I'm thinking about a new fifth-wheel.

[Cummins12V98]

We go this morning to sign the closing docs on the SB. So we will be official trailer trash tomorrow when we receive our funding.

Summer home!

#ad

Very happy for you two!!!

 

[donnandon]

HI Ed! Just responding to your original post, we are the proud owners of a 2016 Augusta Ambition 38RL! There are not that many of us out there because they only make approx. 100 5th wheels a year and only 1/2 of those are Ambitions. Knock on wood, we have not had any problems with our unit. It was an RV show model so it had most of the bells and whistles on it. We have only towed it about 2500 miles or so. In a month or so we will be heading north to go to FL for the winter, so should see more road time then. We were originally looking at DRV's and Luxe's, but didn't want to tow that much weight around. Our previous 5th wheel was only 14k, the Ambition is approx. 18k. The workmanship in the trailer is excellent. They actually had a basement wall off at the show so you could see the "bowels" of the trailer. It was all very well routed and secured wiring and plumbing. We did the factory tour after the fact last Spring and were impressed by their workmanship. The workers are paid hourly vs piecework, so they take their time and do it right the first time. If you want to know more, let us know! We also sent you a PM.

 

[Killgore]

HI Ed! Just responding to your original post, we are the proud owners of a 2016 Augusta Ambition 38RL! There are not that many of us out there because they only make approx. 100 5th wheels a year and only 1/2 of those are Ambitions. Knock on wood, we have not had any problems with our unit. It was an RV show model so it had most of the bells and whistles on it. We have only towed it about 2500 miles or so. In a month or so we will be heading north to go to FL for the winter, so should see more road time then. We were originally looking at DRV's and Luxe's, but didn't want to tow that much weight around. Our previous 5th wheel was only 14k, the Ambition is approx. 18k. The workmanship in the trailer is excellent. They actually had a basement wall off at the show so you could see the "bowels" of the trailer. It was all very well routed and secured wiring and plumbing. We did the factory tour after the fact last Spring and were impressed by their workmanship. The workers are paid hourly vs piecework, so they take their time and do it right the first time. If you want to know more, let us know! We also sent you a PM.

And, thanks so much for your input. I confess I have agonized over the additional weight as you may have noticed if you have read this thread
in its' entirety. I have filled my auxiliary tank, left my portable lifting crane on board (used to load and unload my generator and fifth-wheel),
added theoretical weight for one well-fed driver and his chunky wife (damn good cook), and run over the truck scales to determine that I can
count on 5,600 lbs. as my payload capacity. I took the theoretical weight of 18,000 lbs. on the loaded fifth-wheel and subtracted 20% for the
weight on the pin box and thereby reconciled what I would be asking my truck to pull. All of these calculations set my mind at ease (eventually).
I can't see that I could make a case for pulling a Lux due to its' heavier construction even if I could afford the purchase price.

As previously mentioned (as well as in my signature), precious truck has an exhaust brake, SBC upgrade, gauges for monitoring EGT and
boost, and Michelin LTX M/S II's. The camper under consideration has disc brakes, 8,000 lb. axles, and a MorRyde pin box and suspension.
I think I have most of the bases covered, but if I've left anything out, please let me know.

- Ed

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Ed,

Have you made a firm decision on a unit?

 

[Killgore]

Russell, no we're undecided and still investigating all options.

- Ed

 

[RVTRKN]

Who manufactures the frames for Augusta? If the frame, is a well built frame, and the wire chase ways as well as undercarriage plumbing and duct work are properly installed as mentioned by donnandon, I would concider it over the Arctic Fox. I went through my generator section and battery compartments and found some cuts from sharp frame supports that they hadnt added protection for. All the other appliances are built by other manufactures, and you can get those in any RV manufacture. So the best judgement on quality for an RV is the frame, and framed walls and roof structure. It's the little details that make the difference after fore mentioned.

Good luck.
Steve

 

[Killgore]

Steve, Donna and Don said the frames were manufactured by Lippert to Augusta's specs. Maybe not a deal breaker but something that bears
scrutiny. Overall, they give their Ambition a big thumb's up with no problems the first ten months of ownership. They have been full-timers for
seven years and I suspect not much gets by them.


- Ed

 

[donnandon]

Who manufactures the frames for Augusta? If the frame, is a well built frame, and the wire chase ways as well as undercarriage plumbing and duct work are properly installed as mentioned by donnandon, I would concider it over the Arctic Fox. I went through my generator section and battery compartments and found some cuts from sharp frame supports that they hadnt added protection for. All the other appliances are built by other manufactures, and you can get those in any RV manufacture. So the best judgement on quality for an RV is the frame, and framed walls and roof structure. It's the little details that make the difference after fore mentioned.

Good luck.
Steve

The wiring in our Ambition's Generator Bay and Battery Compartment is all run through wire loom and secured. No areas that I could see that would be easily damaged. Regarding frames, I think almost all are now made by Lippert. I think Northwoods still makes their own. Lifestyle (Carriage) did until they went under. The frame design is what makes the difference. Augusta designs their own, not Lippert. Supposedly Lippert told Augusta that their frames were overdesigned and could be made cheaper, but they did not do that.

 

[RVTRKN]

It's the suspension that they make as well. A next door neighbor, that we were camping next to, was complaining about having to repair the suspension all the time, in a two year old 5ver. I don't remember the brand but I asked him if the frame maker was Liepert, he didn't know, nor had he ever heard of Liepert. I told him that Liepert had lots of issues, so we walked over the VIN number and GVWR numbers and there it was in print, Liepert mfg. If I were to put that kinda money on a 5ver, I would expect it to have a quality frame & suspension under it. It's just my opinion, but I would have a long term iron clad warranty in writing on the frame and suspension, but most likely walk away anyway. I'd rather have the plain old Arctic Fox that are every where, then break down in a 5ver in the middle of nowhere.

I dont mean to flame your choice, but you are asking for our opinions. I hope whatever you decide on works out well for you, and enjoy your travels. I'm about 10 years behind you, from what your about to do, enjoy your retirement.


Steve.

 

[Jim W]

It's the suspension that they make as well. A next door neighbor, that we were camping next to, was complaining about having to repair the suspension all the time, in a two year old 5ver. I don't remember the brand but I asked him if the frame maker was Liepert, he didn't know, nor had he ever heard of Liepert. I told him that Liepert had lots of issues, so we walked over the VIN number and GVWR numbers and there it was in print, Liepert mfg. If I were to put that kinda money on a 5ver, I would expect it to have a quality frame & suspension under it. It's just my opinion, but I would have a long term iron clad warranty in writing on the frame and suspension, but most likely walk away anyway. I'd rather have the plain old Arctic Fox that are every where, then break down in a 5ver in the middle of nowhere.

I dont mean to flame your choice, but you are asking for our opinions. I hope whatever you decide on works out well for you, and enjoy your travels. I'm about 10 years behind you, from what your about to do, enjoy your retirement.


Steve.

Steve;
I have own three different 5er's in the last 10 years, all made by different manufactures. Which all three 5er's have or had Lippert Components on them. Now with that being said and I am a retired structural engineer from Cat I think I know what to look for in frame designs.
I can tell you that all three of the frames were design differently by each 5th wheel manufacture with some very questionable welding being done but built by Lippert Components. in my opinion the frames, suspension and many other structural item are designed by the 5th wheel manufacture or spec'd out to their specifications made by Lipppert components. Our current 5er and the last one I hope has the best frame design and welding I have seen on any of my three 5ers so far. But this one is the most expensive 5er to date that we have purchase.

I have no real issue with Lippert Components in the higher end trailers but the lower cost trailers do leave something to be desire in frame manufacturing.

 

[RVTRKN]

That's very possible, I'm not aware of this, because the last time I was in the market, was 2008-09. With the reputation of Liepert though, I'd want a good warranty that would cover all loses including towing, lodging and any other related costs. The suspension is also made (at least the 5ver I saw I posted about) by Liepert. My issue would be, what grade did the manufacture chose? With some testimony about this piticular manufacture, I say its probably ok. Killgore, check out some blogs, staying away from the manufacture blog, and ask these questions.

 

[Killgore]

Jim, I think you're right on target with the lower-end campers and what Lippert is supplying to them. I have had questions concerning the
amount of flex I see in the Cougar I'm now pulling (of course that's Keystone and I wouldn't expect anything different). One of the questions I will surely ask during the plant tour is who supplies the frames under the Lakota horse trailers? Lakota is the parent company of Augusta as near as I can figure, and I suspect a stock hauler with living quarters is subject to all kinds of stress. At the least, Augusta has access to somebody
in their own organization that has some knowledge of good engineering principles and practices. One over-riding feature on the Augusta units
is the MorRyde suspension and disc brakes. Didn't I read somewhere that Lippert had bought Dexter's axle division?

- Ed

 

[Killgore]

Steve, blogs on different forums are very limited concerning Augusta, with no problems noted. Problems with Lippert frames, however, are vast as you well know. I wish some 'whistleblower' with Lippert would get on here and give us a head's up concerning their manufacturing philosophy.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Anything requiring 8k axles should be fitted with the MORryde IS suspension that includes disk brakes.

 

[donnandon]

Anything requiring 8k axles should be fitted with the MORryde IS suspension that includes disk brakes.

Just wondering why?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Just wondering why?

Every other system out there if used for full time will fall apart. Disk brakes are far superior then drums for sure but the IS System is VERY HD! The ride is also much better than standard springs. System is fully alignable.

 

[ringneck]

china junk

why support them,junk is junk.

 

[Killgore]

Ringneck, you are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, the buying public for the most part is ignorant concerning a quality engineered
product; allowing themselves to get wowed by the glitz; not conducting good research; and only going skin deep when considering a
purchase. The manufacturer boxes them in with 15" wheels and the upgrade to something more dependable is basically unavailable
except as another questionable ST tire. Upgrading tires, wheels, axles, suspension and brakes now becomes an expensive
proposition with many new owners oblivious until they have a problem and then start doing the research they should have already
done.

Owner's forums are an excellent resource for getting the straight truth about certain products. Unfortunately, there are not too many
advocacy organizations that are out here in the real world that have the buyer's interests foremost. RVtravel.com appears to be one
of the few that doesn't appear to be owned by its' advertisers and the editors/contributors call it like they see it.

Cummins12V98, those are some fine looking pictures. The MorRyde IS suspension is standard on the LUX and only available on the
Ambition as an expensive upgrade. The Ambition comes standard with the MorRyde SRE4000 suspension. So what defines the
difference between a LUX and an Ambition purchaser? Obviously, the purchase price and the towing unit, not considering the
cosmetics; remembering that the dry weight on the smallest LUX is somewhere close to 16,000 lbs. Yes, I would love to consider the
LUX recognizing the difference in price is reflected in the full-body paint, MorRyde IS suspension, heavier frame, thicker sidewalls,
etc. but in reality, my truck would be over-loaded and my bank account suffering. Shucks, it's suffering anyway, LOL.

The reality is, there are many manufacturers producing recreational units, many of which are owned by the same parent company.
There are fewer companies producing units that are suitable for full-time use. And, finally, there are only a handful of manufacturers
that are building quality, engineered units that meet the standards for a full-timing, discriminating customer; a home on wheels. I think
it's commendable that Augusta has identified this market segment and chosen to enter the field with a product that is designed
specifically for this type of customer, utilizing a different marketing technique (manufacturer direct), listening to its' customer base,
and allowing the customer to customize his purchase up to a certain point. Will that make the sale? It goes a long way in that
direction. We'll see....

- Ed

 

[Killgore]

No, I'm retired and receive no compensation from Augusta. Fact is, I probably couldn't find Bristol, IN on a map, LOL.

 

[SnoKing]

Ed, should we start a pool on how many years longer they will be in business?

Put me down for two(2). Snoking