Which RV To Buy? Carriage or Holiday Rambler or ???

[MN Cummins Lvr]

Hi,

My wife and I are thinking about upgrading to a new travel trailer (Cameo by Carriage or Holiday Rambler) with fiberglass walls. We have a 24' Mallard now which has been excellent but thought it would be nice to have all fiberglass walls for durability and easier cleaning.

Please post your experiences (good or bad)and recommendations with these trailers or other brands.

Thanks,

Paul

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99 2500 SLT QC, 2WD, 5 spd, 3. 54 LSD, Towing Pkg, Camper Pkg, Boards, Cab Lights, Fog Lights, Cobra CB, Not Bombed (YET)

 

[C Schomer]

I really like our Sunnybrook! The brands you mentioned are high quality too! My next step will be a real arctic unit. I wasn't sure about fiberglass but now I'm glad we got that. It's way easier to wash! I haven't waxed anything since the paste wax days. These new liquids are wonderful! I use Turtlewax Finish 2001 and like it. A friend likes New Finish. Some like Mcguires. Just get one for fiberglass and with UV protection. It sparkles after a wax job! Craig

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97 3/4Ton, 2WD, 5SP, #11 Plate, AFC kit, 14 Housing, AF942M Air filter, Gutted Cat, 4"From Turbo, Airlift, Shortened Frame, Custom Bed, HEY FORDBOY POWERSTROKE THIS!

 

[MDW]

You might want to post this in Towing and Hauling Forum.
I just did a month of research and what I found out was that buying an older quality 5th wheel was better that a new cracker box(got that one from Barry).
The brands that you mentioned are good ones, Carrilite is another.
What I learned to look for was a rolled top edge, aluminum framing, Insulated under belly.
I ended up buying a 1992 Avion 35-5M on 01/21/2001, so I can't tell you to much yet.
You are probably look for newer or new, its all in what fits your situation.

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95' 2500 5spd, 2wd reg cab 131,000
TST #4 plate kit, 370 Diamond B injectors, Afc spring kit, Gov. spring kit,TST's fuel pressure adapter and 2 guage pillar mount, SPA EGT/Boost guage. Joe D's Sachs clutch is in.
K&N Re-0880 & Prefilter. Cup Smoothie.
To be installed: MagHytec, 16cm2 Housing from Sportbike(thanks). Royal Purple oil, Finger Touch drain plug.

 

[The patriot]

I looked at an H. R a while back. Looks like a quality built unit. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Never saw a Cameo, so cant comment on it.

 

[Barry]

All the units you have named are quality units and you certainly are looking in the right direction. As to buying new vs. pre-owned, that's another issue. I am generally selling Hi-line units that are 3 to 4 years old for 50 cents on the dollar as to what they sold for new. SOMEBODY took it in the shorts but it was sure not me and my customer! Some other units you may consider are: Newmar line: Mountain Aire etc. Golden Falcon. Nuwa line: Hitchhiker, Snowbird etc. Alpenlite. Alfa. Mobile Scout. Also floor plans are a key in this puzzle. I lean toward the "rear living" floor plans as opposed to "rear kitchen". Happy Camping... ... .

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(25PSI) Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 22,000 miles on 12/19/00 (RV Dealer)

 

[illflem]

If Holiday Rambler was still made by Harley-Davidson(yes it's true,they make golf carts too)I'd say go for. I'll bet the Harley quality went with the sale of the company though.

 

[Okie-Go]

We have a Terry, made by Fleetwood. Same company that makes Avion, we like it a lot. I also like fifth wheel instead of tagalong, I have had both.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[RHARVEY]

We currently own a 25' Excel, but when it comes to replacing it our next trailer will be made by Western Rv. It will either be the Alpenlite model or the Dreamer. Both are high quality units, the only difference is that the Dreamer is cheaper to get into. They are some of the most beautiful rigs that we have looked at.

Rick

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RICK
97 2500,CC,5 SPEED, 3. 54 Limited Slip,Psychotty System,K&N, Pre-Turbo ISSPRO 3" Pyrometer & Boost Guage,Silencer Ring Removed
12,000 RBW 5th Wheel Hitch,25' Excel 5th Wheel,Rancho RSX17000 Shocks,Amsoil Dealer,Straight Piped

 

[ltamarra]

All units memtioned on this thread are excellent considerations. We've been there - done that, some time back. Make a list of "required items" versus "nice-but?". To make a long story short, we (wife really) picked the Holiday Rambler over an Airstream which was my original preference. I don't have anything bad to say about her (our?) decision since the unit have been trouble free over the years, easy to tow, great dealer/manufacturer support, etc. , except for the price tag. But then, we got a unit that was in my opinion, 1st class all the way. Don't, repeat, DON'T settle for some rig that will fall apart literally just sitting in your driveway and there're out there!!
Good luck shopping. Remember, after the sale is consumated - IT'S YOURS TO KEEP.

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96 2500 SLT ext. cab, 4x4 w auto,4:10, LWB, BD exhaust brake w Torqloc, Rhino lining, Combo gauge & transmission temp gauge on A pillar, MagHytec transmission pan, PrimeLoc, & Optima Red Tops.
Tow Holiday Rambler TT Model 31CFS.

 

[Larry Willard]

I looked at a lot of different units before settling on the Holiday Rambler. We are on our 2nd one now. They are much quieter inside, and stay warmer. Was really interested in the aluminum construction. The 1st one we had was a tag along, aluminum outside, then we moved up to the present 5th wheel it has smooth fiberglass. It came down to floor plans and a dealer I knew would stand behind the product I chose. The quality is still there even Harley sold it, Monaco Coach is now the parent company and been building high line motor homes for many years.
Larry

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Ram Rod
'01 3500 white quad cab sport 4x4 ETH DEE SLT+ 4:10s posi Pac brake combo gauge tow/camper pkg. 20k reese 5th hitch
35' holiday rambler 5th wheel