TT/Fifth wheel, What to buy?

[nineback]

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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.

 

[jandtjil]

For me one of the immediate PROs for a TT is the ease of getting it outfitted for your ride. New adjustable drop hitch, a cheap pipe wrench and n assortment of tow balls for $300 Zoom your gone!
From what I have seen you can spend way over $1k on a 5th wheel hitch being installed. Plus you have to be a bit careful that the trailer you are mating to you veh is right for your veh (prob not an issue if it is new). Something to do with the height of the pin when level and the rake of the 5th wheel extension. I would definitely buy your hitch first, if you are planning to buy a used 5th wheel trailer, to avoid finding out that it will be a pita to get stuff adjusted or welded to make the trailer level with correct clearance over the bed.
Immediate CON for a TT is backing and the way they pull, (I need an equilizer hitch, Or a 5th wheel trailer).

JJ

 

[Buffalo]

As Grizzly said, look at the Nash products. They are made in La Grande, OR.



Within our group, we've had 5 of them (I've had two, a 19-B & a 25-S), all of which have been quite comfortable & trouble-free.



The Arctic Fox line is the "luxury" version of the Nash. Fiberglass sides vs. mostly aluminum sided. Fancier interiors in the AF's. Frames & many of the components are identical.



I've towed my 1998, 25-S all over the country & into Ontario, Can. & it's been extremely reliable. I would ABSOLUTELY consider buying another Northwood Ind. product.



You can check out the AF/Nash website by logging into AFNash.com. It's a free website with some very knowledgeable folks. They, also, have have a "classifieds" forum that will give you an idea of "used" pricing.



I've never towed a fifth-wheel trailer so I can't fairly compare with towing a TT. However, I've towed my TT's all over this country from mountainous West to flatlands & I've never had any problems with towing the TT. Last weekend, I towed about 700 miles from Phoenix to May Madness in Parumph, NV. Most of the time, you would never know there was 25 feet of trailer behind me. Very pleasant drive. In my opinion, towing a TT is not a miserable experience but, towing a FW could very well be a more pleasant one.



Awhile back, there was a thread, here, & a member posted about a website that rated trailers (1 thru 5). Only one trailer earned a 5 (New Horizon, I believe). If I'm not mistaken, the AF. Nash line earned a 4.



Previously, I've had a Wilderness & an Airstream & I like the Nash the best. Good quality & very user friendly.



Hope this helps.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[JCasper]

Thank you very much everyone for all your input. I am going to try and go over to the RV dealer tomorrow just so I can see a lot of trailers in one spot. I have been thinking a little and my taxes are coming back. I think my budget is growing.



Maybe 15-18K. That should allow me to get something newer and hopefully middle of the road quality. We will see tomorrow what the local dealer has.

 

[Grizzly]

As Grizzly said, look at the Nash products. They are made in La Grande, OR.

Within our group, we've had 5 of them (I've had two, a 19-B & a 25-S), all of which have been quite comfortable & trouble-free.

The Arctic Fox line is the "luxury" version of the Nash. Fiberglass sides vs. mostly aluminum sided. Fancier interiors in the AF's. Frames & many of the components are identical.

I've towed my 1998, 25-S all over the country & into Ontario, Can. & it's been extremely reliable. I would ABSOLUTELY consider buying another Northwood Ind. product.

You can check out the AF/Nash website by logging into AFNash.com. It's a free website with some very knowledgeable folks. They, also, have have a "classifieds" forum that will give you an idea of "used" pricing.

I've never towed a fifth-wheel trailer so I can't fairly compare with towing a TT. However, I've towed my TT's all over this country from mountainous West to flatlands & I've never had any problems with towing the TT. Last weekend, I towed about 700 miles from Phoenix to May Madness in Parumph, NV. Most of the time, you would never know there was 25 feet of trailer behind me. Very pleasant drive. In my opinion, towing a TT is not a miserable experience but, towing a FW could very well be a more pleasant one.

Awhile back, there was a thread, here, & a member posted about a website that rated trailers (1 thru 5). Only one trailer earned a 5 (New Horizon, I believe). If I'm not mistaken, the AF. Nash line earned a 4.

Previously, I've had a Wilderness & an Airstream & I like the Nash the best. Good quality & very user friendly.

Hope this helps.

Joe F. (Buffalo)

I totally agree with Joe. According to the RV Consumer Guide, New Horizon has the only 5 star rating, which is the maximum rating. However, a New Horizon starts at $75K. Not too many 5er and TT are rated 4 stars. Most Arctic Fox and Nash are 4 star rated as Joe said.

 

[JCasper]

I just looked at some new Springdales. We really like the 298BHL-GL. It has 4 bunks in the back which would be very nice with the kids.



New it is about $20,500. I have not compared that to anything else yet. It is just what the dealer by me had in that price range. And they are also made here in Oregon. I like to keep my money local if I can.

 

[Stoops]

I did a lot of research several years ago. Dutchmen left a lot to be desired. I found a good deal on a Wilderness and it served us well until we got the Newell motorhome. My advice would be to check for water leaks... . especially roof. A common problem is a roof leak that leaks inside the wall and rots the bottom wall plate , I've seen T trailers that totally seperated along the floor line after being involved in a minor collison I would want to be able to pressurize the water system to check for leaks before buying. A plumbing leak may be easy to fix but the water damage wont be.
Good Luck

 

[Grizzly]

I just looked at some new Springdales. We really like the 298BHL-GL. It has 4 bunks in the back which would be very nice with the kids.

New it is about $20,500. I have not compared that to anything else yet. It is just what the dealer by me had in that price range. And they are also made here in Oregon. I like to keep my money local if I can.

Not too bad. It's made by Keystone, but it's only two star rated. This is a 33' TT with a dry weight of 7358 and GVWR of 9505. A little better choice, also made by Keystone, is a Cougar. Consider a 22' to 24' 5th wheel.

 

[JCasper]

Not too bad. It's made by Keystone, but it's only two star rated. This is a 33' TT with a dry weight of 7358 and GVWR of 9505. A little better choice, also made by Keystone, is a Cougar. Consider a 22' to 24' 5th wheel.

Like I said I need to research them. The cougars seem to be quite a bit more money.



I liked the idea of having a new instead of used for $20,000. I will look around for a while and see what I find. There should be a lot of used ones around.

 

[Stoops]

My latest RVBusiness just arrived. . There is an article outlining FEMA's plan to auction RV's that they purchased for hurricane relief. Most of those in the industry feel that even though FEMA plans to release the units in measured amounts it will affect the new and used markets over the next 12-18 months. The message I am getting is prices will trend lower ... especially on used units and it is more important than ever to KNOW what you are buying. To stay in your budget I'd look at a 4-6 year old higher end brand that has been well cared for.

 

[RJOL]

If you are going to buy a used trailer the biggest concern you will have is finding out the "real condition" of the trailer. You either need to be very experienced or know where you can take the trailer to be thoroughly inspected for overall condition. You need to check all appliances, axles (alignment/bent), bearings, past or present water damage, and more. You can find older trailers, in very good condition, and newer ones that have been abused, or have had a significant mechanical problem that was not addressed. Don't fall in love with whatever you find before you have had it professionally inspected... .

 

[JCasper]

WOW, There are so many choices out there. We looked at Olinger in Hillsboro tonight. I saw a used 2004 Keystone fifth wheel that I really liked. http://www.olingertravelhomes.com/searchen...Homes+Hillsboro



5th Wheel 2004 Keystone Cougar 314 EFS-Fire Place



My wife thought that it was a little too big.



The trailer my wife likes is this one. Springdale Division of Keystone RV manufacturers of Recreational Vehicles.



I need to do some research. I am curious if the fifth wheel is a nicer trailer even with it being used. I also told my wife that Yes it looks big but it is probably shorter overall compared to the TT when hitched up.



I am not by any means set on either of these and I am still planning on looking at a few others. Like this one. 2007 JAYCO JAYFLIGHT 33' TRAVEL TRAILER GREAT 4 FAMILY WITH 4 BUNKS!!!



Who knows, there are just so many options.

 

[AMink]

Yes, there are a lot of choices. It's mind boggling! If there are any RV shows in your area, you probably should go there. It might be past that time though. Usually, they have them in the late winter/early spring. I don't know that the deals are any better, but at least you get to see a lot of different kinds in one place.

 

[JTCHess]

We traded in our Elkhorn 11Z truck camper on a Cougar 5th wheel and have not regretted it once. Our dealer has taken care of the warranty issues (converter and stereo system replacement) and overall we are very happy. This is our first trailer, easy to tow, roomer (compared to a truck camper), lot's of storage and reasonbly priced. We wanted a mid grade model, rear kitchen, and nothing longer than 30ft. The Cougar 290RK fit the bill perfectly and we have not looked back. Took us a year to figure it all out due to the number of choices. Good luck.



John

 

[GShelton]

Find something with a roomy bathroom and a kitchen that is laid out so it can be used with slide out "IN". Also make sure bottom is well enough sealed to keep rodents and crawly critters out. Make sure plumbing is protected from the weather. Frozen plumbing can make for a bad trip. I have a 26 foot Komfort 5er that I like but the bathroom is too small.

George

 

[plntmgr]

I had a 2001 32' Alpenlite and made 2 trips from cal. to the east coast. great coach with better construction. The only drawback was it weighed 14K. I had some sweaty palms, so traded it for the 24E29 (29' overall and 87K) Titanium. It trails nicely behind a Dodge and dry palms. Don

 

[plntmgr]

PS Make that 8. 7K WHEW!!!!!

 

[BBeck]

The Jayco looks really nice. The bathroom and kitchen seem bigger than what I have seen on the TTs. The four bunkbed in the rear is really nice too. The price seems like a great value as well. With it still new and under warranty, you are safer than an older one. It would be interesting to know from the seller if anything has gone wrong and what has been repaired under warranty.



Brad

 

[BBeck]

Have you priced the Jayco out on NADAGUIDES.com? Or the others for that matter.

 

[JCasper]

Have you priced the Jayco out on NADAGUIDES.com? Or the others for that matter.

Not yet, but it books for about 25K new.



I am kind of thinking a 5er is going to be a better option for me. I am a little leary about getting a TT that long. A 5er at least has some of it's length over the truck.



I looked at a couple Keystones Cougars again tonight and really like them.