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Old 08-22-2017, 09:07 AM   #15
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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.

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Old 08-22-2017, 06:53 PM   #16
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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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Old 08-22-2017, 06:55 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by bddadles View Post
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
I really like your truck. That combo is awesome.
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Old 08-22-2017, 07:15 PM   #18
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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!!
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Old 08-22-2017, 07:25 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09 harley View Post
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.
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
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Old 08-22-2017, 08:02 PM   #20
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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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Old 08-24-2017, 11:05 AM   #21
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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.
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Old 08-25-2017, 10:31 PM   #22
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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.
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Old 08-26-2017, 07:08 AM   #23
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Where did the OP go?
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