"Lite" 5th wheel models

[batavia02]

Just wanted to put this out there what is the thought about lite models such as flagstaff,rock wood and others in term of quality and overall durability just to be curious

[wing_zealot]

mileshuff wrote:

wing_zealot wrote:
Aluminum frame construction is lighter then wood frame construction and just as durable. Laminated fiberglass is lighter then aluminum sided and just as durable.

A high end RV made for full timing is considerably heavier and often worth it. Thicker walls and better insulation, heated under carriage, more room in full profile bedrooms, heavier cabinetry so door latches, rails and screws don't come loose from lighter soft woods.

Saying a lite 5'er can do just as well full time on the road as a heavier trailer and last just as well is not always correct. That said, a quality lite trailer can be well built and do just fine for most RV'ers.

I could be wrong but I though we were comparing apples to apples, not apples and oranges.

[mileshuff]

wing_zealot wrote:
Aluminum frame construction is lighter then wood frame construction and just as durable. Laminated fiberglass is lighter then aluminum sided and just as durable.

A high end RV made for full timing is considerably heavier and often worth it. Thicker walls and better insulation, heated under carriage, more room in full profile bedrooms, heavier cabinetry so door latches, rails and screws don't come loose from lighter soft woods.

Saying a lite 5'er can do just as well full time on the road as a heavier trailer and last just as well is not always correct. That said, a quality lite trailer can be well built and do just fine for most RV'ers.

[wing_zealot]

Aluminum frame construction is lighter then wood frame construction and just as durable. Laminated fiberglass is lighter then aluminum sided and just as durable. Why do you think they make airplanes out of aluminum? Heavier is better = BS. To many variables.

[mtofell1]

The brands mentioned have their place in the market. They are "light" weight wise and "light" usage is intended. I'm busy with kids, school, sports and work, and only use my 5th wheel 20 or so nights a year. For me that's fine. Someday when the kids are grown and I'm out a lot more often I know I'll need to step up to a more quality unit.

RVs at any price point are a roll of the dice and any manufacturer can turn out a good or bad unit. I've been pretty lucky with mine (Keystone Hideout) but definitely have realistic expectations.

A lot just depends on how much and how often you intend to use it, and how hard you are on it.

[alaska511]

Nevadastars wrote:
es.

One thing for sure, I would not want to tow it with a 1/2 ton. At least not one with stock suspension. I think it lists around 8700 unloaded close to 11k loaded.

Yeah, I chuckle over that sticker on ours, too. If you buy every option, ours weighs 11K and change. Thank God they put enough tire on it, as it weighed over 14K on the first trip, with a 1700 pound pin.

Just back your half ton up, boys. She is in the driveway.

[goducks10]

Ours is what you'd call a 'Lite' 5th wheel. 7315 lbs dry, 1385 lbs for dry pin.
All loaded we're at 9000 lbs and 1800 lbs on the pin. Could you tow it with a 1/2 ton? Yes I've seen several doing it. On a recent trip we returned home with a full grey, almost full black and mostly full fresh tanks. Oregon has truck scales open 24/7 so we saw one not being uses and dropped in for a quick weigh. My pin was 2200 lbs. Not in the 'Lite' category anymore.
I've also got 4315 lbs for CCC. Doubt you'll find that in any other 28' 5th wheel.
Most 1/2 ton 'Lites' that I look at have something that makes them lite. Most don't have much CCC.
After reading all the 'Lite' threads it seems as though many that own 'Lites' are not having issues because of the lighter weight. Apples to apples they should do just fine being towed all over.
Whats the difference between having a heavy 5er and stiffer suspension than a light 5er having softer suspension? Nothing really.

There's a thread on here right now about a new Montana having frame issues. Montana would be considered a semi to full time 5th wheel by many. Drive thru any RV park and you can a Montana or two where someones on the road for extended periods.
There's also a guy on here that owns a 'Lite Flagstaff or Rockwood (can't remember which) and has had zero issues towing all over the country.
Go figure.

[korbe]

Ours is considered light at 5700 lbs dry and uses aluminum studs and joists. Haven't noticed any cheapness yet.

[alexleblanc]

Mine is marketed as a 1/2 ton towable but looking at it, the only thing that makes it lighter in construction than the big units is the mid profile, heck it's 8500lbs dry for only 30-31' long.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Although out of business now, Alpenlite 5th wheels were anything but light!
Quality 5th = yes
Light = NO

Base your choice on real weight and construction - not the name.

~

[Earl_E]

Personally, I would pretty much ignore the word "light" and look at weights in the type and size I want. As is pretty clear already, that Open Range is as heavy as our Arctic Fox was and people consider that a heavy fiver. Light is a marketing tool and means little.

[Nevadastars]

We just picked up a Forest River Wildcat Maxx that is one in their "1/2 ton series". Seems to be pretty well built compared to others in it's price range. Nothing really jumps out as cheap except the furniture which we are eventually going to replace. I nearly bought an Open Range Light. Really nice unit, but didn't care for the cable operated slides.

One thing for sure, I would not want to tow it with a 1/2 ton. At least not one with stock suspension. I think it lists around 8700 unloaded close to 11k loaded.

[Twain]

I'll let you know in a couple of years, just got it last summer. It's 9,300 lbs dry, and about 11,000 rolling so not sure if its really light like the exterior claims.

Couple of design features that make a bit different. Claims it can be towed by a 5.5ft bed and it's pin is offset by a foot and the front cap has deep scallops on the sides. I hope to use this to allow roof top boats to sit further back over the bed. The dry pin weight is 16% and I'd like for it to be more with a dually, but its not a big deal.

[mileshuff]

Most Lite 5'ers we looked at seemed cheap and flimsy inside and out. We went with the Winnebago Lite Five (now Voyage Lite). Slightly heavier than other Lites in same length but so much nicer. Sturdy cabinetry inside, nicer gel coat exterior, and numerous features more common on heavier more expensive models. Three years and dozens of trips, 1000's of miles towed and no issues.

[Allworth]

Quality, durable materials tend to be heavy.

To reduce weight; you have to skimp on something.