By Charlotte Byus
By the time you read this we will be in our new home on wheels. Never – and I mean Never have I not had a house to come home to. We have always had a tent, camper, or sail boat to spend time in for our vacations and long weekends. We had our minds set on a certain make and model of 5th wheel, have had this mindset for well over a year. That is not what we found to make our lil’ hearts happy. We were sure we didn’t want any larger than 35-36 feet at the most. Well, this LONG thing is 39 feet – It’s huge! Next to many 5th wheels on a lot it didn’t really look all that big, but backing it into our driveway was another story.
On the way home from the dealership, I discovered something about myself. I am a back-seat-driver! I also have a habit of grasping hold of the arm rest with great vigor. RR pointed all this out on the Gulf Freeway Saturday on our trip home. I may have been grinding my teeth for all I know. Does that tell you anything?
When you are purchasing your new home on wheels, someone will tell you all about everything you ever wanted to know about your new home in one and a half hours. About half way through, I think we both logged off, we were on overload. We made it on the ferry just fine, much to my surprise. All turns were negotiated well and RR did a good job on backing into the driveway. Of course, my job was to say “when/stop” before he hit the house – hard job. I have a feeling that will be my job all the time if I want to stay married. This thing (5th wheel) is smart, it knows when the ground is level and when it is not. Of course, in the dark and the first time we attempted to take it off the truck, we didn’t remember this step. And all of this information is not on the side of the door. So, my job was to hold the flashlight very still, another very important job.
Thank goodness for whiskey and wine – Enough excitement for the first night! On Sunday our neighbors, who have owned several 5th wheels came to assist. That smart thing allows each leg to go down one at a time, so if you’re not on level ground, it will level itself.
I did not see our neighbor when we were getting off the ferry but he saw us. He said the look on my face was pure terror. Of course, at that point, he started laughing. I love our neighbors! Have a good week.
[1-25-2016]
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Well, 8 years ago we relocated with a house to sell (JUST BEFORE THE HOUSING MARKET COLLAPSE). We were a party of 5,wife, 2 boys and 100 pound Lab.
…and we’re still doing it. No house anymore. Anywhere we go to see out of state family, we bring our house with us. It’s great for multiple trips to Bolivar that we like to do a bunch during the summer, no suitcase to pack. All 43′, 24000 pound, triple axle trailer.
We don’t miss the house and once the boys go off to college, we’ll probably by a different layout and keep the lenghth.
Just remember to “swing wide” in motion. Good luck you will have fun
My husband & I are in the planning stages of purchasing a 5th wheel toy hauler. We’ve had a beach house there on Bolivar and love it but the kids & grandkids have quit coming down for visits. We’ve decided to sell the house and invest in a 5th wheel so we can still spend time at the beach but also travel the country. I know I’ll be going through what you did, but I’m relieved everything went well on your trip home. Funny how a man just knows what to do. Best of luck on your travels.
Regards,
Maggie