Community Forums

Pepper2 · 12-09-2017, 10:26 AM

Our uncle is looking for a used 5th wheel for full timing. He knows floor plan is important and to size the rig to the truck, but what other factors should he be considering. I'll assume an artic package is important. What other features should he be looking at, and what are some brands favored by full-timers? Thanks!

bddadles · 12-09-2017, 04:15 PM

We have just started on year 9 full timing so I'll rattle off a couple of things.
1) As far as brands go I'm real well versed. I have a Hitch Hiker Champagne. They don't build anymore but we really like ours and will be repairing instead of replacing. Excel was good and also not built anymore.
2) He is right to buy used because if he is a newbie at this he will NEVER get something perfect for him on the first try because he does not know what he needs and no one can tell him because some things are just personal preference and he will learn as he goes. Don't get into analysis paralysis looking for something perfect. Buy used and go and enjoy until you learn the ropes.
3) A seat in the shower is a very nice to have.
4) On board laundry. My wife would get rid of me before she gives up her Washer and Dryer.
5) Make sure the shower is large enough. Get in and simulate taking a shower. Is it tall enough? Does your arms wack the walls?
6) Electric Management system (EMS) is necessary IMHO.
7) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also necessary IHMO. A blown tire is quite pricey in damage.
8) a good Emergency Road Service. I have Coachnet and have been very happy with them. This item is not a question of Will I need it but When will I need it.
9) Consider your counter space. Does he like to cook? It could be important.
10) A large basement is very nice.
11) A personal opinion but a King size bed is a waste of real estate plus you will most likely lose your night stands.

That is a good start and I'm sure others will add on and probably poo poo my king size bed opinion but they will be wrong.

Happy hunting.

Brad

jpharley · 12-09-2017, 04:55 PM

Look and frame suspension, and tire size. Most RVs are pretty in the inside. It is the bones of an RV that is important to us. Then look for a floor plan you can live with. Many of the really good full timing 5th wheel builders like Teton, HitchHiker, Excel, Carriage are no longer producing 5th wheels. Used ones are a great option.

Edd505 · 12-09-2017, 06:05 PM

KZ lot of bang for the buck, well built full time units.

GeezerViz · 12-09-2017, 08:23 PM

Does anyone know anything about Mobile Suites? Are they a good full-time coach?

Cypressloser · 12-10-2017, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WAscubaDude

Does anyone know anything about Mobile Suites? Are they a good full-time coach?

Used, before the Thor takeover yes.
New, so so.
We looked at new ones earlier this year and weren't that impressed.

chiefneon · 12-10-2017, 03:55 PM

Howdy!

Take a look at the Artic Fox it’s quality and well built for the money.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

cruzbill · 12-10-2017, 04:14 PM

If you will let me get up on my soap box-Any 5ver driver should add disc brakes if not equipped already. Reason? Safety. Its not how much you can tow, but how well you can stop. Had our 30' 5ver for 17 years, loved that trailer; on a trip to CO and back I lost the inadequate drum brakes twice due to overheating. Very scary. No, its not operator error caused by 'riding' the brakes, drum brakes are simply inadequate. Name the last car you bought that had drum brakes? ('63 ford falcon excepted). Switching any 5ver to disc is not hard, nor expensive, about $1,200 if you DIY. Safety, not only for those IN your truck, but those passing the other way as well.

Bob_C · 12-10-2017, 04:26 PM

Put discs on this one last spring...night and day difference...

jdpm · 12-10-2017, 05:12 PM

How does he define full time? Living in it full time and doing a lot of miles between places OR living in it full time but mostly parked?
They are all built pretty much the same except for some running gear on a few brands.
I would want the better and heavier frames along with better running gear for full timing and traveling full time.
A few of them like DRV, Luxe, Jayco Designer have thicker sidewalls than the standard 2" of the industry which would allow for a bit better insulation.
If buying used, I'd look for Lifestyle and Carriage models which both have good frames and many of which will have disc brakes along with 17.5 wheels. A lot of them also have Flex-Foil insulation adding to the R value. Only way to tell would be the units particular build sheet or removed a switch/outlet and look for it behind the walls.
In the used line, I'd also consider Excel and Teton.
Make sure the tow vehicle can handle some of the before mentioned rigs. Have fun shopping and safe travels.

SkiSmuggs · 12-10-2017, 05:13 PM

Northwood builds quality full-time units. They use their own frames and insulate more than others. Artic Fox and Fox Mountain are the Northwood brands.