We are in the process of selling all that we own, and wanting to get on the rode full time and have been looking at all of the 5th wheel trailers.  I am about to go nuts, but it seems that there are a few homes that have risen to the top, the cream of the crop as to speak.  To mention a few, Carrage, Teton, Landmark, Cambridge and King of the Road.  Some of these are just out of our range financially, but still think they are nice.  The one that we really like is the Cambridge.  I now realize that they do not make them any more and I can't figure out why, but we have been looking at the 2006 models, and they are really nice.  The problem with them is that they are scattered all over the US and it is going to be hard to go look at each and every one of them and to do a proper job inspecting them.  Also it is hard to know what they are worth money wise.  Since we are going full time we are wanting a model that will hang together in our travels and that will be comfortable in the heat and the cold.  Hummmm, I guess that is what we all want, huh.  Anyway, any feed back is welcome, and I will quit rambling..........

By the way if you know of any Cambridge trailers out there for sale please let us know.  Thanks!

Ok, Now I have found Newmar trailers, Kountry Aire.  Anyone know about them and where there is a dealer that has some to look at?  I kinda like the tandum axle they offer with duel wheel on each axle.  Looking for feed back please.

Thanks!
-- Edited by blackoak99 at 12:32, 2007-07-22

-- Edited by blackoak99 at 14:01, 2007-07-29

We were inside one new Cambridge and were very surprised to find that it could only carry 900 pounds of cargo. We found this to be way to little to consider for use for full time living. Seemed strange to us that such a beautiful coach couldn't carry any weight. I wonder if this is why Keystone only built them for one year?

When we went through all the data available from the RV consumer's group CD, we felt that carrying capacity was one of the most important features for us in our home on the road. The Excel we chose has a little over 4300 pound carrying capacity. We also later decided that we did not want a "flashy" rig that looked like a million bucks rolling down the road. (I think the term is "showing the money") We felt Excel made the best product, while still looking rather "plain Jane" on the outside.

Didn't King of the Road recently close their doors? I don't think it will be too easy to get warranty help from a closed company, but they used to make a nice product.

Getting the consumer's group CD was one of the best 125 or so dollars we spent while we were searching for our new home. (I think it costs more now) But it contained a great amount of data on all 5th wheels made in the past 10 years.

After a lot of research we have narrowed our choices down to Excel, Carriage Cameo and NuWa HitchHiker Discover America.  However, there are several models within each of these 3 makes that we have to go through to decide which is best for us.

In any case, all 3 are classified for "fulltime use" where some other brands are more suited to vacation and weekend trips and not continuous fulltime use.

Certainly things like CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) are very important.  I have read that for full-timers the average is around 2500 lbs of "stuff" you will be loading into your 5th wheel.  I believe this would include groceries, pots, pans, dishes, clothes, tools, etc, etc, etc!

The best thing is to attend RV shows as they come up in your area and visit lots of dealers to walk through the models.

If you are thinking used then checkout the NADA website for pricing.  Others will probably have more info to provide on this as well.

Good luck!

All of the models you are considering are good, and the guidance on carrying capacity is very important. If this will be your home you will manage to accumulate a lot of stuff. In 18 months we have added over 3500# The advice to join RV Consumer Group could save you from making a major mistake and is well worth the money. I can't imagine what we might have chosen if we had not been led to them. Best money we ever spent. Good luck, Fred

Tim and Cathy,

You're on the right trail.  Start thinking of your fulltiming lifestyle, which will probably be pretty much the same as your current lifestyle, and make lists of what options/extras that you will need to support that lifestyle. 

Fred is right about the extra carrying capacity - not only will you need capacity for your personal "stuff", but there will be additional options that you will add later on.  For instance Howard and Linda are adding an inverter and AGM batteries which will weigh in at around 400 pounds.  You should be looking at 3000 to 4000 pounds of carrying capacity.  Most base weights listed by manufacturers do not include the added options so the actual weight could already be using upto 1500 pounds of the carrying capacity.

While on the weigh issue, be sure to consider the tow vehicle that you are going to use.  You "must" stay within the weight ratings of the coach and the tow vehicle.

When it comes to the brand I agree with using the RV Consumer Groups information in making that decision.  Terri and John, D & J have chosen the Excel which is a very good unit.  I wouldn't be afraid to purchase a used coach if it is one of the better built units.  Some people advocate buying used first to determine what you want and then upgrading.  We had the advantage of living in our old fifthwheel for 14 months before we went fulltime - then we knew exactly what we wanted in our fulltime home.

It may seem overwhelming but take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process.  This should be a fun experience.  We'll all be looking forward to hearing about your final decision.

OK, Guys and thanks a lot. Now my wife wants the EXCEL !!!!!! Now can you all send money? Just kidding, but thanks for the information. I am finding that Excel's are hard to find, but I am working on it. From what I have seen, they are a well made unit and are very pretty for my wife. When it seems that I have thought of everything, information from this forum lets me know that I havent, and I do thank each and every one of you for helping.

We have found that most Excel owners got their rigs for 26-30% off of MSRP. We got a little bit more than that off, but our unit was a year old when we bought it.

This web site lists most of the Excel dealers in the US  http://www.aworldtraveler.com/rvs/excel_dealers.htm

Don't be scared off by the MSRP prices on Peterson's website, not many people pay MSRP for their trailers!

D and J wrote:

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We have found that most Excel owners got their rigs for 26-30% off of MSRP. We got a little bit more than that off, but our unit was a year old when we bought it.

This web site lists most of the Excel dealers in the US  http://www.aworldtraveler.com/rvs/excel_dealers.htm

Don't be scared off by the MSRP prices on Peterson's website, not many people pay MSRP for their trailers!

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Wow Doug that's great!  I wasn't aware you could get an Excel for that much off the MSRP!  Can you provide any info on which dealers will discount that deeply?  We live in southwest Florida, but since we're going to be full-time RVers it doesn't matter where we have to go to buy, within reason of course! 

Thanks.

Your doing the right thing....researching is sooo important when buying anything. The one thing that I can tell you is make sure that whatever you buy you know how to take care of it. I have seen some of the best made rigs falling apart a year after they were purchased. It all comes down to taking care of the roof, siding, tires, and all the appliances that come with them. Everyone will tell you that whatever you get will last you as long as you take care of it. It would not hurt to go to all the rallies you can and learn as much as you can about caring for your rig. Good luck to you and making your choice. Sherri and I hope to see you down the road. Joe and Sherri

We have been researching fifth wheels as well (about a year now). We have narrowed down our choices to four or five manufactuers (Excel, Double Tree - Elite Suites/Mobile Suites, KZ Escalade, Newmar - Kountry Aire/Torrey Pine, Carriage, to name a few). We have spoken to several former RV salesmen, and the advice we got was "NEVER pay more than 75% of MRSP for any unit. We have a couple of years until retirement and full timing so we will continue to gather info. Good luck in your search. Rick & Debi Future Full Timers

Tim and Cathy, Greetings from Georgia. Had to throw my 2 cents in and say please look at New Horizons 5ers, especially if you can find one used that would meet your needs. That's what we did, and couldn't be happier. The website is www.horizonsrv.com. Can't beat the quality, livability, and customer service. We also loved the Excels as well, but they were out of our price range. Happy Hunting Nancy and Richard

Blackoak99,   We just sold our beloved Cambridge this past week.   Our Cambridge served us well.    We only had two issues, shower leak and bad Tredit Aluminum wheels.    And Keystone took care of both issues.    Would I buy another one, yes in a heart beat.   That is one reason we didn't want to sell the Cambridge,  we couldn't find a replacement under a $100,000 dollars.    Since Delaine's Mom has some serious Medical issues we had to quit full timing.    Most 5th wheels are full of plastic not the Cambridge it was wood.   And for as carring capacity,  I don't remember the numbers except the total which was 16,900.    We carried all the items we needed for full timing and had plenty of room.   The Cambridge has a huge basement,  we found that to be a problem,   seems as more storage you have the more things you carry that you don't need.   If we do get another 5th wheel we will down size.    We ask why do we need 400 sq feet.   I highly recomend the Cambridge,  problem is they are hard to find.   I really think the Cambridge was ahead of it's time.    I don't understand why people make comments about other 5th wheels when they haven't owned them.    

Ask Howard and Linda about their Cambridge?    Are they better 5th wheels out there?   Yes I'm sure they are, but we Loved our Cambridge.    Good Luck with you Choice.   GBY...      

I researched new fifth wheels last winter and this spring on the net. I feel as our Doubletree Elite Suites has the most features for the dollar. We purchased it in July and made a 4000 mile trip and it pulled just fine. It is heavy and you need to plan on a bigger truck than a single rear wheel. Features: 3-1/4" walls Best insulation R values. Real wood cabinets Granite counters Hydraulic legs that angle out 5 degrees Lots of different floorplans. I just filled my propane tank yesterday and I'm going to watch it close this winter as it only took $15 to top it off after 25 days. It isn't cold yet but last winter I was using a 30# tank in 5 days in my other 5er. Had a few problems that was taken care of right away. Hope all this helps but the other rigs you mentioned are top of the list also. Bob

I wonder why no-one has mentioned Royals International. They have been making great 5ers for many years, for fulltiming, too, I believe. Happy Trails, Penny, TX

LakeConroePenny wrote:

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I wonder why no-one has mentioned Royals International. They have been making great 5ers for many years, for fulltiming, too, I believe. Happy Trails, Penny, TX

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Penny,

I'd bet the reason it's not mentioned more often, is the $175,000 list price.

Fred

 

We're in a 2007 Hitchhiker Chamgagne 35CKQG and love it.  I would encourage you to check out the Hitchhilkers owner's forum at www.nuwaowners.org.    You'll find lots of useful info.

Happy Travels
Leslie

-- Edited by LeslieW at 22:21, 2007-12-09