Help! Need advice on 5er choice!!

[Dkevdog]

We are looking (and have been for some time now) at a 5er. We have never had one, although both my wife and I have camping/yachting experience. Not important. Anyway, we have narrowed our choice down to 2.



The first, is a Nomad "305 Scout" (Mfg by Skyline). It is a 30' with a 12' slide (kitchenette/couch). The price is better than anything we have seen yet, and it seems to offer for the most part everything that the more expensive trailers do. 2x2 construction, EPDM rubber roof, etc. We like this floor plan the best as well, we have small to medium kids, and really need the bunk option. There is not a lot of models available with bunks. Oh yeah- asking (sticker) is $21000, and the dealer is willing to work with us.



The second trailer is a 29' Sportsman 2954p (Mfg by K-Z inc. It has twin slides, one on each side of the coach. One for the kithen system (micro, stove, fridge, cabinets) and one for the sofa/dinette. While I do notice some significant improvements in the appliances and also in the windows, everything else, inlcuding construction is very similar. The big difference, about 9 grand in price more.



So I guess my questions are more, is is worth the extra 9? Does anyone have a better reputation/service/longevity, etc? Does anyone own either of these or had personal dealings?? We plan on actually going in and buying tomorrow (hopefully) and would appreciate any quick replys. I personally just cant see the extra $9k in the other trailer. Granted the double slides...



Keep in mind this is our first trailer, it will not be our last and I want somewhat of an entry level trailer. If after a few years we deciede we really enjoy this that much? Well then I'll consider spending the money for something nicer like an Alpenlite. ($60K... ... . mmm maybe not )



So what do ya think??



Kev

 

[klenger]

Although I am not familiar with either of these brands, my advise is to research thourghly and be patient in your decision. RVs tend to depreciate alot the first year or two, and I have learned that it's better to spend more on the first one and not have to trade a few years later. We have been looking at 5ers for a couple of months, and was about to purchase a 27' Terry ultra light 5er for about $22,000. The night before we were going to make the deal we went to an open house at the dealer we bought our first camper from. We had been back there many times, but never saw anythinkg that we really liked. I really wanted a camper with aluminum construction, and never looked at the Artic Fox closely because of the wood frame construction. At the gentle insistance of our salesman, we looked closely at the Artic Fox again, and were very impressed. It had all of the items that were on my shopping list, and a whole lot more. Almost everything is standard. We orderd the unit the next day. Price was about $32,000, but we got about $5000 more than our trade in was worth because of the higher price of the Artic Fox.



My point here is not to sell you on the Artic Fox, but just to let you know that I feel that I would have made a $22,00 mistake if I had ordered the Terry. Buying an RV is exciting, but try to keep the emotions in check. Good luck.

 

[Bob V]

Kev, first, we have a Nomad bumper pull and it has been an excellent trailer. We started looking at 5th wheels, and like you needed the bunks. We liked the Cougar 281EFS/Bobcat 282EFS(same floor plans). They have a center bath with a rear bedroom for the bunks and seem to be well built. Check them out at http://keystone-goshen.com/products.html

Bob V

 

[DBaker]

Kev, about a year ago I bought my first 5er. I took someones advice and bought the best my budget would afford and couldn't be happier. I bought a 34ft. "Americana" edition Cardinal by Forest River. I ordered it "factory direct" from Russ Anderson.

He calls his line Americana and has them built to his specs on the Forest River production line in Elkhardt,In. Mine came in at 32K and in months of looking around similar units were stickered at

50K to 55K. Contact Russ and he'll send you a video and data.

He's on the net at www.anericana.com. He builds entry level to luxury level. Sorry so long but I'm so happy with mine I wanted to pass this along. Good Luck!

 

[Dkevdog]

Backing Off.................. for now

After sitting on the deal overnight and thinking about what Ken said(thanks 0 we have deceided to back off for just a bit. A nieghbor bought a Thor 28' used, only three years old when they got it and saved nearly 45% off what a new one costs. We are now seriously considering the used route, especially being our first coach. Now if I can just find someone in So Cal to go shopping with... ... ... ..... .



Thanks,

Kev

 

[SA Law]

buying

kev



my advice to you would b to contact Barry, who is a TDR member. . He is a RV dealer here in Texas. My fiance and I are going to visit him in about 2 weeks so we can can get a rundown on 5er's, as we have never owned one either. . I think that he would be very helpful in answering all ur questions as well...

 

[Dkevdog]

Sounds good, do you have an email for him? We are still looking, and are now considering the used route for our first rig.

 

[SA Law]

Info on 5er

Dont have his email, but email me ur # and Ill put u in touch with him. . and the used route is the way I plan to go as well

 

[merryman]

Kev;

The thing that bugs me about trailer buying is that there is so much to the trailer that you really can't SEE.

Example 10 years ago when shopping for a fiver, we toured three factories, Alpenlite (Yakima Wa. ), Collins (Springfield Or. -no longer in business), and Skyline(McMinnville Or. --at that time they were making Layton, Nomad and Aljo)

There really was a diff. Of course Alpenlite is alluminum bonded-wall construction, which is a lot diff. from the wood framed, but we passed on that because of experiences of Elk hunting observations. In really cold weather, there were stripes of water on the walls showing where the alluminum studs were, that is where there was very little insulation as the hollow metal studs transferred the heat/cold better than wood.



Between Collins and Skyline there was a difference in the wood in the framing. Collins used only Douglas Fir--considered one of the strongest framing wood, and they resawed it at the factory to remove knots and bad spots. Actually the resaw shop was the start of the tour, and it was clear that that was really what they were doing. The lumber comming in was random in both length and width and they cut the 2x2s there On the other hand a Skyline, I saw a variety of wood being used and it was pretty much used as it came in the door--knots and all.

There are other un-seeable, but siginificant differences. For example, the typical floor covering in RV's is about 11 mil thick. Nash/Artic Fox is 20 mil.

There are some substantial differences between the $22. trailer and the $32K one, but it maybe that those are differences one would reasonable choose to accept as the trade off for the $.



There are some RV rating groups, I can not think of the names right now, but a Nash/Artic fox dealer could give you the names, as they were rated very high last year and have the info.

Good luck



Vaughn

 

[Dkevdog]

Vaughn-



You bring up some good points. I am not new to the 5er world, we have been looking for several years, but now have become serious on buying. We looked at the Tetons, and it is quite obvious, that manufactures such as this as well as Alpenlite, and (back a while) London Aire trailers are very much superior indeed. But your point is just my point- Are they really worth the $$$. I had a freind who lived in 40' teton a number of years back- for him it was absolutely worth it- he moved three times a year and it made sense. Since it was his home, he spared no expense in the trailer. Us? well maybe a couple weeks a year and a weekend or two a month? I know there are those who will debate this to death. I think we'll be looking at middle of the line. Besides, I would hate to spend $35K on a coach only to find out that this is really not my thing. (Although I'm more worried about how the wife n kids will do).



I really think used is a good place to start, simply for the above reasons. Of course, used opens up even more questions than new- you have no dealer in most cases to fall back on. That is why I have all you guys to ask questions to!



I am hoping to get a more experienced member to maybe come looking with us when the time comes. No need to rush into it. It is an exciting experience and one you can easily be caught up in for sure.



Now it's just a matter of finding the right one at the right price. I hear there a many a deal to be had from those who want out becuase they found they didn't use or enjoy the trailer. The search goes on.



Kev

 

[dewdo]

Kev:

The guys are right about the price you can get quoted on an RV. There is a tremendous markup in them. I was looking at an Avion a year or so ago and got to talking with the lot boy. I told him I wasn't serious about buying right now and that I have a 35' King Of The Road which I pull to Arizona and back once a year, and am real happy with it.



I noticed the price MSRP on it wa $64,950, so I asked the kid: "Are they serious about that price?" He replied: "No, not really" so I asked him then what would be a realistic sale price. He replied: "somewhere in the high forties. " If that is the case, then that is the reason to go in and offer them a rediculous price to start with and work up from there.



I bought a pickup camper last year and did that. The salesman came back and said; "you aren't serious about that offer are you?" I told him I was as serious about my offer as he was about his MSRP. I managed to meet him halfway. He was happy and I was too.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[SLVRBLT]

Go Used!

Dkevdog-



My advice is to be patient and find a good, clean, used trailer. BTW, Sa Law is right, contact Barry and ask his advice. I have talked to Barry at least 3 times and he has given me good, sound advice. I think he saved me from buying something I didn't really want. If I was a little closer to Barry I would have had him searching for my 5er. Barry is a really nice guy and is always helpful. Email me if you need his email address or toll free number. I have been looking for a 5er for over a year and made the deal on a '99 today. I figure I saved at least $12,000. 00+ compared to buying a new one. I swear, you can't tell this unit from a brand new one. One of the most important things I learned in looking for a trailer was patience. What you're looking for is out there, just be patient and dedicated and you will find it.

Good luck in your search.

Dave

 

[Dkevdog]

Dave- Congrats on the new (er. . used) coach! What'd you end up finding?? We are still looking, and yes patience is the key. I know there are a lot of them out there, they just aren't in the papers or classifieds. We are willing to travel a ways to pick one up too, if the price is right. I've been told there is a steady concentration of larger trailers in the retirement areas of Arizona, we might try pickup a newspaper from there. Everybody out here in CA think they can get what they paid for em. Looked at a 99' trailer (forget the name??) guy paid $33K for it in June of 99 and thinks he can get $27 for it cause he "only used a few times... " Nice rig, but more than I'm gonna spend for a used one for SURE! I'm waiting for SA Law to hook me up with Barry- tell the truth, I'd go to Texas even if the deal smelled sweet enough! My neighbor went to Colorado for his RV, and was well worth it .



Cheers and Happy Fourth!!

 

[BC]

Dkevdog,



Scanned through this thread. I'd say you're on target in looking at buying something about 2 or 3 years old. We have a 99' Kountry Star by Newmar. We looked for over a year. I really wanted to buy a good used 5er that was in great shape. My wife wanted to buy new. Guess which avenue we chose? That's right, bought a new one, what Mamma wants Mamma gets!



But now we're selling it. Why? When we bought it we were going to live in it for about a year while we built a house in the north Georgia mountains. About a month after buying the Newmar we found a house with a lot of property that we bought. This meant we didn't need a 5er to live in.



We have horses. Now my wife would rather have a horse trailer with living quarters. Like I said, What Mamma wants.....



My point is this. There are lots of folk out there who buy 5ers but for whatever reason change their mind about full timing. These folks are serious "don't wanters". It's from the "don't wanters" where you will get your best deal.



That's why I wanted to buy used in the first place. I've put my foot down about the horse trailer with living quarters. It will be used.



I am a full time real estate investor. My advice to you is to find a brand(s) that you like, and then be prepared to make a lot of offers. Someone will say yes! People ask me how I get such great deals on the rent homes I buy. Simple, I make 20 offers a day.



Hope this helps.



Bill Cook

 

[merryman]

Kev

You shouldn't be too terribly far from Yuma, Az. With the huge number of older RVers going there every fall, I have often thought that there must be a substantial number who because of health or other reasons decide that they can't or do not want to drag them back to whereever come March or April, or who decide to buy a place there and quite traveling. Seems like this ought to make spring and summer a great time to buy a used RV in that area. I am never able to plan that far ahead, but it might be the way to get a deal.



Vaughn

 

[midnight1black]

5er

As you can see there are a couple of post about the Artic Fox , It really is a great R. V. Sure it may have some small problems like a pice of molding coming loose but over all it is a nice trailer.

 

[Roxy]

Look at this site

Dkevdog,

Take a look at the following site: www.rvreviews.com/. There are a ton of RV owners who have reviewed, onsite, their RV's. You will probably get an idea of which brands are generally good and which are generally bad, and the level of service to be expected.

Good Luck! PS - I agree, that you should not be in any too big of a hurry.

 

[hotel6]

Another point to consider is how and where you will use your trailer. If you plan on alot of gravel, or poorly maintained roads then you will want to be concerned with the frame and the height clearance. If you are going to primarily be on pavement then this is less of an issue. Construction quality does showup in the use! You might also check out the RV Rating Book at your library. It will give you some good advice as to which manufacturers and models are worth looking at.

 

[Shooter]

Barry and his dad are puchasing a lot of trailers in AZ and taking them back to TX. This is an indication of the market in the different areas.

I have talked to Barry and he has been helpful.



MHO

 

[Dkevdog]

Shooter- I am waiting to hear back from Barry, Brian (SA Law) is up there with him this weekend and I have spoken with him (Brian) and he is going to let Barry know. We were thinking on heading out to Arizona next week to take a look but want to have some lined up.



Kev