Used Challenger (Damon Corp) 5'er??

[Racechaser]

Looking for anyone with experience with Challenger 5th wheel's. I'm looking at a used '97 30rk with a slide. I really like the layout, it has alot of upper end features, it's really clean, and can be bought reasonably. Also need a sliding type hitch for short bed, anyone have luck with these? I have alot of experience with travel trailers, this will be my first 5er. Your comments, questions, concerns are appreciated.

 

[Barry]

I am at home now and not at my dealership so I do not have access to my NADA guide. I'll look it up in the morning and put you on the money. I would advise against the sliding hitch. Since the unit is only 30', I would go with an extended pin box on the trailer. I have these made in Indianna and they generally cost me about $180. Move the kingpin out in front of the nose of the trailer eliminates the need for the exspensive, pain in the neck sliding hitch.

 

[Racechaser]

Thanks Barry, I can buy it for wholesale cost in the new (Jan-Mar) NADA book. I'm not familiar with the extension you speak of. The king pin is already ahead of the front of the trailer. Maybe the dealer is selling me something I don't need? Two people I've talked with said to turn a complete 90 degrees I would need it though. Have you dealt with the Challenger line at all being a dealer?

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I have a '97 Damon Magnum 29-3/4'. Polishes up like a new nickel. See picture in https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=731&width=2



Haven't had any problem with the trailer itself, but have had a couple of refrigerator problems. Had the tires replaced by Goodyear. They were coming apart inside.



Solenoid contacts for slider have stuck and needed cleaned and polished.



Cabinets, walls, floor, windows, roof, ceiling, bathroom fixtures all seem to be holding up well.



I had to take a vacuum and clean the sawdust, screws, etc from underneath the cabinets and drawers. Should have been cleaned better at the factory.



I added two 975 CCA batteries that seem to work well.



LPG gas tanks will need to be upgraded to the OPD fill valves.



Mine seems to be a pretty good trailer.

 

[Barry]

If the unit already has an extened pin box then a slider is not necessary. If you have to jackknife the unit that tight to get into the back of the cab you should'nt have been there in the first place. Tell me how far out in front of the nose is the kingpin. If it is 6" or greater the need for the slider is virtually eliminated. Buy a good 5th wheel hitch that rocks, place the kingpin over the axle or just in front of TDC and go have fun.

 

[Racechaser]

Thanks J-JET, that looks like a nice rig. Thanks for your pointers.

Barry-I'll check to see if it extends out that far. The only time I would need to come close to a jack-knife situation is backing it into a my seasonal site. I need to back it up a pretty steep hill while backing it at that angle to get it into position. Don't laugh but what do mean by placing it infront of "tdc"?

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I think he is referring to Top Dead Center of rear axle. Most 5th wheel hitches suggest placing center of hitch pin jaws 1-2" in front of the rear axle.



That's where mine is.