CAMPING -- Choosing an RV for camping is intensely personal. "You'll get a different answer from almost everyone you talk to," said Larry Dach, a Spokane natives who retired and became a full-time RVer with his wife, Susan.
The Dachs have a lifestyle that involves regular stints as campground hosts . This summer, they're at the Dragoon Creek Campground just north of Spokane so they can be close to family.
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Their constant connection to RV enthusiasts have given them insights on tailoring RVs to their lifestyle.
“Cost is a major consideration for people like us, of course,” Larry said. “But when you’re living in an RV full time you have to make choices that are more expensive than people who simply recreate in them on weekends.
"Everlube axles are a must when you're on the road all the time. Less expensive fifth wheels have axles that need lubing every 3000 miles. I'd be pulling the hubs all the time."
Susan and Larry chose a Discover America Luxury Suite fifth wheel they bought used along with a diesel pickup. Their initial investment was far lower than someone who buys a motor home.
They also not that size of a rig can limit where they apply as campground hosts.
“Ours is 33 feet, but at some of the more remote campgrounds, the spaces available are limited to 25-28 feet," Larry said.
They have friends who love their 42 foot motor home. “They cost more initially and to operate… and have smaller windows for less light inside the living space than our fifth wheel. But they can be easier to park – a motorhome can park where I can’t.
"They have more underneath storage and you can tow a small car for getting around. They have advantages."
“Room inside the fifth wheel isn’t a problem because we move to stay with the warmer weather so we can be outside most of the time," Susan said.
“My sister remarked, "Oh, you’re getting to Spokane just when the weather’s getting nice,'" Susan said. “I answered, 'Yeah, that’s the plan.'”
