I'm thinking about a new fifth-wheel.

[Killgore]

As usual, I like to turn to TDR when I have questions regarding something that has wheels on it. First off, DW and I are now full-timers and I have come to the realization that the camper in my signature just ain't gonna cut it as a full-timer's unit. It is an assembly line product that was made in haste without
much thought given to quality control or sound engineering practices. (Sorry, I'm guilty of looking beyond the glitz and eye-candy, but bought it because
it was a racehorse deal). I am currently looking at Augusta RV's Ambition AB-35RS. There are some real positives from what I can see in this unit; factory direct, custom built, intense QC, all the upgrades as standard, etc. etc. (Wayne, look at the specs. on the running gear and suspension). Anybody had any experience with them? They have an A+ rating from the BBB and evidently handle post-sale problems to the satisfaction of their customers.

www.augusta-rv.com

 

[Cummins12V98]

I did the tour a couple months ago. I really don't like the "SOFT" walls or most of the color designs. In general they look to be a quality built unit.

 

[Killgore]

Thanks for your take on them. We are going for the tour next month and try to form an opinion. The only down-side that I see is they are so new on the market with no
reliability history, but there again they are using quality components. As I look into the customer satisfaction end of it, they appear to really back the product up after the
sale and that impresses me.

- Ed

 

[RVTRKN]

I would look at the frame and axles first, if it's a liepert frame assembly, that's a deal breaker. Look for the GVWR vrs dry weight, you should have enough capacity to cover your wet weight and all your gear with a healthy surplus left over. Some 5vrs are real close to the GVWR after its fitted out and ready for the road.

 

[Jeff Knight]

This is a little far to go but it's a nice show. Augusta RV will be there plus more. http://www.prvca.org/LargestRVShowbuttonpage2010/tabid/212/language/en-US/Default.aspx

 

[SnoKing]

We tried to stay in that length but ended up with a 39'4" unit to get the features we wanted. I watched the video and like a lot of things they did. We ended up with a Big Horn 3575el, to get a Butler's Pantry area ahead of the kitchen, a two door bathroom, and the same shower stall. Our friends bought a high end RV from them, however we have not yet seen it. PDI issues have taken forever to get straighten out, and then it got a check engine light. SNOKING

#ad

 

[RVTRKN]

The shows usually have good deals, discounts & free accessories. I did that when I bought my boat in 95, I went to a Manufacturer show, not a dealers show. Manufacturers will discount the product, not the dealer, so the dealers can still make the same profit. But if the dealer is hungry for a sale, you'll get that savings on top of the manufacture deals.

 

[Cummins12V98]

"I would look at the frame and axles first, if it's a liepert frame assembly, that's a deal breaker."

I would disagree. Lippert makes what the RV MFG wants and builds to their specs, usually light and CHEAP! Now look at the standard DRV frame that is a triple stacked 15" high frame.

 

[Killgore]

Augusta seems to be rightfully proud of their 12" I-beam box frame though they readily admit that it adds additional weight. The Ambition dry weight is 14,800-15,200
depending on the options selected (washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.). Wet weight I was told could be as high as 18,000. All of this sits on tandem 8,000 lb. Dexter axles,
disc brakes, Mor/Ryde SRE4000 suspension, and a Mor/Ryde hitch pin. Standard rubber is 17.5" Goodyear H-rated tires.

- Ed

 

[Killgore]

Jeff, we've considered coming up to Hersey for the show but my contact at the plant said we could look at what they are taking over there when we do the plant tour. I
suspect that we will go to Tampa in January if we have any unresolved questions.

When I read the reviews, I am struck by the number of folks that comment on the excellent fit and finish. One thing's for sure, they don't get in a rush to push them out
the door. Orders placed today are taking 12 weeks for delivery.

- Ed

 

[Grizzly]

When making a sizeable investment like a new large (full timer) 5th wheel, consider a purchase of the latest RV Consumer Group. They test and rate all RV's. They tell it like it is. I subscribe to them and have purchased two RV's based on their recommendations. Both have been great, as expected. george

 

[Killgore]

George, I probably need to do that. I've chased down comments on every forum I can think of and tried some unconventional approaches for additional information.
Looking at their sales volume, I would assume they only produce around 35-40 units a year. They appear to be owned by Lakota, a top-end horse trailer outfit with no
ties to the big boys in this field. They stress quality over quantity and as long as they continue to support this business model I think they are on a roll.

- Ed

 

[Killer223]

i'd Never own anything but a http://northwoodmfg.com/
or a newly reopened weekend warriors.

 

[Killgore]

I have observed a fair amount of brand loyalty in the more carefully constructed and engineered campers. This speaks well for the companies
that produce them, as well as those who appreciate the extra effort and can afford the added expense. There is a line that can be drawn
between a weekend camper and one that is built for full-timers, as well as the individual who enters into the camper community having
previous experience and someone with no experience at all, IMO. Only thorough research coupled with some degree of luck will insure that a
buyer will purchase the ideal perfect product, if it even exists. All that being said, with fifteen years experience and now being on my third
camper, I continue to be mystified. Perhaps my original question should have been, "What, if any, camper in the price range of $60-100M
would you recommend for full-timing, and why?".

 

[Grizzly]

Just about anything Northwood Mfg. makes are 4 star rated, which includes Arctic Fox, Nash and Desart Fox. You can get an RV thats a little better, like a 4.5 star or a 5 star, but they are very few and far between. george

 

[RVTRKN]

Killgore, can you post a link to the specs as far as dry, axle, pin and the other related specs. It seems the grey tank might be undersized a little, at least from the odd specs you get from their website. It looks to be a well made unit, however manufactures always claim to be better than the compition. As far as Northwoods mfg. goes, they are a quality build, but the luxury is not as important as function with them. I own an older (05) Arctic fox, and it is well built, especially the frame and suspension. But it is not a luxurious 5ver, if your looking for high end luxury, then Northwoods mfg. won't appeal to you. However they have improved in that dept. since mine was built.

Goodluck in your purchase
Steve

 

[Killgore]

Steve, I looked at Northwood and I agree they appear to be a well engineered product. Unfortunately, they are about as common as hen's teeth around here; the closest dealer being about 500 miles away.

DW and I have batted this around fifteen different ways, neither of us happy about slicing heavily into our exit plan ($'s), but finally
coming back to the fact that we are really into full-timing which affords the opportunity to spend time with our five kids (at our own convenience), work-kamp, and finally really see other parts of the country. I have to admit that I have concerns about the weight we would
be pulling. The only thing I have from my plant contact is a dry weight of 14,800-15,200 lbs. depending on options, and a gross approaching 18,000. All of this is sitting on 8,000 lb. axles with a MorRyde SRE-4000 suspension and disc brakes. This is right at the upper limit of my truck and I would walk away if I didn't have an exhaust brake, SBC G56-OKHD clutch and the camper wasn't equipped with disc brakes and a rugged suspension. I think you can appreciate the clouds and mist I'm trying to navigate through.

- Ed

 

[Killgore]

George, you don't by chance have a rating on the Ambition do you?

Thanks,

Ed

 

[ringneck]

i would like to know more about the arctic fox.i do not like the augusta.

 

[RVTRKN]

Please posts some pics, with whatever you decide. The only worry I'd have with your truck, is your 3:73 rear diff, you might want to go with 4:10's, it's a lot cheaper than a new truck. Your G56 is geared better than mine, if it's the AD version, but with that kinda GCVW, go with 4:10. Look at my sig, even though it's a 6.7, it only has 305HP and my GCVW is @ 23K, I wished I'd have chosen the 4:10 option.

ringneck, the best that Arctic fox is known for, is the frame, as they manufacture them themselves, except for the axles. That gives them total control of what they want for optimum support. If a manufacturer uses Liepert frames and builds them to the RV manufacturer specs, as was posted, which I don't completely believe. Which did the manufacture chose, the best quality Liepert offers or the cheapest? Arctic Fox is the best choice between quality and style for your money. Now if you want total luxury and quality, then Arctic Fox is not for you, but a $150K 5ver would not be affordable to the average RV buyer. Unlike the Augusta, Northwoods mfg. has all the specs online, so if you want to learn about them, check out the website. Many members here will agree, that the Arctic Fox is a good choice, and I'm one of them.