RV purchase suggestions: 5th wheel or trailer?

I am looking for advice.

We have had a used 1992 lance 24 ft. 5th wheel for pass twenty years with a 99 Dodge 2500 Cummins Diesel. Believe me; next time around I will get the compression brake/Jack brake and or a transmission like the GMC Alison to help slow you down going down hills. The wife said it time to move on/ upgrade. I read were a RV normally losses 50% of their value after five years and that is why it is money wise to purchase a good used RV. So we are looking to purchase a used 5th wheel or trailer approximately five years old. This time around I would like a 30 ft. max. RV that is not so cheaply constructed that it is a night mare to work on or repair. Don’t get me wrong we cannot afford a Rose Royce/ Lexus quality unit but would like to have something in a Toyota Camry range. Something we can have for ten years plus without having a major headache each time we go to use it. I am an electrician and know how to use a tool or two so I can and do my own maintenance.

Something I been toying with is getting two 125/250 Yamaha style trial motorcycles so the wife and I can run them on the back mountain roads darning camping trips; no dirt biking for us. I am concerned that I would not have room to haul them if I purchase a 5th wheel. That is the big reason we are will to consider a trailer this time around. Possible haul the bikes in the back of the truck bed. Not really keen on toy haulers but it is not totally ruled out.

1. What brands would you recommend and why?
2. What brands to avoid.
3. Which way to go, 5th wheel or trailer?
4. Anything good advice would be of help.

Also:

Is it just too good to be true?

I live in Oregon and heard that in Arizona there are a lot of RV’s were a member of the family has died and need to sale it. I have been told about snow birders that are unable to bring the RV back home and sale at low price.

Basically I am asking if it is true and worth it to go to Arizona. Probably all the good deals to be had are picked up by full time RV dealers search the county side.

SmittysRV
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Dandy Dan wrote:
Chuck .. wrote:
SmittysRV: Your rig is bigger than I was thinking of getting, although it looks great.

I currently have a 1999 Dodge 2500 Cummins diesel pick up. Someday I would like to get a GMC 350 diesel with the Allison transmission. It sounds like most people prefer a 5th wheel over a travel trailer. Maybe I can get a carrier for the back of the 5th wheel to carry the motorcycles. Any 5th wheel brand you suggest?

Chuck I would try looking for a 5er with a small garage area or they make some of the TT with front storage that would accommodate the bikes and I have seen TT that have a rear garage area. With a toy hauler you can use the garage for a patio or other things when unloaded.
Good Luck and Happy Camping.

The rear patio option is great!!!
C_Schomer
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
I won't go back to a TT. I've seen smoking deals on RVs here but you have to be FAST and have cash. Those deals don't come up very frequently. It might take months to find one. One friend bought a 2008 lightly used 30' 5er for $6500 last year. One of his neighbors suddenly decided to quit RVing. That's how those deals usually go... being in the right place at the right time. I got a good deal last year when a friend suddenly decided to buy a new 5er but it wasn't nearly that good! I fully agree on used... about 5 yrs old and they are 50% or less than when new. Craig
arnko37
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
If you find a used Alpenlite give it a good look. They were made on the west coast and so are rather scarce in the eastern states. Very good quality. They have been out of business since about 2007 and I understand the last few years they used Lippert frames which had problems on the bigger units. I have a 2000 30 ft fifth wheel and am very happy with it.
stetwood
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Depending on your state laws, a shorter 5ver under 28feet, with a frame strong enough for a towing hitch could be a consideration. Purchase a small trailer to haul those new bikes behind the 5ver. You would not need ramps to load into your pickup if you purchased a trailer camperl
Dandy_Dan
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014
Chuck .. wrote:
SmittysRV: Your rig is bigger than I was thinking of getting, although it looks great.

I currently have a 1999 Dodge 2500 Cummins diesel pick up. Someday I would like to get a GMC 350 diesel with the Allison transmission. It sounds like most people prefer a 5th wheel over a travel trailer. Maybe I can get a carrier for the back of the 5th wheel to carry the motorcycles. Any 5th wheel brand you suggest?

Chuck I would try looking for a 5er with a small garage area or they make some of the TT with front storage that would accommodate the bikes and I have seen TT that have a rear garage area. With a toy hauler you can use the garage for a patio or other things when unloaded.
Good Luck and Happy Camping.
billmac
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014
I have been pulling a 14k 35ft 5th wheel for the past ten years. My next rig will be a bumper pull.

I want to use the bed of the truck to haul motorcycles or other toys. I also am tired of being 13.5 ft tall trying to get into state and federal camp sites. I do not want to pull 20k lbs behind me or buck all the wind. A triple axle toy hauler is not in my future. But that is just me.
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
Paul Clancy wrote:
Since you are in Oregon look for used arctic fox or Nash travel trailers.

X2
GON2SKI
Explorer
Jan 04, 2014
X2 on a AF (LaGrande, OR) ……….Built far superior then our first 5th wheel (Keystone Cougar made in Pendleton, OR). Check out BigHorns also! Used mid range units in good condition disappear quick! Good luck in your search.
SmittysRV
Explorer
Jan 03, 2014
Chuck .. wrote:
SmittysRV: Your rig is bigger than I was thinking of getting, although it looks great.

I currently have a 1999 Dodge 2500 Cummins diesel pick up. Someday I would like to get a GMC 350 diesel with the Allison transmission. It sounds like most people prefer a 5th wheel over a travel trailer. Maybe I can get a carrier for the back of the 5th wheel to carry the motorcycles. Any 5th wheel brand you suggest?

Now being on our 4th one we have had Pioneer, Hartland, MVP and now Keystone. I would recomend Hartland or Keystone. The one issue I have had with the Keystone was handled very well by Keystone. They all have their issues so go with what options and floor plan you like best. just my .2
Chuck___
Explorer
Jan 03, 2014
SmittysRV: Your rig is bigger than I was thinking of getting, although it looks great.

I currently have a 1999 Dodge 2500 Cummins diesel pick up. Someday I would like to get a GMC 350 diesel with the Allison transmission. It sounds like most people prefer a 5th wheel over a travel trailer. Maybe I can get a carrier for the back of the 5th wheel to carry the motorcycles. Any 5th wheel brand you suggest?