My dad is looking at used campers (mainly 5th wheels) for year round use. Does anyone know where to find specs on weights and other capacities and such.

One we are planning to go look at is a Jayco Designer 2930 5vr. It looks nice in the pictures, and they are asking about $15k for it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

As a side note, we don't have the tow vehicle yet, but it won't be moved very often, he will park in and stay there for most of the time, so for now I will probably use my friends 95 2500 CTD to put it where it needs to go. I would like to find a 1st or 2nd gen 4x4 CTD, or even a V10 2nd gen.

 

Ive found Typically the MFG should have the specs, weight etc unless their really old.

 

A "year round" trailer could be made out of any standard trailer by making a insulated enclosure for the holding tanks. You can use standard 2"x2" or 2"x4" lumber and some sheets of plywood or OSB style plywood to enclose the tanks. Then get a couple waterbed heaters and tape to the underside of the tanks(directly on the tank itself)and run the cord(s) out somewhere where it can be plugged in easily. This way you can look for a standard trailer and not get hosed by some salesman knowing your in need of a specific type trailer. Keep in mind that dealers mark up units about 30% or so for new units. And if they ever take one in on trade they put about 50% of what they are asking for trade allowence. So just be careful. It is probably better off to hunt a individual selling one in the newspaper or the like to get a better deal. Just my opinion.

 

if you are going to enclose it you have to vent for furnace and stove.

also, slideouts are a pain in the *** in the winter time, drafty.

 

Nick, check your PM.'S

Cappy

 

If the guy is sending you pictures, have him send you a photo of the specifications that are usually posted in one of the kitchen cabinets, and on the weight tag on the outside of the trailer.

Also, you can get online used RV book value from NADA.

http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/Zip...Sec=5&wPg=1102

Also, a 5th wheel will put about 15-20% of it's weight in the bed of the truck, so it's easy to exceed the rear axle rating or gross vehicle rating on a single rear wheel truck before you reach it's listed gross combined rating.

 

Definitely you need to plan the truck & fiver as a unit, Pretty much anything over 32' will require a 1 ton, preferably dually/stick, 4.10 or 3.73. That said, do a lot of shopping for fivers. There are MANY that are set up for winter, some with artic packages. I would also get aluminum frame. The mid to upper end rigs are usually better made and more insulated.
There is a consignment place here is Houston, pplmotorhomes.com that is a good site to shop & look to see what is out there at what price. They have evrything.
It is much easier to do a lot of shopping and know how rigs are made, etc. If you like a manufaturer, go out to their web site. they will usually talk about the quality of their construction. This does not change much and you will learn more of the company. Also, once you find a brand you like, ask other owners, do a search on line.
You may want to get Trailer Life too.
Good luck on your search, do your homework!!