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PB2 · 03-15-2022, 01:01 PM

We recently bought a lot in an RV resort in Florida. We currently have a small Class A and are investigating buying a used 5th wheel to place on our lot and not move it. We have no experience with 5th wheels and do not have a vehicle to tow it. We will get a friend with the proper truck to move it to our lot. I've been doing a lot of reading but still have some questions.

So, in no particular order...

Are there features we should consider for a camper that will be on a site in the Florida heat year around?

What about roofs should i know?

We want a good quality unit... however, will some of the lower quality brands be OK because they are not bouncing down the road every year?

I know this is a very open-ended question, but what are some of the better quality brands we should consider? Not consider?

I've heard that RVs built during the covid years can have questionable quality... true?

Should we stay with a model year 2019 or older?

TIA for the wisdom!

Nwcid · 03-15-2022, 01:48 PM

I know this is not a direct answer, and I have no specific information about these units, but have you considered Park Model trailers?

I am not sure what the overall construction is like but they are intended to be used in the way you describe.

Old-Biscuit · 03-15-2022, 02:05 PM

I also would suggest a Trailer....Park model, destination trailer etc vs a 5th wheel

It isn't going to be moved.....less stairs to use (have to do up/down everytime you want to go to front end of 5vr....bathroom, bedroom etc depending on floorplan)

Permanent set up......block it up on frame, remove the wheels/tires if permitted by CG, skirt it and done

Rockwood27 · 03-15-2022, 02:24 PM

What type of RV's does your home owner's association allow? I'm in an owner owned RV resort in SE Florida and our covenants expressly prohibit RVs under 24', slide in campers, any campers with canvas, park trailers, etc. We also have a 10 year limit rule.

As for used 5th wheel RVs (or any RV for that matter), check it very carefully for water leaks. Make sure the roof is in excellent shape. A new rubber roof could cost $10K to replace. Get an RV with two (or 3) functioning AC units. 50 amp electrical service is a must. Run all of the RV appliances before purchasing the unit. If it has a 4 door Norcold RV style refrigerator, beware, as they have been known to fail or cause the RV to burn down to the ground.

5th wheels are very spacious inside and relieve the claustrophobic conditions other RVs might have. In any case, I would have a professional survey done on the RV prior to purchase. It's better to uncover issues before you buy. New RVs seem to have a rash of issues. A friend in our RV resort just had a $225K Mobile Suites delivered to his site. It had several issues, which will require having it towed to his dealer or factory for repair. He doesn't have a tow vehicle. At 22K pounds, it needs an F450 sized truck to tow it.

Which RV resort did you buy at? Are you interested in swapping your Via for a 5th wheel?

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pddgm · 03-15-2022, 02:27 PM

There are some RV resorts(parks) that due to licensing don't allow park models without holding tanks. These do not qualify as rV's. I would look at a 2016 an up, depends on budget and park requrements. a 35 ft'er so should make a nice winter home. As others stated, block it up on blocks and put the tires on wooden or plastic to keep the weathering down, cover the tires with covers if not skirted...one piece roof, fiberglass is probably the best... If the rig has holding tanks, it's ok to drain the grey water tanks as used(I don't) but never leave the valve for the black water tank open(you will end up with a poop mountain)...

PB2 · 03-16-2022, 05:53 AM

Thanks for the comments, guys. Our resort currently allows park models but they are considering not allowing them. Destination trailers are OK and we are considering one of those or a TT. It just seems to us that 5th wheels are generally nicer, with better build quality and have better resale value. There also seem to be more used 5'ers to choose from. We're definitely not locked into a 5th wheel and may open up other models to consider.

Rockwood27, we bought in Cypress Trail in Fort Myers. And, yes, we might consider trading the VIA for a 5th wheel or something else...

Rockwood27 · 03-16-2022, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB2

Thanks for the comments, guys. Our resort currently allows park models but they are considering not allowing them. Destination trailers are OK and we are considering one of those or a TT. It just seems to us that 5th wheels are generally nicer, with better build quality and have better resale value. There also seem to be more used 5'ers to choose from. We're definitely not locked into a 5th wheel and may open up other models to consider.

Rockwood27, we bought in Cypress Trail in Fort Myers. And, yes, we might consider trading the VIA for a 5th wheel or something else...

Our resort once allowed park trailers, but eventually banned them (don't know why). There is still one left in our park, but it must be removed before the lot can be resold. Beware if your HOA is planning to ban them.

I've been to Cypress Trail...nice park. We have several friends at Cypress Woods, next door. They transitioned down from Seminole Campground in N. Ft Myers. Some of us ended up on the east coast in Ft Pierce.

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pddgm · 03-16-2022, 06:33 AM

We are in Olustee, Fl right outside of Lake City. I have been using rvtrader.com to look for used fifth wheels in the Florida area. There are lots of dealers down here and private sellers as well. Some are reasonably prices, but I really pay attention to the dealers reviews, if they have bad reviews consistently, then it's most likely not a place I will do business..

5er2life · 03-16-2022, 10:51 AM

High-end used 5th wheel such as New Horizon is how I'd go. Bugs should be all worked out and built for full-time.

Did a quick search and found one in Florida that I'd take a look at. Even has a residential water heater in the basement.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...TSS-5020103949

PB2 · 03-17-2022, 05:34 AM

Thanks for the link to that 5th wheel, 5er2life. I saw that one on my travels thru rvtrader.com. Good looking rig.

2Yung2 Quit · 03-19-2022, 05:55 PM

You can pick up a 6-7 year old DRV for under $80k, sometimes way under. They are typically better insulated than most 5'ers, and you might even be able to find one with a fiberglass roof as a bonus. For example, https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...SSA-5018112616

dblr · 03-21-2022, 06:37 AM

You might also look for a used River Stone, built like the DRV and just as nice, we are on our 6th year with ours and has been a great unit. Good luck on your search.