Im looking at a 40 ft, tripple axle, double slide, 1990 model Hitchhiker 5th wheel. Trailer looks great from what I can tell but Im a rookie when it comes to owning a 5th wheel. Can anyone point me in the right direction on this particular make and model or just RV's in general. The price, from what I can tell, is really good for the condition of the trailer. I appreciate any information.

 

Perhaps somebody on here can help, but you might have more responses to your question at www.rv.net

It's a great forum for RVers.

..

 

Most people don't realize that inspecting and resealing a trailer is yearly maintenance. Therefore, most trailers over ten years old have rotten wood in them somewhere. I would go in and step down on every inch of the floor, make sure it doesn't feel spongy anywhere. Look in all the overhead cabinets for water stains or visible rot. Go up on the roof and look at the condition of all the sealant on all the seams and around all the vents. You will have to decide if it's ok, sealant needs touched up in a couple of spots, or if there's big holes in the sealant that have been letting in moisture for years.

Another big expense can be the fridge. Open it and smell for an ammonia scent, which would signal a leak of refrigerant and the need for a new fridge. Have a peek and see where they have the temperature **** set. If it's cranked almost all the way to the coldest setting, the fridge may be getting weak and won't cool enough. It would be nice to be able to test it and all the other appliances, but remember it is normal for the fridge to take several hours to become cold.

Hope this helps, and I'm sure many people can add to it.

 

Well the trailer is in Yuma, Az. Not that the location would prevent it from being subject to rain and rot, but it sure does reduce it. I will inspect every inch of the trailer before I buy it. They are asking 5k. It would be our first 5th wheel and I dont want to start at the top and have a major payment if it turns into something we dont do often.

 

If I recall, Nu-Wa makes some good stuff.
TorqueFan is correct. Check it out well before you buy.
Seal it well before going into a wet climate.

 

Those trailers back then were made mostly of Oak Wood with steel framing and are very heavy. Hence, three axles. If your planing to tow this and use it
as a RV, you'll need to check the trailer weight. If the sticker is still on it, look at the GVW. That will be the max loaded weight. Figure 20% of that will be pin weight and contribute to your trucks GVW. If its up there around 19,000lbs, your truck is going to be overloaded in both directions, GVW and GCVW.

Look for signs of termites and other insects. Also open any and all cabinets that might be in the upper part or the walls and look up for water stains. (leaks)

Get up on the roof and walk it and see if its soft or mushey in places. Look at the undercarriage and frame on a creeper.

Good luck.

Dave

 

Nu-wa made the first 5th wheel camper. They are considered to be a premium line. I have a 34.5rltg Nu-Wa. great camper.

 

Dont matter. The guy sold it.
Thanks for the input. The hunt begins again.

 

LOL. Ain't that always the way!

 

In your search, first thing to consider is how much can your truck legally tow.
Get your truck weighed, as that is subtracted from the Max tow weight.
In gereral, a 2500 is around 12k max, a 3500 16k max.
You want to find a fiver with aluminum framing for both weight and rot factors.
In general, 32' is near max on 2500, 36' on 3500.
Check out consignment dealers, as you can normally pick up a 3 yr old rig like new, for 50-60% off list.
A good place to do research is pplmotorhomes.com . They are the largest consignment dealer in the country. You can shop rigs, floor plans, prices, pictures. Looks at lots of rigs before you buy, talk to lots of knowlegeable people.
Keep in mind that if you have not towed a 32' or whatever before, there is a learning curve to deal with, especially backing into RV spaces. That is a whole chapter there.
Good luck on the search!

 

I think the 40 was out of my league. The price was just too good IMO. We are now looking in the 28-32ft range. The longest trailer Ive towed is 26ft. We are going to save some more cash and shop around alot more. Thanks for the input.