Hey all. I'm new here and new to rving in general. I have found two great campers. The first is a 2005 Keystone Laredo 30 Bh. It appears to be in great shape. The second is a 2011 KZ Durango 305 Bh that look like new and has a very different floor plan. When it's all said and done there would be about a 7500 dollar difference between the 2 campers. I don't really want to part with the money if I don't have to. My question is two fold...is an almost 10 year old camper to old to consider? Is one camper a better product than the other? Will my resale be better in a 10 year old camper because it costs half as much as the 3 year old camper...or will it matter?Help me out guys. I need to advice!

Tough decision you have to make. There are lots of variables that go into your choice. If the older, less expensive unit will work for your needs, it might be the way to go. One thing I'd insist if I was considering this purchase is a very very thorough inspection of both units. They need to be inspected from tip to tail, bottom to top. Appliances need to be operated to verify they are working correctly. The bones of the rig (frame, axles, roof, etc.) need to be looked at by somebody who really knows what they are doing.Once you know the condition of the rigs, it might make your decision easier to make.

Hi, We are new to 5th wheels as well, so may not be much help. We bought a "like new" 2003 29' RK last year. I think how well it's made, been cared for and has been stored is more important that the age of it. As for resale, we didn't buy ours for it's resale value. We bought it because it "fit us". We will be going full time this summer and we know that will be a fun, exciting, learning time....but we look forward to it. Good luck with your decision! :)

mbuck wrote:Hey all. I'm new here and new to rving in general. I have found two great campers. The first is a 2005 Keystone Laredo 30 Bh. It appears to be in great shape. The second is a 2011 KZ Durango 305 Bh that look like new and has a very different floor plan. When it's all said and done there would be about a 7500 dollar difference between the 2 campers. I don't really want to part with the money if I don't have to. My question is two fold...is an almost 10 year old camper to old to consider? Is one camper a better product than the other? Will my resale be better in a 10 year old camper because it costs half as much as the 3 year old camper...or will it matter?Help me out guys. I need to advice!All things being equal between the 2 (no serious issues), the KZ is 6 years newer and is, well, a KZ. After reading this forum for a few years, I'd have to give the overall quality nod to KZ over Keystone, so factor that in, as well. I bet if you research resale, you'll find KZ will hold its value better than a similar Laredo.Lyle

laknox wrote: All things being equal between the 2 (no serious issues), the KZ is 6 years newer and is, well, a KZ. After reading this forum for a few years, I'd have to give the overall quality nod to KZ over Keystone, so factor that in, as well. I bet if you research resale, you'll find KZ will hold its value better than a similar Laredo.Lyleand the rubber roof on the Keystone is getting up in years.bumpy

Rv values are what they are, but smartest move I made was to buy the last one used. All the others were new. Took it in the shorts on those.

New guy...please help with Fifth Wheel Decision

13 Replies

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
mbuck wrote:
Yes the kitchen in the KZ is small... I also don't like the shower being in the bunk room. That means we have to take a shower before putting the kids to bed. .

could that bathroom door be moved so you enter from the other area?
bumpy
tsetsaf
Explorer III
Feb 27, 2014
mbuck wrote:
Yes the kitchen in the KZ is small... I also don't like the shower being in the bunk room. That means we have to take a shower before putting the kids to bed.

We're too cheap to eat all our meals out. 99% of them will be in the camper.

It just seems to have an attractive living area floorplan and is not too much more than a 2005 model.

Both would be a deal breaker on the kz. Regarding your decision/ choices: we just sold our 06 keystone challenger. Buyer purchased sight unseen but they are lucky because I have been meticulous on maintenance and upkeep. Keystone makes a consistent product (not the best or the worst). You want to pay special attention to the pin box welds, suspension hanger welds, wall seems, and roof. The decals will be junk and also check dates on the tires. If all passes muster the older rig will be fine. $7500 pays for a lot of fuel and campground fees. We bought ours 3 years used, ft in it for 4.5 years, and sold it for more than our original purchase price.
Weldon
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Maybe you could find a trailer closer to you so you could check it out. Good advice to check Keystone forum for answers. I think keystone makes the Montana and they did have some issues with trailers made at that time. Frame flex and suspension.
mbuck
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Yes the kitchen in the KZ is small... I also don't like the shower being in the bunk room. That means we have to take a shower before putting the kids to bed.

We're too cheap to eat all our meals out. 99% of them will be in the camper.

It just seems to have an attractive living area floorplan and is not too much more than a 2005 model.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Feb 27, 2014
At a glance - if you need a bunkhouse, you've got kids along. And if you've got kids - the kitchen in the KZ was woefully undersized, unless you eat all your meals at restaurants?
mbuck
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Thanks for the advice everyone! These campers are both in Florida and I'm up in Tennessee. I will call around and see if I can find a qualified third party to check them out.
Seattle_Lion
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Last season was my first. We bought a brand new Kodiak travel trailer. It turned out that it has some issues, but because it is new, the dealer has done an excellent job fixing them. I considered a used TT but I just didn't feel competent to fix things at a campground or understand enough to handle issues that will invariably crop up. We just traded the Kodiak and bought a new Bighorn fiver.

If you decide to go with either of those choices, I suggest you find someone very experienced in RV'ing who will be willing to go over the trailer with a fine tooth comb before you buy.
danoren
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
I think that your best chance is to get answers from OWNERS, so join
Keystone forum
and to get answers from the ones that know their trailer and can help you decide.
KZ forum
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Feb 27, 2014
Rv values are what they are, but smartest move I made was to buy the last one used. All the others were new. Took it in the shorts on those.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
laknox wrote:

All things being equal between the 2 (no serious issues), the KZ is 6 years newer and is, well, a KZ. After reading this forum for a few years, I'd have to give the overall quality nod to KZ over Keystone, so factor that in, as well. I bet if you research resale, you'll find KZ will hold its value better than a similar Laredo.

Lyle

and the rubber roof on the Keystone is getting up in years.
bumpy