$ adding up

[GC45]

I'm new to this and looking at the following:
Budget: $50000
2011 Victory Vegas 8 Ball- About $15000 after the dust settles.
2004 (+-)Dodge 2500/3500 Cummins 5.9 $15000 ditto
Cost to travel to US to buy (Canadian, eh?) $5000
Leaving for toy hauler $15000 (5th wheel)

Anybody point me in the right direction?

[94-Newmar]

Im confused. Are you looking for suggestions on a Brand/Type of toy hauler or where to buy one here in the US?

[GC45]

I guess the question is pretty vague. I'm just looking for any suggestions that could help me stay within that budget. I've decided a 5th wheel is the way to go & there are some inexpensive brands, Wildwood in particular. Anyone have any knowledge of the brand?

[RustyJC]

There's generally a reason that inexpensive trailers are inexpensive.

If it's going to live an easy life (good roads and light loads), the compromises inherent in an "inexpensive" toy hauler might be something you can live with. Otherwise, if you're consistently going to hit the rough stuff with a full load of toys, I'd swallow hard and not waste my money on something that is likely to fall apart like a 50 cent suitcase in a rainstorm where you spend more time keeping the toyhauler patched up than you do enjoying your toys.

For a given amount of purchase dollars available, have you considered a well-maintained, used higher quality toy hauler in lieu of a new, lower quality trailer? If you can find a used higher quality toy hauler that hasn't been beaten to death, you can let someone else take the initial depreciation hit, and hopefully any major bugs will have been worked out of it by the original owner.

JM2CW....YMMV.

Rusty

[GC45]

Thanks for the input. I definitely have considered used & will continue to do so.
On another tack, is there a consensus about aluminum vs. wood frame?

[a10koaksfed]

Termites like would frames

[TXiceman]

Rot also like wood frames. I agree on the looking at a higher quality used unit over new to get the most for your $$$$. You may not find the exact color or floor plan you would like to have, but you will have a better built RV in the long run, plus you let the previous owner deal with the depreciation.

Just hire an independent RV tech to go over the rig thoroughly before you buy it.

Ken

[GC45]

I thought I had a couple of manufacturers singled out, Alfa in particular, but find the weights too high. I'd prefer to stay away from the real heavyweight tow vehicles so...
Any opinions about the Keystone Outback Sydney Edition. Lightweight with a small side entry garage, which suits me fine. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with any experience with this model.

[TXiceman]

Alfa is a high end trailer and Keystone is an entry level. The higher end units are heavier and will require a larger truck. The entry level units will have things like particle board cabinets with a plastic woodgrain vinyl, plastic sinks, plastic faucets, lighter weight framing, stapled cabinet and framing construction....etc.

Ken

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19gc45 I thought I had a couple of manufacturers singled out, Alfa in particular, but find the weights too high. I'd prefer to stay away from the real heavyweight tow vehicles so... Any opinions about the Keystone Outback Sydney Edition. Lightweight with a small side entry garage, which suits me fine. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with any experience with this model.

The Dodge 3500 Cummins that you mentioned in your original post will tow
most trailers on the market. I would get an older bike and a newer truck, the '06 Cummins really came alive. Everything that you are buying are big boy (and girls) toys, but the truck has to take you to your destination. Don't skimp on the truck, everything else can be cut back on. A great bike, great trailer, and a so-so truck???
J

[GC45]

Appreciate the advice. Rather than get a used bike (2011 Vegas has meaningful improvements over earlier years & will be my chief means of transportation when docked), it looks like I'll have to revise my budget. I'm trying to leave enough capital to live off interest alone, but I could probably go another $20,000 which should do it.
I recognize the difference between the high & entry level units mentioned. I guess I'm really looking for some assurance that the Outback has reasonable quality.
I haven't yet found a manufacturer who builds a structurally superior RV without unnecessary frills.
As concerns the Alfa, GVWR in the 19-20,000 lb. range seems to call for the type of tow vehicle which would be impractical for day-to-day use.

[GC45]

Further to last post.
I'm getting a little frustrated trying to sort out towing capacities. If I thought I could tow a heavy rig like the Alfa with a Dodge 4500 or Ford F-450 I'd settle, but the more I read the more it seems like I might need a MDT. Either that or go looking for one of the others with the exact combination of specs required. Could be a long process with a used vehicle. How do I say help without sounding needy?

[GC45]

Or I could just forget the Vegas & ride a bicycle.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19gc45 Or I could just forget the Vegas & ride a bicycle.

Now you are talking about saving $$$$. You just need to set priorities.

Ken