Decisions, Decisions. Help

[bergsbk]

SO here is the story. Military couple with two dogs, we are looking into purchasing a fifth wheel. We plan to live in it for the winter (currently in San diego)We also plan to make some trips to big bear, mammoth and a few other trips. We are looking for a Bunkhouse fifth wheel between 27-32max. We think we have narrowed it down to a few manufactures and are looking for opinions and personal experience with either the manufacture and or FW themselves.

Please before people start telling us moving into a FW is a big change blah blah blah. We are aware of the space, the maintenance required, winterizing that may be necessary, the cost. We know.

We have yet to make a final decision but want to make sure we are looking at well built RV's.

These are the manufactures we have picked. Please feel free to recommend any others that have Bunkhouse floor plans within our length range.

Crossroads
Jayco
KZ
Outdoor RV
Grand Design
Keystone

We appreciate it.

[jjj]

Yes you probably should look at 4 season trailer. It does get cold here in the winter time in areas. I live in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley which is a desert community and I actually froze up my trailer solid one winter when we were in the teens. We went camping for Thanksgiving and when we came back I lost track of time and forgot to re-winterize and boom she froze up and had to use space heaters and trailer furnace for 3 hours to get it thawed. Big bear, mammoth gets snow so it does get cold.

[Artum_Snowbird]

This one would work for you. These units are made near Winnipeg Manitoba and are very popular in the oil fields, even during winter.

Triple E bunkhouse

You can also look at the specs on their web site.

[ZOSO]

Personally, I wouldn't have Keystone on my list. Good luck!

[darsben]

I am more interested in the 2 dogs. For trips some campgrounds banish certain breeds including some military CG.
AND what will you have for a tow vehicle

[2oldman]

Winter where? And it's manufacturer.

[bergsbk]

Any advice on what type of insulation ratings or things we should be looking for. either option or standard.

Looking at buying the JRconsumer reports. Do they actually have good information

[GMandJM]

garyp4951 wrote:
I don't think it gets that cold in southern California.

Lows in the 40s some nights in the winter in San Diego. But they're military so presumably could end up elsewhere?

[GMandJM]

Grand Design has a cold-weather upgrade on some models:

ARCTIC FOUR SEASONS PROTECTION PACKAGE
35k BTU High Capacity Furnace
Double Insulated Roof & Front Cap
Thermafoil Wrapped Frame and Subfloor (beneath main holding tanks).
Heated & Enclosed Underbelly
Ducted Heat to Pass Thru Storage (FW)
Heated & Enclosed Dump Valves (FW)
Zero Degree Extended Season Enjoyment

Not sure if the other manufacturers offer similar.

[garyp4951]

I don't think it gets that cold in southern California.

[GENECOP]

Second that, its hard enough to spend freezing temps in an RV that is setup from the factory to deal with cold Temps. To get a 5th wheel that is not a TRUE 4 season unit and make it work in winter is an expensive up hill battle.....

[agesilaus]

If you plan to use this in winter and in cold areas then better get a winterized unit like a Artic Fox. Otherwise you'll freeze