Purchasing fifth wheel trailer
Would like assistance choosing a fifth wheel. We have heard so many horror stories regarding trailer purchases and all the problems people have with them after the purchase. Mainly interested in mak...
Forum Discussion
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.
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.
