New or used 5th wheel?
We were looking to buy a TT around $20,000 at most. Since we are now considering 5th wheels, I have seen that the prices are higher. Would it be alright to buy used? Or is new better due to warra...
Forum Discussion
Used. I've never owned a new vehicle in my entire life, other than a few bicycles. I have a strong aversion to loans as well as depreciation, and have always enjoyed doing my own maintenance.
I got my 5th wheel (1994 Alpenlite) 4 years ago for about 45% of its listed NADA value. It needed work. Had some dry rot on the roof behind the cap, on the floor by the entry door and by the kitchen sink. I repaired all of that and sealed up the leaks. All screens needed to be replaced. Needed cleaning. I put new carpet and vinyl flooring in it, and repaired the dinette table and several cabinet doors and drawers that were coming apart (just needed glue). Oiled all the wood cabinet doors. Exterior fiberglass was dull. I Poli-Glowed the entire rig (great stuff). All appliances worked, fridge was new. There wasn't much expense involved in the repairs. The labor was a non issue for me. As I said, I enjoy that sort of thing anyway. Keeps me out of trouble.
If I can save thousands of dollars by buying used and fixing up a rig that someone else has neglected or abused, I'm happy. I enjoy seeing these castoffs get a new lease on life and I'm happy to be the one to give it to them.
That said, I'm not a masochist. I pass on the ones that are too far gone.
I got my 5th wheel (1994 Alpenlite) 4 years ago for about 45% of its listed NADA value. It needed work. Had some dry rot on the roof behind the cap, on the floor by the entry door and by the kitchen sink. I repaired all of that and sealed up the leaks. All screens needed to be replaced. Needed cleaning. I put new carpet and vinyl flooring in it, and repaired the dinette table and several cabinet doors and drawers that were coming apart (just needed glue). Oiled all the wood cabinet doors. Exterior fiberglass was dull. I Poli-Glowed the entire rig (great stuff). All appliances worked, fridge was new. There wasn't much expense involved in the repairs. The labor was a non issue for me. As I said, I enjoy that sort of thing anyway. Keeps me out of trouble.
If I can save thousands of dollars by buying used and fixing up a rig that someone else has neglected or abused, I'm happy. I enjoy seeing these castoffs get a new lease on life and I'm happy to be the one to give it to them.
That said, I'm not a masochist. I pass on the ones that are too far gone.
