I'm brand new at this and maybe I'm intimidated but while looking at 5th wheels, they just seem to be too nice (well most of them), too big, and awfully expensive.I'm 62, retiring with a wife and 7 year old. I (we) have tent camped all of our lives. We love camping. The downside of course is all too often we end up in a site invaded by bee's or mosquito's or rain.So I bought a truck, a Chevy 2500HD with the diesel engine. I wanted a half ton and a small 5th wheel of trailer but, there I was buying a diesel. Of course having this truck opens up many possibilities given its 910ft pound rating. But is is just the 3 of us little campers staring at these beautiful palaces on wheels.My inclination is to purchase something less than 30ft in order to go more places. Forgive me is this sounds so simplistic but I really have no experience. I am NOT intimated driving anything it's just the concept perhaps. The cost of the truck was murderous but I'll get use out of the truck over and above 5th wheel towing. The 5th wheel however... We may live in the 5th wheel for a short time, maybe 3 months max. We hope to do a lot of travel but I have a 7 year old. We've been looking at new 5th wheels such as the Arctic Wolfe DBH8 but now considering a used unit.Thanks for your advice!

What is the payload of the truck? And max weight rating? Engine power is only one consideration. Watch for salesmen saying you can handle anything on the lot. Consider TTs too. Lots to choose from under 30 feet leaving the truck bed for toys!

Since ou have the daughter and she is young enough to be travelling with you for a few years. I would look for a small bunkhouse unit from a manufacturer like Jayco. They are not the flashiest, quality is on par with the industry averages (which isn't saying much) and their prices dont generally make blood flow from your ears. Something like the Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 BHS. A separate bed for her and a friend, and still very easy for a new RV'r to get comfortable towing.

Stick to 12,000# VWR and the size that fits within that and enjoy life.

Dealers tend to stock and push the longer, higher end models because that is where the better profits are. But there are also a lot of manufacturers offering shorter models with fewer amenities (and lower prices) for those in that market. Search around for you want, not what the dealer tells you that you want.

Need advice 5th wheel size | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 28, 2018
What is the payload of the truck? And max weight rating? Engine power is only one consideration. Watch for salesmen saying you can handle anything on the lot. Consider TTs too. Lots to choose from under 30 feet leaving the truck bed for toys!
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
Since ou have the daughter and she is young enough to be travelling with you for a few years. I would look for a small bunkhouse unit from a manufacturer like Jayco. They are not the flashiest, quality is on par with the industry averages (which isn't saying much) and their prices dont generally make blood flow from your ears. Something like the Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 BHS. A separate bed for her and a friend, and still very easy for a new RV'r to get comfortable towing.
Jim2007
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
I agree kerrlakeroo. Jim2007
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 28, 2018
Stick to 12,000# VWR and the size that fits within that and enjoy life.
BB_TX
Nomad
Jan 28, 2018
Dealers tend to stock and push the longer, higher end models because that is where the better profits are. But there are also a lot of manufacturers offering shorter models with fewer amenities (and lower prices) for those in that market. Search around for you want, not what the dealer tells you that you want.
cummins2014
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
IMO a 30' sounds ideal. We started at 30 ', then went to 34, then to 38, now want to go back to about 32'. 38' really is limiting to where you want to pull in for fueling, backing into RV sites etc. You just don't go zipping into places. Need to be selective to where you are pulling in.

If you plan to full time, then maybe a bigger fifth, but with a 7 year old ,thats going to be awhile. I would stick to a 30' for what you are going to do.

Arctic Fox is an excellent choice, somewhat heavy, but well built. Thats my next choice for a fifth wheel.
azdryheat
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
I see you're also in Tucson. There's gonna be an RV show at the fairgrounds on Houghton next Thursday-Sunday. There will be lots of trailers to look at and a free lunch.
desalvo55
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
Thanks folks! Actually it's a boy ;)

The Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 BHS was one of the units we were looking at. Even the 24.5 seems OK except for having to fold out the bed when MJ (my boy) needs to go to bed.

The dealers have been pretty good not pushing the higher end models. I noted though that 5th wheels anyway, seemed priced a lot lower in middle America.

Actually, Tucson is my destination. I'm retiring in a month and have another 6 months to extract myself from the SF Bay Area, South San Jose. Sure would like to see that show!
SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
Michael,

Best of luck with your RV search.

We have just decided to jump from a truck camper (our 5th one :R) to a short 5th wheel.

In my opinion you are wise to look at SHORT. Many times going to a midsize or larger looks good on the dealer's lot but once it is you dragging it around, the mega-mansion on wheels can quickly lose its appeal.

In between all the truck campers we have had, we had a 26' travel trailer while our 2 kids were growing but still willing to go with us. Having a 55+ foot combo had us limited on where we could stop for an attraction or a quick meal.

Again, best of luck!

John
jay5er
Explorer
Jan 28, 2018
Since you will be traveling with young people (she will want to bring a friend along) make sure the unit is large enough to allow children to play INSIDE...... Yet no bigger than necessary for ease of towing and 5ers tow so much easier than TT, stay with the fifth wheel.... But no matter what you purchase----HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!!!