My husband and I are staying under 100k for our first Fifth Wheel. We have found a few used DRVs we really like and have been in a lot of other brands in the 70s range. We find a big difference in quality. Is it worth stretching out budget to get a used DRV or not? This has been the most confusing decision ever. We have not owned a fifth wheel or RV before and this is all new to us. Both in our 40s with grown kids and a grandchild who's 3 and may be with us sometimes. We are doing this because my husband's health is not good and this is his wish to travel the country.

As long as you have a dually, get the DRV. They are top notch.

donn0128 wrote:As long as you have a dually, get the DRV. They are top notch.We have not gotten our truck yet but are looking. Husband wasn't sure if we needed a dually for sure. Just a 2500 or 3500. Should we get the dually wheels?

Mdrury wrote:We are doing this because my husband's health is not good and this is his wish to travel the country.Is his health good enough to set up and tear down a 5er? It can be hard work sometimes.

MS can have pin weights north of 4000 pounds, so yes a 3500 dually is the minimum. Many folks go with 4500 or even MDTs with Suites.

2oldman wrote:Mdrury wrote:We are doing this because my husband's health is not good and this is his wish to travel the country.Is his health good enough to set up and tear down a 5er? It can be hard work sometimes.You may be able to get the numbers to work on paper without a dually but your life will be a lot simpler with one.

Going Full Time our First Fifth Wheel | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 20, 2015
No question. I'd stretch the budget for a lightly used top quality unit over a new mid or low budget unit. Can't beat having quality & that used DRV will have taken its biggest depreciation hit along with any bugs in it worked out.

If you sit quietly in it you will almost be able to hear the new one depreciate.
TXiceman
Explorer II
Aug 20, 2015
Some of the DRV are beyond the ratings for a F35/3500 and will require an F450/4500 or an F550/5500.

So be sure of your trailer weights before getting the truck.

Ken
MarkTwain
Explorer
Aug 18, 2015
Mdrury wrote:
My husband and I are staying under 100k for our first Fifth Wheel. We have found a few used DRVs we really like and have been in a lot of other brands in the 70s range. We find a big difference in quality. Is it worth stretching out budget to get a used DRV or not? This has been the most confusing decision ever. We have not owned a fifth wheel or RV before and this is all new to us. Both in our 40s with grown kids and a grandchild who's 3 and may be with us sometimes. We are doing this because my husband's health is not good and this is his wish to travel the country.

Strongly recommend 1. Good Sam Emergency Road Side Service and 2. Good Sam TravelAssist for your husband's health issues. Assuming you will be doing most of the driving and setting up at RV Parks, I would suggest you look at a Class C RV's and then tow a small economy car for travel and exploring , sightseeing.
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
Roy&Lynne wrote:
Why are you thinking about buying an RV. RVing isn't for everyone and if you saved your 70k for a trip, you could travel the country, see everything, stay at the best hotels and have no worries and still not spend even a quarter of that money.

I don't know about that. I can spend a few Ks just visiting Philly or DC for a long weekend using mass transit. And not pay full rate for hotel rooms since both the man and I drudged many years in the hospitality industry.

I do agree that RVing isn't for everyone though.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
Why are you thinking about buying an RV. RVing isn't for everyone and if you saved your 70k for a trip, you could travel the country, see everything, stay at the best hotels and have no worries and still not spend even a quarter of that money.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2015
Depending on your husband's health, a motorhome might be more comfortable for driving and setting up.

Also, I'd highly recommend that you share in the driving of whatever you get. Many spouses do. You never know when one of you has a medical issue. Plus, it's just a more relaxing way to go - sharing. On our last trip to Alaska for the summer, we took turns driving each day. The other gets to look for the critters that way. :)
ljr
Nomad
Aug 17, 2015
2oldman wrote:
Mdrury wrote:
We are doing this because my husband's health is not good and this is his wish to travel the country.
Is his health good enough to set up and tear down a 5er? It can be hard work sometimes.

You may be able to get the numbers to work on paper without a dually but your life will be a lot simpler with one.
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2015
MS can have pin weights north of 4000 pounds, so yes a 3500 dually is the minimum. Many folks go with 4500 or even MDTs with Suites.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2015
Mdrury wrote:
We are doing this because my husband's health is not good and this is his wish to travel the country.
Is his health good enough to set up and tear down a 5er? It can be hard work sometimes.
Mdrury
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
donn0128 wrote:
As long as you have a dually, get the DRV. They are top notch.

We have not gotten our truck yet but are looking. Husband wasn't sure if we needed a dually for sure. Just a 2500 or 3500. Should we get the dually wheels?