Community Forums

QuixoticElixer · 08-10-2016, 10:31 PM

Looking to buy a 16,000 lb GVWR max front living for full time use.

My must haves: 2 A/C if the length is over 34. Sit down shower. Washer dryer hookups. Residential fridge. Hydraulic leveling jacks. Good insulation. Headroom over the bed. (Nothing worse than shelves above my head.)

I've seen grand designs 379fl and Bay Hills 379 fl in videos. I can't see much difference. I'd like to buy a few years used.

Any other brands I'm missing? Any other "must have" features I'm not considering? I definitely would like slide awnings but it's not a must.

jpharley · 08-11-2016, 08:28 AM

Unless you are buying used, Bayhill will not be available since they closed shop recently. You might look at a gently used full time rated unit like Lifestyle, Teton, NuWa HitchHiker, Excel, Travel Supreme, and DRV (you can get DRV new). Most of the quality (in my opinion) 5th wheel manufacturers have gone out of business. They made well built but expensive full time units and no one wants to pay the price for a really good 5th wheel anymore. I would also be looking at 17.5 inch tires, hydraulic brakes, Moryde IS suspension, and a great frame. They are all pretty on the inside. You want a 5th wheel with "good bones" for full timing. You however, will probably not find a front living room in any of these units but any one of them would be fantastic for full timing.

BrianGlenn · 08-11-2016, 08:46 AM

Heartland Bighorn has a Front Living model; they have great after sales service. I know of one coming up for resale here this fall. Like this Not mine, but I owned a Heartland Landmark 5ver before so know the brand and manufacturer.

Located in Alberta Canada; positive exchange rate for US buyers!

Brian

Gordon Dewald · 08-11-2016, 09:03 AM

Generally speaking the better the quality of the unit the higher the weight. It takes weight to build a solid unit. That also comes with an increase in price and the requirement for a bigger tow vehicle to stay within the vehicle towing specifications.

We were very happy with our KZ and used it for 10 years (snowbirding). Upgraded to a coach a couple years ago.

Get the unit you want and that fits your needs. Nothing more disappointing than having a unit that does not meet expectations.

I really like the idea of a front living room. Puts the bedroom at the back away from the road and traffic.

QuixoticElixer · 08-16-2016, 12:31 AM

Found an incredible deal on a NuWa I really couldnt pass up. Will be purchasing thursday!!!

It doesnt meet every single criteria but the money saved makes the front living desire go away! Will post as soon as I have a title!

Teek312 · 08-16-2016, 06:03 AM

IMHO you couldn't of found a better trailer manufacturer than NUWA Hitchhikers, I work on a lot a different brand trailers, and there's is one of the best made. Also the stopped making 5th wheels, but unlike the others they are still in business to fix and repair if needed if you still need parts they still have inventory or can get it for you at a cheaper price then drop shipped to you. It now called Kansas RV Center. Even if you have any questions about your rig they will gladly help you, as almost all employees there made them in the factory. That's the main reason I shopped around and bought a NUWA. They also is a great forum for Nuwa owners owned and ran by buyers of Nuwa's.

QuixoticElixer · 08-16-2016, 08:41 AM

Thats no lie!
This model is a 2007 Champagne 35 and has been to 40 states. Its floors are solid and the roof is fantastic. I had an inspector go with me. He walked the roof down while i ispected the inside. I never knew he was up there! Thursday cannot get here fast enough! I highly urge anyone looking at full timing to consider a used NuWa. They may not have all the latest bells and whistles but thats what amazon is for!

BrianGlenn · 08-16-2016, 10:15 AM

Congratulations! The Nuwa Champagne was one I seriously looked at one time - I loved the floor plan with the Grand Staircase design (on drivers side), extra closet space, L-Kitchen and rear desk with fireplace. I ended up with a early 2011 Heartland Landmark Grand Canyon which had most of the same features.

Nuwa is a great unit.

Brian

K0LCB · 08-17-2016, 07:35 AM

I had a Montana 3750 FL. It was a good rig, shade over 36'. 15,000 lbs

QuixoticElixer · 08-18-2016, 12:31 AM

Delivers today!!! I hope!

Gordon Dewald · 08-18-2016, 08:39 AM

Nice looking unit. You will have many wonderful experiences while in the RV world.

Teek312 · 08-19-2016, 06:57 AM

Congratulations on you new to you HH Champagne, I saw your interior pictures on the Nuwa forum and you got an awesome find. It looks brand new, the previous owners took great care of it, by the looks of your pictures. I'm jealous :-). You'll be very happy with it, you won't regret it, you'll love it more everyday I'm sure. Again, Congratulations.