New 5th Wheel to live in for 9 months in IL

[Big_Jake_69]

I been looking at travel trailer and 5th wheels to live in for 9 months while I go to school. So far only 5th wheels have what I been looking for, since the first travel trailer of choice was sold before I could put a hold payment on it. Anyway, I have narrowed the field down to 3-5th wheels. (I have a 2015 2500 Dodge Ram with the 6.7 Cummins engine to pull the trailer.) I will be going to school for Gunsmithing and will need room to put a gun safe in the trailer and wanted an outdoor kitchen. So any thought on these three trailers below? Any problems or issues with them?

The 3 trailers in order:
2015 Keystone Sprinter 324FWBHS
2015/6 Jayco Eagle 325BHQS hi
2015 Wildcat 312BHX

Also I am dealing with the Camping World in Chattooga TN: any issue with them?

[JIMNLIN]

Before moving a heavy gun safe into any trailer I would first check with the trailer manufacture for their input on where to put it.
Door openings can be a issue depending on the size of the safe.

[Big_Jake_69]

Wadcutter, there is a park called MT CarMerril,
a small 9 trailer park. Full service.

[Big_Jake_69]

Thanks Ken, I check your list out. I have not set my mind on anyone trailer. I just a idea of a floorplan. Stayng the winter in Your list should give me a better idea of four season trailers.

[TXiceman]

Lots of manufacturers stick on a cool name like Arctic Pak, add tank heaters, etc and claim it is 4 season. A 4 season trailer will have dual pane windows, extra insulation, heated basement and these trailers are heavier than the ones you listed.

Excel was one manufacturer that had a -10 degF temperature guarantee. Other true 4 season trailers are/were,
Carriage
Mobile Suites
NuWa HitchHiker
Teton
Moubtain Air

A few wanta-be units are
Cedar Creek
Landmark and Big Horn
Cardinal

Our Hitch Hiker Champagne is well built and insulated and I would not spend the winter where you plan.

Ken

[Wadcutter]

Where to park a 5er around Mt Carmel during the winter? Is there any full hook up campground open year round?
Some people have to learn their experience first hand instead of believing others.

[Big_Jake_69]

Thanks Ken but what is your basis for your statement all 3 are sold as 4 season trailers? What is your definition of a 4 season trailer? I look at the Arctic Fox line, so far there are none with a floor plan that supports my needs.

[TXiceman]

Avoid Camping World. Next, none of the trailers you listed are suitable for winter living in IL.

You need to rethink this whole thing and look at true 4 season trailers.

Ken

[Big_Jake_69]

Thanks Black Gold, I will send you a note in a few days.

[Black_Gold]

Jake, I live 15 miles from Mt. Carmel. Feel free to pm me with any questions or concerns.

Regards

[Big_Jake_69]

Thanks Tim

[GoPackGo]

I fulltime so local service is not a consideration. Kinda like your situation. I bought my Heartland Bighorn from Holman's (right outside Cincinatti) even though it was 1000 miles away from where I lived in Florida, because I could save some big bucks. You might consider at least getting a quote from them if you go new. They carry many brands.

Why Bighorn ? - because it is full time rated and also 4 season rated. Having said that, I know there are no standards as to what that means and I know there will be some posts following mine debunking those terms. I don't totally disagree but I do believe my rig does well in both hot and cold weather.

I also am in the camp that thinks you will have absolutely no fun in one of these things in winter. They weren't built for it. You will burn propane and use electricity at a high rate. And fight to keep your water line from freezing. But you are south of the St. Louis latitude and that's a good thing. I grew up a couple hundred miles north so I know a little about the area in general.

Also consider an Arctic Fox if you come across one.

Tim

[earlvillestu]

http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/mount-carmel/illinois/united-states/usil0807

[Big_Jake_69]

Thanks...Arctic Fox. I will look at that. No kids in the bunk house will be a walk in closet. Yes I am moving away from CW.

[cekkk]

I can't comment on the other two fivers but our Eagle is four years old and we've had no problems worth mentioning. We live at high altitude and have had occasion to spend nights when temps were in the teens. Used a lot of propane and got by. But I disconnected the fresh water hose and drained it so it wouldn't freeze. Not sure I'd be interested in living that way for several days, forget all winter. But if you're going ahead, look at Arctic Fox. Two good things will happen. You won't buy from a CW dealer you say you've already had problems with, and you'll get the closest thing to a real four seasons camper, if we can believe reviews. I see too that you're looking at bunk house campers. Tell me you're leaving the kids at the real home!