In my research the past 2 days I have run across two 1997 Holiday Rambler Aluma-lite Custom 5th wheels. One is from a dealer and is 34'; one is from an individual and is 29' ($2k diff. in asking price). Both seem to be priced below the average for a 12 yr old model as listed in the RV Consumer ratings.
The pictures show them to be very attractive and they certainly don't look so outdated I wouldn't want them. There isn't some of the "glitz" that you see in the latest models, which I don't always care for anyway. I feel that either of these would serve my needs as a solo. It would sure be nice to be able to buy the 5th wheel plus a late model truck, plus pay off every debt I have in this world and still have something left as a cushion. I might be able to afford adding solar, and could easily afford things that I want such as Pressure Pro tire monitoring.
One is in Northern Ohio, which I could probably drive to in a long day, and the other is in NY, probably about 60 miles from where I will be visiting my son after the closing of my house.
Any comments? What questions should I be asking? I would like to hire someone for an RV inspection as I'm sure I could overlook important issues with appliances and in the hidden areas of the RV.
gypsy
Judy said
08:01 PM Oct 7, 2008
Buying a model 12 yrs old I dont think we would. You must pay attention to roof or ceiling leaks. How well was it kept? How many recalls did this unit have?? How many winter months did it sit and was the water drained and winterzied?? Ck the plumbing for water leaks when water is turned on in it, units can leak in the walls where showers are. Just a few things I have mentioned here others can add more i am sure. southwestjudy
gypsy97 said
08:19 PM Oct 7, 2008
Judy you have raised some good issues. I don't think I would even consider an RV of this age unless I had an independent inspection. I've been googling every way I can think of and havent come up with anyone near Toledo, Ohio so far.
Meanwhile I will keep looking, but this would be a way I could find out if this lifestyle is really for me, if I can really handle it on my own, without spending a ton of money. I can always upgrade later.
gypsy
Luvglass said
09:24 PM Oct 7, 2008
I think it'a an idea to investigate. It might be a unit that was only used for vacations and really doesn't have that much wear and tear on it. You might be able to find an RV repair technician that would be willing to assess it for you. Your idea to get into this as cheaply as possible and then trade up if you enjoy the lifestyle, is, I think, very smart and prudent. Fred
mcw50 said
11:08 PM Oct 7, 2008
We used to take our RV to Smitty's RV Service at 5750 Jackman Road, Toledo. We had a Class A and don't know if they do anything with fivers. We've been on the road for some years now, so don't have up-to-date info. When we return to Toledo to visit, we sometimes stay just over the state line at Harbortown RV Resort in Monroe, MI. They often have little RV shows at the campground from Kirk's RV, 10835 Telegraph Rd., Erie, MI...perhaps they can help you out. Good Luck!
Mary former Toledo resident
pierreandcolleen said
11:24 PM Oct 7, 2008
Just another thing to consider......If you decide to buy an older 5th wheel that has been sitting for awhile be sure to replace the tires. They might look okay, even to a professional, but that rubber shifts. We had a blowout in Nova Scotia back in July just a month after the service department at our local dealer said they were fine. We ended up shelling out about $700 (can) for 4 new tires (ouch!).
The first fiver we bought (1996 Wilderness) hadn't been winterized properly and the hot water heater had a crack in it....another expensive day.
The great thing about fivers is that we don't have to worry about engines, or transmissions, and all that other really expensive stuff (excluding the truck of course).
flyone said
11:57 AM Oct 8, 2008
I think this is not such a bad idea, if you keep in mind that probably at least half of the systems in the 5ver may need to be replaced within a year. Say for instance you may have to do some plumbing repair, replace a refigarator, a water pump and tires, and you budget for that (or more). The good news is that everything can be fixed or repaired if you wish to spend enough and put up with the possible aggrivation. I would certainly hold off on the solar and other improvements until I was sure the rig was sound. If you plan to trade up in the future you need to make sure that you can recover most of the cost of the improvment when you re-sale or trade up. And if all systems work for the duration and you don't have to replace them then you will have a good down payment when you do trade up.
Flyone
The pictures show them to be very attractive and they certainly don't look so outdated I wouldn't want them. There isn't some of the "glitz" that you see in the latest models, which I don't always care for anyway. I feel that either of these would serve my needs as a solo. It would sure be nice to be able to buy the 5th wheel plus a late model truck, plus pay off every debt I have in this world and still have something left as a cushion. I might be able to afford adding solar, and could easily afford things that I want such as Pressure Pro tire monitoring.
One is in Northern Ohio, which I could probably drive to in a long day, and the other is in NY, probably about 60 miles from where I will be visiting my son after the closing of my house.
Any comments? What questions should I be asking? I would like to hire someone for an RV inspection as I'm sure I could overlook important issues with appliances and in the hidden areas of the RV.
gypsy
Just a few things I have mentioned here others can add more i am sure.
southwestjudy
Meanwhile I will keep looking, but this would be a way I could find out if this lifestyle is really for me, if I can really handle it on my own, without spending a ton of money. I can always upgrade later.
gypsy
Fred
When we return to Toledo to visit, we sometimes stay just over the state line at Harbortown RV Resort in Monroe, MI. They often have little RV shows at the campground from Kirk's RV, 10835 Telegraph Rd., Erie, MI...perhaps they can help you out. Good Luck!
Mary
former Toledo resident
The first fiver we bought (1996 Wilderness) hadn't been winterized properly and the hot water heater had a crack in it....another expensive day.
The great thing about fivers is that we don't have to worry about engines, or transmissions, and all that other really expensive stuff (excluding the truck of course).