Community Forums

jctomson · 05-21-2015, 04:35 PM

I am in the process of buying a 5th wheel...advice on insurance? Living on the coast of Texas make a difference? Anyone out there also have a mobile home?

**JohnRR** · 05-21-2015, 06:15 PM

Good luck with your decisions.

plasma800 · 05-21-2015, 06:19 PM

Well you're gonna get hit will ALL kinds of quotes.

Is this unit NEW or USED? That will make a difference in your decision making towards total loss replacement or actual cash value.

Bank of the west, FCIS, Blue Sky, Foremost, Overland, Gieco, Progressive. I'm sure I missed a few, but you will want quotes from each.

They will range from outrageous to livable.

I went with Geico. But also have home and auto there too.

plasma800 · 05-21-2015, 06:23 PM

Here's an interesting thread from sister site Insuring an Airstream - Airstream Forums Lots of discussion of general insurance details here

retired cop · 05-21-2015, 07:19 PM

Since you apparently live in Texas, you might try getting a quote from Texas Farm Bureau. I have my homeowner's and truck insurance through them, so I checked with them when I bought my used Rv. I was surprised by their rates and found them very affordable. JMHO

Medico · 05-22-2015, 05:20 AM

Welcome, glad to meet you!

jctomson · 05-22-2015, 07:24 AM

Thx all for your info! Haven't decided if the 5th wheel will be used or new...just started looking. (Thx Plasma800 for the total cost or actual cash value option) I don't plan on financing so hoping there will be some good deals out there. Have never purchased a RV of any kind so a new experience. In fact, the original dilemma was...a 5th wheel or a mobile home to live (on dry land) on when moving to the coast...will spend most of the time on our boat. I would think insurance would be more expensive and over-all costs higher w/a mobile home. OK...onto the next question..."Manufacturer's??? Just like with a car I'm sure...some are known for their quality/well-built reputation but some...not so good??"

camato5 · 05-22-2015, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jctomson

Thx all for your info! Haven't decided if the 5th wheel will be used or new...just started looking. (Thx Plasma800 for the total cost or actual cash value option) I don't plan on financing so hoping there will be some good deals out there. Have never purchased a RV of any kind so a new experience. In fact, the original dilemma was...a 5th wheel or a mobile home to live (on dry land) on when moving to the coast...will spend most of the time on our boat. I would think insurance would be more expensive and over-all costs higher w/a mobile home. OK...onto the next question..."Manufacturer's??? Just like with a car I'm sure...some are known for their quality/well-built reputation but some...not so good??"

Do you want entry level or quality level. You can get some nice entry level trailers and 5th wheels from Dutchman etc or you can go to the Cedar Creek, Montana . depends on what you want to spend. Do you want all weather with heated tanks? Soooo many options.

MSHappyCampers · 05-22-2015, 08:32 AM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

plasma800 · 05-22-2015, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jctomson

Thx all for your info! Haven't decided if the 5th wheel will be used or new...just started looking. (Thx Plasma800 for the total cost or actual cash value option) I don't plan on financing so hoping there will be some good deals out there. Have never purchased a RV of any kind so a new experience. In fact, the original dilemma was...a 5th wheel or a mobile home to live (on dry land) on when moving to the coast...will spend most of the time on our boat. I would think insurance would be more expensive and over-all costs higher w/a mobile home. OK...onto the next question..."Manufacturer's??? Just like with a car I'm sure...some are known for their quality/well-built reputation but some...not so good??"

Regardless, if you buy a new one, insurance companies can offer you a policy that gives you a check for the amount you paid for the unit during the first 5 years.

If they go with "actual cash value" then let's say you total it in 2 years, they will give you what THEY think it's worth at the 2 year mark. So if you buy new, for sure get the total replacement policy.

As to manufacturer, probably should start a new post on that one, and hold onto your seat.... the best one is the one they own.

However, when it comes to 5th wheels - Grand Design is where I would start looking.

plasma800 · 05-22-2015, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jctomson

Thx all for your info! Haven't decided if the 5th wheel will be used or new...just started looking. (Thx Plasma800 for the total cost or actual cash value option) I don't plan on financing so hoping there will be some good deals out there. Have never purchased a RV of any kind so a new experience. In fact, the original dilemma was...a 5th wheel or a mobile home to live (on dry land) on when moving to the coast...will spend most of the time on our boat. I would think insurance would be more expensive and over-all costs higher w/a mobile home. OK...onto the next question..."Manufacturer's??? Just like with a car I'm sure...some are known for their quality/well-built reputation but some...not so good??"

Further, depending on HOW mobile you want it to be and HOW long you want to keep it, you might consider looking into the concept of "park models". These are towed onsite, but meant to stay for a while. Cute though!

Another thought for you, if you happen to have the chance to actually go into a couple of campgrounds that are busy, you have the chance to, at least from the outside, view a LOT of setups.