Budget fiver for snow birding
First post, everyone. The family has been out of RVing for a while; we scrapped out StarCraft bunk about 3 years ago after daughter fell through the floor. We are thinking about getting a new(er) fiver for snowbirding and family trips until full retirement, at which time we may decide on a used pusher.
Our budget will be about $50,000; our truck is a paid for 2008 Dodge 3500 diesel dually automatic 4x4, GVW is 25,000, and we can pull about 8 tons. We will not be working for a while, but do have steady sources of income; we want to stick within that budget because we don't feel like paying for another mortgage for the next 20 years. We cannot afford another truck and RV, so the RV gets the cash.
My research says that all newer trailers have some sort of repair history, and not all makers are great with customer service. We would love to have something more full time, but even a used DRV or New Horizons are expensive, and too heavy for our truck.
We're not overly picky with finishes, but would like a washer and dryer, more residential fridge and a nice rear living or kitchen floor plan. Other niceties would be self leveling jacks, an outdoor kitchen and smoother suspension, all of which can be added at or after purchase if used and not already included.
I've seen some nice rigs out there (Eagle, Columbus, Montana, Cedar Creek, Landmark, Redwood) that can be had for new TT money, but am not sure which would be a better fit. I haven't hit the SEARCH feature yet, but am afraid of the number of posts I'll find.
Not overly concerned about warranty, either, as anything we buy will most likely be used and out of it, and I am pretty handy fixing most small issues. I can also change finishes, such as nasty carpet and paint the cabinets, so wear and tear is not a deal breaker.
Thanks to everyone and have a Merry Christmas
Our budget will be about $50,000; our truck is a paid for 2008 Dodge 3500 diesel dually automatic 4x4, GVW is 25,000, and we can pull about 8 tons. We will not be working for a while, but do have steady sources of income; we want to stick within that budget because we don't feel like paying for another mortgage for the next 20 years. We cannot afford another truck and RV, so the RV gets the cash.
My research says that all newer trailers have some sort of repair history, and not all makers are great with customer service. We would love to have something more full time, but even a used DRV or New Horizons are expensive, and too heavy for our truck.
We're not overly picky with finishes, but would like a washer and dryer, more residential fridge and a nice rear living or kitchen floor plan. Other niceties would be self leveling jacks, an outdoor kitchen and smoother suspension, all of which can be added at or after purchase if used and not already included.
I've seen some nice rigs out there (Eagle, Columbus, Montana, Cedar Creek, Landmark, Redwood) that can be had for new TT money, but am not sure which would be a better fit. I haven't hit the SEARCH feature yet, but am afraid of the number of posts I'll find.
Not overly concerned about warranty, either, as anything we buy will most likely be used and out of it, and I am pretty handy fixing most small issues. I can also change finishes, such as nasty carpet and paint the cabinets, so wear and tear is not a deal breaker.
Thanks to everyone and have a Merry Christmas
