Best 5ER for full timer?

[Pebbles3657]

I am divorcing, have no home, and absolutely love the idea of being able to take my "home" with me wherever I decide to relocate. I am getting close to 60, and have some back problems, and I really have no wish to work a yard or trying to keep clean a 1500 square foot home! I know this has been asked before, but for all you full-timers, what brand 5th wheel has served you best? Thanks in advance for all your sage advice!

[arnko37]

If you come across a Alpenlite take a good look. They went out of business around 2007. The last couple of years they went from making their own frames to using Lippert frames and had problems with the frames. They were built by Western recreation? in Washington state so are kind of scarce in the eastern states. They also have huge holding tanks, 100 gal freshwater, 100 gal gray water and 50 gal black water.I have a 2000 29 ft Alpenlite fifth wheel and after more than 50 years of rving with a lot of different rigs this is the best. Unfortunately my RV days are over due to my age and I am going to sell it. Good luck on your search.

[Dustytuu]

We have a Carriage. Those are no longer manufactured but are a well built 5th wheel.
We really like our 5th wheel and it has been good to us. We are very comfortable.
There are used Carriage brand out there. Lots of Carriage owners like to keep their 5th wheels, so if you look you may find one.
We have been full time for about 8 years. Have traveled coast to coast and all over the USA.

[RustyJC]

NC Hauler wrote:

golf_bears wrote:
Pebbles3657,

I just sent you a PM, check it out.

Mobile Suite RVs have stacked and welded triple tubular frame chassis. The tubular frame stacks up to 15".

MS units aren't cheap, nor are a lot of used ones, but he could get lucky, so good idea 🙂

Jim

You might want to check stock at RVs for Less, Rolling Retreats, Kansas RV Center, Wheels RV, etc. These are DRV dealers who typically have used DRVs that they've taken in trade.

Rusty

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

I would guest you take a look at Artic Fox 5er's. They are well built for fulltiming.

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

[JAC1982]

If you're in the central valley, make sure you get one with at least 2 air conditioners, and keep in mind the electricity costs to run them in the summer, I believe many parks charge separately for electricity.

I grew up in Visalia, so I know how hot it gets there 🙂

[NC_Hauler]

golf_bears wrote:
Pebbles3657,

I just sent you a PM, check it out.

Mobile Suite RVs have stacked and welded triple tubular frame chassis. The tubular frame stacks up to 15".

MS units aren't cheap, nor are a lot of used ones, but he could get lucky, so good idea 🙂

Jim

[golf_bears]

Pebbles3657,

I just sent you a PM, check it out.

Mobile Suite RVs have stacked and welded triple tubular frame chassis. The tubular frame stacks up to 15".

[Pebbles3657]

I am reading that they (park models) are not built for full-time living. I will do some more searching on that. I do like them!

I will be living in my RV full time. I have only just begun researching full-time RV living. One of my clients purchased a brand new 5er and had some issues with it. They live in theirs full-time in a park in Manteca that sports a swimming pool, golf course, restaurant and convenience store. There are a number of parks here in the Central Valley that make the majority of their money from full-timers, and that has been my consideration from the start.

I have another client that owns ten acres. There are hook-ups for at least three RVs there and she has graciously offered one of her spots to me.

I have read that Tubular chassis with cross members less than 18" is the best (better) build, but when I go to sites no one even mentions the chassis.

Freightliner and Lippert seem to be the big builders, but then I just read that Northwood builds theirs. Maybe it is truly a Lippert or Freightliner that has been modified?

So many questions on my part!

[donn0128]

You would be far better off with a park model for now. Unless you plan to move every few weeks an RV, any RV for that matter is a poor choice.

[korbe]

Sounds like you plan on living in your new to you 5er at an RV park or a trailer park. Cause you need a truck to "being able to take my "home" with me wherever I decide to relocate". Many types, sizes, and price ranges out there. If it were me, I would start going to RV sales places and walking through some of them just to see what's out there and what feels comfortable. Then search for a good deal.

[JAC1982]

Sorry one more question that will help others answer your questions... are you planning on travelling around a lot, or parking it for a month or so at a time? Or, am I misreading that you want to buy a 5th wheel and just leave it parked somewhere, with no tow vehicle?

I ask because some places have length restrictions, especially since it sounds like you're on a budget, and may not be able to afford the fancy RV parks that usually can accomodate large rigs. State Parks, COE parks, etc., sometimes have size limitations.

Also, all that said, we've been happy with our Keystone travel trailer toy hauler. No major issues. Others' mileage may vary as there doesn't seem to be a lot of rhyme or reason to quality with RVs until you get up into the very pricey units.

[Pebbles3657]

I have no tow vehicle. I plan to find a 5er and will pay someone to relocate my home. I can afford up to $40,000. My rig doesn't need to be brand new, just needs to last for a good long time. I live in California and I have been told that RV's are MUCH more expensive here than other states, so I am not adverse to finding one somewhere else and having it delivered.

[JAC1982]

I'm not a full timer, but that's a really broad question! I would say to start, what is your price point, and what is your tow vehicle?