Hello from (mostly) sunny California! We are looking to buy our first Fifthwheel Travel Trailer Toy Hauler. We have a 2008 Chevy K2500 and haul an 18' gooseneck stock trailer regularly with ease. We have a chance to buy an older trailer- 2005 Thor Tahoe Transpost 27WTB and we have a couple questions...1)Someone said it is a very heavy trailer and we should look for a lighter one. Should we take in to consideration the weight of the trailer (any trailer) being more or less fuel efficient for our truck? 2) It has a Norcold N811 fridge that isn't working. We are trying to go through the steps to fix it but don't want to invest too much time or $ before buying it. I can find parts but not the fridge so it must be obsolete. Replacement?3) The motor for the back bunk beds stopped working and the beds are half way down. Easy/inexpensive to fix?4)Using the microwave blows the circuit. Is it as simple as replacing the microwave or could it be something more?Anything else we should look out for? Your advice is appreciated.

sparker7 wrote:Hello from (mostly) sunny California! We are looking to buy our first Fifthwheel Travel Trailer Toy Hauler. We have a 2008 Chevy K2500 and haul an 18' gooseneck stock trailer regularly with ease. We have a chance to buy an older trailer- 2005 Thor Tahoe Transpost 27WTB and we have a couple questions...1)Someone said it is a very heavy trailer and we should look for a lighter one. Should we take in to consideration the weight of the trailer (any trailer) being more or less fuel efficient for our truck? 2) It has a Norcold N811 fridge that isn't working. We are trying to go through the steps to fix it but don't want to invest too much time or $ before buying it. I can find parts but not the fridge so it must be obsolete. Replacement?3) The motor for the back bunk beds stopped working and the beds are half way down. Easy/inexpensive to fix?4)Using the microwave blows the circuit. Is it as simple as replacing the microwave or could it be something more?Anything else we should look out for? Your advice is appreciated.Are you planning on hauling any horses with it?

No horses but we will haul a Harley and/or a quad

DON'T buy that Tahoe Transport!!! It is a heavy trailer and with the problems already with it, that just might be the "tip of the iceberg". You will be dealing with problems that you don't need to or will want to. If it has those wrong with it, I truly suspect there is more that you may not find out about until you are using it. Nothing worse than camping and something goes bad or is found bad and you have to head home and spend money that my not have or want to put out for repairs. There are MANY great 5th wheel toy haulers out there and MANY great u7sed toy haulers for sale. TAKE YOUR TIME AND RESEARCH! We have a GMC 2500 diesel that also used to tow goose neck trailers. We saved LOTS of $$$$$$$ by getting a 5th wheel hitch assembly that locks into the goose neck receptacle in our truck. Our new hitch is a B&W Companion and it's a sweet set up. Good luck but really consider continuing the look. You want a great time in your 5th wheel toy hauler, NOT headaches, breakage or frustration.

We looked for over 2 years until we settled on a new unit we recently purchased. Could not find a nice used one that was in good condition, until AFTER we got ours, which is usually the way it goes. We went from a toy hauler that is open to one with a separate garage. We will NEVER go back and love the separate garage. We wanted one with a large fresh water tank since we dry camp often with the quads. We wanted one with great storage, roomy bathroom and well built. We almost bought one with an island sink but after talking to many others, went with an "L shaped" kitchen. Heard too many stories of the islands coming loose over time, leakage issues from shaking and vibrations. Depending on finances, you can sometimes get a new "last years model" for a great price and warranty. Only trouble with some used RV's is that the previous owners do NOT take care of them and can even trash them.

Diesel or gas motor in your truck?

Newbie looking to buy fifthwheel toy hauler | Good Sam Community

aemedic
Explorer
May 05, 2014
Good Luck! Enjoy!
sparker7
Explorer
May 05, 2014
No plans to haul horses in it just a Harley and a quad. Very Excited!!
thebudman
Explorer
May 05, 2014
sparker7 wrote:
Happy to report we bought a 2007 Raptor 299mp. Absolutely beautiful in like-new condition. Awnings, tires and batteries all replaced in last 2 years. I did lots of research and we got a great deal on it. Pretty big step for our first RV now to start making plans. Thanks for all your advice!

How many horses do you think you will try to haul in it? Any more than three might be pushing in.
sparker7
Explorer
May 05, 2014
Happy to report we bought a 2007 Raptor 299mp. Absolutely beautiful in like-new condition. Awnings, tires and batteries all replaced in last 2 years. I did lots of research and we got a great deal on it. Pretty big step for our first RV now to start making plans. Thanks for all your advice!
nvreloader
Explorer
May 05, 2014
Give the Northwood Desert Fox 28KS a good hard look, very well built and HD, they also made a 30' 5th wh TH also.

Tia,
Don
cbigham
Explorer III
May 04, 2014
Had a 27 ft tahoe 5er. Was good at the time, towed over 40k including rain, some snow, wind. All troubles described happened. I also has a wall slightly start to bow near back ramp. There were small metal angle iron pieces welded to the main chassis that were supposed to be used for holding thE walls. Insufficient. Perfect size tho, and I really had no need of separate garage.no smell if you run your engines out and shut off fuel.good luck. Fwiw mine had aluminum skin. I have a funmover motorhome now but will be looking at a vrv if ever in market.
sparker7
Explorer
May 03, 2014
Found a couple 2007-2008 Keystone Raptor's-299MP and 3110 in our price range. (mostly) Both look like what we are looking for. Opinions?
sparker7
Explorer
May 03, 2014
Just found that info. Shoulda done some research before posting. :) Yup I think 35' would be our max.
aemedic
Explorer
May 03, 2014
sparker7 wrote:
Looked at Toy hauler Liquidators and they do have a great selection.
What do I need to know when it comes to the length of the unit and my truck. Are there restrictions to some state parks or campgrounds?

Yes, MANY national and state parks have restrictions for trailers at 30 to 35 feet. Some you come to will have a set of lines that the unit has to fit within. I think you could get away with something 35' or under at most parks.
sin_cal_hd
Explorer
May 03, 2014
Length has nothing to do with weight or any relevance to your truck. You can haul quit a bit with that truck. It depends how big your pocket book is. If I were you stay somewhere under 18k GVWR for the trailer. There are a lot of campgrounds that will not accomadate large trailers. So that to depends on where you enjoying camping. If you stay where 35' is max then start there. If they dont have any restrictions go up to 40'.

There will be a few foks here that will say your truck is to small for a large trailer. From what Ive read of your post all you've said is a 3/4 ton deisel. If you are fine with a 35'+ trailer and afford it, go for it. Again length and weight have NOTHING to do with each other.

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