We have been looking and researching Fifth Wheels for our eventual retirement and for becoming "Full Time" RVers in February of 2010, for about two years now.  We have gone to most of the RV shows in the New England area and most of the dealers.  We thought that we had pretty much narrowed down our choices to a half-dozen or so manufacturers/models (being pretty much the higher end models that we felt would stand up to full timing).
After attending the Boston RV show a couple of weeks ago, we found a Carriage Carri-Lite Emerand Fifth Wheel that we fell in love with.  Sitting in it, we both felt extremely relaxed and "at home".  We both felt that we had found our "New" favorite.
The problem is that I've just received our "RV Conumer Group" package -  book and CD's, which we felt would be a great resource and help us make the final decision as to which "rig" to purchase when the time comes.
The model we looked at: Carriage Carri-Lite  36SBQ seemed very well built, had some great features, was insulated well....generally, just "felt" right to us.
The "RV Consumer Group" rates this unit  (and apparently all Carriage units) as for "Snowbirding" as opposed to "full Timing".
The reason (from the RV consumer group) given for a rating of "Snowbirding" was stated as a consideration of things like "Galley construction/livability"..."Bathroom Construction/usability"....appliances...insulation...furniture....and general suitability for full time use.
We've looked at many, many, many fifth wheels, and I can't for the life of me, figure out what is different about this unit from other comprable units that we've looked at (i.e....Excel....Doubletree Mobile Suites/Elite Suites...Travel Supreme...etc...).  The Carriages are certainly in the same price range and seem just as well suited for full timing.
Anyone have any information or reasoning why this might be so?
Thanks in advance.

Rick and Debi
Future Full Timers

'Snowbird" rated RVs are what most of us full-timers buy.  RV Consumer Group only rates RVs as "Full Time" where you will be comfortable anywhere in the U.S., any time of year.  If you plan to be in Indiana in winter or south Texas in the summer than you will want a "full time" rated RV since it will have the insulation and heating/cooling capability to stay comfortable.  Plus if a manufacturer says something anywhere in their warranty or literature that an RV is "not intended as a home or for full time use" they will not rate it as a full-timer RV.   Those clauses are common in many manufacturers warranties.

From what I have read, I would not believe everything provided by RV Consumer Group.   You have to talk to some Carriage owners to really learn what if any issues they have with the product.

Take a look at the following thread on the NuWa Owners Forum.  If you scroll down you will see comments by Mike Mitchell the CEO of NuWa regarding RVG:  http://nuwaowners.org/forum//index.php?topic=3919.25

Unless they physically test the RV I don't see how they can properly judge them.  They don't operate like Consumer's Report.

NuWa has been building 5th wheel trailers for 40 years and they are bought by many  fulltimers.  After much research we have decided on HitchHiker Discover America made by NuWa.

Carriage owners have a forum on Yahoo that you might want to check out also.  http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Carriage_RV/  You will have to signup to read this forum but it's very easy to do.  I don't see many problems when I read their forum.

-- Edited by wmalefyt at 11:27, 2008-01-29

I can't speak to why RV Consumer Group rates as they do, but can offer that Carriage warrants all their products for full time use and has a 2/5 year guarantee. I think it's one of the strongest in the industry.

We added the astro foil insulation package to our Cameo and also bought the dual pane windows. We've been in temps between -14 (in Milwaukee) and + 106 (in central CA) without difficulty or discomfort. We've been living and traveling in ours for 2 years now and heartily recommend it.

You might want to join the Carriage discussion group on Yahoo and see what over 1100 Carriage owners think of their rigs.

Good luck,

Fred Wishnie   
2006 Carriage Cameo 35KS3 - 2006 Ford F350 diesel dually
Blog- http://www.mytripjournal.com/WanderingWishnies 

Keep in mind that if you are living in a 5ver that has little or no room in the Galley, Bathroom and Living areas....to really LIVE....It does not matter what type of warrenty you might have. You have to look at the 5ver as a place you will hang your hat for some time. You have to have enough room in the kitchen to make everything from a sandwhich to a large meal! Do not short change yourself on the Popularity of a brand name and end up with no room in the bath area to dry off. Believe me I have listen to folks say you must have this and that but when it boils down to it you must be happy with your home. Look for space to live in not store useless items that you might need twice a year. Take your time and try to picture yourself fixing meals...showering....getting up and down out of bed....dressing?? Can you move about with comfort? If not immagine yourself living in those conditions FULLTIME! Just my thoughts....for what they are worth. Joe and Sherri