Our RV History

When we decided to get into RVing back in 1991 we decided on a 5th wheel trailer because Louis was a ‘Truck Driver’. We traded in our VW Jetta for a Chevy ‘heavy ½ ton’ pick-up (GAS) and then purchased a 22 foot Terry Resort by Fleetwood. This was a very compact little trailer but came complete with a queen size bed that went across the front, a small bathroom with a ‘tiny’ shower, a walk through galley with a fridge, stove/oven, microwave (we added), a couch and table with bench seats that each dropped down to create additional beds. We had a built-in stereo, air conditioner and also an awning. 

1991 Chevy Silverado 1500 + 1991 Terry Resort 5th Wheel

After 14 years and many miles we traded in our ‘little’ trailer for something with a little more room. Of course when your trailer gets longer and heavier – your truck must also get bigger. In 2005 we bought a 31 foot Rockwood Ultra-light by Forest River. This trailer was not only longer but with a big slide, it seemed HUGE. Other than the size difference, the biggest upgrade would have to be the 2 recliners and being able to walk around the bed to make it. We also traded the truck in for a Diesel Ford Pick-up.

2004 Ford F-350 Lariat + 2006 Rockwood 5th Wheel

After 4 more years of travels (2009) we decided that it was time to get something a little more solid and with more room again. This time it was a bedroom slide and King Size bed that caught our attention with this 34 foot Sandpiper by Forest River. We added 3 more feet in length and it also came with an outside Black Tank Flush which was a plus for hubby – no more dragging a hose through the window with a toilet wand to clean the black tank. One thing to note was the weight difference. We realized that we were ‘pushing the limit’ with the weight allowances on our truck so we upgraded to the 2006 F-350 which had a much higher weight rating for towing.

2006 Ford F-350 Lariat and 2010 Sandpiper 5th Wheel

In 2011 – hubby was ‘pushed’ into an unexpected retirement so we decided it was the time to bite the bullet and upgrade one more time. We were looking into switching to a Class A Motorhome but after spending a good deal of time looking around we decided it was going to be another 5th wheel. We choose a 40 foot Big Country by Heartland. I have to say that the bathroom was a huge selling feature. It has a shower the size of a full-size bathtub. NICE! Hubby loves the pocket remote that controls the powered front and rear jacks, the slides, the awning and the outside lights. Men and remotes!!!

2006 Ford F-350 Lariat and 2012 Big Country 5th Wheel