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MeetTheMark's avatar
MeetTheMark
Explorer
Oct 18, 2015

Best All Year Four Seasons Full Time Fifth Wheels

A true all year, all seasons full time fifth wheel main factor is it has to withstand temps below 0 and above 100 with no issue. Extreme inter rigid construction. Continuous full time living in extreme temps, stand alone house on wheels.
These are the very few, most expensive, heaviest, luxurious "try to play with me" monsters that no other trailer nor fifth comes near.
By actual specs: 40k+ furnaces, 30+ r values and extensive under carriage blown heating (not only just mere heating pads). The largest fifth wheels sheer size and space accommodate what is needed to hold high level specs needed. They are not trailers nor toy haulers. You get what you pay for.

You think not, challenge?
Currently, alot of makers make claims here and there but for the most part, in the end they will not stand up by itself to extensive periods of time through all extreme seasons.
Go to RV Trader, RVT, etc. and put in the highest priced fivers (non toy hauler). Download from each maker's site the pdf spec sheet. You will be shocked. Why are they so pricey, some more expensive than some homes? Construction, durable long lasting - come rain or shine. Old man Canadian winter or Arizona heatwave summer. And, oh yes, let's not play here: You will be paying for the propane to run the beast, but... no skirting needed.
The chosen few are The Stand Alones.

These are the fifth wheels -
Forest River - Cardinal, RiverStone.
Thor - Landmark. DRV - Mobile Suites, Elite Suites.
Crossroads - Redwood.

Independent lines -
Forks RV - Continental Coach (custom made).
New Horizons (custom made (post added and confirmed - you are correct Colliehauler).

Recent Past Orphaned Lines -
Evergreen - Lifestyle Luxury, Bay Hill.
Carriage - Carri Lite, Royals.
DRV - Tradition, Estates.
Newmar - Kountry Aire.
Teton - Royal, Experience.

Note: Popular notions -
Good brands like Cedar Creek, Montana lines are not true 4 seasons fivers. New recent high specs are specialized order, not standard.
Nuwa and orphaned Excel lines lack in overall extreme r values.
Carriage Cameo line falls into the upper mid fiver level, like Montana or Cedar Creek.
Always trusted and respected Arctic Fox's quality line is considered upper mid. Models listed above as best now far exceed AF's specs.



Regards,
Mark
  • Having lived in our 5vr FT for 7yrs in -14*F temps and 110*F temps I would have to say it is a 4 season RV built for FT

    I really don't understand the intent of your post.....nor your qualifications for your statements.
  • I would have to disagree on some Excel had a 0 degree guarantee (little good now) and Nuwa another orphan that used Dow blue foam in the walls. I used the same stuff in my basement and works well. And you left out New Horizon another good unit.

    Most units are built as low cost vacation units to compete with other brands price point

    Regardless how well insulated they are I think the windows and doors are the weak link. Excel was one of the few that used insulated access doors.

    Nuwa in addition to the blue Dow foam had a attic or dead air space to deal with moisture that was vented.

    Some of the older RV's were built very well such as Teton, Travel Supreme, Holiday Rambler Inperial.
  • I think one of the reasons newer RVs don't have a lot of insulation etc. is weight. In the future all will be lighter and cheaper. Plus RVers are awed with things they can see. Insulation and under belly heat cost money to install but bright shiny bells and whistles dazzle shoppers. Just a few are looking for quality. They don't build for the few. Sometimes they offer add ons but not true 4 season.