We are hoping to sell our home and go full-time traveling in the next 2 years. Would love to get a DRV quality unit, but budget is limited so we have to go with a mid-range. Have to buy new as we have a TT trade-in that we are upside down in and haven't been able to sell it. What is the best quality for the money?
GENECOP said
03:56 AM Sep 15, 2014
Welcome to the Forum, please use the search function, this subject has been discussed many times. You will also find there is no one answer, it's all about opinions based on needs....
SnowGypsy said
05:03 AM Sep 15, 2014
In anyone price range, the quality will be about the same so simply look at what is in your price range. All RVs will have issues but when buying new, you'll want a manufacturer and/or dealer who will stand behind the product so where you buy will also be important. Smaller mom/pop dealers generally do a better job than the big dealerships. It would be helpful if you let us know why you are going to go with a 5th wheel and not your TT and whether or not you are happy with the manufacturer of your TT as that might hold some answers to your best choice. Also, have you considered used units?
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Monday 15th of September 2014 05:04:27 AM
Glenn West said
07:29 AM Sep 15, 2014
For the money you have allotted I 'd look at used. There is nothing in that price range I would recommend for full time new. I still work and full time also. We don't buy new. I make up to 200k yearly also. We could afford it but don't want that much in an rv. We only gave 30k for our Teton. It is about a good unit as money can buy unless you go custom build. Their are many high end units on the market now. Lots of cheap ones too. The used market is actually flooded right now. Do your homework though. Water intrusion will destroy even the best camper in short time. I was on the New Horizons website yesterday and they have some used NH Summits for the price you quoting. They are very solid units. God bless
pamc said
08:47 AM Sep 15, 2014
Does anyone have some kind of spreadsheet set up to compare the construction build and features of the different 5th wheel brands? Don't want to reinvent the wheel...
I know that rv.net has reviews, but I read differing opinions on whether that site is worth the money it costs to see their reviews.
What are the top 10-15 well built units?
What's the word on the Grand Design Solitude?
pamc said
08:55 AM Sep 15, 2014
...additional note
We have a 2014 Ford F350 Diesel 4x4 long bed -- official tow rating: 15,900 -- realistic tow rating: ?12,700.
I don't think it's "adjusted" tow rating would be sufficient for some of the more solidly built units...
pamc said
08:58 AM Sep 15, 2014
Currently, we have a 25 ft FunFinder. Good for short trips, but not long term. We want to go full-time and be able to travel cross country.
cherylbrv said
09:05 AM Sep 15, 2014
I was fortunate to find a great buy on a used DRV. It was a private sale and the previous owner was extremely obsessive with the care of it, so it was like new (it's a 2008). It actually came as a package deal with a gorgeous custom truck, also obsessed over. Total for both was $75K which was only $37.5 for each vehicle. I feel the value of both is way, way more than what we paid.
So the deals are out there - just have to be lucky to find them. For us, I think it was being in the right place at the right time (we found out about this through Rolling Retreats). Them, and RVs 4 Less have a large stock of new and used DRVs and both dealers come highly recommended on this forum.
Good luck!
Glenn West said
09:17 AM Sep 15, 2014
pamc wrote:
...additional note
We have a 2014 Ford F350 Diesel 4x4 long bed -- official tow rating: 15,900 -- realistic tow rating: ?12,700.
I don't think it's "adjusted" tow rating would be sufficient for some of the more solidly built units...
Is that a dually? Believe you are looking at bumper pull ratings. 5th wheel ratings will be different
Glenn West said
09:23 AM Sep 15, 2014
I personally would not consider a Grand Design Solitude. The infrastructure not adequate for my likes. I would want 8k axles (assuming dual axles), 4k-up carrying capacity, solid wood cabinets, dual pane windows, fully ducted 2 acs, residential appliances as much as possible. Excel, DRV, Teton (2005 and earlier), Nuwa, Carriage Royal,
-- Edited by Glenn West on Monday 15th of September 2014 09:34:47 AM
Cindy T said
09:52 AM Sep 15, 2014
You could definitely buy a used DRV in that price range.
pamc said
10:47 AM Sep 15, 2014
Our F350 is NOT a dually. The Ford recommended tow rating was 15900.
pamc said
10:48 AM Sep 15, 2014
for a 5th wheel.
pamc said
10:54 AM Sep 15, 2014
what do you know about the Sanibel (by PrimeTime/Forest River)?
Lets get moving said
10:59 AM Sep 15, 2014
Pam,
We too started out thinking we could spend in the 50k range, give or take a few. That was before we actually went to the rv show and compared like floor plans of all price ranges. There are huge differences all the way around. From interior finishes, that seem to look good, to most importantly the foundation/structure and technical stuff.
We actually went in our favorite floor plan which is a front bath with half bath, in all the manufacturers from high to low. We were amazed at some of the things the dealers would say to explain things we saw. When we started asking if, for example better tires, or higher rated axels could be added we quickly learned that would bring the cost up and most frames weren't adequate for it anyway.we saw things like staples showing through moldings that were foam, less than 2 inch walls, less than 1500 CCC in a couple cases, And dumb stuff like carpet on the floor in slide in front of stove and fridge.....supposedly because we would have less counter depth if they did it another way....totally irrational stuff. Well i could go on but......
Higher priced fifth wheels include as standard all of the things we would want to add to a cheaper one!
Anyway, we are now planning to spend what it I takes to get a safe, sound, sturdy and functional rig! After all it will be our home! Probably in the 125k give or take a few! Yes it alters our plan. We may have a payment longer than we intended. But we saw the importance. Hubby wants new so it is what it is.
And if for some reason we couldn't end up affording that we would definitely search high and low for a deal on a used DRV or New Horizons! (At least I would) I've seen some some very nice ones on rv trader for 60k ish.
Glenn West said
11:42 AM Sep 15, 2014
You are at a definite disadvantage with that truck. A Hearthland Big Horn is a decent unit and many full time in them. I WOULD NOT. Your truck will tow one as long as you go around 36'. they are one of the better mass produced units. I would get another truck and get a better camper.
SnowGypsy said
12:46 PM Sep 15, 2014
As Glenn West noted, a lot of people full-time with the Heartland Big Horn, so you might start there. I have seen a lot of them and the people were happy and they appeared to be holding up pretty well. There really are a lot of choices in that price range. Keeping it affordable is a big part of succeeding in the lifestyle.
NWescapee said
03:07 PM Sep 15, 2014
Have you considered used? We saw several DRVs in that price range when we were looking.
Glenn West said
03:12 PM Sep 15, 2014
NWescapee wrote:
Have you considered used? We saw several DRVs in that price range when we were looking.
There truck keeps them from getting a drv. Even the 32' units will go 16k or so loaded. I know, we had one.
SnowGypsy said
05:29 PM Sep 15, 2014
Let's do the math, an 7 or 8 year old higher end trailer is estimated to last, I believe, 12 to 15 years, the mid-level probably 8 to 10 years and the entry level 4 to 6 more or less. From what I have seen, that pretty much works out correctly "in the field" as long as maintenance/care is equal. We actually went entry level in our first TT because all appliances, systems, tires were all new and although it would take only the 4 to 6 years of heavy usage, I could afford to buy a couple of them over the used high end and wouldn't be replacing the tires, frig, water heater, etc. If you get into motorhomes, because of the engine/chassis becomes a different sort of calculation.
The RV lifestyle is just as diversified as the S/B. We learn to live within our budget and adjust our desires accordingly and that isn't wrong or unacceptable in any way. Right now, there are a lot of people that can't unload their high-end RVs and I'm guessing most are not paid off and continuing to just suck money out of the pockets of the owners who longer use them.
One needs to carefully consider whether they are dedicated to the lifestyle or just trying it out and take that into consideration. I've seen the desperation of those that were older and upside down with no way out. One unit mysteriously burned while the couple was out of town and I always wondered.
Glenn West said
06:35 PM Sep 15, 2014
Highend last 12-15???? Ours is 11 years old and is in better shape than any mass produced unit today. We researched and looked at about all of them. We expect to get that much or more out of it again.
Terry and Jo said
10:26 AM Sep 16, 2014
Glenn,
I suspect Cathy is referring to "average" lifetime usage. There will always be those that last longer and some shorter, depending on the care the RV receives.
Terry
Glenn West said
11:01 AM Sep 16, 2014
I find it very hard to advise someone on a mass produced 50k-60k new fifther for full time use especially when they have a single rear wheel truck. They are all basically the same. They look a little different but the infrastructure is basically the same. A unit with good infrastructure of any size will overload their rear axle. Sorry I can't help more.
SnowGypsy said
11:49 AM Sep 16, 2014
Terry and Jo wrote:
Glenn,
I suspect Cathy is referring to "average" lifetime usage. There will always be those that last longer and some shorter, depending on the care the RV receives.
Terry
Terry: Exactly! We knew a couple in their 80's that were set up permanently in their 28' Holiday Rambler, old one when HR was a leader and built one of the best TTs. They traveled with it, took care of it and then settled into the RV park on a nice little lot that they rented yet made it their own. I think it must have easily been 20 and maybe 30 years old. I have seen high end repos, less than 5 years old, totally trashed inside and out. Inside they were filthy, long standing not just the kind you get from someone angry about the repossession and outside maintenance not done resulting in water leaks, insulation falling, etc. so many possibilities.
If we had the time and energy, we would definitely go vintage. Love vintage.
Lets get moving said
09:41 PM Sep 20, 2014
Pam,
We saw a really nice Bighorn today new for 54k. It's gvwr was 16000, just a hundred over your published towing capacity and dry weight just over 13000. If you traveled light it could work for you in theory. It was one of their longer models so I'd think some shorter ones would fit your needs also.
We are hoping to sell our home and go full-time traveling in the next 2 years. Would love to get a DRV quality unit, but budget is limited so we have to go with a mid-range. Have to buy new as we have a TT trade-in that we are upside down in and haven't been able to sell it. What is the best quality for the money?
In anyone price range, the quality will be about the same so simply look at what is in your price range. All RVs will have issues but when buying new, you'll want a manufacturer and/or dealer who will stand behind the product so where you buy will also be important. Smaller mom/pop dealers generally do a better job than the big dealerships. It would be helpful if you let us know why you are going to go with a 5th wheel and not your TT and whether or not you are happy with the manufacturer of your TT as that might hold some answers to your best choice. Also, have you considered used units?
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Monday 15th of September 2014 05:04:27 AM
I know that rv.net has reviews, but I read differing opinions on whether that site is worth the money it costs to see their reviews.
What are the top 10-15 well built units?
What's the word on the Grand Design Solitude?
We have a 2014 Ford F350 Diesel 4x4 long bed -- official tow rating: 15,900 -- realistic tow rating: ?12,700.
I don't think it's "adjusted" tow rating would be sufficient for some of the more solidly built units...
I was fortunate to find a great buy on a used DRV. It was a private sale and the previous owner was extremely obsessive with the care of it, so it was like new (it's a 2008). It actually came as a package deal with a gorgeous custom truck, also obsessed over. Total for both was $75K which was only $37.5 for each vehicle. I feel the value of both is way, way more than what we paid.
So the deals are out there - just have to be lucky to find them. For us, I think it was being in the right place at the right time (we found out about this through Rolling Retreats). Them, and RVs 4 Less have a large stock of new and used DRVs and both dealers come highly recommended on this forum.
Good luck!
Is that a dually? Believe you are looking at bumper pull ratings. 5th wheel ratings will be different
I personally would not consider a Grand Design Solitude. The infrastructure not adequate for my likes. I would want 8k axles (assuming dual axles), 4k-up carrying capacity, solid wood cabinets, dual pane windows, fully ducted 2 acs, residential appliances as much as possible. Excel, DRV, Teton (2005 and earlier), Nuwa, Carriage Royal,
-- Edited by Glenn West on Monday 15th of September 2014 09:34:47 AM
You could definitely buy a used DRV in that price range.
We too started out thinking we could spend in the 50k range, give or take a few. That was before we actually went to the rv show and compared like floor plans of all price ranges. There are huge differences all the way around. From interior finishes, that seem to look good, to most importantly the foundation/structure and technical stuff.
We actually went in our favorite floor plan which is a front bath with half bath, in all the manufacturers from high to low. We were amazed at some of the things the dealers would say to explain things we saw. When we started asking if, for example better tires, or higher rated axels could be added we quickly learned that would bring the cost up and most frames weren't adequate for it anyway.we saw things like staples showing through moldings that were foam, less than 2 inch walls, less than 1500 CCC in a couple cases, And dumb stuff like carpet on the floor in slide in front of stove and fridge.....supposedly because we would have less counter depth if they did it another way....totally irrational stuff. Well i could go on but......
Higher priced fifth wheels include as standard all of the things we would want to add to a cheaper one!
Anyway, we are now planning to spend what it I takes to get a safe, sound, sturdy and functional rig! After all it will be our home! Probably in the 125k give or take a few! Yes it alters our plan. We may have a payment longer than we intended. But we saw the importance. Hubby wants new so it is what it is.
And if for some reason we couldn't end up affording that we would definitely search high and low for a deal on a used DRV or New Horizons! (At least I would) I've seen some some very nice ones on rv trader for 60k ish.
There truck keeps them from getting a drv. Even the 32' units will go 16k or so loaded. I know, we had one.
Let's do the math, an 7 or 8 year old higher end trailer is estimated to last, I believe, 12 to 15 years, the mid-level probably 8 to 10 years and the entry level 4 to 6 more or less. From what I have seen, that pretty much works out correctly "in the field" as long as maintenance/care is equal. We actually went entry level in our first TT because all appliances, systems, tires were all new and although it would take only the 4 to 6 years of heavy usage, I could afford to buy a couple of them over the used high end and wouldn't be replacing the tires, frig, water heater, etc. If you get into motorhomes, because of the engine/chassis becomes a different sort of calculation.
The RV lifestyle is just as diversified as the S/B. We learn to live within our budget and adjust our desires accordingly and that isn't wrong or unacceptable in any way. Right now, there are a lot of people that can't unload their high-end RVs and I'm guessing most are not paid off and continuing to just suck money out of the pockets of the owners who longer use them.
One needs to carefully consider whether they are dedicated to the lifestyle or just trying it out and take that into consideration. I've seen the desperation of those that were older and upside down with no way out. One unit mysteriously burned while the couple was out of town and I always wondered.
Glenn,
I suspect Cathy is referring to "average" lifetime usage. There will always be those that last longer and some shorter, depending on the care the RV receives.
Terry
Terry: Exactly! We knew a couple in their 80's that were set up permanently in their 28' Holiday Rambler, old one when HR was a leader and built one of the best TTs. They traveled with it, took care of it and then settled into the RV park on a nice little lot that they rented yet made it their own. I think it must have easily been 20 and maybe 30 years old. I have seen high end repos, less than 5 years old, totally trashed inside and out. Inside they were filthy, long standing not just the kind you get from someone angry about the repossession and outside maintenance not done resulting in water leaks, insulation falling, etc. so many possibilities.
If we had the time and energy, we would definitely go vintage. Love vintage.
We saw a really nice Bighorn today new for 54k. It's gvwr was 16000, just a hundred over your published towing capacity and dry weight just over 13000. If you traveled light it could work for you in theory. It was one of their longer models so I'd think some shorter ones would fit your needs also.