Livin' Lite Producing 5th Wheels - RV-Dreams Community Forum

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Livin' Lite Producing 5th Wheels

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mmmm... tanks are much too small for my liking. Could never imagine making so many trips to the dump. disbelief Would rather be reading a good book!

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Probably wouldn't be the best boondocking unit. It could be good for someone that has allergies because of the ease of cleaning and not so much fabric and we found the new ones with carpet make my and our son's eyes burn unless they have been sitting getting aired out for awhile. They have a snap in carpet for the TTs which would be nice with pets with muddy feet and easily replaceable. I have seen so many RVs ruined by pets that weren't housebroken. Ours are housebroken but shed and shed and our son is sensitive to dust, etc. Not for everyone.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

Looks mighty simple and stark. I'm wondering if you could buy a used coach with solid bones, then buy cabinets at IKEA to remodel.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

I like the concept, but not the execution. Like the rest here, it doesn't look homey at all. Stark, cold amd uninviting are the adjectives that come to mind. You don't get much for $42k. True, it weighs in at slightly under 6,500 lbs, but let's compare what your choices are.

You can get a lightweight 30ft TT like the 6,200lb Coleman 305rkds with more tank capacity, about the same ccc and a much more luxurious interior for about $29k. Is the all aluminum frame trailer better constructed? Possibly, and it's truly innovative, which I like. But once a potential buyer takes a tour of the interior, it's going to be a hard sell to the DW that the quality is better than one more luxuriously appointed for much less money. Or if the buyer really wants a fifth wheeler, they can get a 34ft, 6,800lb Gulfstream Trailmaster 299SBW (only 300 lbs more for the extra 3' 9" of length) with about 1000lbs more of CCC for about 60% of the price of the livinlite fiver. Just compare the interior, specs and overall value and tell me which one looks like a better deal to you.

Chip

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I already have compared. We are on #8 RV and looking for #9. I like the clean look as I have my own decor to add "homey". I have seen probably more used and new units than most people, worked in the office of a 5 star RV manufacturer and the Camplite is a winner for many reasons. I have never seen anyone say a negative thing or talk about problems with one and I can't say that about any other RV. You don't have the rubber roof to deal with which I can say nothing kind about as it requires bathes, recoating and it tears. My biggest disappointment is to see them purchased by Thor since I am aware of what happened with the Airstreams since they made that purchase. I think we know that you don't necessarily get what you pay for by some of the posts from those buying from the "top" end. Also, it is important to watch what items are considered standard when you are comparing units since cost and weight definitely are in play. Options can add a lot of weight and added cost so it is important that one know what is included in the weight and if each unit is weighed before leaving the factory. I looked quickly at the Trailmaster and it appeared they have a long list of options. I'm not a Gulfstream fan and have never really looked at their products for that reason. If one is realistic, an entry level TT, which we did own and buy new, used full-time will probably will last 4 or 5 years if maintained, the mid-level, I believe in the 8 to 10 year range and the top level in the area of 12 to 15 years. Yes, you can squeeze more years out of them but in general, those are the years of good service and if you park them, I have seen older units continue to be a decent dwelling. If you don't care for them, expect less and a continuing nightmare no matter what you pay. I never get caught up in "pretty".

manycats · RV-Dreams Family Member

Absolutely agree with "never get caught up in pretty", at my age "I ain't pretty no mo". The ugliest unit can be refurbished and modified at low cost if you're willing to invest in some sweat equity and imagination. A small black tank could be a problem but everything depends on your lifestyle. If you have the money you can buy a Rolls Royce, if you don't, you buy what suits you best for the money you have. My DH and I have always found great "gently used" and one "need to gut and re-do" units and have had a lot of enjoyment out of them. Like travel plans written on jello, our purchase plans are supremely adaptable. So many choices it's mind boggling but in the end - whatever we can afford.

The best RV is the one you have!

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Once you have seen good used units, solid ones, versus not good ones, junk, it is pretty easy to walk through a unit, new or used, and evaluate it. I can point out what is going to probably fail as in leak or come apart. The majority of the best manufacturers closed their doors when "cheap and new" came into fashion. There were some great classics and many are being restored. The workmanship, the beauty will never be duplicated again. "Pride in workmanship" was a standard.