Yesterday we spent a wonderful day at the Springfield, MO, RV show. The last hour was wonderful! We spent it sitting in a $250,000 DP talking to the service manager for the dealership. He really listened to our questions and tried to answer them as well as he could. He freely admitted that he and the sales people sometimes don't see eye-to-eye on some things, and he had reasons to back up his opinions.
The rigs that were present yesterday didn't seem to be the same lineup as what we saw in September. I think there were two DP and two Class C coaches this time. Lots of lower and mid-level FW units, and lots of smaller TTs.
As usual, we came home with more questions than we had when we left home. In looking over the literature we picked up, we did notice one thing that had us wondering. Are there any Bighorn-level TTs out there? I'm looking for something that is rated for FT use and has a completely flat floor. After seeing a woman nearly stumble on the steps inside a FW, the thought crossed my mind that flat floors can be good things.
Also, why will two FWs, made by the same company and having the same number of outside steps, have such a big difference in height from the ground to the first step?
Terry and Jo said
10:10 PM Mar 8, 2011
"Also, why will two FWs, made by the same company and having the same number of outside steps, have such a big difference in height from the ground to the first step? "
David,
Was one of the fifth wheels a toy hauler? While I've never measured the differences, for some reason I'm thinking a toy hauler may sit a little taller. Other than that, I think we would need to know what the brand and model numbers were to give a better answer. Even then, I might would have to go find those models.
As for the FT travel trailers in the larger size, I can't help you. Long ago we decided that we didn't ever want another travel trailer. The 26' Sierra that we had had some sway in it, even with anti-sway devices. Fifth wheels are just more stable in turns and going down the road. (At least, they are to me.)
Terry
janieD said
10:58 AM Mar 9, 2011
Excel just put put a travel trailer that would be rated for FT use. Go to www.excelrvs.com. It was featured in trailer life a couple months ago. We FT in and Excel 5th wheel and love it.
kb0zke said
07:58 PM Mar 11, 2011
Terry and Jo wrote:
Was one of the fifth wheels a toy hauler? While I've never measured the differences, for some reason I'm thinking a toy hauler may sit a little taller. Other than that, I think we would need to know what the brand and model numbers were to give a better answer. Even then, I might would have to go find those models.
As for the FT travel trailers in the larger size, I can't help you. Long ago we decided that we didn't ever want another travel trailer. The 26' Sierra that we had had some sway in it, even with anti-sway devices. Fifth wheels are just more stable in turns and going down the road. (At least, they are to me.)
Terry
No, both were regular 5th wheels, Alpines as I recall.
I've heard that comment about stability quite often, and I'm inclined to believe it. I've not had the opportunity to pull a FW, but it seems to make sense to me. We wondered about a regular TT because by the time you go up the 3-4 steps to get into the FW, and then go up the three steps to the bedroom/bath level, you have climbed most of a regular flight of stairs.
GSF63 said
08:43 PM Mar 11, 2011
David, We've pulled both tt and fw's The first tt was a 33' and it pulled with a little sway with sway control in use. the next one I regret getting. It was 37' and with maximum sway control it was at best a pain and on a windy day, a real handful. I'm not an inexperienced driver as I've driven all sizes up to an 18 wheeler. I now have a 39' fw and it pulls great with no sway. The first trip was through a large storm with heavy cross winds. It was a pleasure to use one hand and not need to fight to keep it in my lane. As far as the steps getting inside. It's like all things, over time you get acustomed to what you have and don't think about it.
53 Merc said
06:04 AM Mar 12, 2011
kb0zke, you might look at this as a flat floor, but 5th wheel. Looks kind of interesting. I can't tell if it also has a couple of steps after the outside steps to access. http://www.americanarv.com/sequoyah.asp
Anyway, it looks interesting. Another idea, research Excel for a TT. Then look up the ProPride hitch. Gets great reviews, especially on MyRVtalk.com
The guy that developed the hitch system used to work for Hensley and seems to be great to work with.
BTW, I have no relationship with either company.
The rigs that were present yesterday didn't seem to be the same lineup as what we saw in September. I think there were two DP and two Class C coaches this time. Lots of lower and mid-level FW units, and lots of smaller TTs.
As usual, we came home with more questions than we had when we left home. In looking over the literature we picked up, we did notice one thing that had us wondering. Are there any Bighorn-level TTs out there? I'm looking for something that is rated for FT use and has a completely flat floor. After seeing a woman nearly stumble on the steps inside a FW, the thought crossed my mind that flat floors can be good things.
Also, why will two FWs, made by the same company and having the same number of outside steps, have such a big difference in height from the ground to the first step?
"
David,
Was one of the fifth wheels a toy hauler? While I've never measured the differences, for some reason I'm thinking a toy hauler may sit a little taller. Other than that, I think we would need to know what the brand and model numbers were to give a better answer. Even then, I might would have to go find those models.
As for the FT travel trailers in the larger size, I can't help you. Long ago we decided that we didn't ever want another travel trailer. The 26' Sierra that we had had some sway in it, even with anti-sway devices. Fifth wheels are just more stable in turns and going down the road. (At least, they are to me.)
Terry
I've heard that comment about stability quite often, and I'm inclined to believe it. I've not had the opportunity to pull a FW, but it seems to make sense to me. We wondered about a regular TT because by the time you go up the 3-4 steps to get into the FW, and then go up the three steps to the bedroom/bath level, you have climbed most of a regular flight of stairs.