Full-time Fifth-Wheels

[CindyBR777]

DH and I are getting our 5-7 yr plan together to go full-time. Of course we want to purchase a new rig that is suitable for full-timing. We cannot afford a $100000 rig. Plain and simple. Our budget is between 50-60k range. Here in Texas we can get excellent deals. If you buy at the right times of course. We like several brands. We like the Open Range Residential(hubby is concerned about the cable system), we like the Alpine by Keystone, and we like the Big Country by Heartland. There are several new ones out there, but we are hesitant to go with a new brand. We want to wait and see how they hold up. I want to buy new. Hubby doesn't mind used. But everytime we look at a used one it stinks, its outdated and I don't want to sink money into something that I'm going to live in that I'm not comfortable in as well. I am not high maintenence just realistic. If you have one of these brands we are looking at. I want the good, bad and ugly opinions of all three. What is it like working with the manufacturer?

[469whj469]

Don't know were Arp, Texas, is but if you can get to Houston and visit PPL, view their website first. I would think that you will find something that you would like there. Good Luck

[Cummins12V98]

missourijan wrote:
A used NuWa is a great option. However, your options are limited with that F250, it just isn't rated to tow a bigger unit, like a NuWa, Excel, or Drv. You don't have to buy the perfect unit the first time. You can get a great deal on a used unit and do some refurbishing and still be within your budget. If it's not "perfect" for you, trade it after one year. It's not difficult, we have traded twice since 2006, when we went fulltime.

Hey there are plenty that tow RV's heavy as mine with a 250/2500. Time bomb waiting to go off.

JMHO

[Cummins12V98]

Eycom wrote:

R12RTee wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO

The only problem I have with this is that you must accept layouts and options as presented. I had need for special items that could not be found in a pre-owned unit. Buying new was my only real option.

Understand and agree completely.:) However, it would appear that your budget was a "lil bit" more than 50-60 grand on the 2013 enhanced DRV. If not, I sure would like to know your contact over there.:B

Yes his MS was probably more than twice what mine cost.

What I did worked well for me, everyone has different needs.

[Uncle_Grumpy]

like others have said used for a high end is the way to go. Know some that bought new and have many problems with quality. Not to mention the big hit in depreciation. Check out Dave Ramsey and never buy new or borrow to buy. We 3/4 time in a 28 ft. Excel that I bought with cash a year and 1/2 ago for $6500. Have spent a total of $300 on repairs with some self minor repairs. It is a 97 and still in great shape. Made in Kansas and everything is made in house including the frame. Nu Wau, Artic Fox, and others that are full time can be researched on here.

[missourijan]

A used NuWa is a great option. However, your options are limited with that F250, it just isn't rated to tow a bigger unit, like a NuWa, Excel, or Drv. You don't have to buy the perfect unit the first time. You can get a great deal on a used unit and do some refurbishing and still be within your budget. If it's not "perfect" for you, trade it after one year. It's not difficult, we have traded twice since 2006, when we went fulltime.

[RVcrazy]

You may want to considr a Nu-Wa. The sales lot & repair facility is in Kansas. They refurbish older units and also have some new models still available. Better quality than some you have listed IMO with more features.

[Eycom]

R12RTee wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO

The only problem I have with this is that you must accept layouts and options as presented. I had need for special items that could not be found in a pre-owned unit. Buying new was my only real option.

Understand and agree completely.:) However, it would appear that your budget was a "lil bit" more than 50-60 grand on the 2013 enhanced DRV. If not, I sure would like to know your contact over there.:B

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

I recommend looking at "Arctic Fox" 5er new are used. They are well built and insulated.

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

[joelc]

I noticed that you have a F-250. Before you even consider an RV check to see what the towing capacity is of the F-250. You could very easily purchase a left over from a previous year. Make a list of what you want to have in your 5er: Good insulation, LCD TV, type of tires (don't get anything made in China), Load Capacity, 50A, type of roof, type of slide mechanism, type of camping, decor. kitchen style, size of bed, etc. Then do your research.

I have a 2006 F-350 dually and it will tow 18,100 lbs. I have a 2012 Carriage Cameo that was one of the last off the assembly line before Carriage closed and we love it. We hope to full-time shortly too.

Good luck!

[R12RTee]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO

The only problem I have with this is that you must accept layouts and options as presented. I had need for special items that could not be found in a pre-owned unit. Buying new was my only real option.

[Cummins12V98]

Eycom wrote:
Years ago, my CPA gave me some sage advice about buying new cars. Essentially he intimated that I could drive a two-three year old Mercedes for about the same price that I'd pay for a new Oldsmobile. It hurts once to buy reputable quality. Buying used will mitigate that pain somewhat and you still wind up owning a quality product. There's still gently used Mercedes on the market.

You bought our used 07.5 Mobile Suites in fall of 11. Paid around 50K with tax. Still worth about that minus the tax. Could have bought a new RV for the same price but it would be worth far less right now. Slightly used high end unit is the way to go!

JMHO

[wittmeba]

There are lots of good choices out there.

There has been many discussions about what is full time. It can mean you park a rig and live in it year round, go camp jumping and never stay more than 3 days at any single location and everything in between. You have to define your standard for "full timing". Each condition may dictate different priorities.

Here are links to most major mfgs:
http://gotnarcosis.com/brucewittmeier/technical/RVManufacturers.html

[FlatBroke]

Bought 4 new ones. This one now bought used. Took a bath on all 4 of the new ones when we traded or sold. Think I can sell the used one we have now in a few years for not a lot less than we purchased it.

[Dick_B]

I would check with the RV Consumer Group, www.rv.org, to see what they recommend for a full-timing rig. Most of the RV's out there don't meet their suggestions/requirements.