Carriage Carri Lite 36KS3 - Opinions?

We have a Carri-lite we bought new. 2008 with all the bells and whistles. Love it and built well. Have had no problems.

laknox wrote:
I'm always curious as to why someone wants a FW to "put on a lot" and never move it, when a large TT or park model would seem to be a lot more practical. Lower entry door and no steps inside. Just sayin'... :h

Lyle

That wasn't really my question but since you asked, here are our plans. We own an RV lot and only RVs are allowed so we cannot put a park model in there. We have a motorhome we live in but circumstances with my elderly mother have prevented much traveling at the moment. We have a RV lot in Ga and one in the Keys. Our future plans are to put an RV on both lots that will be permanent, then trade the MH in for something smaller, like a B+ and travel in that. Hope that helps

laknox,

People change their minds constantly as life progresses or changes and nothing is etched in stone. Saying it will always sit on the lot is today's saying but tomorrow is a different day. Most people try not to be stuck in the mud thru out their life!

We originally bought our new 1991 3 axle 36' Carriage to travel with but found we sure didn't need to haul an 18,000 lb loaded trailer all over the country just for the 2 of us when traveling and not full timing. So we ordered a completely new 1993 29' Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel model that has a welded aluminum frame construction coach on the Carriage very strong stacked box frame with a fiberglass exterior and because it's not only over 6,000 lbs lighter but 7 feet shorter also.

The special 29' was also because of my connection to it being the very first RV specially built to have Astro Foil added for insulation enhancing. I've written posts before explaining my connection and involvement to adding foil bubble wrap on this very forum around 10 years ago so

Kept the 36' and put on our property up north which replaced our 2 year old 36' poorly insulated park model. The 36' Carriage was head and shoulders+ better construction, truly insulated and far more comfortable to be in. No more ice cold floors in winter and having to run the A/C constantly in mid summer. No more drafts with cold freezing feet while having hot heads in winter as heat rises which was so great after coming in from snowmobiling. Mama wasn't remotely happy but sure was with the 5th wheel!

We always paid/pay cash for our RV's, vehicles, and boats, etc because we could and can. I/we much rather collect interest than pay interest out and we don't like being bound to making payments! Cash talks! Something well learned from owning a very good and profitable engineering business for so many years!

travelnutz wrote:
laknox,

Lots of reasons for a 5th wheel and besides, if you do or should want to move it, travel, or sell it, it's has far more possibilities and retained value to go with a much stronger frame under it. Especially on a Carriage RV. A 5th wheel's length is all livable space. Foot for foot of length, unlike a TT or park model (usually over 8.5' wide with permits to move) both with a 3-1/2 to 4' long tongue, which makes a 5th combo a 7' to 8' shorter total rig length. With a 5th wheel, you can also enclose the area under the front to store items in and even lock it to keep them out of sight, out of the weather/elements, and easier to maintain possession of.

I understand what you're saying and that the Carriage is a quality unit, but the OP stated right up front:

"It will stay on the lot, so travel will not be an issue."

Pretty clear to me that this =won't= move in its remaining lifetime. Bet you could get just as nice a TT or a park model for the same amount of money. Just sayin'...

Lyle

We had a Carri-Lite about 10 years ago, and it was a great unit. I regretted getting rid of it.

RustyJC wrote:
Carriage is certainly a quality RV, but as with any 10 year old RV, be sure that it's been properly maintained and doesn't have any leaks and resultant water damage. Personally, I'd rather buy a used quality RV than a lesser new RV for the same money.

Rusty

x2

Get up on that roof and check for rot, bad caulk,other issues. Also check all roof seams and caulk around door, awning and roof transitions.

laknox,

Lots of reasons for a 5th wheel and besides, if you do or should want to move it, travel, or sell it, it's has far more possibilities and retained value to go with a much stronger frame under it. Especially on a Carriage RV. A 5th wheel's length is all livable space. Foot for foot of length, unlike a TT or park model (usually over 8.5' wide with permits to move) both with a 3-1/2 to 4' long tongue, which makes a 5th combo a 7' to 8' shorter total rig length. With a 5th wheel, you can also enclose the area under the front to store items in and even lock it to keep them out of sight, out of the weather/elements, and easier to maintain possession of.

I'm always curious as to why someone wants a FW to "put on a lot" and never move it, when a large TT or park model would seem to be a lot more practical. Lower entry door and no steps inside. Just sayin'... :h

Lyle

Carriage is certainly a quality RV, but as with any 10 year old RV, be sure that it's been properly maintained and doesn't have any leaks and resultant water damage. Personally, I'd rather buy a used quality RV than a lesser new RV for the same money.

Rusty

travelnutz wrote:
Seems like everyone has their own likes and dislikes as to floor plans and if you like the floorplan, buy it as it's you who will be using and enjoying it. Really none of anyone else's business as to what they personally like or want!

Good response...go for it OP.