Two things got me to this post this morning: it's raining; and, there is no park water (a shut down for repairs - not uncommon). Our 5th Wheel has a water storage tank, so water interruptions are a non-issue. Park models have no water storage tanks, so your morning wash-up waits.
That said, why a 5th Wheel in the first place? Assume for this discussion that this is your seasonal home, you are somewhere warm (if it's winter), you are one or two people, and you can still safely climb stairs. Here are a few of my ideas:
- 5th Wheels can be moved, and since they are intended for seasonal use only, they survive longer, and cost less to maintain if you find covered storage when not in use. Very important in sunny, hot places - like Arizona. I say this, because park models sit in the sun and bake, and this can cost you lots of money down the line.
- If you are unclear what a park model is, here's what you need to know. Park models once onsite can be moved, but with difficulty, and once a Arizona Room has been added, for practical purposes, they're permanent;
- For the dollar, modern 5th Wheels provide very comfortable, organized, accommodation. Some might even call it luxury space. Plenty of cabinets and storage, fully self-contained, all the conveniences, attractively decorated, with a plethora of creature comforts. Plus, at least for a day or two, you can live off the grid if necessary. On power failure, the refrigerator switches to gas, water pumps and lights work off a storage battery, the furnace and stove run off gas, and you have storage tanks for grey/black water, and fresh water;
- With mostly fiberglass exteriors, 5th Wheels are easily maintained, and kept up. And, there are plenty of people out there who know how to fix them when things do go wrong;
- Safe space. Manufacturers do pay attention to safety concerns, and with just a modicum of common sense, there is no reason to worry about safety issues. Having said that, if you can't safely manage two or three steps, forget 5th Wheels;
- Reasonably priced, even if you're purchasing new. Ours was three years old when we purchased it, and the first owners ate a ton of depreciation. What we got was a modern unit, in excellent repair, at a very reasonable cost, which because of the cost didn't require financing to purchase. No regrets. Don't pass on a good quality, well maintained, lightly used unit;
- Easily insured, with some restrictions. Our policy won't allow attached decks, or extra rooms. RV parks don't like this anyway. Most won't allow it. If this is your vacation home, put the tools away;
- Forget renting. Again, we're back to insurance, our policy does not permit renting. If you're not using it, sell it;
- Easily relocated (as compared to a park model). We don't own a truck, so when the trailer gets moved to storage, we're paying someone to move it. Someone with driving and parking skills we don't have. This is not a major expense.
- Finally, park models sit where they are planted and pay park fees 12 months a year. 5th Wheels can pickup and move, so storage is a cost saving option during the months when you're not using it.
