TT/Fifth wheel, What to buy?

[JCasper]

I have talked it over with my wife and I think if I can find something nice I may just purchase a TT or Fifth wheel now. We are going to yellowstone in August and would like to get one in time to try it out before then.



I prefer a fifth wheel for towing reasons, but a TT will do for now also.



What should I stay away from and what should I look for.



I have heard that Fleetwoods are something to stay away from, what else?



I don't want to spend a ton, maybe $8-10K if I can find something decent.



Thanks in Advance,



Joe

 

[Blue Ox1]

I prefer TT due to the fact they are a little cheaper and have more floor plans.

joe

 

[TowPro]

what I like about 5th wheels.



I found 5th wheels tow better, but I never used one of those hensly arrow hitches, people that have them swair by them.



a 30' 5th wheel has 30' of floor plan (in most cases, some do add 1' to the number if it has an extended hitch). A 30' TT had 4' of hitch and 27' of floor space. Titanium is different since they extend forward past the hitch. Mine is a 31E36TBR. It is 31' from pin to rear bumper, but has 36' of floor space.



What ever you fall in love with, go to kbb.com and look up what its value is 1 year old. Some (a thor I looked at) lost 30% of its value in the first year alone!

I feel the prices in KBB.com reflect what the experts feel of the different builders.

 

[MRann]

Go with the 5th wheel, I have owned several TT's and would never go back.

 

[JCasper]

How about Brands, what should I stay away from and what should I look for?



Are there any good RV Forums I should sign up on and checkout?



I do prefer how a fifth wheel pulls, but I think my options will be greater with a TT. This trailer will be a stepping block for me. Something to use for a few years until I upgrade to something larger. Also with a TT I will have room for the kids bikes in the truck.

 

[Grizzly]

How about Brands, what should I stay away from and what should I look for?

Are there any good RV Forums I should sign up on and checkout?

I do prefer how a fifth wheel pulls, but I think my options will be greater with a TT. This trailer will be a stepping block for me. Something to use for a few years until I upgrade to something larger. Also with a TT I will have room for the kids bikes in the truck.

Your correct about Fleetwood. Forest River's are generally a little better, but not much. Look for a 21' Arctic Fox in a TT or 5th Wheel. The 5th Wheel offers far more advantages then a TT, however you may find a better deal with a TT.

 

[AMink]

Search for a good "check list" on the net. When you do decide on a trailer, go over it with a fine toothed comb and don't let them pressure you into accepting it until they answer or fix all your concerns. Whatever brand you choose there WILL be some issues, such as screws that don't screw into anything, saggy doors, missed caulking on the seams, bad carpet, etc. Unfortunately, in the RV industry, the customer is quality control. If you do buy used (and that's not bad), take the same list and use it as leverage for a lower price.



We had a 91 Wilderness (sold it to friends without reservation) and now have a 05 Wildcat. Not too many problems with it, either.

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

From personal experience, stay away from Dutchman. I bought one brand new (1999). Kept it for three seasons. On the last season, something went wrong with it on EVERY trip - siding blew off from both sides, welds on the shackles holding the axle/spring to the trailer failed twice, poor wiring on the furnace would not allow it to turn off, wall next to the refrigerator fell apart. Lots of other "minor" things that I will not go into.



If you were buying new, I would say dealer is just as important as brand, as they will have to fix most of the issues. My Dutchman was in the shop for two months (during the winter, so I didn't care) to get a replacement window in and installed. Many dealers book service visits out weeks in advance, meaning if your trailer breaks during prime season, you miss most of the summer. I would look for a dealer that gives preference to someone who buys from them. I've had a some problems with my Sea Hawk, and my dealer takes care of me right away.

 

[12V Ford]

There was a great article in TDR Magazine, may 2 or 3 issues back on rv's, quality, and good brands to buy and stay away from. I would suggest reading it because it has alot of good info. Maybe someone here knows what issue it was?

 

[BBeck]

There was a great article in TDR Magazine, may 2 or 3 issues back on rv's, quality, and good brands to buy and stay away from. I would suggest reading it because it has alot of good info. Maybe someone here knows what issue it was?

It was issue 53 (Aug, Sept, Oct 2006), page 134. I went to an RV show over the weekend and was real impressed with the Carriage line. They only make 5th wheel trailers.



If you don't have the issue, you can back order it. Or I can send the list of manufacturers via PM if you want. It was a great article so I would highly recommend getting the issue if you don't have it.



Brad

 

[JCasper]

It was issue 53 (Aug, Sept, Oct 2006), page 134. I went to an RV show over the weekend and was real impressed with the Carriage line. They only make 5th wheel trailers.



If you don't have the issue, you can back order it. Or I can send the list of manufacturers via PM if you want. It was a great article so I would highly recommend getting the issue if you don't have it.



Brad

I am sure I have the issue. I will look for it tonight.

 

[Blu-meanie]

For $8 to $10K you're not going to find anything that has been suggested. You can probably find a decent used TT for that amount, but no 5th wheels.

 

[JCasper]

For $8 to $10K you're not going to find anything that has been suggested. You can probably find a decent used TT for that amount, but no 5th wheels.

I'm O. K. with a TT.



I just don't want to buy a POS. I have heard of brands to stay away from and want to do that.

 

[mberry]

For $8 to $10K you're not going to find anything that has been suggested. You can probably find a decent used TT for that amount, but no 5th wheels.

I disagree. I have seen quite a few really nice TT and 5th wheels on Craigslist. In fact, I check there often and do some window shopping.



reno / tahoe recreational vehicles classifieds - craigslist Don't just confine your search to your local city either.

 

[JCasper]

I disagree. I have seen quite a few really nice TT and 5th wheels on Craigslist. In fact, I check there often and do some window shopping.



reno / tahoe recreational vehicles classifieds - craigslist Don't just confine your search to your local city either.

I search CL also. I will look within a couple hundred mile radius.



I don't know how Alpenlites are, but I heard they are nice. This is older then I prefer, but looks decent.



1992 Alpenlite 5th Wheel Trailer

 

[mberry]

You could check this one out also.



2002 25FT Innsbruck Trailer

 

[Grizzly]

I search CL also. I will look within a couple hundred mile radius.

I don't know how Alpenlites are, but I heard they are nice. This is older then I prefer, but looks decent.

1992 Alpenlite 5th Wheel Trailer

AlpenLite does make a good 5th wheel.

 

[BBeck]

AlpenLite was also mentioned in the list of issue 53 as good quality. Actually, the words are "I would not be concerned with the quality of the following manufacturers... "



Brad

 

[SSage]

See if you can choose a floor plan, then start comparing brands. If your looking at $10K trailers go used. I would recommend starting with a Artic Fox 25R or so. Easy to tow, well built, well insulated. Can, be found used. I had a 31W and loved it till I needed to go large. The TT in the 25 to 28' range are much eaiser to handle and park. The National parks will be an option and the lower TT's don't have the clearence problems with tree limbs as much. A TT under 30' would be my choice for short trips.





Arctic Fox - Sumner RV Center



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[Grizzly]

Another great brand made by the same manufacture as the Arctic Fox, Northwood Manufacturing, is Nash. They make TT's and 5er's. They are more affordable, but have the same reliability and star rating. They are also made in Oregon, so you will save on Destination Fees.

Check them out, Northwood Manufacturing