Thinking of purchasing a TH..Opinions welcome.

Born2RV wrote:
Look at KZ and New Horizon.....

Will do, thank you.

Jim

Look at KZ and New Horizon.....

tmm2good wrote:
I would suggest you look at the Momentum line from Grand Design. They are "Extended stay Approved". For what thats worth...

I will, thanks for the information.

I would suggest you look at the Momentum line from Grand Design. They are "Extended stay Approved". For what thats worth...

Bedlam wrote:
Toy haulers are great for multi use. I would be careful in choosing how big of one you buy - Not so much that your truck will not handle it but that the campgrounds may not be able to handle the largest of the rigs. When we outgrew our TH, we considered going bigger but realized it would exclude us from going to some of our favorite places due to the additional length - For us, it meant rethinking our RV setup.

I do not want to dissuade you from a TH purchase - I feel the stronger chassis and larger tank capacities are an advantage over a similar FW. However, I know people that regretted getting the largest FW and Class A models because it limits where they can stay or travel.

On another note: I'm not sure if the Raptor is built well enough for full timing. It is a popular brand, but I think full-timers may steer you to some other models...

Bedlam, good information...We're still "sorta" up in the air about it...7-8months a year, unit would set on our own property in WVa, so size wouldn't be an issue at that time....then we would head south, (son, DIL and two GS's are getting ready to move to TX)...

the wife and I have been in our 5er when temps were near 100 degrees and humidty was in the 80% + range and have been fine...We've also camped in ours with temps outside of zero and windchill factor of 8 below...and with furnace, fake fireplace and a ceramic heater, this 5er has been spectacular...Our 5er is almost 9 yrs. old, new suspension, new tires and still looks almost as good as it did the day we purchased it...inside and out...

My truck has a GVWR of 14,000#, and a RAWR of 9750, (rated by AAM to 11,800#), With the 4:10 and the Aisin tranny (medium duty), my GCWR is 37,500# for my trucks configuration...It now tows my 5er quite easily through the mountains of WV, TN, VA, NC and SC.....(5er weighs in at 16,300# with a pin weight of 3500#. So don't believe the truck will hold me back.


Just hoping, should I opt to purchase a TH, that it'll be as quality built as the 5er I have now.

SO, "IF" I opt to purchse one that the DW and myself would be "full-timing" in, what would be some recommendations.....The 5er I have now would be a full timing 5er also and we've owned in, been in enough "weather to know it" and feel it too would make a good full timer's unit.

thanks for the info.

Jim

Toy haulers are great for multi use. I would be careful in choosing how big of one you buy - Not so much that your truck will not handle it but that the campgrounds may not be able to handle the largest of the rigs. When we outgrew our TH, we considered going bigger but realized it would exclude us from going to some of our favorite places due to the additional length - For us, it meant rethinking our RV setup.

I do not want to dissuade you from a TH purchase - I feel the stronger chassis and larger tank capacities are an advantage over a similar FW. However, I know people that regretted getting the largest FW and Class A models because it limits where they can stay or travel.

On another note: I'm not sure if the Raptor is built well enough for full timing. It is a popular brand, but I think full-timers may steer you to some other models...

You can get the dual pane windows if you order the hauler to your liking. Most dealers will not order them that way. At least out here in CA. As far as the Polar/Arctic packages, they are more of a marketing scheme than anything else. They will throw a little bit more insulation in and maybe a tank heater along with a furnace duct to the underbelly. With the poor quality of construction and all the gaping holes with most major brands, the extra packages probably do very little to nothing to keep you any warmer.

If you special order anyone should be able to get you about 30 off MSRP. Since they avoid any flooring costs the overhead is drastically reduced. Figure out exactly what you want, shop the internet then negotiate with who you want to buy it from, I know its sneaky but this is a BIG purchase so use the tools available to get what you want. I know I'd pay a few bucks more to buy locally, but not a whole lot.

Good thoughts on TH....We like the extra sleeping space also...From past experiences, it seems we've gotten better deals from purchasing one off the lot than ordering one...Have seen more than several of the 425TS Raptors and they all seem to have the best floorplan and every thing we want at this time....We have a Splendide washer/dryer combo and this unit has the washer/dryer hook up in the bed room, which is ok with us....we don't like the set-up's in the garage...Our set up is vented...Most TH's we've seen don't show a place to put a vent..I'm hoping the 425TS can be vented for W/D combo....

Seems best price we've seen has been at an RV Outlet in Ringgold Va...which is about a 3 and a 1/2 hr drive from where we live, which isn't that bad.....Just wonder how it is to deal with them...Camping World can get the same unit, but I doubt they'll match RV Outlet's pricing.

We are beginning to think about a replacement for our 5th wheel and A TH seems to make more sense. The garage area allows for multiple uses besides carrying all the toys and exercise equipment in your case. My DW makes jewelry, scrapbooks/cards as well as other crafts so the garage would provide space for her tools and supplies and a work area.

Most manufacturers (for a price) will add options if you order a TH to be built. You should be able to get dual pane windows, extra insulation and a spray on roof (like Rhino Lining)