I’m looking into getting a trailer of some type. It’s probably going to be a fifth wheel of some type. I have a F450 6.4, so I’m covered for power.The question is what kind of durability can I expect for older fifth wheel toy haulers vs fifth wheels? The fifth wheels I’d be considering include Newmar, Excel, Alpenlite, Holiday Rambler, and DRV.Feel free to mention which TH brands to consider and which to leave off the list. I’m not at all interested in buying new and wouldn’t have a problem with changing furniture etc to do a minirebuild as long as the structure is solid.

I wouldn't count on either to be more durable.Really the big issue is if you need toys (or some other need for a garage), you need a toy hauler. Otherwise, much better use of space to get a standard 5th wheel. For interior living space, you need to jump up around 8-10' in a toy hauler.

I believe the Toy Hauler has a heavier built frame.

What difference does it make? Many will be at least 15 years old in the case of Alpenlite and HR. At that age overall condition is your number 1 proprity. A thorough inspection and after purchase plan on several thousand dollars to get it road worthy. Tires, springs, spring hangers, and appliances all come to mind as possible immediate replacements along with the roof.

donn0128 wrote:What difference does it make? Many will be at least 15 years old in the case of Alpenlite and HR. At that age overall condition is your number 1 proprity. A thorough inspection and after purchase plan on several thousand dollars to get it road worthy. Tires, springs, spring hangers, and appliances all come to mind as possible immediate replacements along with the roof.This. At that age, it's more about how well it was taken care of and in what conditions rather than original build quality.

Buy what you NEED and leave the durability aspect out the window.

Durability of fifth wheel vs fifth wheel toy hauler?

N-Trouble
Explorer
Nov 23, 2018
Buy what you NEED and leave the durability aspect out the window.
rdhetrick
Explorer
Nov 23, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
What difference does it make? Many will be at least 15 years old in the case of Alpenlite and HR. At that age overall condition is your number 1 proprity. A thorough inspection and after purchase plan on several thousand dollars to get it road worthy. Tires, springs, spring hangers, and appliances all come to mind as possible immediate replacements along with the roof.

This. At that age, it's more about how well it was taken care of and in what conditions rather than original build quality.
donn0128
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2018
What difference does it make? Many will be at least 15 years old in the case of Alpenlite and HR. At that age overall condition is your number 1 proprity. A thorough inspection and after purchase plan on several thousand dollars to get it road worthy. Tires, springs, spring hangers, and appliances all come to mind as possible immediate replacements along with the roof.
2PawsRiver
Explorer
Nov 23, 2018
I believe the Toy Hauler has a heavier built frame.
valhalla360
Navigator
Nov 23, 2018
I wouldn't count on either to be more durable.

Really the big issue is if you need toys (or some other need for a garage), you need a toy hauler. Otherwise, much better use of space to get a standard 5th wheel. For interior living space, you need to jump up around 8-10' in a toy hauler.

Forum Discussion

Durability of fifth wheel vs fifth wheel toy hauler?

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Durable TH?

Phones durability test

Durability

Turbochargers... durability, reliability ?

Toy Hauler