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Looking at 5th wheels. Need advise

Dustin_Tx
Explorer
Explorer
I'm looking at 5th wheels in the 36'-42' range. I have seen MANY different brands. I'm looking at 2010 or newer units.
I want something quality. I will be living in it full time going to grad school in Florida. It is just me, not married and no kids.
What are the better built name brands?
I will most likely get rid of my 03 F350 4x4 DRW Diesel 6spd and get a Retired HDT. So I don't need to be talked to about weights. I'm a farm boy, 26 years old and have been pulling trailers and backing them since I was about 12.
My 5th wheel budget is $40k +- a few
I want something that I can pull out onto 100 acres and live in while I have the house built. So it needs to last 5-7 years min. What options should really be standard? I'm new at 5th wheels, just doing some research before I fork over $40k
Thanks
Dusty
25 REPLIES 25

HD_Hauler
Explorer
Explorer
I would recommend Holiday Rambler Presidential, Carriage, or Redwood, all quality units with excellent full time living conforts, oh yeah and the Montanna 3750Fl.
2000 Volvo 420, 370 ISM Cummins,
10 Speed, Single Axle
2001 5th Wheel HR Presidential SKT 36.5

okie_rver
Explorer
Explorer
just saying a lot of good montana's out there still on the road and good floor plans, plus a lot of people full timing in them thats what the op was wanting

Artemus_Gordon
Explorer
Explorer
jsr21 wrote:
Artemus Gordon wrote:
jsr21 wrote:
Artemus Gordon wrote:
Dustin_Tx wrote:
I'm looking at 5th wheels in the 36'-42' range. I have seen MANY different brands. I'm looking at 2010 or newer units.
I want something quality. I will be living in it full time going to grad school in Florida. It is just me, not married and no kids.
What are the better built name brands?
I will most likely get rid of my 03 F350 4x4 DRW Diesel 6spd and get a Retired HDT. So I don't need to be talked to about weights. I'm a farm boy, 26 years old and have been pulling trailers and backing them since I was about 12.
My 5th wheel budget is $40k +- a few
I want something that I can pull out onto 100 acres and live in while I have the house built. So it needs to last 5-7 years min. What options should really be standard? I'm new at 5th wheels, just doing some research before I fork over $40k
Thanks
Dusty




Seems like money is important, therefore make sure the brand you buy is still in business. Neer ever buy orphans! Many so called high end models were not selling for lots of reasons, inability to compete being main reason and therefore went bottoms up. Yet it must be said, they are at fires sale prices. Go look for yourself. As long as you realize they are trailers, not foundation models, you will see the differences in quality. Good hunting!


So your advice to him would be to pass on Carriage Cameos or Carrilites and to go ahead and buy a Montana cuz they're still in business? That's not very good advice.:h


Just stating the facts son! Funny, I, never mentioned Montana, you did. My position is I don't buy from companies out of business. Lots of reasons companies go broke. Bad construction, poor management, crappy product, or just trying to sell obsolete designs that are behind the times. To advise (as you did) anyone to buy "orphans is bad advice"! But hey, misery loves company! Did you read what it took the low bidder who bought the existing inventory from Carriage, just to make them suitable for sale! They are trailers for goodness sakes not "works of art"! The difference is "they just would not sell"! I know let's put blame where it belongs! The educated buyers perhaps, who leave past prejudices, misinformation, at home, and buy from innovative companies who are building quality products, at competitive pricing, who will be there to address issues as they occure!


I know you didn't mention Montana...but that's what you bought. I like Montanas, and I buy nice clean ones for my inventory.
What do you mean about the low bidder that bought the existing inventory? No one person bought the remaining inventory..a lot of the trailers were sold to individuals..and most of what was left were in various stages of completion. Of course it took time and effort to finish them.
Good used Carriage product brings big $$....I assure you I have a lot of experience in the market.

The OP was asking about used high end trailers in his price range...the
fact that a manufacturer is no longer around is a moot point on a 3-4 yr old used coach.


Not here to argue. Facts are facts, don't buy, invest in, purchase from businesses or their products when they go under! Banks wont even finance "out of business RVs" as a general rule. Now your statement about used Carriages bring big money, that's a joke. Carriages are on lots all over US with large discounts. You stated its all moot on 4 year old coaches? Product liability has a long, long tail and has nothing to do with warrantys etc. When a Carriage catches on fire (god forbid) because of poor workmanship, poor design, known deficiency, and kills everyone on board, your left with "no one" to go after. Banks know that, and so do smart consumers. Last I do own a "Montana" I don't live in it, I camp in it. It's well made and backed by solid company, meets my needs. I deeply love the Montana, enjoy it, been known to pet it on occasion! When the time comes I will buy another. Do I feel like a hiilbilly when a pretty "Carriage" parks next to me, "you bet I do" I seldom go outside for fear of making eye contact, laughing at my rig, or God forbid talking to them! For the record, I also like my Arnage, trouble is "it can't tow anything" and hard to pull behind the Montana just in case a judgmental "High ender" parks next to me! :W
2012 Montana 3750 Hickory Edition, 2013 Ford F450 Crew Cab 4x4 Platinum options

2012 3750 Montana

Generator Box

jsr21
Explorer
Explorer
Artemus Gordon wrote:
jsr21 wrote:
Artemus Gordon wrote:
Dustin_Tx wrote:
I'm looking at 5th wheels in the 36'-42' range. I have seen MANY different brands. I'm looking at 2010 or newer units.
I want something quality. I will be living in it full time going to grad school in Florida. It is just me, not married and no kids.
What are the better built name brands?
I will most likely get rid of my 03 F350 4x4 DRW Diesel 6spd and get a Retired HDT. So I don't need to be talked to about weights. I'm a farm boy, 26 years old and have been pulling trailers and backing them since I was about 12.
My 5th wheel budget is $40k +- a few
I want something that I can pull out onto 100 acres and live in while I have the house built. So it needs to last 5-7 years min. What options should really be standard? I'm new at 5th wheels, just doing some research before I fork over $40k
Thanks
Dusty




Seems like money is important, therefore make sure the brand you buy is still in business. Neer ever buy orphans! Many so called high end models were not selling for lots of reasons, inability to compete being main reason and therefore went bottoms up. Yet it must be said, they are at fires sale prices. Go look for yourself. As long as you realize they are trailers, not foundation models, you will see the differences in quality. Good hunting!


So your advice to him would be to pass on Carriage Cameos or Carrilites and to go ahead and buy a Montana cuz they're still in business? That's not very good advice.:h


Just stating the facts son! Funny, I, never mentioned Montana, you did. My position is I don't buy from companies out of business. Lots of reasons companies go broke. Bad construction, poor management, crappy product, or just trying to sell obsolete designs that are behind the times. To advise (as you did) anyone to buy "orphans is bad advice"! But hey, misery loves company! Did you read what it took the low bidder who bought the existing inventory from Carriage, just to make them suitable for sale! They are trailers for goodness sakes not "works of art"! The difference is "they just would not sell"! I know let's put blame where it belongs! The educated buyers perhaps, who leave past prejudices, misinformation, at home, and buy from innovative companies who are building quality products, at competitive pricing, who will be there to address issues as they occure!


I know you didn't mention Montana...but that's what you bought. I like Montanas, and I buy nice clean ones for my inventory.
What do you mean about the low bidder that bought the existing inventory? No one person bought the remaining inventory..a lot of the trailers were sold to individuals..and most of what was left were in various stages of completion. Of course it took time and effort to finish them.
Good used Carriage product brings big $$....I assure you I have a lot of experience in the market.

The OP was asking about used high end trailers in his price range...the
fact that a manufacturer is no longer around is a moot point on a 3-4 yr old used coach.

cabanaman
Explorer
Explorer
hone eagle wrote:
I would buy a 10 year old Teton before a new Montana
OUCH!!! Frankly a 10 year old teton is wood construction.I would want aluminum construction for sure.
Retired Navy
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab 6.7 cummins,6 speed auto,exhaust brake. Emissions removed.
2007 Open Road 378SA4S-5,equa-flex and morryde X factor,wet bolt kit,michelin ltx M/S 2 tires

Artemus_Gordon
Explorer
Explorer
jsr21 wrote:
Artemus Gordon wrote:
Dustin_Tx wrote:
I'm looking at 5th wheels in the 36'-42' range. I have seen MANY different brands. I'm looking at 2010 or newer units.
I want something quality. I will be living in it full time going to grad school in Florida. It is just me, not married and no kids.
What are the better built name brands?
I will most likely get rid of my 03 F350 4x4 DRW Diesel 6spd and get a Retired HDT. So I don't need to be talked to about weights. I'm a farm boy, 26 years old and have been pulling trailers and backing them since I was about 12.
My 5th wheel budget is $40k +- a few
I want something that I can pull out onto 100 acres and live in while I have the house built. So it needs to last 5-7 years min. What options should really be standard? I'm new at 5th wheels, just doing some research before I fork over $40k
Thanks
Dusty




Seems like money is important, therefore make sure the brand you buy is still in business. Neer ever buy orphans! Many so called high end models were not selling for lots of reasons, inability to compete being main reason and therefore went bottoms up. Yet it must be said, they are at fires sale prices. Go look for yourself. As long as you realize they are trailers, not foundation models, you will see the differences in quality. Good hunting!


So your advice to him would be to pass on Carriage Cameos or Carrilites and to go ahead and buy a Montana cuz they're still in business? That's not very good advice.:h


Just stating the facts son! Funny, I, never mentioned Montana, you did. My position is I don't buy from companies out of business. Lots of reasons companies go broke. Bad construction, poor management, crappy product, or just trying to sell obsolete designs that are behind the times. To advise (as you did) anyone to buy "orphans is bad advice"! But hey, misery loves company! Did you read what it took the low bidder who bought the existing inventory from Carriage, just to make them suitable for sale! They are trailers for goodness sakes not "works of art"! The difference is "they just would not sell"! I know let's put blame where it belongs! The educated buyers perhaps, who leave past prejudices, misinformation, at home, and buy from innovative companies who are building quality products, at competitive pricing, who will be there to address issues as they occure!
2012 Montana 3750 Hickory Edition, 2013 Ford F450 Crew Cab 4x4 Platinum options

2012 3750 Montana

Generator Box

hone_eagle
Explorer
Explorer
I would buy a 10 year old Teton before a new Montana
2005 Volvo 670 singled freedomline 12 speed
Newmar 34rsks 2008
Hensley trailersaver TSLB2H
directlink brake controller

-when overkill is cheaper-

jsr21
Explorer
Explorer
Artemus Gordon wrote:
Dustin_Tx wrote:
I'm looking at 5th wheels in the 36'-42' range. I have seen MANY different brands. I'm looking at 2010 or newer units.
I want something quality. I will be living in it full time going to grad school in Florida. It is just me, not married and no kids.
What are the better built name brands?
I will most likely get rid of my 03 F350 4x4 DRW Diesel 6spd and get a Retired HDT. So I don't need to be talked to about weights. I'm a farm boy, 26 years old and have been pulling trailers and backing them since I was about 12.
My 5th wheel budget is $40k +- a few
I want something that I can pull out onto 100 acres and live in while I have the house built. So it needs to last 5-7 years min. What options should really be standard? I'm new at 5th wheels, just doing some research before I fork over $40k
Thanks
Dusty


Seems like money is important, therefore make sure the brand you buy is still in business. Neer ever buy orphans! Many so called high end models were not selling for lots of reasons, inability to compete being main reason and therefore went bottoms up. Yet it must be said, they are at fires sale prices. Go look for yourself. As long as you realize they are trailers, not foundation models, you will see the differences in quality. Good hunting!


So your advice to him would be to pass on Carriage Cameos or Carrilites and to go ahead and buy a Montana cuz they're still in business? That's not very good advice.:h

cabanaman
Explorer
Explorer
Used carriages excels new horizons and open roads are quality.Ok I am biased on the open road but it has been a great fulltime home for 6 years.
Retired Navy
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab 6.7 cummins,6 speed auto,exhaust brake. Emissions removed.
2007 Open Road 378SA4S-5,equa-flex and morryde X factor,wet bolt kit,michelin ltx M/S 2 tires

hone_eagle
Explorer
Explorer
okie'rver wrote:
most everyone has forgotten to mention the top selling 5ver for the last 10 yrs. look into montana 5vers by keystone great quality and great floorplans in that length, and for the money.


The OP stated 'quality' and 'better built' not how many are out there,Montana is a nice unit but not what he is looking for.
2005 Volvo 670 singled freedomline 12 speed
Newmar 34rsks 2008
Hensley trailersaver TSLB2H
directlink brake controller

-when overkill is cheaper-

okie_rver
Explorer
Explorer
most everyone has forgotten to mention the top selling 5ver for the last 10 yrs. look into montana 5vers by keystone great quality and great floorplans in that length, and for the money.

PA12DRVR
Explorer
Explorer
Had good luck with a KZ Escalade 39something or other. Solidly built and nicelooking but not just cosmetics.

Ground clearance was less than some others, so it might not work for the field.
CRL
My RV is a 1946 PA-12
Back in the GWN

kennethwooster
Explorer
Explorer
I've had 6rvs in the past 10 years. Finally bought a Carriage Cameo and found the difference between middle of the road and quality. I do realize there are middle of the road units that are very good. I just happen not to own them. Fleetwood was just bad. I would look at Hithhicker, Excel, Mobile Suites, and anything Carriage. I can't comment on others. The ones I mentioned I own our good friends. Don't worry about whether they are still in business or not. Any good service man can repair what ever. I know a guy in Amarillo, that is not a dealer just a service dept. They work on anything, and when they finish they are fixed properly. Good luck. Make sure there are no water leaks.
kenneth wooster- retired farmer. Biblical History Teacher in public HS, and substitute teacher.
wife Diana-adult probation officer, now retired.
31KSLS Full Body paint Cameo
Ford F350 2014 DRW 4X4 King Ranch.
20K B&W Puck mount hitch

hone_eagle
Explorer
Explorer
If you are going to use a HDT, you may as well look at these

forks rv


The larger sizes have frames that weigh in at around 11,000 # so pretty well incomparable.The lowboy is particularly well suited to a tractor.
2005 Volvo 670 singled freedomline 12 speed
Newmar 34rsks 2008
Hensley trailersaver TSLB2H
directlink brake controller

-when overkill is cheaper-