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Old 10-02-2013, 11:40 PM   #1
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Any additions or comments on this list of "full-timer" brands?

Based on information I've collected from various sources, it appears that the following brands are generally considered good bets for full-time, year-round use in Texas:

For sure: Carriage, NuWa, Excel, DRV for sure.
Probably: King of the Road, Newmar, Lifestyle, SpaceCraft, New Horizons

We are not concerned about luxury, just reasonable durability, insulation, and structural integrity where the roof is likely to hold up well, etc. (We plan to be diligent on periodic maintenance.)


(And for what it is worth, my extended family will be buying four units over the next few months to a year time-frame but only one of the those RVs is going to spend a significant time on the road. The other three will be either on a single long-term site or on the road a few months before settling down to that same site. So if some brand happens to lack highway excellence but is superlative in many other ways, that would generally suit us. Just one or two people will be living in each and so they should only have "gentle use" and no rowdy children slamming doors and drawers, etc.)
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Helping my disabled father and my care-giver sister in getting their fifth-wheels for a long-term, rural Texas site. I hope to do likewise within a year or two so...just trying to learn all that I can. Any & all advice is appreciated!
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Old 10-02-2013, 11:55 PM   #2
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I would add orphans Glendale Titanium and Teton Homes if you don't mind the weight and luxury. You should also at least look at Arctic Fox if you like simple but rugged, durable construction.
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Old 10-03-2013, 05:48 AM   #3
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Add the Heartland Big Country, Big Horn and Landmark. Lived in our BC for 5 years and everything is well including cold days here in the north. Also tows well.
Previous unit was 15 year old Glendale, but basement storage was limited compared the the HLs. After 100k miles it was time to trade up. The inside of our Glendale was like new and all the original appliances. Hope BC will be the same as we kept it simple with dual pane windows. Including hydraulic slides and all manual leveling.
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Old 10-19-2013, 06:37 PM   #4
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Not sure about the rest but Lifestyle and New Horizon should not be under "May be" list. They are as capable as any of the models on your top list. They are also built with full-timing in mind and priced like one as well.

Perhaps something like Arctic Fox should be in the "may be" list.
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Old 10-19-2013, 07:42 PM   #5
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We are full timing in a 2014 Redwood 36RL.
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Old 10-20-2013, 02:54 PM   #6
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Add Prime Time ( new company owed by Warren Buffet) Sanibel series. WQe have been on the road for ten years in a motorhome and just purchased a 39' Prime Time 3501 with a 20 c/u ft refrigerator. It has what we know we want and need for a full timer lifestyle
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Old 10-20-2013, 04:19 PM   #7
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Look for a good chassis, all wood cabinetry, decent insulation, dual pane windows. Artificial material for cabinets look good but when wear sets in don't have the option of refinishing. Consider a wide body also. Those few extra inches make a big difference.
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Old 10-21-2013, 05:59 AM   #8
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We full timed in a Heartland Bighorn and traded up to a Landmark a couple of years ago. Both would be a great choice for a full time rig.
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Old 10-29-2013, 10:27 PM   #9
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Teton Homes 5er

Are the last couple of years of Teton Homes units as good as the earlier ones. I am evaluating a 2009 Prestige 31 ft that I really like the floor plan but since they went out of businees in late 2008, I'm not sure if one of the last units were up to snuff.

Any input on this question?

I had a 2008 Lakota by Monaco who went out of business and the 5er was fine.

Thanks
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Old 10-30-2013, 05:43 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NathanJ View Post

For sure: Carriage, NuWa, Excel, DRV for sure.
Probably: King of the Road, Newmar, Lifestyle, SpaceCraft, New Horizons

We are not concerned about luxury, just reasonable durability, insulation, and structural integrity where the roof is likely to hold up well, etc. (We plan to be diligent on periodic maintenance.)
You have listed an excellent list of RVs for full time use and I do not see looking at others. Thor Redwood and Heartland Big Country are generally not in the same league as your short list.

By the nature of people,they will generally tell you what ever they have is the best. I would love to have a New Horizons, but there is a big problem with weight and $$$$. The "For Sure" list would serve you well. Lifestyle Luxury RV should be looked at as well. They are built very much like the now defunct Carriage RVs since a lot of the Carriage folks went over to them.

Ken
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Old 10-31-2013, 02:10 PM   #11
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If you plan on buying new, a number of the listed manufacturers are out of business.

Carriage, NuWa, King of the Road, Newmar (no longer making 5th wheels), Titanium and Teton Homes a number of others.
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Old 10-31-2013, 07:14 PM   #12
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Carriage was bought out by Redwood. Rumor has it that they will start building next year.
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Old 10-31-2013, 07:20 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by TXiceman View Post
You have listed an excellent list of RVs for full time use and I do not see looking at others. Thor Redwood and Heartland Big Country are generally not in the same league as your short list. By the nature of people,they will generally tell you what ever they have is the best. I would love to have a New Horizons, but there is a big problem with weight and $$$$. The "For Sure" list would serve you well. Lifestyle Luxury RV should be looked at as well. They are built very much like the now defunct Carriage RVs since a lot of the Carriage folks went over to them. Ken
Don't forget New Horizons
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Old 10-31-2013, 07:22 PM   #14
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Redwood only bought the Carriage name. Carriage was closed down by the bank in Oct/Nov 2011. Redwood/Thor did not buy the Carriage design. Last we heard was that Thor scrapped the idea of a Carriage line. The design team at Carriage is over at Lifestyle Luxury RV and building pretty much a Carriage designed 5er.

There was a lot of talk on a Carriage forum about what would have evolved into a True or Vintage carriage and a "new" Carriage.

Ken
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