Well, I like the "test of time" where I can look back several years and see how many used units are on the market and how they look thus the reason I would choose either Excel or Carriage. Still when looking for used, you must be pretty flexible. You have seen here that there is a wide variety of manufacturers represented with everyone pretty satisfied with their choices. If you look at enough used units of the preferred manufacturers, you'll see how the units are holding up over time. There are just so many variables even among the individual units of a manufacturer. Also, define "solid" as far as expectations for the unit you will purchase. Try to get out and see used units 10+ years old as there are many out there.
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Tuesday 19th of November 2013 08:30:37 PM
yourpcgeek49 said
01:13 AM Nov 20, 2013
We're looking to retire (or semi-retire) in the next year or so and realty think Full-Time RV is for us. We plan to rent a "Class B" for our late-winter/spring vacation to make sure, but are really thinking about a 5th wheel for our long term plan. Since we plan on full-time, we want a good balance of space, reliability and tow-ability. Our current thoughts are that we would find an interesting location and spend 2 weeks to 2 months, then move on. We don't intend to just park it and stay. We expect to buy a 250/350 tow vehicle and a good used 5'r.
We're thinking in the range of 30 - 35' and (hopefully) under $40k for the trailer -- so there's money left for the truck &c.
Now the question for everyone to weigh in on: For long term use is it better to buy a 5 year old Excel or DRV or Arctic Fox or Carriage (or the like $$$$), or a 2 year old Heartland ($$$)??
Would love to hear your thoughts, reasons & experiences.
Mark
SnowGypsy said
02:11 AM Nov 20, 2013
Welcome! Which Heartland have you been considering? My first thoughts were that quite a bite depends on the care that was given to each of the units that you will consider and what made you choose this group for consideration. In your research on the manufacturers, what is it that is making this decision difficult for you/what are you looking for? Choosing an RV is SO much like choosing a home.
WestWardHo said
03:45 AM Nov 20, 2013
To quote a great guy who posts regularly on here: "it depends......." But if it were me I'd go for the two year old Over brand but....maybe, it depends! 😄
Sherry
yourpcgeek49 said
04:10 AM Nov 20, 2013
Had seen some Heartland Big Horn & Greystone that look interesting - with floor plans we like. Our concern is 2 or 3 or 4 or more years down the road - will the "top of the line" units hold up better than the good, but more modestly priced, units like Heartland? If we go full-time for 10+ years, will a (then) 15 yr. old Excel be more solid than a (then) 12 yr. old Heartland? We don't plan to buy again every few years and hope to do it "right" with a little help from our friends. ;)
A totally separate question for those who want to comment: Are the electric fireplaces "worth it"?
2riker2go said
10:41 AM Nov 20, 2013
Hello and welcome! Can't really speak to the 2 yr vs. 5 yr question. Guess it would depend on the rig and how it has been maintained etc., but generally newer is better in my book. We have a Heartland Landmark though, and love it. It's 2 yrs old now and we definitely plan to keep it for the long haul.
IMO, the electric fireplaces are definitely worth it. It takes the chill out very nicely, and often is the only heat source we need to turn on. We originally thought that it was just for the ambiance, but then read a thread where many people chimed in on how much they used it, so that kind of changed our mind about its usefulness before we bought our unit, and now that we have it, we agree with them! :)
Well, I like the "test of time" where I can look back several years and see how many used units are on the market and how they look thus the reason I would choose either Excel or Carriage. Still when looking for used, you must be pretty flexible. You have seen here that there is a wide variety of manufacturers represented with everyone pretty satisfied with their choices. If you look at enough used units of the preferred manufacturers, you'll see how the units are holding up over time. There are just so many variables even among the individual units of a manufacturer. Also, define "solid" as far as expectations for the unit you will purchase. Try to get out and see used units 10+ years old as there are many out there.
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Tuesday 19th of November 2013 08:30:37 PM
We're looking to retire (or semi-retire) in the next year or so and realty think Full-Time RV is for us. We plan to rent a "Class B" for our late-winter/spring vacation to make sure, but are really thinking about a 5th wheel for our long term plan. Since we plan on full-time, we want a good balance of space, reliability and tow-ability. Our current thoughts are that we would find an interesting location and spend 2 weeks to 2 months, then move on. We don't intend to just park it and stay. We expect to buy a 250/350 tow vehicle and a good used 5'r.
We're thinking in the range of 30 - 35' and (hopefully) under $40k for the trailer -- so there's money left for the truck &c.
Now the question for everyone to weigh in on: For long term use is it better to buy a 5 year old Excel or DRV or Arctic Fox or Carriage (or the like $$$$), or a 2 year old Heartland ($$$)??
Would love to hear your thoughts, reasons & experiences.
Mark
Sherry
Had seen some Heartland Big Horn & Greystone that look interesting - with floor plans we like. Our concern is 2 or 3 or 4 or more years down the road - will the "top of the line" units hold up better than the good, but more modestly priced, units like Heartland? If we go full-time for 10+ years, will a (then) 15 yr. old Excel be more solid than a (then) 12 yr. old Heartland? We don't plan to buy again every few years and hope to do it "right" with a little help from our friends. ;)
A totally separate question for those who want to comment: Are the electric fireplaces "worth it"?
IMO, the electric fireplaces are definitely worth it. It takes the chill out very nicely, and often is the only heat source we need to turn on. We originally thought that it was just for the ambiance, but then read a thread where many people chimed in on how much they used it, so that kind of changed our mind about its usefulness before we bought our unit, and now that we have it, we agree with them! :)