Forum Discussion

jaxteller's avatar
jaxteller
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014

First post! Need advice from you good fellas!!!

Thanks for reading. My name is Alex and I currently live in Midland Tx. Working in the oil field as a truck driver. I've decided to buy a Fifth Wheeler. Things in the oil field change constantly. Cost of living is high and there's no job security . Some people say this boom will last 10 years others say 5. Who knows. But i want to be ready for any situation.

Reading through your posts, I found very valuable information.

But here's my question:

I decided to buy a used fifth wheeler. Perhaps a 2010 model or newer. What manufacturer builds the stronger fifth wheeler? Not looking for fancy appliances, but strong and high quality structure, frames, walls, etc.

I'm also going to redecorate the RV. Cant find a modern interior design. Most rvs interior looks like my grandma's house.

Anyways thanks for stopping by and i appreciate your input and or opinion.

God bless.
  • alboy's avatar
    alboy
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2014
    Also checkout Newmar,very heavy and well built, they still build coaches ,but no fifth wheels after 2008/09.
  • ckwizard777's avatar
    ckwizard777
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2014
    As it has been said earlier the older Sunnybrooks say 99-06 were built like tanks, Strongest frame on the market hands down and built by Leland.
    The only thing that comes close to that style frame now is DRV.
    Good Luck
  • jaxteller's avatar
    jaxteller
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    I really need to spend some serious time at the RV dealers.... it's just that being a newbie, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a high quality and a low quality unit. Imma keep reading through the different posts in this foru
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    jimandlaurie wrote:
    Ok my .02 and given your quest, an Arctic Fox would be good , but for oilfield working-living , for me it would be a Teton. Made hell for stout by folks that started by building units for rugged use during Wyoming winters and being towed on oilfield-mining-ranch roads. Not made any more , but still #1 in my book.


    Caution suggested with Tetons from "close to the end" - prior to going out of business.

    Jax - another suggestion.....
    Spend some tome on Escapees forums.

    You will find *LOTS* of folks -full time and part time - with upscale 5th wheels on the MDT and HDT forums there.

    Plenty of those folks searched out quality re-sale 5ths - like Teton, DRV, etc.

    Escapees also has "for sale" forums - which will have MHs, 5ths, etc.
    Handy (for you to watch) for the folks who are "moving up".

    BTW - Escapees is HQ'd in Livingston TX.

    ~
  • Uncle_Grumpy's avatar
    Uncle_Grumpy
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    I can only speak of my experience as an Excel owner. Months of research and scanning Craig's list I found our part time unit only 300 miles away. At 28 ft and a 97 it has fit our needs for 4 months in the winter and 4 in summer. Excel is built from the ground up in a small town in Kansas. Frame, oak cabinets, upholstery etc. Most units use appliances from vendors and yes they fail and all need maintenance. DR and Teton are beasts and require a big and expensive truck. I would also suggest that you not spend 50k and have the depreciation. Especially if you are not paying cash which is always the way to go. We got a bargain from a widow lady on a unit that was well maintained. A snowbird friend traded his Excel for a new Montana and has serious buyers remorse. Like the other units mentioned they were also on my list but we love our Excel.
  • jaxteller's avatar
    jaxteller
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    jimandlaurie wrote:
    Ok my .02 and given your quest, an Arctic Fox would be good , but for oilfield working-living , for me it would be a Teton. Made hell for stout by folks that started by building units for rugged use during Wyoming winters and being towed on oilfield-mining-ranch roads. Not made any more , but still #1 in my book.


    Thanks man. Do you know if Teton has a new owner or was acquired by a big company?
  • jimandlaurie's avatar
    jimandlaurie
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    Ok my .02 and given your quest, an Arctic Fox would be good , but for oilfield working-living , for me it would be a Teton. Made hell for stout by folks that started by building units for rugged use during Wyoming winters and being towed on oilfield-mining-ranch roads. Not made any more , but still #1 in my book.
  • jaxteller's avatar
    jaxteller
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2014
    Please check out this video. This couple gave me the redecorating idea:

    http://dayslikeneverbefore.blogspot.com/2013/11/mini-home-renovation.html?m=1
  • jaxteller's avatar
    jaxteller
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2014
    Thanks again for all your kind suggestions! My budget I would say is 50k. I want it used but with a solid, strong foundation. I'm thinking a used Carriage, Excel, Drv, mobile suites will be some of my choices but i still want to wait til a do some more research. Like I said I'm not looking for fancy appliances, just a solid reliable unit that will last me 10 or more years. Even more if I can. I'm gonna have to keep up with maintenance and trust me, every advice and suggestion is greatly appreciated. So far I know that water can be lethal to an Rv. Gotta be careful in keeping my unit as dry as I can. Defenitaly I won't be buying my Rv in the permian basin area. I'll drive up north or perhaps in el Paso. Thanks again for your input.
  • jimmyfred's avatar
    jimmyfred
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2014
    ............Also , don't purchase any trailer around Midland-Odessa , you'll pay a very High price........look further out at DFW area , San Antonio , and Houston ! Be willing to travel to make a good deal on a quality trailer . , jf

    http:\\www.rvonline.com

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