Fifth wheels suitable for full-timing - RV-Dreams Community Forum

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

Fifth wheels suitable for full-timing

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have you used the search function to seek information? You will find this had had several threads associated with 5th wheels, full timing, most suitable, etc, etc. Lots of information is to be found using search. Then you can narrow your query. Just sayin'

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, I did. I just found Howard's old thread and was looking for more current info.

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's a really big question. If you could give everyone a price and size range, that would be helpful. Also, if there are is a GVWR that you have in mind, that number would be helpful also. There are many 5th wheels that will hold up with care but only a few that actually have a warranty to include full-time use although many just ignore that. Are we talking about holding up for 5 years on the road or maybe 15 or 20? What have you seen that you like when you were out looking? Any special features that you are looking for in a floor plan? If you have some specific units that you thought were good possibilities, it might be better to list those and then those that have knowledge about them or know where you could gain knowledge could direct you to appropriate links.

The Restless Youngs · RV-Dreams Family Member

We were in the same state of head spinning a few months ago and purchased the rv rating guide from rv.org. They have a towable and motorhome version and is basically a database which allows multiple search features. It was recommended to us from someone on this forum and has been very helpful in assisting us to narrow it down to the ones we should be looking at for full time. We are looking at Class A so not much help in filling in the manufacturers/price points/full timing for 5'ers. At least now we have it narrowed down to three or four models which allow us to focus in more and get more feedback, etc.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'll cover the higher-end coaches and leave the rest for some others.

The better coaches that are suitable for fulltiming will be on the heavy side, and many of them over $100K. Elite/Mobile Suites (18k Lbs and up), New Horizons (18K lbs and up) and Spacecraft (20K lbs and up) fall into this category.

In the used category Teton and Travel Supreme will be in this weight category, but because they are out of business the prices will be under 100K. The Carriage Royals International - also out of business - will be in the same category.

A new Lifestyle will also be heavy and can easily go over $100K if optioned up.

In my opinion all the units I mentioned above should ONLY be pulled by an F450 or the new Dodge with the 37K lb GCWR. And an F450 may be challenged by some of the larger versions.

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am curious for current answers to Howard's original question. Budget is not a concern at the moment. I would like to know what is available that will hold up for at least 15 years.

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Then, you are looking for what Jack suggested in those first three and you would want a new one or very close to new if you are looking for 15+ years. I can attest to the New Horizons being a solid unit from the beginning and I understand now being improved over the original. I have been looking at the used ones online, many from the 90's, and they still look good. Last year, I spoke to someone who had owned his for over 7 years and traveled crossing the US each year and he was very pleased.

Because of your requirement for 15+ years, the other price ranges would not really apply. Keep in mind that maintenance will still be required and appliances like refrigerator, water heater, furnace, etc. do not have the lifespan of the household type and you may know that but it really surprises some people.

WhoWanderLost · RV-Dreams Community Member

Welcome to the journey! We were in your position just a few months back and sorting through all the information on your new home and vehicle combination can be overwhelming at the least. There are a number of opinions out there and we can only offer IMHO!

We purchased a 2013 Lifestyle, they are fairly new, Lifestyle bought Carriage (and their engineers and wealth of experience in the high end 5'rs). We are pulling ours with a 2013 GMC 1T DWR, they make a great combo. The 5'r is approx. 18k loaded and our GCWR is pushing 28k. We haven't gotten to the scale yet but will on our way out.

Good luck, keep asking questions, enjoy this part of your journey and everyone here will be available along the way! ( everyone has been God sends to our start and will be as we get broken in!)

RJ & Melinda

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack's list is a good one, plus I'm pretty sure all of those manufacturers will not "void the warranty" if one is full-timing in them. In our case, we have one of the Mobile Suites made by DRV Suites. We have been very pleased with ours, both from the standpoint of quality and of comfort (warm in winter-cool in summer), and the DRV Suites could likely be less than the New Horizons and Spacecraft. Another custom manufacturer, but one that I know little about, is Forks RV, otherwise known as Continental Coach.

If you would consider used units and would be interested in the DRV Suites models (Elite Suites, Mobile Suites, Tradition, Full House, Select Suites), then you might want to check out a dealer here in Oklahoma that deals "exclusively" with DRV Suites models. The only non-DRV brands they handle are those traded in for a DRV or perhaps an occasional consignment unit. They company is Rolling Retreats and the units look as good as their pictures show. Rolling Retreats is a "mom and pop" dealership and they have an excellent reputation among the DRV Suites owners.

Terry

RVKevi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Heartland has some units at a somewhat lower weight and cost, but still warranted for full-time use. Their Big Country, Big Horn and Landmark. We have the Big Horn. We've only lived in it a year, so I can't speak personally to whether they last well for 15 years, but we hope so. We're very happy with it!

jayc · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have been very happy with our Landmark, in it for two years. I spoke with another Landmark owner who has owned their's for 8 years, and they are happy with it.

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

The original thread had someone saying to stay away from Heartland, Keystone, forest River, etc....so I was wondering.

bigboomer · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have a 2011 Keystone Montana 3580RL and Love It! It suits our needs perfect and has treated us well so far. We have been FTing just over 15 months now and so far so good. We wintered in the northeast last year and had no issues and will be doing it again this year in the mountains in NY.

Like anything in this lifestyle you have to take a look at your overall needs and see what fits into your budget. For us we feel that the Montana line offered us a very good 5'er in a moderate price range. We are very satisfied with the quality. Remember too that regardless of what unit you purchase and regardless of the price it is still built by human hands and things do happen. Warranties are nice but things break and having a strong customer service network is also key. Care and maintenance is critical to keeping your unit tip top for the long haul. This means both inside and out. Doing the little things adds up to the big picture and will help avoid costly fixes and repairs over time. I saw a quote from another forum that is so true....traveling down the road with your RV is like subjecting your house to a 6.5 earthquake every time you take it out so imagine the abuse it takes.

There are a lot of nay-sayers out there who will poo poo the likes of Keystone, Heartland, etc. but everyone has a budget and if these fit within your means I think you will still be happy. These manufacturers have made great strides in increasing their quality including stronger, heavier frames.

Good luck in your search.

Les

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

How about the Keystone Alpine? They have a floor plan that meets 95% of our wish list.

-- Edited by two 4 the road on Monday 28th of October 2013 12:44:18 AM

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

two 4 the road wrote:
How about the Keystone Alpine? They have a floor plan that meets 95% of our wish list.

-- Edited by two 4 the road on Monday 28th of October 2013 12:44:18 AM

Try this for info: http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1252 The owner's groups are always a really good place to get information since you'll have everyone having a unit or considering having a unit from that manufacturer.

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 28th of October 2013 09:08:50 AM

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, Big Boomer! You have some TV there!!

two 4 the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks!

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

The owner's forums are always your best source of issues and especially looking for those issues that many seem to share in common. Also, when it comes to being warranted for "full-time use", I'm wondering what the length of time those warranties are generally running? Say, if it were 2 years, commonly you shouldn't have any major issues in the first 2 years even in entry level units, mid-level maybe 7 to 8 years and beyond that, we haven't really owned anything above the mid-level priced. Also, "full-time use" won't really matter for the appliances since most of those are more than capable of performing for the length of the warranty and beyond and probably better off being ran than just sitting. Also, just because a manufacturer was putting out a top of the line unit 5 years ago, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be top notch now. I kind of know what manufacturers consistently do a bad job and you need to read, read and read. Looks at used units, lots of them even if buying new.

Bob and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

T4TR - I notice you seem to have a little indecision on the unit to jump into. I suggest you look at floor plans. See what trips your trigger. A couple of things we have looked at when evaluating a different 5er is 1) Refrigerator access without moving the slides, (for quick snacks or lunch while traveling between overnight stops). 2) Bathroom access without moving the slides, (for quick pit stops). 3) Walking space around the bed, (for the middle of the night trips to the toilet). 4) Cabinet storage for food & supplies, overhead & under counter. 5) Counter space for meal prep & clean up, 6) Television location (can you see it straight on in your favorite chair or couch or are you looking to the side to see it?). Everyone has their own ideas of the perfect floor plan & these are some that come to mind for us. By finding a floor plan you like than you can narrow down the brands, length & amenities that fit your needs. Then the tow vehicle will need to be determined.

Good luck in choosing!