Good Buy?

[RSmoak]

Hello,

I am considering the purchase of a used fifth wheel, and I don't want to have to replace it for a while.

I'm considering a 2003 Triumph 315G fifth wheel because of the features in it, its condition, and its weight. Can anyone tell me about this brand and maybe even model?

When I go to the Fleetwood RV website, Triumph isn’t listed as one of their brands. All I know about its construction is that the dealer says it’s an aluminum frame. How big is the gray water tank? Are there issues with this brand or model? Is $15,950 a decent price?

Thanks,
Ralph

[BookIIRoadtrash]

What is a good buy depends on the buyer and if you are satisfied. Location has a lot to do with pricing. You did not tell us any of the features. Generator, awnings, double pane windows, are the tires new,? There are lots of things to know about this trailer…. Book2

[Paul R. Haller]

Hi Ralph,
I currently own a 2005 Triumph 365BSQS and I bought it because of the interior floor plan and features. It's a very large and heavy 5th wheel. Before this I had a Jayco designer series trailer. That was a great trailer based on the axles and workmanship. Not so with the Triumph. It has a lippert frame and already the outer skin is torn at the corner of the bedroom slide and I have little confidence in the 6000 lbs axles underneath it. I weighed this trailer loaded and it tips the scales at just 14,600 lbs. If you figure around 20 % of the weight is on the truck those 2 6000 axles carry 11,700 lbs, right at their limit, but they have D rated tires. So legally speaking, while the trailer is within design spec, the tires are not. My 13,000 lb Jayco had 7000 lb axles and E rated tires. So, who builds the safer trailer?
To correct some of these deficiencies I bought E rated tires for the Triumph but we are just barely within design spec and what about brakes and suspension life? You still have to stop a 14,600 lb trailer! Fleetwood cheaped out on the suspension and put in what I consider to be under rated axles and tires. I have had no trouble with any system within the trailer, like the furnace or water heater and they used the same brands for all this stuff just like Jayco does, but the quality of installation is not very good with screws and debris everywhere under the bed and within cabinets.

In my opinion anything Fleetwood makes is junk and if I had to do it over again, I would definately look to a smaller manufacturer who prides itself on quality rather then quantity. I really like my walnut cabinets and solid surface counters and the luxurious feeling of my Triumph, but under the cabinets and 2 fireplaces, and everywhere else you don't normally see, there have been many small things that point to very hurried construction.

Triumphs tend to be dark in the interior and their decorator must have been on Prozak when choosing colors. They tend to be dark browns and tans and other earth tones. My walnut cabinets richen the interior but the color scheme should be a little lighter. My trailer had dark carpet and dark exotic wood laminate floor. If I were the depressive type, I think I would need a respite from all the dark. I like it though and it feels like a warm library but others who enter always say it's so dark even with 3 skylights and large windows. I do not think they were a big seller in the marketplace so, Fleetwood just dropped their name and moved on to a less opulent line and changed the name. Mine has the king bed, leather recliners, 2 fireplaces, whole house vacuum, and every other option available along with an Onan 7kw generator and 4 slides. I really like everything about it except the build quality. Sadly, in my opinion, the warranties with trailers is only as good as the dealer who sold it to you and that's true whether you buy a 200,000$ $ trailer or a 10,000$ trailer. Jayco has always responded to my calls and had been excellent in out of warrenty repairs but that is not the industry standard, When I call Fleetwood regarding the tear in the skin, they ask me to take pictures and send them the jpegs to see whats up with it. I never hear back from them. When I take the initiative and rattle their cage, all I get is finger pointing and no solution. That, sadly enough, is the norm.

This situation seems a slap in the face of every trailer owner. Why do we accept this level of service when this is such a huge purchase? It comes from complacency on our part. We as consumers must demand better service and until we start not buying lesser trailers and vote these companies out of business with our wallet, will we ever see an improvement. Jayco, in my opinion, has the gold standard for service with all others following behind. Fleetwood is at the very back of the poorest pack.
-Paul R. Haller-

[Superslif]

Try this link Triumph 5ers for sale at RV Trader for other Triumph 5er's for sale. I see what you mean by dark interiors. Personally I also like darker woods like Walnut. My parent have Fleetwood Excursion MH with walnut, but have very light tan furniture.