We are looking at selling 50 acres and paying off the house and the rest of the farm.
After we have paid everything off we are thinking of buying a good TT or fiver.
I would like to start collecting info on good quality Rvs .
When I buy it will be with cash so financing it will not be a problem.
I am looking for good quality and able to be used as full time if needed.
I would also like to be able to use it in cold weather, so tank heaters and better insulation than most are a requirement.
If you have some other suggestions bring them on.
I’m not looking for the brand that you own. More along the lines of what features are needed.

 

First, look at fivers. They tow so much better than a tt thats there is no consideration.
Then you need to look at sizes and floor plans to find something that suits your style. You can probably get to 35 foot before you start to get heavy. We tend to spend time outside so the third curbside slide does not appeal to us cause you loose awning space.
You are on the right track with cold weather items but add double pane windows regardless. If you plan a lot of travel, consider interior access with the slides closed, for lunch on the road or bath useage.
I would suggest going for a higher end rig even if the money makes you go for used. The quality is generally that much better. From personal experience, look at Newmar or NuWa (Hitchhiker) rigs. Both companies have floor plans on their web sites.
Enjoy the search.
Bill

 

Bill listed most of the important items

Features we like:
separate shower & comode, for quick stops (lunch or snack) how easy can you access to the refrigerator without opening a slide, double pane windows, Disc Brakes, insulated holding tanks, check the insulation R values, awning toppers over your slide outs,

In cold weather if you will be camping in a spot with electrical hook ups try to use electric heaters and conserve your propane. Don't forget to look at the electrical capacity of the trailer.


You may want to consider the hitch also.
There is MorRyde and 5th Air, that replace the standard pin on your trailer - they reduce bounce and chucking or you can get one of the hitches that have air bags for your truck.

Good luck

George

 

i have found the rv industry will make their product as cheap as they can get away with to maximize profits.... therefore to get a good one go to the high end... you will pay more, but the quality will be better.
all rv's have the same appliances, such as Dometic, suburban, ect.... components are pretty much standard. so the choices are just different models of stoves , refridgerators, air conditioners

 

As a 5ver hauler of six years living in it for at least 250-300 days a year, I would recommend to stay away from anything made by Keystone. I bought my first one spending 45,000 and in the last six years have fixed just about anything that you can think of during that time. The worst being last year when the whole back section swung 8" away from the rest of the trailer.

Keystone Challenger
7 batteries
wiring problems
water leaks,
roof leaks
bottom stairs inside coming loose
back section of trailer breaking loose
2 invertors
air leaks
rebuilt water heater
new AC blower
2 limit switches in the furnace
crack in fiberglass from unsupported slides
fresh water tank braking loose
external sheet metal coming loose
three blowouts out of four tires ( General Ameritrac/ JUNK)
Brakes not working
cable wire quit working from inside to outside
rebuilt all clothing drawers in the bedroom

This list could go on and on. Look real well at all aspects including pulling all drawers to verify if screws or staples are used and really look at the warranty. My next trailer will be a Carri-lite because in six years I have learned what I want in a trailer and what I dont.
I work with guys all year long that do nothing but live all brands of trailers and they love to sit down and listen to my stories each time that I see them about what is the latest that I had to fix.

 

Attend an RV show like I did in Tampa this weekend, I must have walk into at least 50 RVs before I found one I like built by Carriage . Now if I can scrape up $65K.

 

I'd also suggest hitting a big RV show. Take a digital camera and start shots of each unit with a photo of the placard showing what it is and how much. They will run together after a while.

Also, I find you can tell a lot about overall attention to detail by pulling some drawers out and looking under the cabinetry. Nice ones will have hardwood plywood screwed and/or dovetail together. Cheap ones are pressboard.

Look closely at the batroom. If you are taller the bottom of the shower may be significanly higher than the floor. Some of them seem to think people want to shower with your head in a sunroof-bubble... I'd prefer a corner type shower. The mini-bathtub/shower types don't give much room to move... fine for camping but I wouldn't do it full time.

 

Check out Sunnybrook RV. We have been very happy with our 255RK Sunset Creek. They manufacture everything from entry-level TTs to fulltime 5th wheels.
http://www.sunnybrookrv.com/

 

Start looking at features now and be ready when the snowbirds go back north. I usually see some killer deals on used, high end 5ers, then. You might want two A/Cs if you plan to go where it's hot. Something better than a rubber roof would be nice and also upgraded suspension. Check out the basement space on 5ers - some don't have very much. No 15" tires/wheels! Craig

 

That is not bad for a carriage because that being the top of the line.


I was looking too buy a carri-lite one below the carraige and it was 92,000 out the door with a 7 year warranty and all fees.

 

My in-laws full-time in a Travel Supreme 5th wheel... I think this is their third or fourth year, just starting...

They worked with the factory in Indiana to build it just like they wanted and have been very happy with the unit and the support from TS...

I don't believe they are inexpensive, but for full timing they are the right type of unit...

Bryan

 

Some great and accurate advise posted by all the others. If you are going to use it with the possiblity of extended stays then go to the top of the line.

I have had fleetwood, keystone product, then made the move to a Carriage, Then to the Hitch Hiker I have now. The best deals to be had are at the camping shows, esspecially if you have cash.

hitch hiker, carriage, teton, mobile suites, newmar, are just a few that come to mind.

Good luck

Tim

 

The brands above are all good candidates for full time. I would add AlfaLeisure. They are amoung the lightest for their size. Ours is 36', 3 slides, huge storage, Basement AC. 12,800 empty. Pay attention to weight as 16,000 loaded is the most people do with a 3500.. Get 50amps, 2 AC's or equal. 2 axles will be less troublesome than 3. Aluminum side walls & roof, a must. Artic package, if possible.
Alfa also has a high, staright line roof, which offers more space.
I would recommend getting 2-3 tears old, as they will be less than 50% of list and may be used only a few times.
A good place to shop on line is pplmotorhomes.com .They have pictures, floor plans, prices. They are the largest consignment dealer in the US.
Also for warranty, Good SAM has a CSP plan that covers all your major items.
Well worth the money.
Look at lots of rigs, talk to lots of owners, read some full timer books. You can not do too much homework on your next home.
Good Luck!

 

It is also often said that you should consider a couple of things in addition to all of the comments herein about different makes, costs, etc:

1) What sort of travel will you do ? Electric post (campground) to electric post, or any off-the-grid, back country ? That may define on the systems that you may need to be able to enjoy your unit "your way". Do you need a sewer hose that shoots out at the push of a button and connects itself, or are you a 'hands on" guy ? Space is at a premium, so good organizing and good planning BEFORE you go shopping helps you make an informed, not emotional, choice. Capacities of fresh, grey & black water tanks, insulation, storage, layout - all important.
2) When in the beautiful rig at the well-lit show, picture a week of foul weather - would you be comfortable in it ?
3) If you want to enjoy the National Park System campgrounds, they have length limits.

 

If your signature block is correct then the 1st thing you will need is more truck. When you get into 30' plus 5th wheels the more torque the better.