I bought my RV new in 2003. That makes it 12 years old. I was hot to buy a new fifth-wheel until I saw the prices and layouts. The one I was looking at was longer, heavier and cost 1 1/2 times as much as mine. I think I am over the, "New fifth-wheel Fever". I have a small amount of damage on both rear skirts from tire blowouts. I am going to the factory to have that fixed, a new rubber roof installed, and the slide out seals inspected.The reason for posting this is to see if any of you have kept your fifth-wheel as long as I have. I hope I am not making a mistake by keeping it. I know things wear out. I do have a new furnace and new TVs. I just got the hide-a-bed couch cushions refoamed with firmer foam. I am going to be 79, if all goes well, and could not justify a new RV at this time of my life.Looking for your opinions,Thank you.

I kept mine for 22 yrs. if u like like it and everything works, why get a new one. Just be happy u are able to go camping! Enjoy! Bruce

I don't have a 5th wheel but, I think you're making the right decision.If you like your current rig, make the repairs and keep itIt may not be as nice as a new unit but, it does the same thing.Enjoy what you have, that's what we're doing with our 96 Southwind.

You know your trailer, and its condition, since you are the original owner. I've never had a Jayco Designer, but remember hearing a lot about them. It seems most thought they were a quality FW.If you have it checked out, and a new roof put on, it should give you many more years of service.I only hope that I can still haul a FW, up and down the road at age 79, and you are looking to continue doing what you enjoy.Good for you, and good luck with your upgrades!!Jerry

I coated my motorhome with a EPDM coating, and it was fairly easy to install. I don't think I would want to spend the $4,000 that was quoted on a new EPDM roof on my RV, it is a 1996, and I do not want to sink that kind of money into it.. . If I make it to 79, I will not be using a fifth wheel! Those look to difficult to hook up when I get older. Why not trade to a class B van, or widebody van, smaller class C or something?Your reaction time is not what it used to be, and backing a small van is a lot easier than backing up the truck and fifth wheel combo. Stopping a 14,000 pound class C or 10,000 pound van is much easier than the truck and trailer combo.I know - you are only as old as you feel. My grandfather sold his home in California in 1964 and moved back to Arkansas to live. At the age of 80, (1969) he said "I would not give up this place for all of California!" He really enjoyed it! He stopped driving at age of 94, and lived to 99! There is something to be said about the stress free life of living in a small rural town! Somehow in another 30 years, I will not be feeling like hooking up a fifth wheel to a tuck and taking it anyplace, but the class C or smaller class B might be just the ticket!Good luck, and enjoy the ride! You only go around once! Fred.

Mine is 10 years old now and it has had its problems but it is paid for and still rolling down the road with no major problems so I am keeping her for a while.

How old is your fifth-wheel? | Good Sam Community

jjj
Explorer
Jul 03, 2015
Mine is 10 years old now and it has had its problems but it is paid for and still rolling down the road with no major problems so I am keeping her for a while.
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Jul 03, 2015
I coated my motorhome with a EPDM coating, and it was fairly easy to install. I don't think I would want to spend the $4,000 that was quoted on a new EPDM roof on my RV, it is a 1996, and I do not want to sink that kind of money into it.. .

If I make it to 79, I will not be using a fifth wheel! Those look to difficult to hook up when I get older. Why not trade to a class B van, or widebody van, smaller class C or something?

Your reaction time is not what it used to be, and backing a small van is a lot easier than backing up the truck and fifth wheel combo. Stopping a 14,000 pound class C or 10,000 pound van is much easier than the truck and trailer combo.

I know - you are only as old as you feel. My grandfather sold his home in California in 1964 and moved back to Arkansas to live. At the age of 80, (1969) he said "I would not give up this place for all of California!" He really enjoyed it! He stopped driving at age of 94, and lived to 99! There is something to be said about the stress free life of living in a small rural town!

Somehow in another 30 years, I will not be feeling like hooking up a fifth wheel to a tuck and taking it anyplace, but the class C or smaller class B might be just the ticket!

Good luck, and enjoy the ride! You only go around once!

Fred.
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 03, 2015
You know your trailer, and its condition, since you are the original owner. I've never had a Jayco Designer, but remember hearing a lot about them. It seems most thought they were a quality FW.

If you have it checked out, and a new roof put on, it should give you many more years of service.

I only hope that I can still haul a FW, up and down the road at age 79, and you are looking to continue doing what you enjoy.

Good for you, and good luck with your upgrades!!

Jerry
gbopp
Explorer
Jul 03, 2015
I don't have a 5th wheel but, I think you're making the right decision.
If you like your current rig, make the repairs and keep it
It may not be as nice as a new unit but, it does the same thing.
Enjoy what you have, that's what we're doing with our 96 Southwind.
blue_trawler
Explorer
Jul 03, 2015
I kept mine for 22 yrs. if u like like it and everything works, why get a new one. Just be happy u are able to go camping!
Enjoy!

Bruce

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