ELKRIDGE XTREME LIGHT

The "R" value of the insulation of the Elkridge line and Elkridge Xtreme Lite lineup is identical (Wall = R11, Roof & Floor = R14). The Xtreme Lite will likely not have a Coroplast liner on the undercarriage. The other main difference between the two is the Elkridge 5r's will have 6,000 pound axles while the Xtreme Lite units will have 4,400 pound axles.

jaycocamprs wrote:
In general "Lite" trailers have thin walls.

ediemarie wrote:
hoping for 2-4 weeks at a time once we find some place we like. extreme's in temp are something we'll be trying to avoid. we'll be looking for warm and cool vs Oklahoma winters and summers!

from what I'm reading I sure hope we get an honest and knowledgeable sales person!

I wonder how these light weight trailers are going to handle in 20-30mph winds?

You mean while towing or while set up? I don't think I've heard or read anything having to do with lite fiver compared to a full-time heavier unit as far as wind is concerned. It wouldn't influence my decision. I would look at the insulation value in the roof and walls and see what the difference is between the different manufactures.

hoping for 2-4 weeks at a time once we find some place we like. extreme's in temp are something we'll be trying to avoid. we'll be looking for warm and cool vs Oklahoma winters and summers!

from what I'm reading I sure hope we get an honest and knowledgeable sales person!

I wonder how these light weight trailers are going to handle in 20-30mph winds?

ediemarie wrote:
hi - I've done some searching and haven't come up with anything other than dealer info.

we've had a 28ft C for apprx 2years now and with retirement coming up(!)and our plan of doing quite a bit of traveling, we've decided that the C doesn't really lend itself to a long stay. agree or disagree we've decided its going to get small quickly on a 1-2 week stay somewhere.

made the decision of purchasing a 5th wheel. as stated above I can't really find much on this new(?) xtreme light elkridge by heartland. not having any experience with 5th wheels I'm not sure as to the cons of a lighter rig. I can see the pros, not needing a "huge" truck to pull it and I would assume better mileage with the tow vehicle.

following are some specifics on the rig we are looking at:

Eldridge Xtreme Light E289
Length: 31.4
Hitch Weight: 1725lbs
Dry Weight: 8287lbs

as I'm sure you can tell by my wording, we have very little experience with RV'ing in the first place and zero experience with pulling a 5th wheel.

amy thoughts that can offered is greatly appreciated.

EM

First, how do you see yourself "full-timing"? Do you think you will take lots of trips and stay for short periods of time at each location? If so, this means a =lot= more road miles, so you might want a more robustly built FW. If you think you will travel less and stay longer, a "light" FW might work for you. As others have said, you're likely to have thinner walls, so temperature is almost certainly going to affect you more. Also, even this particular FW might be pushing the limits on a 250/2500 series truck, even the newer ones. Were it me, I'd pay a grand (or less) more for a single rear wheel 350/3500 truck. IF the pin weight ratio of right at 20% stays the same when loaded, you're looking at > 2,300 lbs on the pin at Gross Weight. If that ratio shifts 2%, you're at almost 2,500 lbs on the pin. Just stuff to think about as you do your research.

Lyle

We bought a Jayco HT 26.5 RLS about three years ago and it is, indeed, a light trailer with a total capacity of 9,950 according to Jayco. However, in the literature we got it specifically said this type of FW was not acceptable for full-timing. Tow things come to mind, one is the available space. Ours is about 30' long with two slides. On a 20-day trip last year, it was more than adequate for our purposes, but I do think it would be a little tight for full-timing. It might be doable, but not spacious. Might get on each other's nerves in this size of space. Second is that these FWs are not built quite as stout as the full-timing FWs, like the Premier or the Pinnacle in the Jayco line. Their frame probably has bigger I-beams and the cupboards, appliances, countertops, etc. are most certainly going to be closer to top-shelf than the ones in my FW. I do think the FWs with "arctic" packages are probably going to be as protected from cold and heat as are the higher end ones, but I really doubt you will be full-timing in Alaska for a long period of time. If you are planning on full-timing in the south, just make sure you get the second AC and you should be fine.

We have a Sundance XLT265 Heartland that we use on medium trips. Have had no problems with it and tow it with a Chevy HD2500 gasser. 6.0 gas engine does very well for us. It is lighter built with some less insulation than the heavier units but we are able to heat and cool it with no issues. Full time use will probably be different depending on where you full time and the seasons.
Curly

thank you, thank you! all great opinions, thoughts.

the above replies have given me plenty of info. I so much appreciate the information. as I'm sure you've been able to guess that I have little automotive knowledge and even less concerning towing a 5th wheel.

with some research based on the info you've all provided i'll have some confidence when we hit the dealers this next week.

only have a couple of years experience with RV'ing but truly some of the friendliest people I've come across.

EM

First congratulations on picking the trailer before the truck.

Ignore the names like Extreme, Ultra, etc. anything. 8000lbs dry weight is about average for a 30ft 5er. It is not light weight although it may be "lite" as in reduced calories ;)

Ask for the Gross Weight Rating (the most it can safely carry) of the trailer, pay no attention to the Dry weight.

Shop for a size and layout that you like. Look for convenience and ease of maintenance.

Get at least 16 inch wheels, I consider this an important feature for a 5er.

Tank Capacity, automatic levelers, hydraulic vs cable slides and landing gear, awnings, BBQ's, etc are all just options and there are lots of forum discussions you can search to get various opinions on.

If you are full timing I think a comfortable living room area is vital. I want two, good size comfortable chairs, which for me was an aftermarket purchase, but I still needed the space to put it in.

EM, That size 5th wheel ought to work for traveling just fine.

Mine is 30 foot tip-to-tip, and I would not want to live in anything smaller, or pull anything bigger.

I pull it with a HD 2500 long bed duramax/Allison chevy. The tow vehicle is more than capable, and under all the spec. maximums.
I am pointing this out to you because I think you might want to use these facts to begin your search for the right truck/trailer combo.

Now, ultra light trailers. I do not want a trailer more lightly constructed than the one I have now. If anything, they should be stronger than they are. More insulation, double pane windows, no air leaks.
The only advantage to an ultra-light trailer, is you might be able to pull it with a half ton truck. I don't see that as an advantage because the 3/4 ton truck is a much better hauling platform than the 1/2 ton.

So that is my opinion, based on my experience. Do what you wish with it...Jim

If you're considering an RV that will see heavy use (full-time or seasonal), I'd be leery of "lite" 5th wheels. Although there are ways to make a strong, durable, light 5th wheel (lightweight, high strength composite materials, extensive use of aluminum - think aircraft type construction), these tend to be pricey because of the material costs and technology required. Unfortunately, it's cheaper to build a "lite" RV by cutting frame and running gear size, floor, wall and roof thickness, particle board (versus real wood) cabinetry, etc. This construction may be somewhat sufficient for weekenders or vacation RVers, but generally won't stand up well under heavy usage. That's why true "full-time" 5th wheels are as heavy as they are.

Having said that, I've seen individuals full-time in tents and slide-in campers, so I guess anything's possible if one is willing to deal with the negatives.

Rusty