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08-22-2017, 09:07 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Full Timing. When I park I'm home
Posts: 1,369
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The folks here have covered everything pretty well. You can fix the blingy (is that a word?) stuff but the important stuff has to be really looked for (frame, tires, etc).
I would add to buy used. Consignment lots are in lots of places. Good luck.
Brad
__________________
2004 Volvo, 2009 smart car
2008 Hitch Hiker Champagne
Full timing January 2010
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08-22-2017, 06:53 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,846
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If you compare a 40-45 foot 5th wheel to a 40-45 foot class A there is no comparison. The fifth wheel will have more interior room, more storage payload capacity and better full time liveability.
The problem for some is that the overall length is greater for the 5th. You need a BIG tow vehicle also.
Tough decision.
Look at New Horizons for your 5th wheel. The only 5 star rated unit for full time living. Go on their website. Also look at Spacecraft. They both offer complete customization.
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08-22-2017, 06:55 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,846
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bddadles
The folks here have covered everything pretty well. You can fix the blingy (is that a word?) stuff but the important stuff has to be really looked for (frame, tires, etc).
I would add to buy used. Consignment lots are in lots of places. Good luck.
Brad
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I really like your truck. That combo is awesome.
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08-22-2017, 07:15 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Valley Springs, Ca
Posts: 421
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Look into a Vilano by VanLeigh. Live in quality. They are a Tiffin family product. We wanted a Tiffin coach but couldn't stomach the price and then found the Vilano. Fell in love!!! We purchased a 375 FL which is a front living floor plan. Check them out!!
__________________
2018 Vilano 375FL
2017 F-350 CC DRW 6.7
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08-22-2017, 07:25 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09 harley
If you compare a 40-45 foot 5th wheel to a 40-45 foot class A there is no comparison. The fifth wheel will have more interior room, more storage payload capacity and better full time liveability.
The problem for some is that the overall length is greater for the 5th. You need a BIG tow vehicle also.
Tough decision.
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Really? I have over 7,000#'s payload capacity. 46,700#'s empty and 54,000#'s GVWR with a GCVWR of 69,000#'s
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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08-22-2017, 08:02 PM
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#20
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 35
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As asked your price point makes a huge difference. You also don't indicate what type RV your interested in (Class A, 5th whl, TT, etc). If it is to be a towable what are you towing with or are you buying that too. It took us two years going to shows and much internet research to narrow it down and it is the RV you need to determine first. We got a 2017 Cardinal 3950TZ and upgraded the tires to Goodyear G614s plus changed the WH to a Suburban on-demand style. So far so good. You can look at the high end units but the prices are ridiculous besides the enormous weight will require a major tow vehicle purchase. Did you hit the lottery?? Also, expect there to be problems as this is the nature of the beast whatever the brand you buy. I put my trust in Forest River (Cedar Creek, Cardinal) as opposed to other manufacturer brands. I did like some other models but was wary of the reputation of the manufacturer (i.e. Thor). Carriage used to be a very good trailer but closed shop and is now being produced by Thor. Luxe, Ambition, Mobile Suites, are very expensive and heavy but beautiful. Good luck finding what you want, but you need to make some decisions about what you really need to have, how you'll use it, and so on. Take your time.
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08-24-2017, 11:05 AM
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#21
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Dickinson Texas USA
Posts: 1,274
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We have been living in our Heartland Landmark for 6 years, full timing. Landmark is rated and warranted (2 years) for full time, as is the Bighorn and Big Country lines.
__________________
2018 Heartland Landmark Oshkosh
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08-25-2017, 10:31 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club Winnebago Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Posts: 6,788
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To me quality all starts with the frame and suspension system. If its not stable to different loading forces then what's on top of it going to flex too much to hold up long. Most frames are one of three beam types, I beams, box beams and channels. Each has best uses and may or may not provide a good foundation for a house bouncing down the highway. There are real differences in the beam types and it shows in the price.
I'd also like a large strong sub-frame for attachment of the suspension system. Like stated above some makes provide the minimum for axles and suspension components- not a good idea.
Anyone can make glitz but only a few make or have made quality units. I agree with the makes listed above for quality. It is always important to match your intended use to the RV.
IMO- 5th wheeler or Class A, its largely a personal choice. The 5th will always provide more interior space than a Class A for the same length. Also 5ths have far more variation in floor plans than usually found in Class As. I prefer a 5th. The drive train will be one of three well known makes with an established quality. To me Class As are far more complex and may required a deeper pocket for maintenance.
We bought a 7 year old Excel 5th and have no regrets what so ever. Did have a failure in the Never-Lube wheel bearings and upgraded the entire suspension system from 6,000 to 7,000 lb system with disk brakes. Otherwise I've had one screw come loose inside after 3 years of towing. I believe that some of the mentioned brands are also of good quality.
__________________
Fred & Denise (RVM157) New Mexico
2007 Excel Classic 30RSO & Coach House 272XL E450
2007 RAM 3500, Diesel, 6Spd Auto, SWD, 4x4, CC & LB
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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08-26-2017, 07:08 AM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,009
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__________________
Mike, Betty & Sophie (Guard Cat)
Full Timers from the Great Lakes State of Michigan
2013 Silverado 3500HD Duramax Diesel & 2013 Cedar Creek Silverback
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