Downsize to short 5th wheel

[marant]

We have decided it is time to downsize our RV. We presently have an Alfa 32RLIK (33')which we have had for 10 years. We have traveled about 50,000 miles and seen most of the US. We have lived in it up to 6 months without a divorce, so must get along. It is pulled with a 2500HD diesel/allison which we will keep. It will be for just the two of us, possibly with an occasional visit by granddaughters.

We are looking for a smaller 5th wheel to use for trips of 2-6 weeks. I have looked and there seem to be few 5th wheel trailers in the 20-24' range available. We would like at least one slideout and a bed that is not 'camper type'. We are more interested in quality than a low price.

What suggestions do you have? So far I have not found anything that fits. It seems that the manufacturers are more interested in putting 6-10 people in 35'.(Could this be a niche market?)

[GON2SKI]

We are sure enjoying this one! She is quite heavy for a short 28ft unit and the '02 F350 may be slightly under powered as even with 60hp plus added with chip in tow mode it's maxed at 60-65 mph.

[Me_Again]

bigskyborn wrote:
Have you looked at this one? 2014 Keystone Springdale 253FWREGL

That's an entry level rig! Chris

[bigskyborn]

Have you looked at this one? 2014 Keystone Springdale 253FWREGL

[Me_Again]

http://www.northwoodmfg.com/index.php?page=model&make=arctic&id=1050

[fly-swatter]

BillyandKris wrote:
Who makes Flagstaff? Is it Forest River? Was it a new one? Had not seen that one. I thought our Rockwood was the shortest one around. Glad you are enjoying your camper.

Yes , Forest River makes Flagstaff and yes we bought it brand new last year. They actually had 2 on the lot so I'm thinking there is not much demand for the smaller units.

[padredw]

It is hard to get what we want: between 32 and 34 (inclusive). Not that we are actively looking right now. We like what we have: a 34' HitchHiker II, but it is a 2007 year model and, right now, we have not found a new one which we would like as well.

Also, as some of you, we are not looking for cheaper, just smaller.

[rhagfo]

We found that to get a decent amount cloth storage you need to be close to 30'. Really need a bed slide to get, a decent size closet.

[BillyandKris]

Who makes Flagstaff? Is it Forest River? Was it a new one? Had not seen that one. I thought our Rockwood was the shortest one around. Glad you are enjoying your camper.

[fly-swatter]

We bought a 24.5 foot Flagstaff last year and we really like it.It has one slide with the free standing table and chairs and a walk around bed up top. Lots of room for the two of us and the cat.

[FlatBroke]

Rumors have been going around that NuWa will be coming out with a shorter unit in conjunction with another manufacture with the NuWa label. Knowing NuWa it will be higher end quality. Going to be interesting for sure.

[goducks10]

Gus98333 wrote:

n7bsn wrote:

RVcrazy wrote:
Not quite as short as you are hoping to find, but take a look at the 235 Fox Mountain, also by Northwood.

Unfortunately the 235 sacrifices storage for living space. With only two small wardrobes, it's only good for weekends or short trips.

The wife and I have taken a few 6-8 weeks trips in our Fox Mountain 235 and found it has adequate space and storage. We moved up from a Nash 21-5R and found it tows just as easy as the Nash with no loss of mileage.

We have a 2013 FM 235. It only ha one shirt closet in the front. Looks like the 14's at some point added another up front. That makes 3 total as there is one across from the sink. Under the bed has a big storage area as well. FWIW I don't own enough clothes to go for more than two weeks at a time without going to a laundry mat. We've only been out for one week max a few times. I could see no problem going 6-8 weeks. http://www.apachecamping.com/inventory.php?status=new&type=fifth-wheels&id=3165

[FLY_4_FUN]

minnow wrote:
Finding a shorter fifth wheel has always been a pet peeve of mine. The dealers generally refuse to stock them so therefore the manufacturers that do (or did) build them discontinue the line as no one buys them. You may find a short fiver in in the sales brochure but just try to find one on the dealers lot. I for one refuse to pay $30 grand or more for something I can't see in person. Hey RV dealers....There is a demand for something under 40' despite what you may think!

Amen to this....

We just traded in our 34' bunkhouse for a 34' rear living room and I couldn't believe how challenging it was to find one that short....which isn't exactly short in my books. Its just as cheap to build 38 feet long, and I swear too many folks get dazzled by it and then realize how hard it will be to park at their favorite spot! Less is more at lots of Alberta parks

Daryll

[minnow]

Finding a shorter fifth wheel has always been a pet peeve of mine. The dealers generally refuse to stock them so therefore the manufacturers that do (or did) build them discontinue the line as no one buys them. You may find a short fiver in in the sales brochure but just try to find one on the dealers lot. I for one refuse to pay $30 grand or more for something I can't see in person. Hey RV dealers....There is a demand for something under 40' despite what you may think!

[Gus98333]

n7bsn wrote:

RVcrazy wrote:
Not quite as short as you are hoping to find, but take a look at the 235 Fox Mountain, also by Northwood.

Unfortunately the 235 sacrifices storage for living space. With only two small wardrobes, it's only good for weekends or short trips.

The wife and I have taken a few 6-8 weeks trips in our Fox Mountain 235 and found it has adequate space and storage. We moved up from a Nash 21-5R and found it tows just as easy as the Nash with no loss of mileage.