I'm pretty green when it comes to these. What time of year(spring, summer, etc.) is the best(cheapest) time to buy a TT or 5er? Also, I don't want to lower my susp. on my truck or raise the susp. on a 5er, so are 5er's out of the ? for me(see sig.)? Lastly, what are the top 3 brands I can get used for about $8,500 that is a couple years old. Thanks for yall's input.

 

What about Coachman, Fleetwood, Keystone, Alumilite & Thor? Good ,bad, ? Any TT brands to definately NOT get?

 

I think you could get a better deal at the end of summer when the kids start back to school . That is about the same time the new modles start coming out.I have owned three new dutchmans and not had many problems. Funtime RV is one if not the biggest RV dealers in the state of Texas and they quit carrying them so that should tell you something. I have 2003 Cougar modle# 294 TT made by Keystone. It has been trouble free except for the refrigerator. I am on my third Dometic fridge. I would recommend fiberglass exterior if you can find it. I like the new Pilgrams a lot. Try to find something with a warranty, they charge $125.00 per hour to work on them. Most warranties only cover labor for two years , parts for three .

 

Around here, the best time to buy is usually late summer, early fall. People are trying to get rid of them before having to store them for winter. There are more used ones available in the spring, but the best prices that I have seen are in the fall time. There isn't much of a used market around here in the winter. Most people that have them just hold onto them until spring.

As for brands, my dad has a 2005 Sprinter by Keystone (Thor product) and has had some issues with it. A poorly sealed window leaking, shower drain leaking, slide out hydralic pump went out, etc. Another friend bought a smaller 2005 Sprinter this past spring and has had some issues also with the door not closing right. Not saying they are a bad camper, just seem to have some small issues that the dealers have to get ironed out.

I have a Gulfstream Amerilite. Its a 99 model. Its a pretty good camper for being a lite model. The only design flaw that I don't like is that the freshwater fill was mounted too low and makes it hard to fill up the tank. Also, the fresh water fill hose came loose on the previous owner, so every time he filled it, it flooded the front of the camper. I failed to notice this upon buying it until I noticed the rotted floor. I have since repaired it and haven't had a problem. Can't totally blame that on the manufacturer as the hose clamp should have been check.

Overall, look at fit and finish on the inside and outside of the camper. Check for any windows or vents that look like they weren't caulked right. Also look for areas where the cupboards and fixtures are pulling out of the wall. That should give you an idea as to the overall build quality of the camper. I can't comment on any other brands as I don't have much experience with any of them.