Purchasing fifth wheel trailer

I've had good luck with the used Wilderness (by Fleetwood) in my sig. It was 6 yrs old when I got it, looked almost like new, I've been pretty satisfied. We use for weekends mostly.

Allworth wrote:
No one else can possibly tell you which RV is going to be right for you.

The OP has a brand new 36 foot Cougar.
Looking to downsize...

No one else can possibly tell you which RV is going to be right for you. Keep in mind that it is never inexpensive, then just observe a few basics.

Keep in mind TOTAL costs. A suitable tow vehicle and hitch for a trailer, or a toad and towing package for a motorized unit, just for starters.

Look for leaks. Look for leaks, Then look again for leaks. Anything that has been repainted or patched may indicate water intrusion, which is deadly to an RV.

Consider actually using any particular unit:

Lie on the bed. Do your feet hang over? Where will you put the clock, your glasses, or the water glass at night? Can you sit up without splitting your head open?

Sit on the commode. Stand in the shower. Play like brushing your teeth. Where would you store toilet paper, towels, soap, spare sheet sets, dog shampoo?

Watch TV. Stretch out on the floor to rest your sore back. Pretend to fix bacon and eggs. Where will the coffee pot sit? The dish drainer? The cutting board when the stove is hot? Where will you store all the stuff that goes with food prep and consumption? The kitchen trash? Again, think about the dog's food and water. It can be a problem under foot.

Outside; where will you store the BBQ grill? Extra gas cylinders or bottles? Lawn chairs? Power cords and adapters that you may need in a hurry? Water hoses and fittings? Leveling blocks. Tools?

This may seem silly and way too much thinking, but an experienced and thoughtfull seller or dealer should be happy to give you a couple of hours to think about using something that is going to cost as much as a good RV. The many floor plans available are all useable by somebody. Only you can decide which one fits you. Often the first trailer is a "training trailer" and you will use it to find what you really want/need in an RV. That is one reason that used is often a good choice for first time purchase.

Don't be intimidated. Don't be rushed. Enjoy the search much as you will enjoy using your new toy.

filthy beast wrote:


I think you would have a hard time getting a 36' into our favorite camp site at the Grand Canyon, my 30' just fits.:)

True
We jumped from 30 overall to 34'10" actual length.
Didn't cramp us too much.

This is based on my own experience and opinion...I'll also admit to being a huge Jayco fan after having owned 7 new Jayco's so far...from tent trailers to our current (bought new in 2003) Jayco Jay Flight 5th wheel.

Not a single issue or re-occuring issues, and we didn't note any problems due to quality control or inferior build.

Jayco is the 3rd largest RV Manufacturer in the World, been in business owned by the same Bontrager Family since 1968, made profit everyone of their 35 years, consistently wins the Gold Circle Quality Award, makes all their own cabinets, beds and furnishings themselves, and have a terrific factory tour! ;)

PLUS Jayco has a industry leading reputation and 2 year bumper to hitch warranty!

Jayco's RV's are made with high pressure vacuum laminated roofs and walls (not glued and pinch rollered!)...it takes more time to make them this way..but are 10 times less likely to delaminate (bubble) due to leaks.

There are few (and I mean very few!) other RV builders that also have done extrodinany things for owners too, and I give them high 5's too.

But I vote with my loyalty, and we are very close to placing an order for our #8 Jayco! :)

Just my humble, unbiased and freely given opinion! And no I don't own stock in Jayco either...it's not publicly traded! LOL!

This is the very first Jayco RV made by Lloyd Bontrager. (Jayco 1968...)


Good luck! Do your research and look inside, under and around any RV before making a decision. Look for name brand equipment instead of brands that make you say "huh?" Real wood or heavier more prone to falling apart when wet particle board? Plastic fixtures or plastic? Many brands will void your warranty if you full time in your rv! Read th warranty. Jayco does not void for full timing.

Thats_Ok wrote:
So if I may ask:
What is it that you can't do with a 36 foot compared to 30 foot unit?

As far as brands we have a Heartland manufactured trailer.
Heartland I'll say backs up their customers quite well.
We have not had any major failures that prevented use in 5 months of ownership on a 2012 model.

I think you would have a hard time getting a 36' into our favorite camp site at the Grand Canyon, my 30' just fits.:)

So if I may ask:
What is it that you can't do with a 36 foot compared to 30 foot unit?

As far as brands we have a Heartland manufactured trailer.
Heartland I'll say backs up their customers quite well.
We have not had any major failures that prevented use in 5 months of ownership on a 2012 model.

How old? What is your TV? What is your budget?