If lightning strikes

So, if you have been reading my blog, you know that we have a pickup that will haul almost any rv we would want.  We own a 2007 Forest River Sandpiper F295.  This is the rear kitchen design with a dinette, pull out couch, dual recliner loveseat, walk through bath and a queen bed.  All of our inanimate characters have names and what sometimes feels like distinct characters.  The truck is named “The Beast” or “Beastie Boy”, Piper is the fifth wheel.

I bought exactly what I wanted when I found The Beast used.  Chevy Silverado with the Duramax LMM motor and the Allison 6 speed transmission. One ton springs and airbags had been added by the previous owner who had traded in for a newer model year.

Piper was almost exactly what we were looking for in our first fifth wheel. Under 34 feet, rear kitchen, lightly used and in real good condition at the right price. We had trolled every rv lot south of Seattle looking at both new and used units and comparing the different makers and models.  We had really liked the KZ Durango rear kitchen design but, as everyone knows, the price for new units is outlandish with a huge depreciation the minute you pull it off the lot.  We looked around and lightning struck with Piper.

This has not stopped us from looking at new units nor have we stopped trolling the rv lots.  The folks at Tacoma RV know us by sight. We have now broadened our research by visiting lots in Oregon and Nevada. And of course, the ceaseless research online is enlightening.

After using Piper we have decided on some “must have” features.

1. Hydraulic landing gear, at least 4 point (preferably 6 point). I know, someone is saying it’s just one more thing that can go wrong but I want it.

2. King bed.  RP has a tendency to move around quite a bit in her sleep and she worries about awakening me.  I sleep like a log though.

3. Rear entertainment layout with two recliners across from the couch. Some of you will say you hate it because you get a crick in your neck.  If you have the two separate recliners you can set them were you want for viewing or visiting. RP watches tv by lying on the couch, no crick issues. We also hate looking at or through the kitchen to visit with friends or when watching tv.

4. A one room bathroom with enough room in the shower for RP to shave her legs.

5. A nice to have itemy would be a peninsula kitchen. With or without an island. Also the sink should be along the wall, not on the island.  We find that the non sink island seems to give you more usable counter.

6. Dual ac units with one doing double duty as a heat pump would be nice too.

We want this unicorn to appear magically for a very certain  price out the door (with our trade in of course). By the way, we either want new or within the last 3 model years.

We will not skimp on quality, we want a 4 season rated coach that will stand up to our use. We intend to still use it for short trips as well as longer ones.

We have discussed our needs at length and are not willing to compromise as we have a nice unit to use and it is not costing us a lot to own. Being in no hurry means that we are again, “looking for lightning to strike” in our pursuit of a new rolling home away from home.

We shall continue to troll the RV lots, looking at both new and used units, talking to all the sales folks out there and picking their collective brains.

We have kind of developed a short list of manufacturers and their models which could fill the bill and will be keeping an eye on them.  Waiting for the electricity to show ittself.

See you out there.

Remember to comment and let me know what you would like to see or read about here.

Thanks, BFD.