good 5th wheel

[Bartlett]

I have been looking to buy a used 5th wheel camper in the 28- 30 ft range. Ihave had a few campers previously and have some knowledge of them but was wondering if ther were any particular brands that were better than others. Rather than naming brands that some may not like thought if anyone had good luck with a certain brand let me know. I dont want to start any bickering amongst us:-{} It will probably be mid 90's year model, thanks

mike

 

[Helohauler]

I have a '96 Starcraft Lumastar 300SKS, 31 footer that I bought new and would not trade it for anything. One decent slideout, more interior storage than any I've seen in that size, and very confortable living area. You should be able to get one in decent shape for $13-15K. Used on most medium length 5'ers, the 15 inch Goodyear Marathon trailer tires SUCK! I had 7 fail in 7 years, then I moved up to 16 inch aluminum wheels and Michelin all-steel body XPS Ribs... what an amazing difference. Also installed Dexter's kit for moving the twin axles to the bottom of the springs for truck to 5'er clearance. This is a strongly built, but light, unit... all aluminum framing on a steel chassis with a max gross of 10. 5K. We looked long and hard before finding this and I've not seen a better one in its class since.

Good luck finding what you want.

Tim

 

[Fireman]

I have been looking for about 6-7 mos. I have researched ratings, talked to owners, and checked out most of these with my own eyes and hands, so here is MY OPINION.

Artic Fox, Excel RT, New Mar American Star and Kountry Star, Nu-Wa Hitchhiker II, Crossroads, Sunnybrook Titan.

These are the best I have found in my price range. The Kountry Star and Hitchhiker II were really outside that range, but I included them anyway.

If you look really hard at any trailer that is 5 yrs old or older you will be able to see the difference between the good brands and not so good. Inspect each throughly inside and out. Don't forget to get on the roof and crawl up underneath for a good look too. Take your time looking, don't rush.

Fireman

 

[clem]

Best 5th wh

We are on our 3rd Avion. They are the best trailers we have had. But thats why they paint trucks more than one color. It would be a sad world if everyone drove a white pick-up. Good luck ,but keep in mind the trailer the sales person is trying to sell you, will tell you the trailer they are trying to move. That it is the best one.

 

[RustyJC]

Depends on your price range and usage. We're on our 3rd Jayco, and our 2nd Designer 5th wheel. Our current rig is a Designer XL 3610RLTS - 36' triple slide. Our Jaycos have given us excellent service, and Jayco has an excellent reputation for customer service and support, which we can attest to. That's why we keep coming back.



If you're looking for something in the $60K to $70K MSRP range, I'd sure take a look at the new Legacy models - they weren't available when we bought ours. If you want to spend something less, look at the Designers.



I'm certainly not saying Jayco is the only way to go - just that, based on our experience, it's worthy of your consideration.



Rusty

 

[rdanley]

cameo by carraige i have had two of them know complaints.

 

[klenger]

I've been very happy with our Arctic Fox (see sig). It's short on flash and fancy, but long on standard features and ruggedness. It's priced in the mid-range for it's size. Happy shopping.

 

[Fireman]

oops

I forgot Carraige, thanks rdanley.

Fireman

 

[Bartlett]

Thats what i was looking for. Thanks for all the good info. I will be sure to be on the lookout for the brands mentioned. Thanks again.

mike

 

[RMcCulloch]

We're more than happy with our Montana.



As others have said, a lot depends upon your intended usage and your budget.

 

[ralbert]

Just bought a 2002 HR Alumiscape 32' for $23,000. Went to the Tampa Fl RV show and came away knowing that I did the right thing by buying this 5th. Also own a 99 Lance945 and will never sell it. We looked hard at Artic Fox. Went to thier plant in Winchester VA. Built good but interior colors too dark. Will never buy new again. Last winter in Fl I could have bought a 2001 Kountry Star 36' for $30. 000. Just too much weight for me. Look around there are some nice used 5ths around. Go to high end dealers. The past owner of my HR traded it for a $73,000 Kountry Star.

 

[C Schomer]

Bartlett, all the new units have some problems (usually minor) that have to be warranteed. My Sunnybrook has been terrific since the initial factory goofs were fixed. A used rv should have all that stuff worked out. Just a few tips when shopping - press on the walls (in and out, several places) to feel for siding and paneling seperation, especially in the front overhang area. Look for water damage, everywhere. Roofs and plumbing leaks can be disasterous. Check the roof for tree limb damage. Make sure all the appliances work. Check the tire wear for bent axle problems. I've seen people with the best intentions buy some really beatup garbage! Craig