This might be my next home

[lobster_roboto]

Originally Posted by retired

Re exhaust brake. Have you ever heard the loud rumble the big trucks make as they are coming down a steep hill or making a fast stop. That is the sound of the exhaust brake, which is slowing down the truck/trailer.

IIRC, the explanation I was given is: When you take your foot of the gas pedal on a gas engine, the engine helps slow you down. Well, in a diesel, you don't have that same effect.

Drive a diesel truck and when taking your foot off of the pedal to stop at a sign for instance, notice how the truck doesn't just start slowing downing like a gas engine. The exhaust brake (Jayco is one brand, I believe) assists in slowing down. Very helpful when going down a steep grade (like Vail Mtn. in Co. for instance). That way, you don't burn out your regular brakes.

The loud noise when they are slowing down isn't an exhaust brake... but what's called compression braking a different name for egine braking.

Exhaust braking isn't anywhere as efficient as engine braking but many large trucks use it as well to aid in braking or to be used when it's illegal to engine brake.

Smaller trucks...mainly couriers and other hot-shot trucks use exhaust brakes like you pointed out to aid in the braking to extend the lifetime of the rotors/disks/drums/etc.

[dave_in_delaware]

Originally Posted by retired

Dave, I think you are making a mistake if you get the single rear wheel rather than the dually for a rig as big as you are getting....

Also, as far as being crazy, I don't think you are that at all; biting off more than you can chew, don't know about that. You are talking about a major life style change for you and your family.... After a week or so, with the kids and smaller quarters, you may end up reevaluating your decision. Personally, to me, the money would be worth it in the long run.... Living with young kids in a small place like that, noooo waayyy.

I meant to type DRW, sorry. I'm definitely looking into the Dually for towing a huge 5th wheel.

As far as living in such a small RV w/ kids, let me say that my kids don't live w/ me fulltime (they live w/ Mommy). I only have them once a week (overnight on Wed) and every other weekend. So it's not like we're going to be living in cramped quarters 24/7 together. I think for the infrequency they're with me, it'll be bearable.

Originally Posted by billbrasky

not sure how old you are, you said your not retiring....

Maybe i missed the post or explanation of what you do for work. If thats to private just let me know,i am interested in what other folks do especially if it is a neat uncommon job but they still make enough money to get by and have allot of freedom. What did you do, what are you going to do for work ?

Nope, I'm not retiring (not even close!). I'm only 36. But you're right: if "older" people can handle such a large rig, I should be able to (w/ a little practice). I'm planning on living in the RV full-time for a while, until I get married and move into my new wife's house. Then the RV will become a second home and vacation rig.

What I do isn't private (it's in my profile). I'm still working FT at an engineering firm as their CADD/GIS Technician. I also own my own business doing CADD for architects and interior designers (which I do on my home computer). As long as I can take my computer along in my RV (which I plan to, w/ a generator and an inverter when camping), I'll be able to earn extra money outside my normal 40-hour week.

[retired]

Dave, you know what is really scary about some RVers. They retire, they are in their 60s or 70s and decide to go out and buy a RV; whether a towable or a motor home.

They have no experience with something that big, but they get behind the wheel of one or a truck and start right in. . I've seen some who should be driving their cars and that's about it. Be aware.

Lobster, thanks for explaining that better. I forgot the term exhaust braking, but I do know the gas engines do it different than the diesels as I mentioned in the stop sign example. The first time I drove my diesel, I thought I was going to blow the stop since I really didn't slow up much when I took my foot off the gas.

[tec]

Looks good DAVE, Nice unit!

[cmcarlile]

I think something along these lines would be more suitable.

[dave_in_delaware]

Originally Posted by cmcarlile

I think something along these lines would be more suitable.

Holy crap!! Do you think it's big enough?

I actually initially started looking into a Class A when I started researching RV's. But then quickly realized I can't afford to buy one, and I couldn't afford the gas/diesel driving it daily for work. Those things are almost as much as my mortgage is NOW.

[dave_in_delaware]

Just a quick thread resurrection to update you guys on this idea...

Upon further clarification of some things (financial, family, etc), and further research, it will now be impractical and impossible for me to get a 5th wheel and pickup truck.

Cost is a huge factor. Nevermind the maintenance on both would probably do me in financially, and parking both (especially the 5er) would be next to impossible....

The monthly cost for putting the 5er somewhere w/ hookups (AND the monthly payments on both a 5er and pickup) would be almost if not more than the house I can't afford now. And with gas prices going higher....

... well, this just isn't going to happen.

BUT, don't feel bad for me... because I have a new idea. Watch for a similar thread from me soon, if you're interested.