (Check out our roadside assistance packages at Good Sam here!)

Being present: Life slows down more when you’re in an RV and you’re able to be more present.

Socializing: Your social life is much more active in RV Life. It makes you more relaxed and open to chats. You might also be open to making 6 hour detours to see friends who are “close by”!

Enjoy new perspectives: Get behind the wheel and see the world with fresh eyes.

Check out Marc and Julie’s new book on RV Life

This book is the road map to living a mobile life. What’s really special about this book is that it features 256 pages of important RV living tips with full color images, so you’ll get a complete vision of what RV life is really like.

No more need to worry over how to get started in RVing, where to set up domicile, or what RV to choose. Whether you’re an RV beginner or an experienced RV pro, you’ll find something to enjoy and learn in Living the RV Life.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• RV Love website
• RV Love YouTube Channel
• Join RV Success School
• Buy the Book: “Living the RV Life – Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road”
• RV Love Facebook
• RV Love Pinterest
• RV Love Instagram
• RV Love Twitter

 

 

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The best type of RV depends on you and your family and how you plan to use the camper. It has to be right for you. With that said, the fifth-wheel design is a model that works well for many different kinds RVers. Every year, millions of Americans make the decision to purchase a fifth-wheel RV on either the new or used market.

Everyone has different reasons why they chose the model they did, but there are a few advantages to the RV type that are indisputable. Here are four advantages fifth-wheel RV owners enjoy.

1. Fifth-Wheels Offer Excellent Use of Space

To me, the biggest advantage of a fifth-wheel RV is how space gets utilized. A significant portion of the RV sits over the bed of the truck that tows it. This reduces the overall length of your tow vehicle and RV, making it easier to fit into certain campsites.

Also, the interior of a fifth-wheel offers excellent use of space. The floorplan options are endless, and you’re not hampered by having a driver and passenger seat to factor into the floorplan like you are with a motorhome. Travel trailers offer good use of space, too, but the fifth-wheel makes the most of its floorplan from an exterior and interior standpoint.

2. Fifth-Wheels are a Great Value

While travel trailers will be the most affordable option when it comes to RVs, fifth-wheels offer excellent value, too. When compared to motorhomes, fifth-wheels of similar size and with similar amenities are often much less expensive.

Class A, Class C, and Class B RVs are simply pricey machines. They’re wonderful RVs and the right option for many RVers, but if you’re buying on a budget, you’ll usually get more for your money if you buy a fifth wheel. With that in mind, you also need to factor in the cost of your tow vehicle.

If you already have a truck that can pull a fifth-wheel, then you’re in the clear. However, if you have to buy a truck and an RV, then your savings by going with a fifth-wheel essentially dry up. It’s important to crunch all the numbers before deciding on a specific model.

3. Fifth-Wheels are Stable When Towing

Travel trailers generally do a good job of being smooth and easy to tow, but fifth-wheels are more stable in general. There’s less chance of the RV experiencing trailer sway and the overall design of the fifth-wheel makes it more aerodynamic than many travel trailers.

The reason for this is the way fifth-wheel hitch and the way weight is distributed. The hitch better displaces the weight of the trailer and it’s a more secure anchoring point to the tow vehicle. While a fifth-wheel hitch may seem more intimidating at first, you’ll often find it tows better once you get used to it than a comparable travel trailer.

4. You Can Leave It at The Campground

Need to do some exploring around your campground? Have to make a grocery run? If you own a motorhome, you have to pack up the whole RV before you head out. With a fifth-wheel, you can simply unhook the tow vehicle from the RV, lock up the RV, and then drive to your destination.

Of course, travel trailers and other towables have this advantage as well, but it’s worth mentioning. Motorhomes are great, but they’re not always the most convinent option.

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Do you have any other advantages of a fifth-wheel you think should be included? Leave a comment below!

 

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When searching for an RV, identifying the right one can be difficult. First, you must decide between motorhomes and towables. Then you need to identify what type of motorhome or towable is right for you. Before you decide, you’d better take not how versatile and plain awesome toy haulers are.

Toy haulers come regularly come in travel trailer and fifth-wheel forms. A toy hauler is an RV with an added space in the rear to store and transport your AVT, motorcycle, dirtbike, golf cart, or any other motorized toys you have that you want to bring along while you travel.

While not everyone needs a toy hauler, everyone should consider the RV type as an option. Here are three advantages of the RV type.

Toy Haulers Come With a Large Garage Space

Have a dirtbike, motorcycle, ATV, or golf cart you want to take camping with you? Then a toy hauler is the only way to go. The large garage spaces are perfect for these types of things. In fact, they’re designed specifically for them. They often have tie-down points on the floor and walls.

Even if you don’t have a toy you want to bring with you, the garage space is perfect for cargo you don’t use very much, bicycles, skateboards, snowboards, paddle boards and anything else you want to bring along.

Toy Haulers Have Another Bedroom or Dining Area

The garage area in a toy hauler is perfect for dirtbikes, motorcycles, golf carts, etc, but it also doubles as a living and sleeping area in most models. Most have foldaway tables and seating as well as queen beds that raise out of the way and can be lowered at night.

This provides you with a whole extra room for entertaining or just hanging out. Many toy haulers have a wall or curtain between the garage and the rest of the RV. This is nice if you have a family because you can let your kids have the garage space to play while you’re chilling out in the living or bedroom area of the RV.

Many Toy Haulers Come With a Party Deck

That ramp for the garage area on a toy hauler can do double duty. That’s right. It can extend straight out and give you a nice deck. The party deck, as it’s known, comes with side walls to help keep people from falling off and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

You can set up folding chairs or some other kind of furniture, plop down next to a friend, and relax the day away. The garage may be the best part of about owning a toy hauler, but a party deck is a close second, at least for me. Not all toy haulers have the ability to do this though, so if it’s a feature you want, make sure the model you’re interested in has it.

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Any other advantages that I missed? Tell me! Leave a comment below.

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For some, living in a camper van would be crazy. For others, it’s the best way to see the world and to experience adventures otherwise impossible. That’s exactly the case for Justin Brunelle.

Justin is a full-time filmmaker and YouTuber who focuses on epic adventures and travel content. He got his start doing promotional and travel video content for other companies and also chronicles his adventures on his YouTube channel MILE30 Adventures.

Why a Campervan, Why be Mobile?

 

Justin’s story of how he ended up living the lifestyle he does is really the story of his professional endeavors. He started Moving Artistry Productions, a film production company in his hometown of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, shooting music videos, commercials, documentaries, and other pieces of content for a variety of clients.

He quickly realized he likes the jobs that required travel the most. This led him to move to Vancouver where he continued hunting these jobs down. He landed several. He’s been all across Canada, to Haiti, Central America, and Southeast Asia, among other places.

Justin spent so much time on the road that paying for an apartment in a very expensive city like Vancouver simply didn’t make sense.

“I was paying so much money to not live in Vancouver,” he told me over the phone. “I was like, I love traveling. I love doing what I’m doing. I love creating videos, but I can’t live in Vancouver.”

Now, you should understand something about Justin. He’s no stranger to unique adventures and interesting solutions. About five years before this predicament, he spent a month on the road traveling down towards Mexico living and sleeping in his Honda Pilot.

When he realized it was silly for him to continue paying an exorbitant amount of money in rent in Vancouver when he was only spending about four months out of the year at his apartment, his mind went back to his Honda Pilot.

“I thought what if I do that but on a larger scale,” he said. “I could buy a van and build my business into the van.”

Although he had a little trouble initially finding a van that fit his budget and would work for him, he eventually found a 1989 GMC campervan and began his life full-time on the road.

With Justin’s newfound mobility and his low cost of living he was able to visit unique locations and pursue only the jobs he really wanted.

“It provided me with financial freedom and the luxury to wake up wherever I wanted.”

His goal was always to make a living from the road. Justin wanted to be able to both live and work from the road, to have the ultimate freedom to do the things he wanted. So far, it has gone well.

Trials and Tribulations

That’s not to say his trips have been without incident. While Justin could regale you with numerous stories of personal blunders, his most recent incident resulted in a leaky roof.

When attaching solar panels to the roof of his camper, he accidentally drilled a little too far. That allowed rain water to stream into his living space.

“There was one day where eight liters of water came into the vehicle because of the rain.”

Justin put a tarp over his van until the rain stopped, which took several days. He spent some time with family and friends and came back to his van when the weather passed to fix the leak.

Justin said the solidarity of his living arrangement can be mentally taxing. It’s just him and his van. While he said he enjoys having a lot of time to himself. He said he realized he still needs to connect with others, especially when things go wrong.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that I do need my friends and family.”

Despite these challenges, Justin is happy.

This is a recurring theme I’ve seen time and time again. It’s something we’ve come across on our podcast, too. While living on the road certainly brings some unique difficulties, everyone says the lifestyle is worth it.

What the Future Looks Like for Justin

Justin has been in his van for about 200 days now and has no plans of changing things up. When I asked him if he was going to only do this for a few years or if he would continue doing it longer than that he sounded uncertain.

“You know, I don’t know. I’ve only been doing it for less than a year,” he said. “I’m still loving it.”

He said he didn’t know what he’d be doing in five year’s time, but he was certain he’d still be living in his campervan in a year or two.

“There’s no signs of stopping right now. I’m loving what I get from it, and I’m loving the adventure.”

Justin said that the challenges he has come across won’t keep him from living the way he wants. He will continue to travel around North America in his campervan. He also said he’ll be traveling abroad with more documentary film work for various clients this year.

Justin encourages other people to try living in a van or a camper if they think they would want to. He also encourages traveling by yourself even if it’s just a day or two.

“You learn so much about yourself,” he said.

For Justin, living in his campervan is all about traveling and adventuring, and you can bet wherever he his, he’ll be filming, too.

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