Been thinking about getting my behind off the ground when we go camping. I have seen some smaller 5th wheels that look like they would be perfect. I would be new to towing a 5th wheel and it is just my wife and I, therefore I don't need (or want) anything too large.
I'm not going to ask "what is the best", one person's best may not be what works best for me. I am more interested in what brands are out there that would fit my needs that I should consider. I really only need 1 big bed, if anyone comes along, they can sleep on a table/bench seat that converts into a bed. It would be used 12-15 times a year.
What brands should I consider looking at that make good quality smaller units?
What are the pros/cons of buying new versus used?
Is there anybody that rents 5th wheels for a weekend? The only rental campers I've seen are "self contained" (usually have the Ford V-10 in them).
What questions should I be asking a dealer?

Thanks
~Rob

 

around here a camper dealer rents all types of campers, bumper pulls, 5th wheels, motor homes etc. During Fair week a lot of people rent. Not sure on the price but i know its not cheep for a week. If you plan on going more than 2-3 times a year your better off to buy one i think... Not too sure on brands to help you out. i do know that my g/f mom bought a cardinal and they are pleased with that.... good luck and happy camping
oh btw there are some real good RV forums out there too that might be of some more help if your interested, not sure the exact web address but you can search for it. someone else here will know tho

 

We've had our Jayco for the past 9 years, and are very happy with it. If you can find a good used unit, they are usually about half to three quarters the price of the same thing new. You do have to be careful buying used, as you are generally your own warranty station. Have an experienced RV'er look over the unit for you, or better yet have an RV tech go over the unit for you. Pretty cheap insurance. Good luck with your decision!! We've been RVing for about 15 years and love it. I wish we had more time (and money) to go more often. If you have any specific questions that I can help with, feel free to PM or e-mail me.

www.rv.net is good place for information on the web.

DeWain

 

It all depends on the maintenance and what the RV has been exposed to. For instance, we are probably out in our RV 10-12 times a year, usually for long weekends with maybe a couple of 1-week trips. When we're not using the RV, it sits in covered storage. Our previous RV (a 2000 Jayco Designer XL 3610RLTS 5th wheel) was used under these conditions and looked better than a new one on the lot when we sold it to purchase our current 5th wheel (see signature). It was also carefully maintained, so there was no water damage (the biggest hidden curse of used RVs.)

I'd suggest dropping by the forums at iRV2.com. They also have a classified section with a number of RVs for sale.

Good luck!

Rusty

 

Not to sound like a troll, as I am a member here. I have a 97 28 ft Wilderness by Fleetwood that the wife and I just do not use anymore,PM me if you would like some details, I am going to give someone a good deal. Comes with a hitch also. Now for some advice I used years ago, I have owned if memory serves 9 different fifth wheels and I have always stayed under 30 feet as it is just the wife and I. Look over the roofs and feel around in all the cabinets and floor for weak spots of leaks. The newer ones come with rubber roofs that can be torn easly. Most private owners should have them hooked up and running so you can verify all the appliances work. I also recommend getting one that you can physicaly install a real mattress as some trailers are hard to get a real mattress installed and the ones from the factory are crap. Ducted air is also nice. Slide outs are nice, but the add a lot of weight to a trailer. Make sure you can use the {facilities} as some are really small in that area. Ha Ha.. Goodluck,,Rick

 

Rob...
We're kinda in the same boat you are. Just me and the wife and our two small dogs. We set our budget limit and decided to buy used. Bought a 2003 Rockwood 30' 5er from a private owner. It has a big bed over the hitch as most do and the sofa folds into a bed if needed. We're taking it out for the 1st time this weekend. One thing that was a "must" for us was fiberglass exterior. Seems we get quite a bit of storms here in tornado alley and considerable hail at times too. Not only is fiberglass easier to clean and maintain than aluminum siding, it won't dent like aluminum from hail either. Ours has a rear living room, middle kitchen, outside detachable rv-que grill and outside shower. Awninga and all those other goodies too. Previous owner even added a receiver hitch to the back so they could pull their boat behind the trailer. Great for us, we'll pull our motorcycle trailer.....
Good luck!

 

The leaks thing is a biggie if the trailer has been in a rainy area for a while. Mine has these stupid aluminum pieces down the corner edges that weren't sealed well and the wood behind them is rotted and the strips are coming off. Beats me how anyone would think that foam tape would seal anything.

I'm not crazy about Norcold refrigerators either They don't take to sitting in one place for a long time and make sure they are absolutely level or they will stop up. It's an easy fix though, just turn it upside down for 24 hours.

Edwin

 

Thanks for the replies ya'll. Didn't know about the leaking problem, thanks for the heads up. We live in an area prone to hail as well. I will concentrate on fiberglass models.

~Rob