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

tsetsaf
Explorer III
Jul 06, 2015
Guess what? The new ones are boxes on wheels too! If yours works for you then keep it. If it is looking ragged spring for a detail and new graphics; if the interior is worn it is fun to remodel.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
Me Again wrote:
NC Hauler wrote:
Ford Man wrote:
To me I only keep an RV about 3 years, I kept one 4 years. If you keep them much longer than this you will start having trouble. 1997 Jayco, 2000 Jayco, 2003 Montana, 2006 Montana, 2010 Montana, 2013 Landmark (piece of crap), now a new 2015 Montana. I have bought all of these new.

"If you keep them much longer, (3-4 yrs?), you will start having trouble":)

Proved you wrong already...I've had no issues with mine at all......it's an 06', bought new in 07...it's 9 years old....I've upgraded furniture and upgraded suspension only because I wanted to do so.....zero issues....same with Coachmen I had for 4 yrs.....you must have purchased some crappy RV's to only be able to go no more than 3-4 yrs before you, "start having trouble".....or a lot of money:)

Jim, leave him alone, sounds like he is still paying into SSA, and we need all the people we can find to continue to do that!!! OH NO! I just included you!!!

Chris

Chris...ONE MORE YEAR=66=retirement:B
Ford_Man
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
It takes people like me to keep the Economy going. I trade my trucks every 3 years as well. Just because I want new ones and can purchase them whenever I want to.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jul 06, 2015
NC Hauler wrote:
Ford Man wrote:
To me I only keep an RV about 3 years, I kept one 4 years. If you keep them much longer than this you will start having trouble. 1997 Jayco, 2000 Jayco, 2003 Montana, 2006 Montana, 2010 Montana, 2013 Landmark (piece of crap), now a new 2015 Montana. I have bought all of these new.

"If you keep them much longer, (3-4 yrs?), you will start having trouble":)

Proved you wrong already...I've had no issues with mine at all......it's an 06', bought new in 07...it's 9 years old....I've upgraded furniture and upgraded suspension only because I wanted to do so.....zero issues....same with Coachmen I had for 4 yrs.....you must have purchased some crappy RV's to only be able to go no more than 3-4 yrs before you, "start having trouble".....or a lot of money:)

Jim, leave him alone, sounds like he is still paying into SSA, and we need all the people we can find to continue to do that!!! OH NO! I just included you!!!

Chris
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
Ford Man wrote:
To me I only keep an RV about 3 years, I kept one 4 years. If you keep them much longer than this you will start having trouble. 1997 Jayco, 2000 Jayco, 2003 Montana, 2006 Montana, 2010 Montana, 2013 Landmark (piece of crap), now a new 2015 Montana. I have bought all of these new.

"If you keep them much longer, (3-4 yrs?), you will start having trouble":)

Proved you wrong already...I've had no issues with mine at all......it's an 06', bought new in 07...it's 9 years old....I've upgraded furniture and upgraded suspension only because I wanted to do so.....zero issues....same with Coachmen I had for 4 yrs.....you must have purchased some crappy RV's to only be able to go no more than 3-4 yrs before you, "start having trouble".....or a lot of money:)
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
For us keeping our 2001 35 ft alpenlite has been the best deal for us. Just paying the sales tax is one reason for us. I so not enjoy changing when we like what we buy.

chevman
Ford_Man
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
To me I only keep an RV about 3 years, I kept one 4 years. If you keep them much longer than this you will start having trouble. 1997 Jayco, 2000 Jayco, 2003 Montana, 2006 Montana, 2010 Montana, 2013 Landmark (piece of crap), now a new 2015 Montana. I have bought all of these new.
edroun
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
New 2015 KV Durango 2500 D315RKD.
PhoneDude_8289
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
Ours is a 2014 Rockwood 8289WS, took delivery 12/30/13. So far only minor issues.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
Bought our 06' in sig, Oct. of 07'....it's still in great shape inside and out. It has 4 slides and we've added HD satellite, washer/dryer combo, canned the couch bed in one slide out and put a Lazy boy love seat dual recliner in that space, removed the two original recliners on back wall and put full size couch/ scissor bed there. Removed mirror doors covering closets and put in insulated drapes, (much easier to keep clean and lighter)..

Also added new 4,000# spring packs all the way around, new Monroe Severe Duty shocks and the Mor ryde suspension system....Getting it ready to see the country when the wife and I retire 1 August of next year.:)

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