Lightweight

[capt.randy]

We are looking for a lightweight fifth wheel we have looked at the open range, Rockwood, cougar and grand design so far. We really like the Grand design but a little more than we are looking to spend as as the open range. The Rockwood ultralight has great floor plans any opinions on these units would be much appreciated. We plan on traveling about 5 months a year and it's just me and the wife.

[Clicker1943]

Take a look at the Shasta Phoenix. We just got a 32RE, lots of room, nicely appointed and good bang for the $.

[capt.randy]

Thanks I'll take a look.

[dmctjt]

I just bought a Grand Design Reflection 29RL. I have yet to take it on a trip but so far I am very impressed

[glennwest]

5 months a year is a lot of time in a couch. I believe most light weights would wear badly in short time with this much use.

[jaybe]

I believe that most of the major mfctrs. have a lite series. I have heard good things about the Jayco light series. The point made by glennwest might be one to consider. Does lightweight mean not durable? I guess I haven't traveled enough to answer that question.
Hopefully, you'll be getting more replies on here.

[tuffr2]

I agree with glennwest. But to verify you can simply look at 3 or 4 year old used units. See how they held up.

I looked at a 2 year old used Skyline trailer made from Azdel. That trailer had a lot of loose screws. It is as if Azdel does not hold screws and staples as well as heavier wood.

I believe Open Range is made of Azdel or like product.

Again, you can verify by looking at used units.

Good luck

[capt.randy]

Yanks for all of your input there aren't any used lightweight units within 200 miles of us that is units under 11,000 GVW I have spoken to a couple of people who have the Grand design Randy reflection units which come in at 9950 GVW which would be great have a great floor plan but come with a hefty price at $48,000.

It looks like we will probably wind up going with a TT because you get so much more for less $$ .. But again thanks for the input we still have a year before our adventure will begin so I have plenty of time for research.

Thanks and maybe once we are going road we'll be able to meet all of you helpful folks.

[Cumminsfan]

A lite trailer can be lite from various reasons. It could have more aluminum framing vs say a wood framed roof and floor. The slides could be either Swhintek or cable type. Way lighter than the rack and gear type. Lighter countertops as opposed to a true solid surface. Feel the edge of the countertop, does it look 1-1/2" thick? Put your fingers under the edge. Light countertop are really only 1/2"+ thick but have an edge thats thicker.


None of those things make a light trailer inferior. But if they cut weight on the top end then they can cut on the bottom end also. Smaller frame, lighter axle and tires.


Not saying you need a thick frame and heavy duty suspension with a light trailer. But generally the load carrying capacity drops in lights also.





FWIW Open Range doesn't use Azdel.
The Open Range Light Travel Trailer Construction Features by Highland Ridge RV, Inc.




You shouldn't be paying $48,000 for a Grand Design Reflection. If you're looking at the 29RS or 27RL, $48,000 would be MSRP. You want to shoot for 25-30% off MSRP as a general rule. You may have to shop around but that's pretty much the normal reduction in price. For some reason Grand Design doesn't allow it's dealers to advertise low prices like you see for other brands. It's just harder to deal when the dealer isn't showing any reduced price to begin with.

[glennwest]

The few I looked at use engineered wood. Not refinish able.

[capt.randy]

Thanks the one grand design dealer here doesn't want to budge $47,395 plus dealer fees license and tax sitting at just under 51,000 out the door too much for me. There is another dealer about 200 miles from us may drive over to look at what he has he carries sunset trailers too and they look pretty nice.

Thanks again

[caissiel]

Keystone, Cedar Creak, Heartland, Jayco Palameno are just a few that makes 1/2 ton tolerable trailers. The RV parks are full of then towed with 1/2 tons. Some are towed 2000 miles for the winter vacation here on FL.
In my 1/4 and 1/2 ton days the dealers were full of these that were always traded for larger units when the owners wife found out they were easy to tow. So big ot was.
I bought the big one first and kept it for 7 years.
Had the best comment when towing ot with the Ranger STX.

[tuffr2]

Azdel and other like products are a good way to reduce weight. Azdel also has other advantages. I forget what name is given to the direct Azdel competitor.

I am in an area with a lot of used units. I will check out 3 - 5 year old units. The used Skyline trailer that I saw that had a lot of loose screws might have been an anomaly. If not, I am sure they (the users of Azdel) will figure out what type of screw / or glue works best...it is just a matter of time.

[Clicker1943]

No way that I would buy anything from a dealer that won't budge from list price.
We drove 389 miles in early March to pick up our new 5er. The Georgia dealer beat the price of a much closer dealer here in Florida on the exact same unit by 5 grand! Did all the negotiations on price and trade in via email and telephone. Everything went smooth as silk. Bottom line shop for the unit you want on line and don't be afraid to drive to save a bunch of money.