seeking advice/opinions for next 5r

[lilcountry]

We currently have a 1995 31.5' Hitchhiker II. We pull it to a local lake about twice a year, and stay for a couple weeks. I will be retiring in about a year and we want to travel more. I'm looking to upgrade to something shorter and lighter. I'm sure in 20 years there are many new features and floor plans to consider.I know we want a slide on the bedroom and I want at least 16" tires (the 15's on our current one barely handle the weight). Weight is a consideration as our TV is a 2011 Chevy 2500 6.0. I would appreciate any floor plan/feature suggestions, and any models to consider or avoid. I have a year to research, and I want to find a quality unit that meets our needs. I probably won't buy new - maybe something a couple years old. With all the experience on here, I'm sure I can find a good starting place. Thanks.

[lilcountry]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

lilcountry wrote:


I probably won't buy new - maybe something a couple years old.

With all the experience on here, I'm sure I can find a good starting place. Thanks.

The "good starting place" - is up to you....to get out and "do"!..;)

Some of the posters are suggesting a specific brand or model.

IMO - When purchasing a used 5th wheel - *every* brand should be on "the table" a a potential choice!

Only caveat would be something obviously too heavy for your TV.

Since you have time on your side - start looking at 5ths you see advertised....now!

*If* you like what you see/find, and it looks good for your needs - then research the brand on the many RV forums (besides this one) for pros and cons.

If there's an owner's club - see what owners are saying and problems they might be having, how resolved, etc.

~

That's good advice. I plan to get out and look. However, there may be some brands that local dealers or the soon to arrive RV show do not have. I will travel to look at brands that interest me if I can't find them locally. I just wanted to get some opinions from folks that have used different brands/features. There is a lot of difference in looking at one and using it. Some features may look good, but actually be worthless or have a reputation for failure. I'm not sure every brand should "be on the table". I'm sure, just like any market, there are brands that have a reputation for poor quality - I want to be able to avoid those and not waste time looking at them. I will continue to research online as well.
I did some research before I bought my first 5r, but after owning it a while, I know of several features I would change. (For example, the floor is not level with the slide-out - an inconvenience when trying to set up a table in the middle. Also, I now know it is almost impossible to find 15" tires that will handle the load - and this trailer doesn't have the clearance for larger tires. Now I know I want an outside shower, etc) These things I learned from experience, and I hope to learn from others' experiences. It will save me time - and I might learn something I wouldn't think of on my own.
Thanks for the advice.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

lilcountry wrote:


I probably won't buy new - maybe something a couple years old.

With all the experience on here, I'm sure I can find a good starting place. Thanks.

The "good starting place" - is up to you....to get out and "do"!..;)

Some of the posters are suggesting a specific brand or model.

IMO - When purchasing a used 5th wheel - *every* brand should be on "the table" a a potential choice!

Only caveat would be something obviously too heavy for your TV.

Since you have time on your side - start looking at 5ths you see advertised....now!

*If* you like what you see/find, and it looks good for your needs - then research the brand on the many RV forums (besides this one) for pros and cons.

If there's an owner's club - see what owners are saying and problems they might be having, how resolved, etc.

~

[lilcountry]

hbillsmith wrote:
Take a look at the Crossroads Cruiser Aire CAF29RS

That's a good looking trailer.

[2oldman]

For traveling a lot, you want heavier, not lighter, so the road doesn't beat it up.

[lilcountry]

GypsiesAtHeart2016 wrote:
We're going soon to check out the Open Range Light LF297RLS for our first 5th wheel. Here's a link to their Light floor plans.

http://www.openrangerv.com/light/fifth-wheel-floorplans.php

It's interesting you should say that. On our last trip to the lake, I had to replace my refrigerator control module. While at a dealership we looked at the trailers on the lot. Our favorite was 2011 Open Range 280 RLS. Very similar, but I like that 297 floor plan better.

[lilcountry]

the bear II wrote:
Whatever you get be sure to get it with auto levelers. I don't know about you but as I get older I'm looking for ways to reduce the amount of physical work I have to do to set up or break down camp.

Also the black and grey valves easy to get to or automatic.

That's good advice. I really hadn't thought of it, but our grey valve is in an awkward spot.

[lilcountry]

rhagfo wrote:
You may be able to stay at your current size and reduce weight, many new fivers are getting a bit lighter.
Everything else is personal choice. We like the large kitchen in our rear kitchen unit.

I thought the same thing about weight. Surely they are getting lighter. I currently think I want to go with more slides rather than length, but that could change. Currently we have one slide, and I think I want to look for 3 slides.
The rear of my trailer seems to bounce around a lot. I've always thought a rear kitchen might result in food and dishes knocked around. Do you have any problem with that?

[Neal47]

Use the internet to look at different floor plans, etc. That's what we did for over 6 months. Do this to make a short list of one's you like and then start calling dealers or going to RV shows to make your final decision. Good luck on your search.

[GypsiesAtHeart2]

We're going soon to check out the Open Range Light LF297RLS for our first 5th wheel. Here's a link to their Light floor plans.

http://www.openrangerv.com/light/fifth-wheel-floorplans.php

[hbillsmith]

Take a look at the Crossroads Cruiser Aire CAF29RS

[the_bear_II]

Whatever you get be sure to get it with auto levelers. I don't know about you but as I get older I'm looking for ways to reduce the amount of physical work I have to do to set up or break down camp.

Also the black and grey valves easy to get to or automatic.

[rhagfo]

You may be able to stay at your current size and reduce weight, many new fivers are getting a bit lighter.
Everything else is personal choice. We like the large kitchen in our rear kitchen unit.