Forum Discussion

pioneerclaims's avatar
pioneerclaims
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014

Time for a new one...

After spending an average of seven months a year in my 32' Colorado fifth wheel 30 amp coach since 2006, I put it in the shop for its annual checkup. Bad news. Hail damage to the roof, slide-out gaskets and seals deteriorating, slide motors about worn out, invertor overcharging, some soft spots on floor... you know... the usual wear and weather issues. Pulled off the wheels and found the axles badly scored, and some other issues pointed out to me by my service technician.

I know I put a lot more miles than the average RV'er. I have tried to keep up with the maintenance, but after eight years, it is time to trade it in.

My question is this: What is the most reliable, best built 32 to 36 foot fifth wheel?

I NEED good construction, light weight (pulling with F250), very well insulated, and two a/c units.

I WANT washer/dryer connection (and a washer/dryer), a space to 'work' somewhat separate from the main living area, and a generator would be nice also.

I don't want a 'cheapo' trailer but I don't want to spend $80K.

My Colorado was 32' long, but only a 30 amp. Not good. It had an office area built into the rear 1/3, with a second sofa/sleeper and bunk over the desk. Some say to get a toy hauler, but I worry about the weight. But isn't a toy hauler actually built stronger than a standard coach?


Suggestions?

5 Replies

  • Go_Dogs's avatar
    Go_Dogs
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2014
    Well, I feel bad for any newbie that comes along, and falls in love with this unit!
  • pioneerclaims's avatar
    pioneerclaims
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2014
    Went to the shop today with a retired RV tech (69 years old with over thirty years experience).

    The axles are scored badly, but the bearings seemed to be okay. One broken spring clamp. The roof and a/c unit hail damage was very obvious, and it looks like the broken vents over the bathroom and kitchen area may have allowed water to enter causing the damage to the roof decking and leaking down inside the wall to cause some floor damage. The 'lugs' on the electrical system were arcing due to loose connections. This unit has been on the road for eight years, and has travelled over 70,000 miles.

    As my retiree and the shop tech both said, "these mid-line fifth wheel units are usually operated two to six weeks per year by people who use them for a couple weeks vacation a year, not for someone to be putting over 10,000 miles a year and lived in almost full-time."

    I knew there were a few things wrong with it, that's why I took it in. But I had no idea that THIS MUCH would be wrong with it.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2014
    Use your own common sense. Examine your camper yourself. Sounds to me like they are either 1) attempting to make your camper sound like it's falling apart so you will pay them to fix stuff that isn't broken, or 2) trying to convince you to buy a new one. WHAT DO YOU THINK! Don't listen to anyone else, especially service shops wanting to bleed you for your $$$. Be your own judge and think it through with your own mind.

    ScottG (above) has it right!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Nov 13, 2014
    Some of those items smell of scam to me as they are not normal wear items and are in fact rather strange.
    How is a slide motor "worn out"? Does it work? If so then its probably fine.
    Hail damage to roof? Is there a leak or physical damage that must be repaired?
    Seals "deteriorating"? They've either failed or are good and just need dressing.
    Inverter overcharging? Really? You would have a converter unless you added the inverter, and if anything it (the converter) would be under charging (unless it's a single stage and then that's normal).

    I'd go someplace else.

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