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Need 24-36 5th wheels a year-New or quality used...

Coloradopaul
Explorer
Explorer
I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I am going to have an on-going need for 5th wheels for corporate housing and don't quite know where to start. I'm probably looking at 24-36 a year to start. Am thinking new or really good used. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Colorado Paul
12 REPLIES 12

rjstractor
Nomad
Nomad
RVs are really not designed for longer term living like you described, although some do live in them. Manufactured housing might be a better option, a basic single wide like this costs about the same as a basic 5th wheel RV, has twice the square footage, and meets residential energy codes (easier to heat and cool). Moving and setup costs would be higher, of course. For this many units on a site, you're looking at significant costs for installation of utilities, etc.
2017 VW Golf Alltrack
2000 Ford F250 7.3

jffnkrn
Explorer
Explorer
oops destination trailers is what you might check out

jffnkrn
Explorer
Explorer
you might check into some of the "extendd stay" type as they appear to be a longer stay option with plenty of interior space. or like said, small park models would work too. you just have to figure out when and where you will be moving them too and consider that cost as well.

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
Coloradopaul wrote:
These units would be used as employee housing for 6-12 months then they would be re-rented.

It does not have to be a 5th wheel but it needs to be nice, quality, housing. These are professionals and am looking for 2 private bedrooms for each unit.

They will be stationary for 6-12 months but the possibility of moving them to a new location for another 6-12 months is possible for sure.

The initial purchase would be for 6 units month 1, 6 units month 2, then 1-2 units.

We would want the gray and black tanks to continuously drain if possible.

Who are a few of the major manufacturers if someone has that answer.


You'd be best off with park models, if you want 2 private bedrooms and/or bathrooms. With holding tanks, you simply can NOT have them drain all the time. You need the water in them to float what they can then give the needed volume to drain the solids. Better off to use residential toilets and either septic systems or in-ground holding tanks that are pumped out when needed. Grey water tanks aren't quite that problematic, but food can still get trapped in them leading to problems and smell. Again, residential plubming for the entire system would be simpler and easier to handle. At least IMO...

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
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2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
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opnspaces
Navigator II
Navigator II
I just read the Wiki on FEMA trailers. Back in the early 2,000's where were issues with high formaldehyde content off gassing from the construction materials. But they did list manufacturers that built the trailers. Gulf Stream Coach Inc., Forest River Inc., Vanguard LLC and Monaco Coach Corp

With two bedrooms you're probably talking custom design which the manufacturers may or may not work with you on. Maybe try a search for Travel Trailer manufacturers and see what they have on their web pages.
.
2001 Suburban 4x4. 6.0L, 4.10 3/4 ton **** 2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH **** 1986 Coleman Columbia Popup

valhalla360
Nomad III
Nomad III
So basically 1 unit per month somewhat front loaded. I'd go talk to some dealers, give them the specs and have them put in bids.

Or at that rate, buying used is an option if you can find them but you need someone knowledgeable to check for problems before buying.

2 bedroom units will be big and pricey. You will also need ongoing maintenance. If the dealer is nearby, you might sweeten the deal if they also have a maintenance contract to do repairs, reseal and winterize.

Full hookups are good but leaving the tanks open is bad. Either you need to train the residents or look into park models that have no tanks. The downside is you must have sewer hookups and most aren't very mobile.

You are talking a million dollar deal with ongoing costs, might be worth hiring a mobile rv tech to act as your representative and inspector...don't expect new units to be trouble free.
Tammy & Mike
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Coloradopaul
Explorer
Explorer
These units would be used as employee housing for 6-12 months then they would be re-rented.

It does not have to be a 5th wheel but it needs to be nice, quality, housing. These are professionals and am looking for 2 private bedrooms for each unit.

They will be stationary for 6-12 months but the possibility of moving them to a new location for another 6-12 months is possible for sure.

The initial purchase would be for 6 units month 1, 6 units month 2, then 1-2 units.

We would want the gray and black tanks to continuously drain if possible.

Who are a few of the major manufacturers if someone has that answer.

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
All good answers, Paul. Also, I'd look into park models, as well. Contact some manufacturers and see what they can do for more basic models, maybe without some of the automation stuff. Might have to hit up the used market for that many at one time while you get online with a mfr to build newer stuff. Hell, if you need some =big= stuff, look into what the carnies use; big 40+ footers, built cheap, with lots of beds.

Now, if you're looking at rigs for rural or back-country use, I'm thinking mining, oil, forestry, wind farms, etc., then you'd want to tailor the size for what access you might have and more smaller rigs might be better.

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member

opnspaces
Navigator II
Navigator II
Hi Paul welcome to the forum. can you give us a bit more information of the needs so we can hopefully provide better advice?

For instance. Does it have to be a 5th wheel or can it be a travel trailer or a mobile housing unit?

Are you saying you are envisioning needing to purchase 25-36 units every year?

Are these units going to be mostly stationary or are the users going to be moving them from time to time.

Based on what you have provided I would reach out to some of the major manufacturers, describe what you need and see what they can do to help. Most of the big manufacturers have in the past provided FEMA trailers to municipalities to house people after major disasters. These trailers typically are towed on site and hooked up to municipal services for water and power Have a household refrigerator and have a regular flush toilet.

Whereas a standard RV, travel trailer or 5th wheel have special toilets that flush into a holding tank where the sewage sits until the tank is full. Then somebody has to manually do something to get rid of the waste.
.
2001 Suburban 4x4. 6.0L, 4.10 3/4 ton **** 2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH **** 1986 Coleman Columbia Popup

Second_Chance
Explorer II
Explorer II
First off, I would ask where you plan to use them. Many counties across the country have codes that prohibit use of RVs for permanent/stationary housing.

Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
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bobsallyh
Explorer II
Explorer II
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TenOC
Nomad
Nomad
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