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Competition BBQ *On Topic Only* Discussion regarding all aspects of Competition BBQ. Experiences competing or visiting, questions, getting started, Equipment, announcements of events, Results, Reviews, Planning, etc. Questions here will be responded to with competition BBQ in mind. |
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06-14-2017, 11:32 PM | #1 |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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Considerations from experts & novices: 5th Wheel or RV?
Gentz n Ladies,
Been hovering through these forums and most of the posts on rvs, campers, and 5th wheels for comps are from 4 or 5 years ago. Some older. So i wanted ti start a new thread and see what folks are leaning these days. And for those that bought a few years ago would you buy the same set up again or make changes. For context here are my considerations. Fam of 4 (kids in elementary), i have a 17' pull behind smoker (not enclosed), 2WD expedition w/out tow package so tow capacity is out 6k lbs. Im not opposed to changing my cook style for a Toy hauler with a couple of kamados or stumps but i would need a bigger truck. The options i have seen in terms of popularity appear below in descending order: 1. Dedicated enclosed comp trailer with smokers that roll out 2. 5Th wheel toy hauler w/ roll out smokers 3. Pop-up tent with a variety of smokers (this is my current set up; 10x10 and my 17' pull-behind which all makes it in one trip with my tent and tables in my expedition) 4. RV with a pull behind smoker 5. RV with a comp trailer from opt 1 Things i have considered so far are: A. Current smoker B. Current vic C. Multi-functionality of RV or trailer D. Family E. Price F. Cleanliness G. Contests that RV friendly H. Resale of whatever camper i get in case i want to upgrade I. Buying new smokers with a toy hauler since i cant tow my trailer behind a trailer (this isnt really a consideration haha any excuse i can find for a new smoker is a good one) J. Set-up 5 is what i believe i eventually want to get to. What are your thoughts? |
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06-15-2017, 06:17 AM | #2 |
Got rid of the matchlight.
Join Date: 06-19-14
Location: Evans, GA
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In GA most contests are RV friendly, since that's pretty much the only place I compete, with the occasional out of state trip for a special event, that's all I can speak to. I only do 5ish events a year so my current setup with an expedition, 5X10 enclosed cargo trailer and canopies works, it's not the most comfortable and it is less so if we bring anyone besides my wife and I. So now you know where I'm coming from here are my thoughts on your sit.
With family I would definitely lean toward a setup that allowed for comfortable sleeping arrangements. We had an OLD Class C motor home for a couple of years, and it was nice to have it packed with the essentials all the time, made it nice when the sons came along, even bringing their girl friends there were places to sleep besides under the stars. What we didn't like was that once we were at the site and setup we were pretty much stuck at the comp, we couldn't run out for dinner or any exploring unless we caught a ride with someone else. I've looked at tag-a-long style toy haulers (16'-25') and used ones in good shape are fairly affordable, but those would be something you hauled stuff to the comp and unloaded completely so the garage could be converted to living space (unless you got something 29' or longer). A shorter one could be fitted with a hitch to pull your existing smoker behind the first trailer, no backing, but doable with the expedition. I think what we are aiming for at this point is a dedicated cook trailer with a bunk bed sleeping area and a new to us 3/4 diesel truck (the expedition tows ok, but in the hills it really has to work and it does have 180K miles on it). |
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06-15-2017, 10:24 AM | #3 |
Take a breath!
Join Date: 06-06-14
Location: Tomball, Texas
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I have a 30' bumper pull toy hauler that i load everything in and out of the back, pulled by a 2500 chevy 4x4. I am EVENTUALLY switching to a class C RV with a 12' pull behind trailer. My current set up takes me about 2-2/12 hours to set up by myself and in the hot Texas sun, that can be draining. Tear down is also a pain. Plus it kills my gas mileage.
My thoughts on the class C rv is this. The inside is set up completely and i would just plug in and that is done in 5 minutes. The 10 or 12' trailer would be set up in a fashion where everything had its place and all i would have to do is roll out my smoker, and i am ready. Total set up time would be less than 45 minutes to an hour (On a bad day). The toyhaulers set up high and it takes a pretty good wench to get my smoker in and out.
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HELL YEAH BBQ, COMPETITION TEAM….KCBS Certified Judge….Jambo Enclosed |
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06-16-2017, 06:57 AM | #4 |
Take a breath!
Join Date: 06-24-09
Location: Bedford, NH
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We have a 14' with 3 ft v nose aluminum covered trailer. We had an awening put on and hardly ever need a pop-up. Roll out my two Humphrey's smokers, my wash basin (bulit one) and a few tables and I am done setting up. I have a stainless table inside with a fridge in the V. Set-up takesa bout 15 minutes and tear down takes about the same. We are sipping beer and relaxing within 30 minutes of our last turn-in. The price points you speak of are very different. I am about $4,000 in plus the smokers.
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Bone Daddy's; 4 Gateway Drums; XL Big Green Egg; Napoleon Pro 665 |
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06-16-2017, 07:40 AM | #5 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 05-19-11
Location: EAD
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If you are going to buy a new truck and 5th wheel, do it for reasons outside of BBQ.
Been a long time since I've seen a contest not RV friendly. 7 years ago when we started 2-3 teams had cook trailers, now its 2-3 teams without some form of enclosed/toyhauler/camper around here. |
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06-16-2017, 08:55 AM | #6 |
Moderator
Join Date: 12-09-04
Location: Wandering, but not lost
Name/Nickname : Captain Ron
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Take a look at It's 5 o'Clock Somewhere competition team on Facebook. The have a class C RV and a porch trailer with their cookers and an inside kitchen.
We cook out of a 25' toy hauler and it works well for us. We've thought about the RV route, but there have been quite a few times where we had to run out to get something while at the comp site and that would not be possible with an RV.
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"Ron Rico, Boss. You can call me Captain Ron..." Naked Fatties Rock! PKGo X 2/PK360/ |
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06-16-2017, 09:33 AM | #7 |
Take a breath!
Join Date: 06-06-14
Location: Tomball, Texas
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Ron-I cant find them on FB. You have a link?
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HELL YEAH BBQ, COMPETITION TEAM….KCBS Certified Judge….Jambo Enclosed |
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06-16-2017, 10:26 AM | #8 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 09-03-09
Location: Pine Bluff, AR
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I've not done toy hauler, but have cooked out of a 7x16 trailer for a number of years. Got the pull behind Jambo J3 and cooked out of the back of my pickup truck under an easy up. Got lucky and used winnings from GC for a downpayment on a Class B RV (2500 sprinter van). I loved that van! Great gas mileage and lots of pull power. Decided I needed something newer and ended up in a Class C. What a disaster that was! No power, 2500 max pull load. After the 3rd accident I traded and went back to a Class B, Winnebago Travato. Very nice RV. More pull power than the C.
My situation is a bit different. I travel by myself. If I'm on a long trip, get tired, I really don't have to leave the vehicle to take care of stuff. Cooker is locked down to the hitch. Makes me feel safer. |
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06-16-2017, 09:54 PM | #9 | |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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06-16-2017, 10:02 PM | #10 | |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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06-16-2017, 10:05 PM | #11 | |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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06-16-2017, 10:11 PM | #12 | |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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06-16-2017, 10:15 PM | #13 | |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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06-16-2017, 10:18 PM | #14 | |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 10-20-15
Location: Tampa, FL
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06-16-2017, 11:53 PM | #15 |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 04-15-12
Location: San Juan Egg O, Ca.
Name/Nickname : John
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Not from a comp point of view but from Jeep trips I would go with anything but the RV. The plain and simple reason if you need to go somewhere, you can jump in your truck and go. Just a simpletons point of view.
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Tags |
5th wheel, camper, competition bbq, how to choose, motor home, RVs, toy hauler, trailer |
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