Advice needed on Purchase

[Essex]

We are considering the purchase of a 5th wheel. I'm told that the advantages are many and I believe. What 5th wheel trailer does the membership believe to be the best buy among the many selections available. My major criteria is to keep the price and weight as low as possible. Price is a major factor.

[Essex]

We are considering the purchase of a 5th wheel. I'm told that the advantages are many and I believe. What 5th wheel trailer does the membership believe to be the best buy among the many selections available. My major criteria is to keep the price and weight as low as possible. Price is a major factor.

[TXiceman]

Wow, that is a tall order. We need to know what you consider an appropriate weight as well as a price range.

Best thing to do is to visit some RV lots and shop around at both new and used.

Ken

[xc-mark]

What are you useing for a truck to tow with ?

[cdrcos]

First, let's decide which is the best tow vehicle: Ford, GM ,or Dodge?

[RustyJC]

I realize the last post was likely "tongue-in-cheek", but for the benefit of anyone who is relatively new to iRV2.com, you'll find that one of the differences here is that we don't do brand wars.

Rusty

[Essex]

Yes, I did leave out a few details. My truck is an 06 Dodge 2500 4 dr. short bed pickup with the trailer package. The dealer said the towing ability was over 11,000 lbs, but I'd like to keep the pulling load under 10,000 lbs full.

The price range is to get as good a camper as possible for as inexpensive as possible. I realize that brands like HR, Avon, etc or out of reach. Therefore what is a good buy and would stand up to the horrors of full timing.

Our full time is to go to a park in a state and stay and work for 4 or 5 months and then travel to the next job. Travel wise, its not going to cover a lot of miles, but will be lived in and my wife needs as much storage space as possible.

The trailer must fit my income and her desires.

Thanks

[RustyJC]

I'm sure you know that you're asking a lot for a recreational or seasonal RV to stand up to the demands of full-timing. Having said that, at that price point I'd look at (in no particular order) Nash/Arctic Fox, Sunnybrook/Mobile Scout and Jayco.

Rusty

[Braselton Nomad]

Just throwing in my 2 cents, I own a Jayco 29BHS (not a 5er). I am VERY pleased with the performance of the unit. I have had it almost a year now and have used it on several outings (typically 2-3 times per month). It stands up to the rigors of 3 kids (3,4 and 11). I know they have some 5er models and they are a good bang for the buck. Again, that's my opinion.

Good Luck in your search!

[450Donn]

OK, you now did not mention where these short term jobs are located? South in the summer, North in the winter? For long term durability of the overall structure I do not think you can beat aluminum. Lots will argue that point and that is their right. Have had both and for me is is not wood. For solid construction I think you will be hard pressed to beat a Northwood product. Both Nash and Arctic Fox are built exactly the same way, the difference is in the options. Nash you need to add to , Arctic Fox comes with it all. Both good value for the dollar. Both very heavy for their size.
Now, I have to say, that living in a smaller fifth wheel for extended periods, for one is Ok, but for two is not a good idea. Remember that a typical 30 foot actual fifth wheel will have about 250 sq ft of floor space. That ain't much when compared to even a 800 sq foot apartment. On the bright side, it sure is nice to come home to your own bed at night. I spend a lot of time on the road in motels, and it sure is not fun. I would much rather come back to my own trailer for the evening. Good luck in the search.

[Half Dimes]

While you're looking, check out Titanium by Glendale. We own one and like it. We don't fulltime but many other owners do.

Here's the Titanium website: Titanium
and here's the owners' website: Titanium Owners
Happy hunting.

[TXiceman]

I think you will get the best bang for your $$$ by looking for higher end used RVs. There are a lot of decent 10 year old higher end units out there.

Ken