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AlliesDad's avatar
AlliesDad
Explorer
Oct 11, 2025

Looking for a Used (new to me) Fifth Wheel

Quick background.  We currently have a 2012 NuWa Hitchhiker Champagne 36' Fifth Wheel.  Other than it getting older and needing more upkeep, we are (and have been) happy with it since we purchased.  But, time goes on and things eventually start to need to be replaced, so the annual cost is starting to go up.

One of the things my wife an I really like about it is the ability to "dry" camp for extended periods of time.  I have made numerous mods to it, like changing the existing four 12 VDC batteries our for four AGM 6VDC batteries, adding two more AGMs in the front basement, 2KW inverter, etc.  In short, we are really, more or less, set to run for an extended period of time on the 12 VDC system (with occasional generator use and 800 watts of solar, to charge the batteries).

What I am seeing in the "newer" fifth-wheels, is a trend toward a reliance on constant 120VAC.  Examples are ovens, recliners, lighting, etc.  And most of these fifth-wheels only include two batteries.  Barely enough to keep the fridge running while going down the road.  They almost seem like they are assuming that the users will always be at some sort of RV park / resort, where full hookups are available.

So, my question is, what manufactures build quality fifth-wheels (similar to what NuWa did before they went under) AND do not completely rely on shore power to do anything inside?  My fear is that to get a fifth-wheel designed with 12VDC in mind, I am going to have to seriously sacrifice quality.  And that is not something that I really want to do.

Scott

Allen, TX

4 Replies

  • If you gots to go new, getStirCrazy​ to design your electrical system. 
    I’m half intrigued and would maybe do an all electric camper just for the fun of building the system. But realistically I don’t have enough time for the projects I’d really enjoy and if I go camping and have a camper it’s for the comfort of and convenience of it and spending days and $ to make it comfortable and convenient is lost on me. I can toss my Honda 2k in and fill a couple propane bottles and a jug of gas in about 30min and be good for a month. Way easier. 

    • StirCrazy's avatar
      StirCrazy
      Moderator

      If you gots to go new, getStirCrazy​ to design your electrical system. 

      haha, I don't think the Victron or battle born fans would like that

      But realistically I don’t have enough time for the projects I’d really enjoy and if I go camping and have a camper it’s for the comfort of and convenience of it and spending days and $ to make it comfortable and convenient is lost on me.

      that's what the off season is for 😁, but I do get it, I have so many jobs piling up I am going to have to retire to get them done.  

       

  • good luck, the propane fridges are still out there, you just have to look or compensate by adding more solar and batteries.  I think most 5 wheels only include 1 battery, the second is a throw in or a upsell from the rv dealership and they are junk batteries at that, that's not to say you have to accept those batteries from the dealership.  lithium batteries are being made by manufactures in the new Mini format, so 300Ah the size of a regular battery and the price is cheaper than comparable AGM (so generally to make agm last you need twice as many AH of agm to compare to LiFePO4.  so you could easily put two 300AH mini LiFePO4 in to it and have the equivalent of 10 to 12 AGM 6V batteries (depending on actual AH) but a lot cheaper.   so LiFePO4 batteries have offset the newer electric trend to an extent.  then you could put a good solar setup and be set.  if you can do the solar your self, all the better as a 450 watt panel is available for about 200 to 250.00 right now, so for 1000 bucks you could do a 1200+ watt solar set up an as long as you don't need to run an AC, you should be golden.  well you would need an inverter also, so say another 500.  so for less than 2500 bucks you could be set up.  the dealers sell LiFePO4 batteries, but 90% of what they offer is the dragon fly brand which is the OEM name for Battle born and they are more expensive than anything else out there.  up here they want 2700.00 bucks for there big 270AH one, where I can get a LiFePO4 mini 300AH right now for about 500-700.00 off amazon.  

     

    as for the brand, there are lots of good brands you just have to go and physically look, look at the fit and finish, look at the cabinet and drawer construction and stuff like that, junk will be apparent when you have been looking at a bunch of different brands.  mechanically they are all the same, its the lipstick they put on the structure that is different in all reality.  most use the same converters, fridges, ovens, etc.  then after a bit you will see what the cost is vs the quality of what you want, or are willing to settle for.  

  • Good luck man!

    I haven’t researched it so unfortunately don’t have any suggestions for a new 5ver that is dry camping friendly without some serious electrical mods, capacity, generator and cost…on top of the initial cost. 
    But one suggestion is find the newest ones that still have DC and LP and then find a used one that has not been used much and stored indoors. On the upside it will cost considerably less and have basically the same lifespan going forward as new. 
    They are tucked away all over the place and no lack of them for sale. The PNW is a good place to look. With all the rain it seems a higher % of higher end RVs get a nice home under a roof than other parts of the country.