The DW and I have already decided once she retires we're going to give fulltiming a try. We're looking at using a 5th wheel unit. The only concern the DW has is that if for some reason we decide that fulltiming isn't for use we'll have over $120.000 invested in a unit we'll end up using on vacations and maybe 3-4 months in Fl. for the winter. My thought is maybe buying a 3-4 year old unit and TV to start. Then after a year or two buy a new unit and TV if we decide to keep going. It's not a matter of money but more a financial responsibility issue. Has anyone gone this route, and what is eveeryones thought on it?
Cindy T said
07:38 PM Jan 20, 2012
We just became fulltimers in Oct 2011. We bought a 3 yr old 5th wheel. I'd been researching for several years what we wanted in terms of a floorplan & options. We were fortunate to find the exact 5th wheel that we wanted. It just didn't make sense to buy new, and spend so much $$$ when we could get a nice, gently used unit.
Cindy T
53 Merc said
08:02 PM Jan 20, 2012
One way to get an idea, is to go to www.pplmotorhomes.com and browse the different types. They are reasonably accurate in descriptions and condition. I have actually been on the lot and looked at a few and the condition descriptions seemed OK. Compare apples and apples. Make sure you don't just look at price alone. Bear in mind that if you choose a 5th wheel, ya gotta spend pretty big bucks to get a truck that will be capable of towing AND stopping whatever you get. There is no such thing as too much truck.
lindy said
08:23 PM Jan 20, 2012
We've been researching a lot now, in fact we just got back from the Tampa RV show. If we were to buy a new unit we have it narrowed down to 2-3. As far as TV, I spent 20+ years in the military as a wheeled vehicle mechanic/supervisor. Then 20 years driving truck over-the-road, and locally so, TV knowledge is one thing I do have. That and the mechanical ability to do most repairs, including welding on a used unit out of warrenty.
Technomadia said
09:23 PM Jan 20, 2012
We've never owned a 5th Wheel.. but we have owned both new and used RVs for our full timing.
In our opinion, it is a wise idea to start off with something the that you don't feel you're making a major investment in until you know what it is you like and don't like. Even looking at many RVs, you really won't know what works for you until you've been on the road for a while. A decent enough percentage of full timers we know have switched rigs at least once, if not more. Sometimes it's wanting something better, different size, different features, etc... and sometimes it's just simply a change in lifestyle. And we have known several who bought expensive brand new units, only to a few months later discover that they don't like 'X' about a unit and now are stuck with something that isn't worth anywhere close to what they paid to trade-in, sell or swap out.
New or used - well, after having own two brand new RVs and now a 50 year old one (well, RV systems are only 20 years old), we don't necessarily see a huge advantage of the price premium to go brand new. These are houses that are under full time earthquake conditions, and things will break on them regardless. An advantage of new might be a company that really stands behind their warranty (our last trailer had top notch service) - but if they don't, or their warranty is not truly nationwide (i.e.. only good at the dealer you bought it, which can be quite common), then you'll end up paying your own repairs anyway.
If you have the mechanical know how to manage a lot of your own repairs - you may find it well worthwhile to look at slightly used units.
- Cherie
The Bear II said
01:12 AM Jan 21, 2012
I would definitely look at used units.
There are lots of units available with very little use do to the same reason you are concerned. Someone tried RVing and found it didn't work for them and they sell their RV. They take the loss and you won't.
Another option is to rent.... I have seen 5th wheels for rent as well as motorhomes. The 5th wheels come with a tow vehicle if you don't have one. A rented RV will give you a feel for the RV lifestyle especially if you take a long trip. If possible, take a two week trip with lots of driving from place to place and in bad weather to get a feel for the worst part of RVing. If you can survive long days of driving and then have to stay couped up inside the RV at the end of the day due to bad weather for several days in a row and still feel RVing will work for you.... it probably will.
Terry and Jo said
01:28 AM Jan 23, 2012
First of all, a lot of fifth wheels can be had for less than $100,000, even some of the top-of-the-line models. What can take them up to the $125,000+ price would be adding the tow vehicle.
Another consideration is to where you would want to go, such as the possibility of being in cold climates in winter. Considering your experience and talents, it is doubtful you would have any problems with working with a used unit.
I would also recommend checking out new ones so you would have an idea of what to look for in a used one. Pay attention to axle weight capabilities, gross weight of the fifth wheel and GCVW for the truck and trailer. Of course, suspension types are important as well.
In addition to the PPL website, you could also check our Rolling Retreats in Elk City, Oklahoma as they made their start with buying used DRV Suites products at auction after they had been repossessed. All the DRV products are fifth wheels. After they buy the units at auction, they go through them checking all the associated systems and cleaning the units.
Good luck with the search and the research.
Terry
PD CFK said
04:11 AM Jan 23, 2012
Cherie, Loved how you put it..."houses that are under full-time earthquake conditions"; that's a very descriptive way of putting it. :) We have a great tow vehicle, Mor-ryde, and Trailer-saver, but some of the roads play havoc with things from time to time anyway. Wish you the best of luck in your search. pk
Trabuco said
06:10 AM Jan 23, 2012
Lindy,
When we were looking at 5th wheels we set our price range at 100k for both. In that price range we could get a 2 year old Ford F-450 4x4 crew cab and a brand new Keystone Montana in the 38 foot range. If you where to pick up a used Montana for example you could be in the 80k range for both. If you go 3 to 4 years old for both then you are probably in the 60k range. Something to think about.
Waggin Tails said
02:53 PM Jan 25, 2012
We purchased our fiver in May 2011 from Rolling Retreats and are extremely happy with it and Slade and Alicia from Rolling Retreats. They are the real deal and can be trusted. I highly recommend checking them out.
Also, truck and trailer cost us a whole lot less then $100K.
hasanchez said
12:37 PM Feb 18, 2016
Hello Again Terry,
So my wife and I are still about 1-1/2 years out from being able to make our purchase of a 5th wheel + Tow vehicle. Regarding purchasing used 5th Wheels.........the KEY to this entire search for the right vehicle, once we have found it, is to have it fully inspected by a "certified" inspector (?)....not sure of the correct terminology. How does one insure that this inspector is reputable / honest? Your thoughts?
Henry Sanchez
Sacramento, CA
ticat900 said
01:55 PM Feb 18, 2016
lindy wrote:
The DW and I have already decided once she retires we're going to give fulltiming a try. We're looking at using a 5th wheel unit. The only concern the DW has is that if for some reason we decide that fulltiming isn't for use we'll have over $120.000 invested in a unit we'll end up using on vacations and maybe 3-4 months in Fl. for the winter. My thought is maybe buying a 3-4 year old unit and TV to start. Then after a year or two buy a new unit and TV if we decide to keep going. It's not a matter of money but more a financial responsibility issue. Has anyone gone this route, and what is eveeryones thought on it?
R U serious? you already have a Motorhome that's 3 times the RV a fifth wheel will ever be and would work perfect for trying full time ?
BiggarView said
03:08 PM Feb 18, 2016
ticat900 wrote:
lindy wrote:
The DW and I have already decided once she retires we're going to give fulltiming a try. We're looking at using a 5th wheel unit. The only concern the DW has is that if for some reason we decide that fulltiming isn't for use we'll have over $120.000 invested in a unit we'll end up using on vacations and maybe 3-4 months in Fl. for the winter. My thought is maybe buying a 3-4 year old unit and TV to start. Then after a year or two buy a new unit and TV if we decide to keep going. It's not a matter of money but more a financial responsibility issue. Has anyone gone this route, and what is eveeryones thought on it?
R U serious? you already have a Motorhome that's 3 times the RV a fifth wheel will ever be and would work perfect for trying full time ?
You realize you are responding to a 4 year old post from Lindy. He bought the MH after shopping around for over a year.
ticat900 said
04:27 PM Feb 18, 2016
BiggarView wrote:
ticat900 wrote:
lindy wrote:
The DW and I have already decided once she retires we're going to give fulltiming a try. We're looking at using a 5th wheel unit. The only concern the DW has is that if for some reason we decide that fulltiming isn't for use we'll have over $120.000 invested in a unit we'll end up using on vacations and maybe 3-4 months in Fl. for the winter. My thought is maybe buying a 3-4 year old unit and TV to start. Then after a year or two buy a new unit and TV if we decide to keep going. It's not a matter of money but more a financial responsibility issue. Has anyone gone this route, and what is eveeryones thought on it?
R U serious? you already have a Motorhome that's 3 times the RV a fifth wheel will ever be and would work perfect for trying full time ?
You realize you are responding to a 4 year old post from Lindy. He bought the MH after shopping around for over a year.
thanks my bad makes sense (now) LOL need new glasses hahah
Terry and Jo said
09:01 AM Feb 20, 2016
hasanchez wrote:
Hello Again Terry,
So my wife and I are still about 1-1/2 years out from being able to make our purchase of a 5th wheel + Tow vehicle. Regarding purchasing used 5th Wheels.........the KEY to this entire search for the right vehicle, once we have found it, is to have it fully inspected by a "certified" inspector (?)....not sure of the correct terminology. How does one insure that this inspector is reputable / honest? Your thoughts?
Henry Sanchez
Sacramento, CA
Henry,
I think you'll need to get input from others on choosing an independent inspector as we've only bought one used RV in all our years, and that one was way back in the '70's. You might start a thread of your own in "Buying an RV" and see what results you get.
The DW and I have already decided once she retires we're going to give fulltiming a try. We're looking at using a 5th wheel unit. The only concern the DW has is that if for some reason we decide that fulltiming isn't for use we'll have over $120.000 invested in a unit we'll end up using on vacations and maybe 3-4 months in Fl. for the winter. My thought is maybe buying a 3-4 year old unit and TV to start. Then after a year or two buy a new unit and TV if we decide to keep going. It's not a matter of money but more a financial responsibility issue. Has anyone gone this route, and what is eveeryones thought on it?
We just became fulltimers in Oct 2011. We bought a 3 yr old 5th wheel. I'd been researching for several years what we wanted in terms of a floorplan & options. We were fortunate to find the exact 5th wheel that we wanted. It just didn't make sense to buy new, and spend so much $$$ when we could get a nice, gently used unit.
Cindy T
Bear in mind that if you choose a 5th wheel, ya gotta spend pretty big bucks to get a truck that will be capable of towing AND stopping whatever you get. There is no such thing as too much truck.
In our opinion, it is a wise idea to start off with something the that you don't feel you're making a major investment in until you know what it is you like and don't like. Even looking at many RVs, you really won't know what works for you until you've been on the road for a while. A decent enough percentage of full timers we know have switched rigs at least once, if not more. Sometimes it's wanting something better, different size, different features, etc... and sometimes it's just simply a change in lifestyle. And we have known several who bought expensive brand new units, only to a few months later discover that they don't like 'X' about a unit and now are stuck with something that isn't worth anywhere close to what they paid to trade-in, sell or swap out.
New or used - well, after having own two brand new RVs and now a 50 year old one (well, RV systems are only 20 years old), we don't necessarily see a huge advantage of the price premium to go brand new. These are houses that are under full time earthquake conditions, and things will break on them regardless. An advantage of new might be a company that really stands behind their warranty (our last trailer had top notch service) - but if they don't, or their warranty is not truly nationwide (i.e.. only good at the dealer you bought it, which can be quite common), then you'll end up paying your own repairs anyway.
If you have the mechanical know how to manage a lot of your own repairs - you may find it well worthwhile to look at slightly used units.
- Cherie
There are lots of units available with very little use do to the same reason you are concerned. Someone tried RVing and found it didn't work for them and they sell their RV. They take the loss and you won't.
Another option is to rent.... I have seen 5th wheels for rent as well as motorhomes. The 5th wheels come with a tow vehicle if you don't have one. A rented RV will give you a feel for the RV lifestyle especially if you take a long trip. If possible, take a two week trip with lots of driving from place to place and in bad weather to get a feel for the worst part of RVing. If you can survive long days of driving and then have to stay couped up inside the RV at the end of the day due to bad weather for several days in a row and still feel RVing will work for you.... it probably will.
First of all, a lot of fifth wheels can be had for less than $100,000, even some of the top-of-the-line models. What can take them up to the $125,000+ price would be adding the tow vehicle.
Another consideration is to where you would want to go, such as the possibility of being in cold climates in winter. Considering your experience and talents, it is doubtful you would have any problems with working with a used unit.
I would also recommend checking out new ones so you would have an idea of what to look for in a used one. Pay attention to axle weight capabilities, gross weight of the fifth wheel and GCVW for the truck and trailer. Of course, suspension types are important as well.
In addition to the PPL website, you could also check our Rolling Retreats in Elk City, Oklahoma as they made their start with buying used DRV Suites products at auction after they had been repossessed. All the DRV products are fifth wheels. After they buy the units at auction, they go through them checking all the associated systems and cleaning the units.
Good luck with the search and the research.
Terry
We have a great tow vehicle, Mor-ryde, and Trailer-saver, but some of the roads play havoc with things from time to time anyway. Wish you the best of luck in your search. pk
When we were looking at 5th wheels we set our price range at 100k for both. In that price range we could get a 2 year old Ford F-450 4x4 crew cab and a brand new Keystone Montana in the 38 foot range. If you where to pick up a used Montana for example you could be in the 80k range for both. If you go 3 to 4 years old for both then you are probably in the 60k range. Something to think about.
We purchased our fiver in May 2011 from Rolling Retreats and are extremely happy with it and Slade and Alicia from Rolling Retreats. They are the real deal and can be trusted. I highly recommend checking them out.
Also, truck and trailer cost us a whole lot less then $100K.
Hello Again Terry,
So my wife and I are still about 1-1/2 years out from being able to make our purchase of a 5th wheel + Tow vehicle. Regarding purchasing used 5th Wheels.........the KEY to this entire search for the right vehicle, once we have found it, is to have it fully inspected by a "certified" inspector (?)....not sure of the correct terminology. How does one insure that this inspector is reputable / honest? Your thoughts?
Henry Sanchez
Sacramento, CA
R U serious? you already have a Motorhome that's 3 times the RV a fifth wheel will ever be and would work perfect for trying full time ?
You realize you are responding to a 4 year old post from Lindy. He bought the MH after shopping around for over a year.
thanks my bad makes sense (now) LOL need new glasses hahah
Henry,
I think you'll need to get input from others on choosing an independent inspector as we've only bought one used RV in all our years, and that one was way back in the '70's. You might start a thread of your own in "Buying an RV" and see what results you get.
Terry