I was able to design a small fully featured unit that is not only easy to pull but can be taken into many state and federal campgrounds not suitable for long RV's.


Under Bed Area Access From Outside

From: Joe Thompson and Mary K. O'Neill

It is difficult to decide which of the many customized features on our 1998 FKS is our favorite but one simple one that I had to argue strongly for is a large outside access door to the under bed storage area which can also be accessed by raising the end of the bed. Horizons was concerned that there would be water leakage from rain and/or excess of heat cold exchange since the door has poor insulation compared with the bonded wall. We had experience with this feature on a previously owned Sunnybrook. We use the outside access for storage of many of the support items needed at the site and the forward area of the storage for larger "inside" objects. We have had no leakage problems and the storage area provides a large trapped air area which insures good insulation.


All About Air and Light

From: Chris and Jim Rett

The twelve volt ceiling fan that NH installed in our rig has been an item  we use all the time.  Many of the fans are 110v, which necessitates turning on the inverter when dry camping.

Plexiglass was installed on the inside of our screen door. This allows us  to keep the door open in summer when using the A/C or in the winter when using the furnace or ceramic brick heater.  The additional light gives the rig a more "airy" feeling with minimal loss of heating or cooling. The  three pieces are removable if fresh air is wanted. We thought we might take out the top or bottom piece occasionally, but we find we get plenty of air with the windows.

For indirect lighting, Jim installed a section of rope light in an L shaped piece of wood above our living room slide. The entire cabin "glows" when it is on. For power it plugs into a small (30 watt) 12 volt inverter. Since it draws little power it is useable even when we're dry camping.


Hole Is Favorite Feature

From: Kathy Gatza

My favorite custom feature in my New Horizon fifth wheel is a hole.  I'm a sewer and quilter so I had them customize my desk to hold a sewing machine.  They cut a hole in the surface and installed a shelf about 3 inches below the desk top to hold the sewing machine.  I had the hole made the same size as my sewing table at home so I can use the plastic insert that fits around the machine and makes a level surface. My sewing machine fits in a file drawer in the desk. I also had a quilters cutting table made. Quilters usually cut their fabrics standing so the table is 35" tall. This is taller than a standard table so that you do not have to bend over when working. It has a table surface and front leg that are attached together with a piano hinge. Another piano hinge attaches the table to the wall.  It folds flat against the wall for storage and has a catch to hold it in position. I also have an ironing pad that makes it function as an ironing board when needed. These features allow me to take my sewing and quilting on the road.



NHOG Rally 2005 Going Luxury

From: Joe Thompson

The January issue of  "Motor Home" contains an article entitled "Puttin" on the Ritz", featuring "luxury RV resorts that make dreams come true for road-weary travelers."  It begins on page 71 and mentions Sundermeier [tentative location for NHOG Rally 2005] in its list of luxury resorts.  More specifically it lists the Beef Eaters Pub & Grill on the resort as the best RV park restaurant in the country. 



Tailgate Destruction is Complete

From: Mel and Meg Rich

Don't forget to lift the tailgate after hitching up. Having the regular pickup tailgate still on your pickup is an accident waiting to happen.  I forgot to put up the tailgate after hooking up and pulled out of a campsite one morning. On the first turn, the tailgate pushed into the generator door on the front of the 5th wheel.  I thought I could  turn the other way and it would come back out.   WRONG  It got worse and pushed the tailgate off the truck, ruined the truck fender and made a worse mess of the trailer.  Here is a tip if this happens to you.  Block the wheels, lift the trailer up and disconnect from the hitch and pull out from under it.  Straighten out and hitch back up again. This time put the tailgate up. Better yet just spend the money and buy a Fifth Wheel tailgate.

Their unit: 1996  34RKSSS  S/N 255

Editor's note: I've managed to bend my fifth wheel gate when the trailer hitch was not quite high enough to clear the gate. Soon there will be no gate.



Ford Oil Filters Price Goes Up

From: Ron Moon #380

Our winter stay was at Garrett's RV park and golf course close to the Gulf and to Mexico. This area of Texas has had no snow in 15 years and this is what we woke to on Christmas Day 2004.