Retiring 2015 - 5'er Advice/Experience Solicited

[dshizzel]

We're going to pull the trigger next year. We're paying off the S&B and keeping it as a home base. Will make 2-3 trips a year each with a 2-4 month duration.

We've had 2 5'ers and kinda know the ropes. First was a 27' Forest River WildWood - had lots of warranty problems with it. Put a bad taste in our mouths about FR, but I understand they're a different company than they were in the late 90's.

2nd was a 2001 31BWFS Sunnybrook which was trouble free and a joy to own.

Now, the truck is my domain, and I get complete control over that. But, the 5'er is DW's. I have veto power, but here's what we're looking at:

DW really wants a Big Country or Big Horn. Her main criteria are w/d prep, generally 4 seasons, fireplace (I know...), TV on opposite side as recliners (not in the back or front).

King bed is optional - we can do with queen or king. The trailer needs to be big enough to not get bad cabin fever if there's bad weather and we have 2 medium size dogs (60-70 lbs). I'd really like auto-level system, but I can live without it. So, we're probably looking at 38-40ft in length.

I like Heartland's all-in-one docking station for water, power, tanks, and cable/satellite.

I feel we will want to keep and use it a solid 10 years before we sell it and the S&B and settle in to a retirement community.

We intend to buy new and pay cash for both the TV and 5'er. Budget is right around $60k-65k for the 5'er.

Our so-far planned trips have us spanning the country at a leisurely pace and back home for about 1-2 months at a time for doctor visits and prescription refills and such.

So, with all that said, I'd like to hear from the community about whether the brand we're looking at is reliable and if the budget is realistic.

I know everyone is different and has different experience and needs. Thanks in advance for your contributions.

[skijlw]

TXiceman wrote:
38 to 40' 5er, you will need a 1 ton dually to handle the trailer within ratings for the truck...forget the SRW truck.

Other things to look for for a 4 season unit are:
Two A/C units, I like heat pumps on both and forget the useless fireplace.
Dual pane (Thermopane) windows.
Radiant barrier
MCD solar/blackout roller shades

Additionally, if you can get by with a queen bed, go that route. The king takes up too much floor space and many units can can barely walk around the king mattress. On the mattress, upgrade to a sleep number or a memory foam.

Get a 2" receiver hitch on the back for a bike rack.

I prefer a residential refrigerator with an inverter, larger batteries and a solar charger.

Get an air ride pin box.

DO NOT accept the Trailer Air Lippert suspension. It is worth the upgrade to get a Mor/Ryde IS (independent suspension) and disc brakes or at least over size drum brakes.

Upgrade the axles and wheels to 17.5" with H rated tires. Goodyear G114 is a good tire.

It is a good idea to get the generator prep package if you ever intend to use a generator.

You can also get a better and higher quality used trailer that is 2 to 4 years old for a lot better deal. This way you can step up and look at Mobil/Elite Suites (DRV), Excel, NuWa, etc.

Ken

I have to disagree with your statement that you need a dually to tow 38-40' RV. There are several fifth wheel trailers that fit in the weight range that can easily be towed with a SRW. The newer 5th wheels are getting lighter and the newer trucks towing capacities have increased dramatically the last few years.

[dshizzel]

Placed a deposit on a 2015 Open Range Roamer RF337RLS. Used our local dealership and we both are thrilled. We're under our budget, under towing limit, and good on hitch weight. This is the one with the kitchen island on casters so we can move it out of the way when not cooking, making more room in the living area. Time to change my sig, I guess.

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. Each and every one of you helped us make our decision, and we are grateful for this community!

[Racine96]

I am glad you are looking at Open Range. I suggest you look at Columbus by Palomino. They have all the features you are looking for 36RL. We have a 34 RK Columbus and love it.

[dshizzel]

Well, we're just about ready to pull the trigger. Zeroed in on the floorplan we want, and know the weight class, length, and have preferences regarding the 2nd A/C and W/D hookups, etc.

The posts about the Open Range Roamer have given me an alternative to the Grand Design 337RS. My local dealer carries both of those units and has the ones we'd consider in stock.

I like that the OR seems to have more 'good stuff' in its equipment list. MSRPs are about the same on both units, but the OR has 2nd A/C and auto-leveling as well as LED lighting. Oh, and the two year warranty -- that's probably worth something in terms of peace of mind. So, I guess that means that I'd likely need to pay much closer to MSRP in order to land that unit than I would the GD.

The weight class seems right for my TV, too. The OR I mentioned is a RF338RLS, 2014 model.

[dshizzel]

GoPackGo wrote:
Remember to subtract the weight of passengers and also the hitch (250 # ??) from the payload capacity, plus anything else you'll carry in the bed - such as maybe an auxiliary fuel tank (which I highly recommend), especially if your new truck will come with the small fuel tank (26 gallon ?) vs the larger one (35 gallon ?) .

And you'll want to base your pin weight on the GVWR of the 5th wheel (20%), not the empty weight.

Thanks, GPG -- good advice. I ordered the (long bed) 158" wheelbase Supercab which, acc'd to all the material I could find, comes with the 37.5gal tank, and I think that'll serve us ok.

The 99'Cummins QC had a 32 gallon tank, and it worked out fine for cross country trips without too daggone much stopping.

Additionally, I tend to travel with all water (fresh, grey, and black) tanks empty, so I think I'd be towing significantly less than the GVWR. Of course, the way DW loads the kitchen might be a whole nother story! :S

[GoPackGo]

You may not have to worry about the 5er tow limit, but it's the pin weight that can cause the most problems.

Remember to subtract the weight of passengers and also the hitch (250 # ??) from the payload capacity, plus anything else you'll carry in the bed - such as maybe an auxiliary fuel tank (which I highly recommend), especially if your new truck will come with the small fuel tank (26 gallon ?) vs the larger one (35 gallon ?) .



And you'll want to base your pin weight on the GVWR of the 5th wheel (20%), not the empty weight.

[Bamaman11]

PM sent to you.

[dshizzel]

RVcrazy wrote:
Buy from Kansas City RV (the former plant.). Great service department!

Can't seem to find that via Google -- have a link to their web page?

[dshizzel]

Update from OP:

Now that the truck is ordered, I have done a little more study on what I can handle regards trailer weight, pin weight, as advised.

Payload max on that truck is 3,770 including passengers. 5'er towing limit is 16,200. I note that the Excel/Peterson's are quite heavy, so they're out.

I started looking at the Grand Design Reflections, and their specifications are well within my specs and, equally important, have the amenities that DW wants. Also, equally important, is their price range and available options.

Others have commented favorably on Grand Designs, so I feel like I'm really zeroing in.

I want to, again, thank everyone for their thoughtful guidance, and I continue to solicit more.

[Duck]

dshizzel wrote:
Update from OP:

Zeroing in on Excel, Nu Wa, and DRV -- Planning to find a trade-in < 4 year old. I think Peterson Excel is kinda outta business, so really, that leaves Nu Wa and DRV. Our thinking now is to go with an already depreciated top of the line.

In another thread, I just posted that we'd ordered an F-350 Super Duty, SRW,2WD SuperCab w/Diesel. It should handle the weight class we're looking at quite nicely.

Double check the pin weights that you are looking at. I have had F350 SRW SB CC pickups for several years. Most of them that ,in my opinion, will have too much pin weight for those makes. Smart move to buy a used one in good condition. Once you spend traveling with one you will always find something that you wish you had or didn't have. After a couple of years you can order a new one just like you want it. JMO.
Don

[goducks10]

Coach-man wrote:
I will add my $0.02 worth. First, as you know the floor plan is everything! That being said I encourage you to check out Grand Design and their Solitude model. I purchased mine in September and could not be more pleased. I have read on this and other forums those who have had problems were quickly delt with by the manufacturer, and all that I have read about were pleased with both the response as well as the fix!

Good points. Grand Design reads the forum and has a rep or two IIRC that will intervene to help expedite issues. The manufacture that built my SOB doesn't even read the forum. Lots if minor gripes that could make a better product. GD listens and that's why they're selling like hotcakes.

GD is on our short list for our next 5er.

[Coach-man]

I will add my $0.02 worth. First, as you know the floor plan is everything! That being said I encourage you to check out Grand Design and their Solitude model. I purchased mine in September and could not be more pleased. I have read on this and other forums those who have had problems were quickly delt with by the manufacturer, and all that I have read about were pleased with both the response as well as the fix!

[MNRon]

Ditto on the positive comments about RV Center in Chanute KS!

[TXiceman]

I cannot speak highly enough for the sales and service at Kansas RV center. They treat everyone fantastically. It is well worth the trip to Chanute, KS for a great RV and great service.

Ken