5th Wheel Age

We bought our used American Star when it was 4 years old, it now has about 75K miles on it and is 15 years old. Good enough for another 15 years.

Since you're going to be first time FW'ers, even though you've had a TT, you really might want to consider a used FW. Keep it for a couple years, but look at others' rigs as you travel. If you want to try something else after a couple years, get another used one and see how you like that. Makes lists of what's absolutely required and what you can live with/without. If you look at enough RVs, you'll find that they are all ****-near the same in floorplan for a given length and # of slides. Rear living boils down to about 3-4 similar layouts; same with rear entertainment; same with bunkhouses. When you're ready to retire, take your decade-long list and see who has what to fit it, then buy it. Be prepared to replace your truck, especially if you've decided on something bigger than what a SRW will comfortably handle. Tech changes, so who knows what they will look like in 10 years?

Lyle

If I had plans to keep one 7-8 years I would not buy something less than I may be satisfied with. That is a long time to keep something just to get you by until you buy newer. And something you may not be completely happy with.

We bought ours (35' 2007 Montana bought new July 2007) because it was what we wanted at the time. Still have it and it has been great. And by googling the year and model it seems to have a very good resale value. Keep thinking we will trade up to something larger, but just have not seen reason to do so yet.

My 2005 Cedar Creek is still going strong and looks great.

We have the same truck :-)

I would buy a used fiver of decent quality. Your preferences and the technology will change dramatically in 10 years! We purchased a used, but in good condition, fifth wheel from Kansas RV Center. They made Hitchhiker fivers until recently.

You will still need to be a bit careful not to fall in love with a huge one We decided to buy a SRW and find a fiver with a GVWR of 15000 lbs or less. We have been full timing for just over a year in it.

Do your research before getting caught up in a sales pitch. Many sales people will tell you that you can tow anything and that most RVs are 4-season. Wrong!!! RVs depreciate, so don't count on trade in value as doing much toward the purchase of another fiver 10 years down the road....