We are preparing to become full timers and are facing a dilemma. We want the DRV quality in a 30' - 32' fifth wheel. Any suggestions?
Glenn West said
09:50 AM May 11, 2016
DRV 32TK3. Close
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
03:27 PM May 11, 2016
New Horizons or SpaceCraft
Both can build what your after.
BiggarView said
04:46 PM May 11, 2016
Jim's right about NH and Spacecraft in that they can build whatever you want... that is their speciality. For a price. Therefore, the first question is, what's your price range or budget?
Got six figures to play around with... you can get pretty much anything.
With less you're either looking at previously owned high end (most likely rare for the size you are seeking) or a new production line model like the aforementioned DRV 32TK3, which you can get some measure of customization but not much compared to NH or Spacecraft.
I would suggest you do more reading on 5er length and it's limitations before ruling out longer trailers entirely. With longer, your options grow. I'm not saying you should go that route, your own comfort zone is all that matters, not what I or anybody else says.
I was nervous about towing 40 feet (our current approximate target 5er length), but based on wise counsel from respected RVers on this forum, I've realized my own fears were self-imposed out of ignorance. Knowledge is power and can help overcome any self imposed misconceptions of what you are capable of, what you can manage, what the limitations of the equipment you are considering and so on.
FWIW, from someone still looking around for the "right" rig to start our journey...
Brian
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
05:48 PM May 11, 2016
It might surprise you at the pricing on the shorter units that both NH and SC build. Yes for a 43-45' mammoth loaded to the gills, all options, the price can be up there.
dome said
12:11 PM Jul 15, 2016
To Benfishing and The Carrilite's,
I've recently joined the forum and noticed this post, so I thought I'd tag along!
I am also interested in a small fifth wheel, and I've been in touch with SpaceCraft about a design I have in mind. They told me the shortest they would go is 25 feet, which would work for me since I'm a single empty-nester who is looking forward to downsizing to an RV. I've done a good amount of prepping and research, and my plan is unfolding well.
But, my question is, when SpaceCraft (or New Horizons) comes back to me with a price for a fifth wheel that they will build (I've already been told the ballpark figure will be in the mid-60's for the options I am looking for), is it normal to negotiate the price (even a little)? I know that if I were buying a floor model at an RV show, I could get 25 or 30 percent off. But it seems with a custom layout, there may not be much room for the manufacturer to flex. Plus, I don't want to insult them.
I'd be curious if anybody has any experience or insight with this! Your opinions and observations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Frank
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
03:45 PM Jul 15, 2016
With the custom builders, the price given is usually what it is. There may be a discount for paying 50% down with the rest on completion.
dome said
03:53 PM Jul 15, 2016
Thanks! That makes sense and I will keep that in mind.
Best regards,
Frank
Popcorn-Billy said
11:55 AM Jul 26, 2016
Hello,
New guy here. Has anyone considered the Americana Sequoyah or Travel Bug? The Sequoyah is I think 34' while the Travel Bug starts at 24'. The 28' Travel Bug has a permanent queen and all of this segment of the Americana line has a full length 20" high basement. I'm looking at the 28', since I'm a solo traveler who like NP, USFS and BLM campgrounds.
-- Edited by Popcorn-Billy on Tuesday 26th of July 2016 11:55:47 AM
kb0zke said
08:14 PM Jul 26, 2016
"But, my question is, when SpaceCraft (or New Horizons) comes back to me with a price for a fifth wheel that they will build (I've already been told the ballpark figure will be in the mid-60's for the options I am looking for), is it normal to negotiate the price (even a little)?" You won't know until you ask. Also, you might be able to play one against the other. You're going to have to have a firm price at some point, so why not try to get it earlier in the process. Ask Marcia at SpaceCraft to give you a firm quote for what you want, and ask New Horizons to do the same. When you get those numbers, go to the higher one and tell them that the other one will beat their price. If they beat the price, call the second one and repeat the process. Eventually one of them will say that they can't go any lower. At that time you will have to decide whether to take the lower price or the higher price. That will probably depend on specific details that are important to you.
We are preparing to become full timers and are facing a dilemma. We want the DRV quality in a 30' - 32' fifth wheel. Any suggestions?
Both can build what your after.
Jim's right about NH and Spacecraft in that they can build whatever you want... that is their speciality. For a price. Therefore, the first question is, what's your price range or budget?
Got six figures to play around with... you can get pretty much anything.
With less you're either looking at previously owned high end (most likely rare for the size you are seeking) or a new production line model like the aforementioned DRV 32TK3, which you can get some measure of customization but not much compared to NH or Spacecraft.
I would suggest you do more reading on 5er length and it's limitations before ruling out longer trailers entirely. With longer, your options grow. I'm not saying you should go that route, your own comfort zone is all that matters, not what I or anybody else says.
I was nervous about towing 40 feet (our current approximate target 5er length), but based on wise counsel from respected RVers on this forum, I've realized my own fears were self-imposed out of ignorance. Knowledge is power and can help overcome any self imposed misconceptions of what you are capable of, what you can manage, what the limitations of the equipment you are considering and so on.
FWIW, from someone still looking around for the "right" rig to start our journey...
Brian
To Benfishing and The Carrilite's,
I've recently joined the forum and noticed this post, so I thought I'd tag along!
I am also interested in a small fifth wheel, and I've been in touch with SpaceCraft about a design I have in mind. They told me the shortest they would go is 25 feet, which would work for me since I'm a single empty-nester who is looking forward to downsizing to an RV. I've done a good amount of prepping and research, and my plan is unfolding well.
But, my question is, when SpaceCraft (or New Horizons) comes back to me with a price for a fifth wheel that they will build (I've already been told the ballpark figure will be in the mid-60's for the options I am looking for), is it normal to negotiate the price (even a little)? I know that if I were buying a floor model at an RV show, I could get 25 or 30 percent off. But it seems with a custom layout, there may not be much room for the manufacturer to flex. Plus, I don't want to insult them.
I'd be curious if anybody has any experience or insight with this! Your opinions and observations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Frank
Thanks! That makes sense and I will keep that in mind.
Best regards,
Frank
Hello,
New guy here. Has anyone considered the Americana Sequoyah or Travel Bug? The Sequoyah is I think 34' while the Travel Bug starts at 24'. The 28' Travel Bug has a permanent queen and all of this segment of the Americana line has a full length 20" high basement. I'm looking at the 28', since I'm a solo traveler who like NP, USFS and BLM campgrounds.
-- Edited by Popcorn-Billy on Tuesday 26th of July 2016 11:55:47 AM