 |
|
09-08-2012, 10:18 PM
|
#1
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 51
|
Which would make the best fulltime unit?
We went to an RV show today to do some more research for fulltiming. We had some questions answered by salesmen but want to cross-reference with owners. We have narrowed down to 3 fifth wheels we like. The alpine 3500, jayco pinnacle REQS, and the montana big sky 3800RE. Any information would be appreciated. We want the full body paint also, which they all have available. Thanks!
|
|
|
 |
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
|
09-09-2012, 06:09 AM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Full-timers - Home is where we park it.
Posts: 4,722
|
The first thing I would do is check the manufacturers warranty to see if it will be voided if the unit is used for full-timing. Some manufacturers do this. I may be wrong, but I think Keystone (manufacturer of the Montana) is one of these.
|
|
|
|
|
09-09-2012, 06:43 AM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
Mid Atlantic Campers
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Solomons Island MD
Posts: 250
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by paz
The first thing I would do is check the manufacturers warranty to see if it will be voided if the unit is used for full-timing. Some manufacturers do this. I may be wrong, but I think Keystone (manufacturer of the Montana) is one of these.
|
You are correct Keystone will not warranty a unit for full time use. If I'm not mistaken none of the mass produced products are warranted for full time use.
|
|
|
|
|
09-09-2012, 07:00 AM
|
#4
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 1
|
That is great info. We just sold our house and are full time for the last couple month. We are now in a 09 Montana 3400rl. Though we do want to upgrade. Knowing this kind of information will be extremely helpful down the line.
|
|
|
|
|
09-09-2012, 11:35 AM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Full-timers - Home is where we park it.
Posts: 4,722
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by webgone
That is great info. We just sold our house and are full time for the last couple month. We are now in a 09 Montana 3400rl. Though we do want to upgrade. Knowing this kind of information will be extremely helpful down the line.
|
webgone, 
It's not a big deal if buying used, but it's something to look for in a new unit.
|
|
|
|
|
09-09-2012, 11:44 AM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Full-timers - Home is where we park it.
Posts: 4,722
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by soundman7
...If I'm not mistaken none of the mass produced products are warranted for full time use.
|
I'm pretty sure Heartland RV advertises their Landmark and Big Horn models as being suitable for full-time use, so I assume their warranty applies to full-timers.
NOTE to campingisfun - The Heartland line of Landmark 5th wheels has full and partial paint available. Big Horn models have a partial paint option.
|
|
|
|
|
09-09-2012, 06:58 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: South West Michigan
Posts: 466
|
Our Keystone Alpine was taken care of on the couple of issues no questions about fulltiming. don't think they could not warranty you
|
|
|
|
|
09-09-2012, 07:11 PM
|
#8
|
|
Moderator Emeritus
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Bryan, TX when not traveling.
Posts: 22,948
|
If you want a true full-time unit, look at a bit higher end and look at used Mobile or Select Suites (DRV), HitchHiker, Carriage (Cameo), Teton, Nuwa, Excel (but watch for rotted slide floors in several years), etc. They are a better buy than the new ones you listed.
These are true Full-time units, but they are heavy and will require an 1 ton dually or larger, depending on the trailer.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Ken
__________________
Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|No Longer Full-Time! - 2023 Cougar 22MLS toted by 2022 F150, 3.5L EcoBoost Tow Max FX4 Lariat Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot, retired mechanical engineer
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2012, 05:25 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Mid Atlantic Campers
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Solomons Island MD
Posts: 250
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TXiceman
If you want a true full-time unit, look at a bit higher end and look at used Mobile or Select Suites (DRV), HitchHiker, Carriage (Cameo), Teton, Nuwa, Excel (but watch for rotted slide floors in several years), etc. They are a better buy than the new ones you listed.
These are true Full-time units, but they are heavy and will require an 1 ton dually or larger, depending on the trailer.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Ken
|
Great advise, buying a good quality used unit is a mush better way o go.
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2012, 09:43 AM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: South West Michigan
Posts: 466
|
New or used it's still pretty much the same brand of appliances, water heater and furnace. We looked at a couple of used units and one had been fulltimed in and for the price we went new and the warranty hasn't been an issue
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2012, 10:11 AM
|
#11
|
|
Moderator Emeritus
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Bryan, TX when not traveling.
Posts: 22,948
|
There are plenty on 4 to 5 year old high end units on the market that have been very gently used. You will typically pay around 40% of the price of a new unit on the same manufacturer. So the best advice is to SHOP SHOP SHOP.
Ken
__________________
Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|No Longer Full-Time! - 2023 Cougar 22MLS toted by 2022 F150, 3.5L EcoBoost Tow Max FX4 Lariat Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot, retired mechanical engineer
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2012, 07:38 AM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Mid Atlantic Campers
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Solomons Island MD
Posts: 250
|
We paid 1/3 the cost of the new unit cost not including all the upgrades the previous owner did. We feel extremely blessed but it did take a lot of searching and patience .
|
|
|
|
|
11-26-2012, 07:52 AM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 16,706
|
Everyone has their own budget and druthers. Found what we druther have after 3 years of lookin before we went FT. No regrets.
We have a 33ft Fred and a Wrangler.
|
|
|
|
|
11-27-2012, 08:37 AM
|
#14
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 12,995
|
Trailer Life dated November 2012 do a very small review if 12 units they saw are fir full time use. I do not believe it but they list;
Cross Roads Washington (New)
DRV Luxury Suites 38TKSB3
Dutchmen Voltage 3895(Toy Hauler)
Dynamax Trilogy 3850 D3
Jayco Pinnacle 36REQS
Keystone Montana 3402RL
KZ StoneRidge 38FL
New Horizons Majestic F42RE4SS
Outdoors RV Black Stone Tuscany 280RLSB
Redwood 36RL
Space Craft 400-045
SunnyBrook Raven 3300CK
There a few on this list that surprise me. Actually I am going to a dealer the sells the SunnyBrook Raven...I will ask them and report back.
Note - the Montana is on the list.
Again - the 'Trailer Life' magazine November 2012 is the source.
I will also see if I can find last years full time list from TL.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
