hey lil dog I found www.rv.net a really informative forum site...... there are even a few bombed CTD lurking around.

 

I have an Open Road 369 Bunk House and I am pretty happy with it. Lots of extras for the money. Plus it's four seasons.

-Pete

 

I went to an RV show a while ago. Walked around saying this is nice, that's nice.... Walk into a Keystone Outback. Wow!! I don't know RV's enough to know about the quality, but it sure tickled my fancy.

 

THanks again.

I never considered the fiberglass being UV senstive. Hail damage is a concern, good point. I did take a boo at and Arctic Fox here not long ago.. Very nice unit, some of the floor plans were a little hokey, but the heated tanks are a plus here as it freezes overnite in the fall when I usually make at least one trip out just before Thanksgiving (October in Canada).

I am not a big RV'er and Trump is not my last name, so "value" is a concern. I really can't see myself doling out over $25K right now. That pretty much deletes the fiberglass units, but if they are that much "better" I may make a stretch.

I was thinking bumper tow as I was going to install my rolling cargo bed, but I may not as it won't give me a lot of space under the cover... Now the 5ver market may be open to me.

J-eh

 

Lil Dog, There is nothing wrong with a good used one. There are lots of good used trailers out there and you can save yourself big $$$.

 

Thats a good point too.

The recent pitch from the sales clowns on the lots are that they have a nice (brand X) over here a 2001 for say $15K, but for about $3K more I can get you this brand new Jayco and amortize it over 15 years for a low monthly payment .. Sheesh.. If you add up the interest you pay about double..LOL..

Ok, used.. Now you open a can of worms..What are weak points to look for? Roof condition, appliances, water/sewer systems all need service. The running gear really doesn't scare me, bearings & brakes were a passtime on the 1967...

 

Some times a 2 or 3 year old trailer is better than a new one (except for warranty) because all the bugs have been taken care of and you save money. Don't be in a hurry, there are good ones out there. If you don't know what to look for, have a friend who has been RVing for a wile help you pick one out. Maccandy

 

Lil Dog,
Nothing at all wrong with going a bumber tow unit. Many of those have slide outs too, and remember that for equal length, you get more room with a bumber tow that a fifth wheel because you dont loose the step-up portion of the floor that the 5th wheel has. Having said that, the 5th wheel, for the same length, is easier to maneuver when parking, and for me feels better when towing, but that is personal preference. Also, like others have said, nothing wrong with a used unit that 1 -3 years old that smoeone traded back in because it didn't fit their needs - they have already paid the depreciation, a better deal for you. Hope this all helps. Good hunting.

 

Lil Dog I would agree with the last several posts about used RVs. We have a 22' 87 Travelair 5er. It is kinda low in the neck, but it suits us for now. Travelair is good quality. There use of space is above average. There should be lots in your back yard. If you find a Fleetwood rv that interests you, give it a thorough going over.
Stan

 

Lil Dog, I believe a 25' 5er with slide would serve you well. It would be short enough behind truck to handle smaller camp sites with ease. Trailer size would also be adaquate for the camping routines that you mentioned. Good Luck with your selection.

Jerry

 

I like my Open Road 360 RKDS.

John

 

I love my Prowler.. its 25 years old and about to be replaced by a new prowler.. nothink like having the truck bed for the kids bikes and stuff when the get older.. i like to stay with the bumper pull behinds...

 

lil dog,

We have a 28.6 Terry (Fleetwood) 5th wheel with dining, sofa slide. It's a '98 and we haven't had any problems.

I have pulled both regular trailers and 5th wheels. The 5th wheels are more stable with little movement in cross winds or when tractor trailers pass you by. Down here in Florida we can count on 4 or 5 trailers each year being blown over by big rigs on the interstate.

Good Luck! Alan

 

Well, I don't have a favorite type of 5fer yet as I only have had one. I've been in a bunch of them though. Some of the older named 5fers like Sportsman, Jayco, Teton, Holiday Rambler, Carriage, and a few more have been making them for 20 or more years. Any of those older names will be a good one. Some have more trim and appearance than others. Its about how much you want to pay.

I have on of the last over 30ft Sportsmen built in 2000. They now don't have that model over 30 feet. Over 30 is New Vison and New Vision Ultra. Mine is good for want I want it for. Has everything the 65,000 dollar ones have. My slides are not as tall
and I don't have insulated underbelly. I don't go north of I-10 in the winter so it don't matter anyway.

When I get ready to leave the house, and stay adrift for a year of so, I'll most likely see if I can find a nice Teton with the artic package and double pane windows. But for now I'm happy.

Check with some of the banks and credit unions dealers in your area and see if they have anything laying around that you might like. You can get some really good deals like that. I did.

Its all in what you want and want to use it for. Go to Traderonline.com and just look around. You'll find something.

Have a look at want you can find under 20,000.00 on my photo link.

Good luck

Dave

 

The 5th has advatages over the TT. The Pin weight sits on the rear axle, which, like a Semi, produces minimum cross wind problems, as well as esaier parking/backing. The TT A frame front costs about 2-3' of wasted space, usually used for propane tanks. The 5th also is shorter total length, as the pin to tailgate portion overlaps the truck, saving 3-5', overall. The weight ratings for a 5th hitch are much higher than a class 5. You do not need the extra equlizer/load distribution stuff either.
I believe the top brands used by Full timers are Teton, Travel Supreme & Alfa. Theses rigs are well built, but very pricy new. 1-3 yrs old is the sweet spot. You can check out www.pplmotorhomes.com for some online shopping, They are one of the largest consignment dealers, so you can check pricing & floor plans.
I beleive Hitchhiker,Snowbird, Carriage & Holiday Rambler are in the next tier, for price & quality. they are also used by full timers. Any of these rigs, taken care of, will last a long time. If you do not use it all that much, the other brands will do. They may be engineered for lower hours/miles per year and may have more problems if used heavily or on extended use. A good test is to ask the dealer if they recommed their rigs fo "Full time" use. Some will say their rigs are not recommeded for that & will sometimes not honor warranty as a result.
I like the Alfas because, for their size(over 30'), they are the lightest, with the most capacity. Some have 3 slides with up to 390 sq ft. of space & a huge cavern storage compartment. They usually have every option you could want.This fits the Dodge Diesel weight range quite well, unless you look at the triple axle. Triple axles also present problems in tight corners & jack knife/backing situations, as it drags the tires/wheels more so then 2 axles. This leads to tire & wheel failure.
Do your homework, look at lots of rigs, know the market before you buy. Trailer Life is a good source of on-going info. Find some full-timers when camping & ask their opions.
Happy Camping