5th wheel shopping

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