Found two good deals.....I think - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Found two good deals.....I think

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

NuWa Hitchhiker is a well respected name in full time rigs. I haven't heard much about the other.

The fact that the 3 year older NuWa is the same price should tell you something.

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm very happy with my HitchHiker and you do see a number of older Hitchhikers out there which is a good thing.

The one thing I'd look to do is compare tank sizes, carrying capacity, and storage between the two rigs. If your thinking about full timing that would be a possible "tie breaker". Nu Wa has the old brochures on their website so the 03 is easy enough to get the information on.

Mallo

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ditto's on what Fred said.HitchHiker would be my choice.

mktobob · RV-Dreams Family Member

HitchHiker gets my vote as well. They are well thought out units with fulltiming in mind when they are designed.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I always advise folks to go with the larger RV. The extra 5 feet can mean the difference between cabin fever or no cabin fever if you get caught in bad weather for a week or so and have to stay inside.

The siding should polish up, ask the dealer to have the unit detailed as part of the purchase agreement.

I would try to get the price on the HH reduced significantly (before it's polished), a 2003 will get harder and harder to sell as time goes by. They need to get rid of it as quickly as possible. So low ball the price and wait for them to come down to it.

Ken & Sarah · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with BearII, also I believe the Hitchiker will be better built and as said 5 ft does make quite a difference. Good Luck on your choice.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

As far as the HH that is supposed to be the wholesale price! The retail on it was $29,000.

It really doesn't look like it was ever used. The stove is like brand new....the carpet still has the plastic..... the shower doesn't even smell used....the refrig. is spotless and no funky order.....and the rig is 9 years old!

We may never "fulltime"....but we would like to have something roomy to travel and bring grandkids if we want. I do worry about the weight....and buying a truck strong enough to handle it. A HH Owner with a similar rig told he pulls his with a 2000 V10....
what's a V10? Isn't that a truck that runs with gasoline? They put air bags in the rear.

The outside of the HH is dull....

Paradise Pointe is a Crossroads discontinued unit. Was near the top of their line in 2006. It's in tip top shape...not as room since it has only 2 slides, but enough for vacations and extended weekends. It's all aluminum structure and much lighter weight. The exterior is gel coated and is shiny and well kept.

I would value any other comments....
Melanie

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

No matter which one you might choose I would not tow with a gas motored pickup, but that's just me.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ok, one last question....I promise biggrin

How do you all feel about a 2003 model? 9 years seems old for an rv....although I know the better built ones can last....

thanks for all the answers...you guys are great!

Melanie

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We got many good years of great vacation use out of our old SunnyBrook that was 10 years old when we bought it.If it's been taken care of I see no problem.

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

BTW, the dealer saying the 29K is the wholesale price is hooey. Make him an offer well below his asking and see what he does. Betcha he says, let me go talk to my manager, and he returns with a counter above yours and below his 29K. Keep arguing with him.

NADA shows low retail as 23,800. I would start at something less than 20 and see how low he will go. Sellers are motivated now. "Season" is over and holding something on his floor plan only costs money for the winter.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our 5th wheel is 15 years old and we paln to keep it until it falls down around us. The HH are well built units.

If there are maintenance records for the unit, make sure the wheel bearings have been repacked recently. Have a mechanic check the tires, brakes and suspension to see if everything is sound.

Other concern on older units is the roof. It's inexpensive to have all of the seams recoated with eternabond, or do it yourself. Just be careful while on the roof. The eternabond will seal off any possible leaks.

Go with an F350 or 3500, or larger, diesel powered pickup to tow with, you'll be much happier.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Melanie,

You are correct in that a V-10 is a gasoline engine. It is a 10 cylinder engine instead of an 8 cylinder. While I have never had a V10, I understand that they are pretty much gas guzzlers. Of course, a lot will depend on how it is driven. However, I feel a good diesel 8 cylinder is better than a V10 gas engine, especially when considering the power needed to pull a heavy unit.

As for the air bags on the V10, I think that is done more for "ride" characteristics than "weight" considerations. I don't think air bags does anything for making a truck better capable of handling the weight of a heavy trailer.

Now, while I don't know what you currently have for towing a trailer, if you are really considering a Mobile Suites, I would make sure that you have a truck that could handle the Mobile Suites. That way, it would easily handle the weight of a Hitchhiker, because I think the Hitchhiker is a little lighter than the Mobile Suites.

Good luck in your searching. Considering the Mobile Suites, I would suggest that you go with at least a Ford F450. An F350 is kind of borderline with the weight of the Mobile Suites. A good used F450 would be best both price wise and weight capability. Just as an idea of what might be available out there, below is a link to the Ford dealer where I have traded for years and where we got our Ford F450. The link will take you right to an F450. Check out the price and mileage. Mileage wise, this particular truck isn't even really broken in yet.

With the 2008 models of F450's, if they have a 4:88 rear end, they will tow over 24,000 lbs with a gross combined vehicular weight of 33,000.

http://www.diffee.com/OKLAHOMA/FORD/F-450/VIN/1FTXW42R08EA49102/

Terry

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

You all have given me great info.....and Terry, thanks so much excited when I see your response because you always share great info on the truck situation.

We are now contemplating getting a nice used "lighter" 5er to do travel and extended weekends.

My hubby's truck is geetting old and looking at getting a newer one that can pull the rv that we decide on.

The HH is older....22,900 is supposed to be the "wholesale" price...but I would definitely offer lower....I'm the barginer in the family! aww

Now I made a call to the Crossroads main office and questioned them about this Paradise Pointe....4 years ago it was right at the top of what they build.

The 22,900 is supposed to be the wholesale on that one as well....newer, well kept, and clean and lighter to pull....dry weight is 9,142 lbs.

I would think a 250 diesel super duty would handle ok

thanks again for all of the imput!

Mel

rjenkins · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with the other poster, wholesale price, anything in life is negotiated. You did say one thing that caught my attention when you mention that the HH is nine years old and it looks like it has never been used. That actually scares me more than if it had been used. A lot deteriorates if you do not exercise it and you may want to have someone check it out.