Community Forums

jimcumminsw · 08-23-2016, 09:35 AM

Frame, suspension wet bolt system, auto leveling, Trailair Pin Box, storage space in basement, Floor plan, room darkening roller shades, residential refrigerator and non-THOR product.

Dogpatch · 08-23-2016, 10:19 AM

All things structural are important. But if you don't have a good floor plan, it'll be useless and un-enjoyable. Find a quality manufacturer and then Floor plan that contains all your living wants needs.

For us, once we found the quality we wanted, it went like this:

1. King size walk around bed.
2. Large kitchen with lots of counter space and cabinets.
3. Large bathroom with leg room for doing business.
4. Recliners/seating directly facing TV.
5. Good size fridge.
6. Ample storage outside.
7. Good A/C and ventilation.
8. Washer/dryer prep.

When buying a used unit, it limits you and may take some time to find the perfect layout as not all people have the same combination of priorities as you.
Some things can be upgraded and changed, however some things are too costly to re-configure.
When we were looking, we found it difficult to find all we wanted in a shorter 5th wheel. Not many used units in the 35' range that had a king size bed. Further, many did not have the seating/living area the way we wanted.
We were able to swap the sofa and recliner positions to set directly across from the big screen TV and fireplace. Easy fix.

Our Cardinal is perfect for us with the only things we wished different being that we wished it had a large bath/shower combination. Wife loves to bath.
A second A/C unit in the master is in the works.

40' was more than we originally wanted, but it's roomy!
Buying our 5th wheel for about $20,000 under market value sealed the deal. We can live with the shower!

BSHGTO · 08-23-2016, 01:53 PM

Watching your wife's body language and listening to what she says. Start out with the expensive ones and move down she will want to go back to the high dollar ones every time and that means it will have anything you would want.

quickshift · 08-23-2016, 02:48 PM

If you can live with the payments, the floor plan you want will work.

monkey · 08-26-2016, 09:24 AM

Ours was floor plan,,, And a size that would fit in our garage... We have two Great Danes as kids,, so the opposing slides in the living room were a must... Lots of room ! It has a good size bathroom,, at 6'1" I can easily stand up in the shower,,, Lots of hot water, etc... Although one draw back to our 5vr is you cannot access the frig with the slides in... (without climbing over a counter) No biggy to us,, the bathroom is a walkin no matter what... (Important!!!) Love the fireplace and swing out tv !!! Overall I'm a Happy Camper hearing DW say "this sure is a pretty camper" !!!!

And my new Silverado pulls it like a dream !!!!
Monkey