fivers to avoid

[tractorface]

The wife, newborn, and I are seriously cosidering selling the house and going on the road for a year or two. I know this is a big step and I have done a lot of research on the subjecct. Anyway my question is about our choice of RV's. I have decided a fiver is the best way for us to go (We have rented motorhomes and own a TT) I will do my homework but would like to shorten the curve by asking the experts here. Are there any RV's or types of construction I should avoid. I plan to purchase a used RV and even though I can repair just about anything I need to I would like something as maitenance free as possible. I am looking for information on the following:

1. Size that will be comfortable and still be a legal load for my 2500

2. Quaility, I plan on keeping it a long time.

3. General comfort. For us that means spacious toilet and shower and room to walk by one another without too much advanced notice. (maybe a slide out seating area).

4. Features I "can't do without" Both for the truck and the new living quarters.

Any advice would be appreciated and hopefully some Brands to avoid. I would like to be able to narrow my search to several brands and avoid looking at junk.

Thanks, this is a big step but the RAT RACE is killing us. (Doesn't hurt that my house is worth a small fortune now, Real estate around here is nuts. We will settle somewhere cheaper when the wander lust is satisfied)

 

[rparlaman]

5ERS

WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WOULD DO IT AGAIN, GO TO RVSEARCH. COM. ALOT OF NICE FULL TIME RIGS THAT OLDER PEOPLE GET SICK AND CAN`T TRAVEL. rEAL NICE TRAVEL SUPREME, TENTON HOMES,YOU NAME IT. TRY IT YOU`LL LIKE THE PRICES. RON













2001 HO BANKS POWER PACK,JACOBS E BRAKE,WESTECH FUEL GAUGES IN DASH,50 GALLON TRANS FLOW 2000 30FT SANDPIPER

 

[RustyJC]

I suggest you contact Barry Millet, the moderator of this forum. Barry is the owner of AutoRV Exchange and deals in just the types of RV's you're looking at. Even if you don't buy anything from him, he can tell you what's good, what's bad and what problems to look for. Just click through to his e-mail.



Rusty

 

[The patriot]

Someone here on the forum had a REALLY NICE 5'er for sale a short time back. I believe it was a Titanium. Only a year or two old. He had some pics too... I think?

Do a search.

Eric

 

[msimmons]

Trac:



If I were you, I would definitely avoid some of the entry level brands such as the base Fleetwoods (Mallard, Prowler, Terry, etc. ) along with some other entry level brands, i. e. Dutchmen. You can get a pretty nice quality rig for just a few more bucks from Jayco, Sunnybrook, etc. Both these brands are quality rigs with good reputations and both companies stand behnd their products well. You can go to the upper tier, Teton, King of the Road, etc. but you will pay dearly for them. Be aware that some of the upper level brands of years past (i. e. Avion) have been acquired by other companies and the quality of their units has suffered along with factory support.



If you don't mind spending a little to research your purchase, the RV Consumer group has an excellent book with ratings on the many and varied choices out there. Their website is www.rv.org.



As far as the truck, if you have a Dodge with a Cummins you have the best rig going for RV'ing. I would recommend the addition of a trans temp gauge (if you have an auto) and also an exhaust pyrometer.



As far as towing capacity, that depends a lot on how your Cummins is equipped.



Hope this helps!



Mike

 

[TowPro]

Just think, I was going to recommend fleetwood. My one step from the top terry has been a great RV. No way I would say its "entry level"



What ever you look at, check out http://www.nadaguides.com and see what its worth after its 1 year old. I was amazed how much my "terry" has held its value.



I was also looking at a 5th ave. It was a nice looking rig, but lost almost a 1/3 of its value in the first year or so.



I also have looked at Dutchman and did not like the construction. I also saw one that was 2 years old and it was falling apart.

Originally posted by msimmons

Trac:



If I were you, I would definitely avoid some of the entry level brands such as the base Fleetwoods (Mallard, Prowler, Terry, etc. )

Mike

 

[msimmons]

Tow:



No offense intended toward your Terry. I guess I didn't make it clear enough that I truly meant the "base" units. In the past several years Fleetwood has added many different levels to one brand and the "up-scale" versions of those brands are OK. I don't think the Mallard offers any "up-scale" versions though and its base unit is pretty base.



Amen to the Dutchmen.



I guess I was intimating by my post to spend a little more and get a "lot" more.



Mike

 

[Servis]

choice of rv

I don't think you can go wrong with Sunnybrook. I went through the factory in Indiana and was well pleased with what I observed.

I also went througu the Jayco factory both are good units.

What ever you chose have a great time.

 

[MikeH]

We did exactly what you are contemplating for what sounds like the same reason. Sold our house in the DC area, traded our small motorhome in on a nice 33' Jayco Designer fiver and our Ford Ranger in on the 3500 CTD.



Had excellent luck with the Jayco and would recommend them highly. Now settled in a nice slow pace and less expensive place. Sold the Jayco with plans to buy a smaller weekend type fiver. Keeping the CTD forever. Was surprised to find the Jayco had a much better resale value than I expected.



MikeH



By the way, blood pressure is much improved.

 

[24V-DSL]

tractorface....

Before you take off, rent and watch a very funny Albert Brooks movie, Lost in America.



It's maybe 10 plus years old, and maybe a little hard to locate.



Hint..... don't stop in Vegas to restate your marriage vows.

 

[Bug Out]

Be REAL careful and ...

avoid buying any Thor products.



www.thorindustries.com

 

[Mike Ellis]

tractorface,



I was planning to buy a 5th wheel last year, until I switched my focus to a truck camper instead. I looked at all the units and was most impressed with the Arctic Fox.



There is a difference between the casual user fiver and those intended for full-timing. The upscale full-timing style fiver has a lot of open (wasted) space to give it a home-like feeling, and lots of fancy wood, tile floors, etc. A surprising number are set up only for 2 people - one large bed, regular couch and chairs, etc. , so you should be sure anything you pick has room for your baby - place to put a reasonable crib etc. Also note that the new breed of full-time use fiver often has a lot of glass installed - big picture windows, etc. - and can present some serious $$$ to fix same if busted by gravel, thermal expansion etc. Big, spacious rooms come at a price too - unit is higher which means more wind resistance on the highway and worse mileage. Some of the best are designed to reduce this aero load.



I liked the Arctic Fox because of the suspension and strong frame, good materials and worksmanship. It didn't have a lot of wasted space or 10' tall ceilings and such - just a nice, well-thought out unit that was built to last.



With a baby, I recommend you look for units that have real hardwood cabinets that you can mount sturdy child-proof latches onto. Check out the electrical systems, make sure anything that is mounted low (furnace controls, propane leak detector or such) can be childproofed. You can get a unit with washer/dryer space, could be a big convenience depending on what diaper approach you use. Make sure it has good, sturdy steps with non-slip surface that Mom can safely navigate while holding baby. Also check ability for Mom to open the door while standing on the steps with baby in hand. Some of the tall units have pretty steep steps into the bedroom area, even though there are typically only a few, the entryway is often tiled or hardwood and a baby falling down the steps could take a nasty spill indeed.



Insist on a Fantastic fan or such in the unit, so you can crack a window and easily ventilate. Dirty diapers in a hot, closed-in space can spoil your day (doh!).



Lastly, be very careful to check your CO2 and propane leak detectors frequently. Babies and small children are much more sensitive to such gases, a leak you don't even notice could make your baby very sick especially if the baby is playing on floor or sleeping in a low crib since the gases tend to pool up at low points.

 

[Photoman]

Bug Out-I would be interested in the reason you are so anti-THOR? We have had two THOR products in the last five years (24ft Komfort) and, for the past year, a 28' Cougar Fifth Wheel. Just a few minor warranty problems to speak of. We have had excellent service from our local dealer (Curtis Trailer). I take it you have a nightmare experience? Regards, Photoman

 

[Bug Out]

I owned a wanderer 5th wheel

Photoman, I owned a Wanderer ( by thor) 5th wheel.



I had a few minor problems, roof a/c unit got loose, water filled the cabinets and soaked the couch .



The heater went on the blink.



Moisture would routinely run down the wall in front of the mattress/pillows and saturate the pillows,carpet and mattress. ( winter only. open windows and fans did not help)



Having said that, overall, dollar for dollar, I would buy one again, knowing it IS NOT a high dollar unit, but very entry level. ( you get what you pay for)



A review of owner complaints( Rv America etc) about warranty and other issues puts Thor and Fleetwood in a bad light also. I discovered this after I bought my Wanderer and considered myself lucky I had only minor problems, compared to others.



It and other Thor products in the low end range are just that, Not something a family should go "full-time" in,which is what tractorface is talking about.



Most Thor products fall in the same range. Thor has bought out several other manufac. in recent years. I cannot speak for them. (I believe Keystone was one)



I now own a Alpenlite, which is a tad above the Wanderer I first owned.



I would highly recommend a Alpenlite for full timing.

 

[NETim]

fivers

I don't see how anyone can get a handle on all of the manufacturers and brands and models of 5th wheels out there.



My last informal count shows approx 13,567 manufacturers, 23,459 brands and 111, 982 models.



No way I could get on top of this. I haven't been able to sort them out.



We're going with a truck camper. Don't have to be so smart.



Tim

 

[jjdiesel]

Titanium 5er

I'm the one with the Titanium, pm me if interested

 

[JSchooley]

My brother and I both have 2000 SeaBreeze 30 ft. 5ers from National RV. Nice interior, but both of us have experienced many problems and factory support is very poor.



Last trailer was an older Alpenlite and we are now considering selling the SeaBreeze and getting a newer Alpenlite.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

I have a 34ft Thor Wanderer, also. We lived in it full time for about 2 years in Md. Only prob we had was the furnace during the second year. That's to be expected, though, since it was running full time in the winter, and it isn't designed for that. I would probably buy another Thor.



Jim

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Brownie points

A couple of Fantastic Vents (thermostatically controlled) will give you more flexibility in ventilation in a 5er. I would also seriusly consider getting the unit washer/drier ready if the budget won't stretch to being installed at time of original 5er purchase. The sheer convenience factor will be appreciated by your wife many times over, especially with a small child around.

 

[Ramboy]

I have a 40' Alfa Gold that my wife and I lived in for about 3 years while I was traveling and contracting. Two things that we consider necessary to full-timing are dual refrigerators and washer and dryer. The two fridges keep you from running to the store daily. With the washer and dryer, get the separate units rather than a combo. They work about as well as home units and your wife will love them. The rig is heavy and I had to add some mods to the truck but now it tows like a dream.