DH and I are getting our 5-7 yr plan together to go full-time. Of course we want to purchase a new rig that is suitable for full-timing. We cannot afford a $100000 rig. Plain and simple. Our budget is between 50-60k range. Here in Texas we can get excellent deals. If you buy at the right times of course. We like several brands. We like the Open Range Residential(hubby is concerned about the cable system), we like the Alpine by Keystone, and we like the Big Country by Heartland. There are several new ones out there, but we are hesitant to go with a new brand. We want to wait and see how they hold up. I want to buy new. Hubby doesn't mind used. But everytime we look at a used one it stinks, its outdated and I don't want to sink money into something that I'm going to live in that I'm not comfortable in as well. I am not high maintenence just realistic. If you have one of these brands we are looking at. I want the good, bad and ugly opinions of all three. What is it like working with the manufacturer?

I would recommend used, if for nothing else then to save on the depreciation. I recently purchased a top-end 5th wheel, 5 years old, barely used, for the low $20's. The only downside was you have to be prepared to spend the time to look and be patient - it took me nealry 6 months to find one I liked. Also, new or used, it would help to have a checklist of the things that you absolutely require in a unit, along with things that you like but aren't deal breakers. Finally, research your prices, again new and used, and don't be afraid to walk away if you can't get it for "your" fair price.Good luckRon S

We just bought a used 2010 nuwa hitchhiker. Can't say for sure but I think it's a 36 -38. It is beautiful with 5 slides. We are very pleased with this 5th wheel. We actually thought of new but glad we made this choose. It has a fireplace theatre leather seats , granite tempura king bed.

Sounds nice Linda. Do you like those theater seats? Me and my husband are rather short and those do not seem very comfortable to me.

Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

Heartland will warranty any of the new Landmark, Big Horns or Big Country models for full-time use. They are all built on the same assembly line. Many of the other companies will not warranty for full-time. I don't know if this is really a big deal or not but it shows some confidence on the part of the manufacturer. My experience has been that you can often buy new for the same as or little more than used if you shop hard.B.O.

Full-time Fifth-Wheels | Good Sam Community

469whj469
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Don't know were Arp, Texas, is but if you can get to Houston and visit PPL, view their website first. I would think that you will find something that you would like there. Good Luck
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2013
missourijan wrote:
A used NuWa is a great option. However, your options are limited with that F250, it just isn't rated to tow a bigger unit, like a NuWa, Excel, or Drv. You don't have to buy the perfect unit the first time. You can get a great deal on a used unit and do some refurbishing and still be within your budget. If it's not "perfect" for you, trade it after one year. It's not difficult, we have traded twice since 2006, when we went fulltime.

Hey there are plenty that tow RV's heavy as mine with a 250/2500. Time bomb waiting to go off.

JMHO
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2013
Eycom wrote:
R12RTee wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO
The only problem I have with this is that you must accept layouts and options as presented. I had need for special items that could not be found in a pre-owned unit. Buying new was my only real option.

Understand and agree completely.:) However, it would appear that your budget was a "lil bit" more than 50-60 grand on the 2013 enhanced DRV. If not, I sure would like to know your contact over there.:B

Yes his MS was probably more than twice what mine cost.

What I did worked well for me, everyone has different needs.
Uncle_Grumpy
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
like others have said used for a high end is the way to go. Know some that bought new and have many problems with quality. Not to mention the big hit in depreciation. Check out Dave Ramsey and never buy new or borrow to buy. We 3/4 time in a 28 ft. Excel that I bought with cash a year and 1/2 ago for $6500. Have spent a total of $300 on repairs with some self minor repairs. It is a 97 and still in great shape. Made in Kansas and everything is made in house including the frame. Nu Wau, Artic Fox, and others that are full time can be researched on here.
missourijan
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
A used NuWa is a great option. However, your options are limited with that F250, it just isn't rated to tow a bigger unit, like a NuWa, Excel, or Drv. You don't have to buy the perfect unit the first time. You can get a great deal on a used unit and do some refurbishing and still be within your budget. If it's not "perfect" for you, trade it after one year. It's not difficult, we have traded twice since 2006, when we went fulltime.
RVcrazy
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
You may want to considr a Nu-Wa. The sales lot & repair facility is in Kansas. They refurbish older units and also have some new models still available. Better quality than some you have listed IMO with more features.
Eycom
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
R12RTee wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO
The only problem I have with this is that you must accept layouts and options as presented. I had need for special items that could not be found in a pre-owned unit. Buying new was my only real option.

Understand and agree completely.:) However, it would appear that your budget was a "lil bit" more than 50-60 grand on the 2013 enhanced DRV. If not, I sure would like to know your contact over there.:B
chiefneon
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
Howdy!

I recommend looking at "Arctic Fox" 5er new are used. They are well built and insulated.

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon
joelc
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2013
I noticed that you have a F-250. Before you even consider an RV check to see what the towing capacity is of the F-250. You could very easily purchase a left over from a previous year. Make a list of what you want to have in your 5er: Good insulation, LCD TV, type of tires (don't get anything made in China), Load Capacity, 50A, type of roof, type of slide mechanism, type of camping, decor. kitchen style, size of bed, etc. Then do your research.

I have a 2006 F-350 dually and it will tow 18,100 lbs. I have a 2012 Carriage Cameo that was one of the last off the assembly line before Carriage closed and we love it. We hope to full-time shortly too.

Good luck!
R12RTee
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO
The only problem I have with this is that you must accept layouts and options as presented. I had need for special items that could not be found in a pre-owned unit. Buying new was my only real option.