5th wheel shopping

What determined our 5th wheel purchase was first and formost what we could afford or how big a loan we could handle . That will narrow down the brands and choice's. Next was the floor plan. That will take a few more out of the running. A list of must haves will help and will again reduce the number of choices.

Heartland Bighorn and Big Country lines will have floor plans you are looking for, will be in your price range AND they are both warranted for fulltime use.

I suggest looking at a few and think about how you will live in it. Move around like you were living in it. Pretend to watch TV, fix a meal, and sit on the toilet. Stand in the shower and move like you are bathing. You get the idea. Some places will just let you look and wander on your own. Picture where you will put your stuff. We too travel with a 2 year old and quickly realized she needed her own room so we could have adult time. We have a bath and a half with a separate door to the outside so the grand babies don't have to walk through the trailer to use the bathroom. Only you will know how and what you will use it for. Make a list of what you want and don't want. We also had health issues to account for and needed a unit that would accommodate those needs. There are a lot of pretty trailers out there. Find the unit that fits how you live and that will be the right trailer for you.

Personal is the main key, others say no to bunks but I won't do without them (again personal) my newest so far is outstanding for the $$$ bath & 1/2 (so kids have their own), looking right at TV, strong axles, and actually gets better mileage than my '09 40' Sandpiper (this one is 42') but really $$$'s and personal layout sell the camper, I love the windows and my son has his own room and can be in there all day comfortable (rain days) and not "underfoot".

just another opinion and one to consider

On the front living area models, where do the kids put their clothes? Is their enough storage? How quickly can you fold up that sleeper sofa in the morning?

after 2 TT on a 05 and the other 2011 with a rather large living room we decided to get a 5er. wildcat 344QB without the OS kitchen, not a very big kitchen and no counter space but it has a island that is stored in the aft bunk room, their is 4 slides and two across from each other in the back with sleeping areas for 6 kids (2 bunks and 4 catnap sleepers) we really like the layout and the master room is huge (angled bed) enough room for a recliner in the front room, got a great deal under 42k weights in at 12.5 ready to camp... http://www.rvguide.com/specs/forest-river/fifth-wheel/2012/wildcat/344qb.html

One thing that happens when you live in a trailer for extended times is that you want to watch TV quite a bit. So having a straight on view of the TV is a big plus. I hate watching a TV side saddle!!! Our little Cardinal has three features that we really like. Two recliners that face directly at the living room TV, a nice computer desk, and a camper king bed 72x80. We snowbird in it.

You should look for a double wide refrig also, if you will be living in it. A separate sleeping area for the kids would be important for more that weekend use. As they get into school, they will need a private area to study and do home work.

Chris

peejaykay wrote:
Tow vehicle: '11 Silverado 3500HD DRW Diesel

I'm looking for a 5'er that has a family friendly layout. I have a 2 year old daughter but that's only for now. More on the way soon. Also have a dog/cat which will also camp with us.

Would like something that has room for all of us plus:

- good insulation R factors
- strong axles w/ room for cargo capacity
- front living area or bunkhouse? They seem to take up considerable room
- hydraulic or electric slides? Why?
- <50k and will consider used

Use will vary, I move alot for work so potentially we may be full-timing for months at a time before we can get a permanent "home". Hence, insulation factors is important.

I've looked at a few manufacturers but it seems like they all compromise somewhere. Your recommendations please!

You have a good truck to include most mfg & models.

Insulation: I suspect you will find most are very comparable in this area.

Axles are usually specified by the mfg based on weight and anticipated added cargo/payload. Some may offer a choice to upgrade.

Front living are rare but nice. Bunkhouse will almost always force a center living and kitchen. We prefer the kitchen to be nearest the entrance door as it is used much for food/drinks, etc. So we try to keep it in the middle. You retire for the evening in the living and bedrooms so they can be at each end.

Hydraulic slides are also electric. They just add the hydraulic factor sometimes adding more problems with leaks. That is up to you.

It may be more difficult to find specific details on used as the brochures get lost - some can be found on the internet.

while shopping if you dont know what may be good or bad ask the dealer to explain why one cost more than another - such as solid wood cabinets, flooring, ceiling/roofing, insulation (foam billets or glass pads), axles, tires and wheel sizes...etc.

Keep track of what is important to you - and make sure that is a priority as you narrow down your list.

You are going to need a 5th wheel hitch too - here is a little info in advance:
http://gotnarcosis.com/brucewittmeier/technical/FifthWheelHitchComments.html

Good luck in your search.

Here is a link to many mfgs:
http://gotnarcosis.com/brucewittmeier/technical/RVManufacturers.html

Take a look at Arctic Fox Silver Fox Edition. They are a real four season unit. The 2013 models are heavy but looks like you have the right truck for it. We have a 2013 27-5L and are very happy with it. The 2014 models are lighter and longer than the 2013 ones.