Hello all. Looks like a lot of good info here. I see you keep an eye out for others safety regarding their tow rigs. I have a '14 f250 with 6.2 gas motor. The 5th wheel I looked at today was about 8,000#. I've pulled nearly twice that much weight before so I believe I'm ok,there. I want to purchase a "nice enough" RV. It doesn't have to be the best one ,but I also don't want something so poor in quality that I can't sell it if I want to later or something is always giving a problem. I'm looking at slightly used RVs. The dealer I was at is not a heartland dealer ,but had three used ones:2011, 2015 and 2017. Should I be concerned with a used 2017? The salesman says they probably wanted a bigger one. The 2017 is a North Peak 28TS. The 2015 is a Sundance 285TS. I like these two the best. I'm trying to determine if the price is where it should be. They immediately came down a couple thousand in price just by talking to them. My intended use is possibly a man cave at home and taking the kids camping a few times a year. I'm completely new to buying campers. If anyone could help me avoid any pitfalls, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

If it was me...... Check with a heartland dealer and get a price on the 2017 new. With a "used" unit the dealer should come down several thousand at least. You need to make sure there is factory warranty left on the used 2017 before buying also. You are in the driver seat no matter what and low ball your offer and maybe also get a free B&W hitch installed free (no cheap Chinese) thrown in.

With light duty trucks, it's not a matter of what they'll pull but rather what the leftover payload is for pin weight - especially the rear axle. The GVWR on the North Peak 28TS is 9,900 lbs. 23% of that (average loaded pin weight) would be 2,277 lbs. Weigh your truck (full fuel and all occupants - add in the weight of the hitch if you don't have one yet) and check the weight ratings on the door sticker, but you should be fine with that. If you want to stay on the light side with a hitch, check out the Andersen Ultimate system. I'll let others advise you on pricing and negotiations. Rob

I already have a flip over B&W ball in the bed. I need that for other trailers. So I'm leaning towards putting a ball adapter on the RV. I'm not too concerned about negotiating a price, but just looking for general guidance. What are some common mistakes made buying your first 5th wheel? is one AC unit enough in hot climates? It can get close to 100 here with the heat index.What features will I wish I had gotten that are easily overlooked being as I've never owned one? Experienced Folks, help me out here.....

I an kind of the same boat your in trying to find a good medium priced 5th wheel. First off look this site to find out what your vehicle will safety pull or handle. RUSEF http://www.rvsafety.com/rv-education/matching-trucks-to-trailersAfter researching for a couple of years I been lead to the Northwood or Arctic Fox RV's. Try to see what people on the forum have to say about Arctic Fox for yourself. The biggest problem I am having now is figuring out what is a good price for a used unit. The NADA pricing for RV is some help if little.I am about to make a post asking for advice on pricing a RV.

Mjmccaig wrote:I already have a flip over B&W ball in the bed. I need that for other trailers. So I'm leaning towards putting a ball adapter on the RV. I'm not too concerned about negotiating a price, but just looking for general guidance. What are some common mistakes made buying your first 5th wheel? is one AC unit enough in hot climates? It can get close to 100 here with the heat index.What features will I wish I had gotten that are easily overlooked being as I've never owned one? Experienced Folks, help me out here.....First mistake, IMO, is wanting to put a GN adapter on any FW you buy. Many mfrs simply won't warranty any frame issues if one is installed. Yes, I know that many people use them without a problem, but when the downside can be so bad, why take the chance? Much better to buy a B&W Companion or an Andersen Ultimate.Lyle

Shopping for a 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Mjmccaig
Explorer
Mar 17, 2017
I already have a flip over B&W ball in the bed. I need that for other trailers. So I'm leaning towards putting a ball adapter on the RV. I'm not too concerned about negotiating a price, but just looking for general guidance. What are some common mistakes made buying your first 5th wheel? is one AC unit enough in hot climates? It can get close to 100 here with the heat index.

What features will I wish I had gotten that are easily overlooked being as I've never owned one? Experienced Folks, help me out here.....
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Mar 17, 2017
With light duty trucks, it's not a matter of what they'll pull but rather what the leftover payload is for pin weight - especially the rear axle. The GVWR on the North Peak 28TS is 9,900 lbs. 23% of that (average loaded pin weight) would be 2,277 lbs. Weigh your truck (full fuel and all occupants - add in the weight of the hitch if you don't have one yet) and check the weight ratings on the door sticker, but you should be fine with that. If you want to stay on the light side with a hitch, check out the Andersen Ultimate system. I'll let others advise you on pricing and negotiations.

Rob
cmeade
Explorer
Mar 17, 2017
If it was me...... Check with a heartland dealer and get a price on the 2017 new. With a "used" unit the dealer should come down several thousand at least. You need to make sure there is factory warranty left on the used 2017 before buying also. You are in the driver seat no matter what and low ball your offer and maybe also get a free B&W hitch installed free (no cheap Chinese) thrown in.

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Shopping for a 5th wheel

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