Community Forums

Vetl82 · 07-18-2013, 08:31 PM

Are the 5th wheel Lite's built very good ?

tuffr2 · 07-18-2013, 08:56 PM

It could be just me but when I hear the word 'lite' in the same sentence with RV I think 'lite duty' thus not built as sturdy.

How can it be?

caissiel · 07-18-2013, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

It could be just me but when I hear the word 'lite' in the same sentence with RV I think 'lite duty' thus not built as sturdy.

How can it be?

I totally agree.

Cumminsfan · 07-19-2013, 12:33 PM

I have a Northwood Fox Mountain. They have in house built frames not Lippert. It comes with off road capability, although I wouldn't four wheel with it.
My UVW is 7185lbs, dry pin is 1385lbs and the CCC is 4315lbs. It's 27'10" OAL. It may be light but it's built with more CCC than most bigger ones. It has 5200lb axles with 12" brakes. Only weak point if you consider the tires is they are 225/75/15 GY Marathon's. Having 235/85/16 would give someone a better selection of LT tires. But aside from that it has a very sturdy chassis, 4 season package for holding tanks.

We bought this because, 1st it's made only 300 miles from us, 2nd while it's considered a 1/2 ton 5'er it's got a lot of CCC. Most don't have more than 1800-2000lbs or so.

Just for a reality check when all loaded up we're at close to 9,000lbs with water (54 gal) and 17-1800lbs on the pin. Very few 1/2 tons can tow it.

There's really nothing not sturdy about our 5'er. Actually it's probably built as well as more expensive ones.

Best thing to do is read and look at brochures or go to RV shows or dealers and walk around and look. We checked out lots of em before we settled on the Fox Mountain. Same company also makes the Arctic Fox line which has a reputation for being heavy and well built.

RustyJC · 07-19-2013, 12:48 PM

Lite and Ultralite TTs and 5th wheels are lighter in weight for a reason. Unfortunately, that usually includes lighter frames and axles, lighter floor, wall and roof decking, less insulation, etc. So, yes, all too often construction material quality is compromised in the name of weight reduction.

There are some lightweight trailers that achieve their weight reduction using more advanced material technology (composites, etc.), but they tend to be $$$$$.

Rusty

dayle1 · 07-19-2013, 03:49 PM

Lite units may be built very well or poorly. And lite is probably better determined by pounds per foot length, or best, pounds per square foot living area and not total weight. IMHO, the best lite units will be built using rigid foam and laminated construction, especially vacuum laminated.

Also, there is no guarantee that a heavier unit is built better just because it is heavy. A unit can have heavier axles, frame, etc., but loaded with tile flooring, granite tops and whatever and also be overloaded design wise. And quality of construction can be an issue with any brand or a single unit.

TXiceman · 07-19-2013, 05:15 PM

In order to make a trailer "lite", material is generally taken out. If it is done properly, the trailer is still basically sound. But all to often, the materials we removed, made thinner, etc. without regard to strength or quality.

So whn looking at "lite" or Ultra-lite" trailers, proceed with caution.

Ken

Cumminsfan · 07-19-2013, 05:45 PM

I would be more concerned about a 'lite' 30-33' than a lite 28-30' if they both have the same dry weight. Weight reduction can come from several areas. Aluminum framing, thinner composite counter tops, and Schwintek slides that don't use heavier rack gearing, etc. The big question is as said before, where is the reduced weight coming from? Is it just a smaller unit or is it a larger unit with lighter technology being used? Or worst case scenario, a bigger lighter unit that is using cheap light weight parts.