TT/Fifth wheel, What to buy?

[DeezelDood]

I have talked it over with my wife and I think if I can find something nice I may just purchase a TT or Fifth wheel now. We are going to yellowstone in August and would like to get one in time to try it out before then.



I prefer a fifth wheel for towing reasons, but a TT will do for now also.



What should I stay away from and what should I look for.



I have heard that Fleetwoods are something to stay away from, what else?



I don't want to spend a ton, maybe $8-10K if I can find something decent.



Thanks in Advance,



Joe

Before you set foot in a dealership go to RV Consumer Group (RV.net) an order the ratings CD for $79. Know more than the salesman, I always say. Most brands and models are rated for reliability, value and safety (towability). Fair prices (used and new) are also recommended. I don't have the experience to comment on 5ers, I need my bed for storage. The new WD hitches make towing much easier than it used to be. You will find some T/T models that are 4 stars, but 1 star in towability. Stay away. It's all about the ratio of hitch weight to gross weight , weight distribution, where the water tanks are located. You can customize your search on the CD (ie 3 stars and above only). There are so many brands it is mind boggling. I limited my search to 4 stars and spent many weeks reading the CD and viewing RVs for sale on line. In the end I settled on one brand, Northwood (Nash/ArcticFox) and waited for the right deal to show up. I lucked into a used (like new) 2005Nash 27F that the dealer needed to move. I don't think you will find a better designed or manufactured coach for the money anywhere. Please excuse the obvious point here: Just like buying a truck, patience is a virtue. Take your time and wait for the unit that meets your needs and budget.

 

[Barry Fuller]

Before you leap do a lot of asking around about folks warrenty experience with Keystone. I talked to one dealer who dropped them because they wern't getting covered for the work they did. But - this info is all 2 years old so maybe they have changed.

my . 02 Bear

 

[DeezelDood]

Oops, site correction: rv.org

 

[JCasper]

If you don't like the idea of such a long trailer, some manufacturers make a rear slide. The bed is in it. Allows you to tow a shorter trailer, then add about 5-6 feet when you get there. I do believe I saw one with bunks in the front and a small kitchenette slide. I think Sportsmen by KZ did this setup. The one you're looking at has one feature my wife won't be without... the walkaround queen. Our first trailer had the bed against two walls, front and side. She hated it as the person next to the front of the trailer got squished. I slept on the kitchen table bed in there!



EDIT: Check this out. The 2810 floorplan has the 4 bunks. Haven't heard of this brand (Malibu), but it gives you an idea of what I was talking about.

I have seen some like that yesterday at Poulsbo RV.

 

[JCasper]

Before you set foot in a dealership go to RV Consumer Group (RV.net) an order the ratings CD for $79. Know more than the salesman, I always say. Most brands and models are rated for reliability, value and safety (towability). Fair prices (used and new) are also recommended. I don't have the experience to comment on 5ers, I need my bed for storage. The new WD hitches make towing much easier than it used to be. You will find some T/T models that are 4 stars, but 1 star in towability. Stay away. It's all about the ratio of hitch weight to gross weight , weight distribution, where the water tanks are located. You can customize your search on the CD (ie 3 stars and above only). There are so many brands it is mind boggling. I limited my search to 4 stars and spent many weeks reading the CD and viewing RVs for sale on line. In the end I settled on one brand, Northwood (Nash/ArcticFox) and waited for the right deal to show up. I lucked into a used (like new) 2005Nash 27F that the dealer needed to move. I don't think you will find a better designed or manufactured coach for the money anywhere. Please excuse the obvious point here: Just like buying a truck, patience is a virtue. Take your time and wait for the unit that meets your needs and budget.

Thanks for the info. I will check into it.

 

[Grizzly]

Before you set foot in a dealership go to RV Consumer Group (RV.net) an order the ratings CD for $79. Know more than the salesman, I always say. Most brands and models are rated for reliability, value and safety (towability). Fair prices (used and new) are also recommended. I don't have the experience to comment on 5ers, I need my bed for storage. The new WD hitches make towing much easier than it used to be. You will find some T/T models that are 4 stars, but 1 star in towability. Stay away. It's all about the ratio of hitch weight to gross weight , weight distribution, where the water tanks are located. You can customize your search on the CD (ie 3 stars and above only). There are so many brands it is mind boggling. I limited my search to 4 stars and spent many weeks reading the CD and viewing RVs for sale on line. In the end I settled on one brand, Northwood (Nash/ArcticFox) and waited for the right deal to show up. I lucked into a used (like new) 2005Nash 27F that the dealer needed to move. I don't think you will find a better designed or manufactured coach for the money anywhere. Please excuse the obvious point here: Just like buying a truck, patience is a virtue. Take your time and wait for the unit that meets your needs and budget.

I don't know how long ago you bought your RV Consumer Group Guide, but I paid almost twice what you paid, including S&H, on Dec 06. It is still well worth it. I also like the 4 star rated Nash and Arctic Fox.

 

[BBeck]

Who provides the ratings? A consumer watch group, industry experts or etc?





I answered my own question by looking at the site and reviewing the "about us" page.



Thanks,

Brad

 

[Grizzly]

Who provides the ratings? A consumer watch group, industry experts or etc?

I answered my own question by looking at the site and reviewing the "about us" page.

Thanks,

Brad

It's a very reliable and respected guide. It's the bible for all RV Dealers. Although not all dealers will tell you they have it, especially if the RV you are interested in is only rated 2 stars. My local RV dealer who sells Northwood brands and Keystone brands told me when I asked about the rating on a Keystone Cougar, that they don't go by the RV Consumer Guide and that they don't even have it. But when I asked about the ratings on the Nash and Arctic Fox, then they pulled out the guide and very proudly showed me how they were 4 star rated.

 

[DeezelDood]

I bought the CD in February 07. I saved myself lots of $$ and aggravation with this disc. Nothing like the confidence of having good info up your sleeve when entering a dealership.

Info on the disc for those interested:

RV Pricing and Rating Guide

Travel Trailers/Fifth Wheels

1993-2007 Models

(800) 405-3325

ww. rv.org

As far as I can tell this is non-profit group with no mfr ties.

 

[Superdawg]

Sorry guys, I went back to work and forgot I posted. Ref. the earlier post about my 28. 5 Jayco Eagle Fifth, I have a Quad cab 2004. 5 2500 4wd. I have no airbags and the trailer settles the back of the truck down about 1 inch, actually causing the truck to ride almost level, instead of raked foward. Im guessing it has about 1300 pounds or so of pin weight, which is perfect for improving the ride in the truck.

Yes, I moved the trailer leaf springs above the axles, I used the dexter flip kit and added the heavy duty shackles too.

I hope this helps. Tom

 

[JCasper]

Thanks to everyone with your opinions. After looking at all the new and used around here we bought a Springdale 267BLH today.



I know it's not as nice as some but for the money we liked the floor plan the best. It should work for us for the next few years and then we will upgrade.



I need to go over tomorrow and pick out a hitch.

 

[Buffalo]

JCasper,



CONGRATULATIONS!!!!



Above all, don't worry about what the rest of us think about your new purchase or whether "it's nice enough". Like some have said, here, 'get something & get out & enjoy the RV experience'. You have, now, done that!!! You will have a great time with great memories for your entire family. Well Done!!!



Regarding your comment "it's not as nice as some", if you don't own a New Horizon trailer (the only one with a 5 Star rating) then, someone will always have a nicer trailer than you. However, I've been RV'ing since about 1983 & I've never even seen a New Horizon.



There's lots of trailers nicer than my 1998 Nash 25-S but, when I'm on the road, with it, life is just GREAT!!!



ENJOY!!!



Joe F. (Buffalo)



So, I hope you & your family thoroughly enjoy your camping experiences.

 

[JCasper]

JCasper,



CONGRATULATIONS!!!!



Above all, don't worry about what the rest of us think about your new purchase or whether "it's nice enough". Like some have said, here, 'get something & get out & enjoy the RV experience'. You have, now, done that!!! You will have a great time with great memories for your entire family. Well Done!!!



Regarding your comment "it's not as nice as some", if you don't own a New Horizon trailer (the only one with a 5 Star rating) then, someone will always have a nicer trailer than you. However, I've been RV'ing since about 1983 & I've never even seen a New Horizon.



There's lots of trailers nicer than my 1998 Nash 25-S but, when I'm on the road, with it, life is just GREAT!!!



ENJOY!!!



Joe F. (Buffalo)



So, I hope you & your family thoroughly enjoy your camping experiences.

Thank you very much. We are not sure if we will get out this weekend or not. I have a dyno day and a drag race to go watch Saturday and my wife has to work at our Church Sunday morning.



Anyways, hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will get out and use it.

 

[AMink]

Always remember--in most cases, the trailer is better than sleeping in the back of the truck! Enjoy your new "home".

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks to everyone with your opinions. After looking at all the new and used around here we bought a Springdale 267BLH today.

I know it's not as nice as some but for the money we liked the floor plan the best. It should work for us for the next few years and then we will upgrade.

I need to go over tomorrow and pick out a hitch.

Congratulations on your new RV. I'm sure it will work out great for you and your family. Enjoy it.

 

[JCasper]

It's home now

We are very excited to use it. It will probably be a couple weeks. There are a lot of things going on the next couple of weekends.



This Saturday is a dyno day and drag races and next Saturday is a Sled pull.

 

[BBeck]

Thanks to everyone with your opinions. After looking at all the new and used around here we bought a Springdale 267BLH today.



I know it's not as nice as some but for the money we liked the floor plan the best. It should work for us for the next few years and then we will upgrade.



I need to go over tomorrow and pick out a hitch.

I couldn't find that model on their website. Did you mean a 2007 267BHL-GL? Or is it a prior model?

 

[JCasper]

I couldn't find that model on their website. Did you mean a 2007 267BHL-GL? Or is it a prior model?

Yeah, that's what I ment. It's been a long week and I am exhausted. I have looked at so much all the model #'s seem to be the same anymore.

 

[Andersonville]

You want to go to LaGrande and get a Northwood or Artic Fox!