Full time fifth wheels

[GC45]

Hello to all.
I plan to full time in about a year & have a short list of fifth wheels. I would appreciate any and all comment, particularly from owners, as to their suitability. In the case of high end manufacturers, comment on older models would be welcome. I will be in all climates on a wide range of road conditions, & plan to mount a Hydralift motorcycle carrier on the rear, so chassis strength is important (from manufacturer; 10” or larger C-channel, I-Beam or rectangular tubing). I've investigated these pretty thoroughly but your personal experiences would help greatly in the evaluation process.

The list is as follows:
Alfa
Carriage
DRV
Excel
Jayco
Newmar
Nu-Wa
Sunnybrook
Teton
If anyone feels there are others omitted, feel free to suggest them.

[450Donn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19gc45 Hello to all. I plan to full time in about a year & have a short list of fifth wheels. I would appreciate any and all comment, particularly from owners, as to their suitability. In the case of high end manufacturers, comment on older models would be welcome. I will be in all climates on a wide range of road conditions, & plan to mount a Hydralift motorcycle carrier on the rear, so chassis strength is important (from manufacturer; 10” or larger C-channel, I-Beam or rectangular tubing). I've investigated these pretty thoroughly but your personal experiences would help greatly in the evaluation process. The list is as follows: Alfa out of business Carriage DRV Excel Jayco Newmar Nu-Wa Sunnybrook Teton Out of business If anyone feels there are others omitted, feel free to suggest them.

In order of how I would choose them
1) DRV
2) Carriage
3) Newmar
The others I would not consider in the same class. But price could be a big deciding factor. The Carriage is probably the least expensive and the Newmars are the most expensive.

[ralper]

New Horizons 5 ers are built of rectangular tubular steel. They are about the toughest on the market. They are one of the heaviest on the market. They are custom built to your specs. and are no more expensive than the other better brands. New units have a two year bumper to hitch warranty. I own one and love it. No matter what brand there are always some problems. From what I have read, I have had fewer than most. There are used ones on the market. Also the factory in Junction City, KS has used ones taken in on trade from folks who have upgraded.

Some brands will void the warranty if you full time in them. You do not want that brand because it tells me that they will not hold up.

[GC45]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralper New Horizons 5 ers are built of rectangular tubular steel. They are about the toughest on the market. They are one of the heaviest on the market. They are custom built to your specs. and are no more expensive than the other better brands. New units have a two year bumper to hitch warranty. I own one and love it. No matter what brand there are always some problems. From what I have read, I have had fewer than most. There are used ones on the market. Also the factory in Junction City, KS has used ones taken in on trade from folks who have upgraded. Some brands will void the warranty if you full time in them. You do not want that brand because it tells me that they will not hold up.

Thanks. New Horizons is one I certainly considered, but they seem to be very near the top price-wise. I'll have another look for used.

[GC45]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn In order of how I would choose them 1) DRV 2) Carriage 3) Newmar The others I would not consider in the same class. But price could be a big deciding factor. The Carriage is probably the least expensive and the Newmars are the most expensive.

I'm not overly concerned that some of the manufacturers are out of business. In order to bring many of these within my budget I'd be looking at older, out-of-warranty models.
Thanks
GC

[Hitchhiker]

I'll vouch for the NuWa's, I'm on my fourth one and if I ever decide to trade it'll be another NuWa. They build a quality coach and stand behind their products. That's not to say many others don't but these guys are focused on the customer and are dedicated to building top notch trailers.

Their CEO, Mike Mitchell, is an active participant on the NuWa Owners Forum and often gets personally involved when an owner has a concern over their trailer.

[Rick&Cheryl]

You really didnt provide enough info to get the best answers. We dont know what your budget is, there is no indication regarding a tow vehicle, or budget for one, and more clarification of just what your defintion of full-timing actually is, and all climates,,could mean -40 to 105.

[denochs]

Add the Fleetwood Daydreamer to your list to check out. It has been on the market for about 5 years now. Don't know if you are looking for something older. We had an 06 and the quality was some of the best I've seen.

Dave

[TXiceman]

I would have to go with 450donn's list. You might add Teton and King of the Road for good used units.

Excel has has a few issues in the past you need to watch for. They are trying to get the customers taken care of and address the issues. I would look at them, but watch for leak issues and frame issues.

Ken

[GC45]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick&Cheryl You really didnt provide enough info to get the best answers. We dont know what your budget is, there is no indication regarding a tow vehicle, or budget for one, and more clarification of just what your defintion of full-timing actually is, and all climates,,could mean -40 to 105.

My budget is limited which is why I sought information about older high-end manufacturers. Haven't bought a TV yet; that will depend, although I'd prefer not to go past F450 or equivalent. Full-timing means 24/7/365. All climates: From British Columbia coastal winters @ generally 20 to 40 F to Central American summers up to 100 F. So I'm looking for superior insulation. Specifics are hard to provide until I know just what to look for & can afford.
I see another member is able to tow his New Horizon with A Chevy 3500. That sounds right.

[GC45]

Quote:

Originally Posted by denochs Add the Fleetwood Daydreamer to your list to check out. It has been on the market for about 5 years now. Don't know if you are looking for something older. We had an 06 and the quality was some of the best I've seen. Dave

The only Daydreamer I find (a quick google) is by Forest River. Frankly the number of different lines under their banner put me off. Huge range in quality. The Cardinal looked OK and was apparently the base for Americana fivers until recently. I might add Americana to my short list if only for the insulation. Still collecting info on them.

[GC45]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman I would have to go with 450donn's list. You might add Teton and King of the Road for good used units. Excel has has a few issues in the past you need to watch for. They are trying to get the customers taken care of and address the issues. I would look at them, but watch for leak issues and frame issues. Ken

Teton's on my list. I'll take another look at King of the Road. I thought Excel's problems were relatively recent. On any high-ender I'd probably have to go back at least 6 years.

[450Donn]

since you are looking used, I would probably put alpenlite near the top of that list.

[edj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitchhiker I'll vouch for the NuWa's, I'm on my fourth one and if I ever decide to trade it'll be another NuWa. They build a quality coach and stand behind their products. That's not to say many others don't but these guys are focused on the customer and are dedicated to building top notch trailers. Their CEO, Mike Mitchell, is an active participant on the NuWa Owners Forum and often gets personally involved when an owner has a concern over their trailer.

I also would highly recommend the NuWa HitchHiker. If HitchHiker was not available, a good alternative (not in any particular order) would be either Carriage, Excel or DRV.