Switching from diesel pusher to fifth-wheel?

[TransFueler]

We're changing from several years of owning diesel pusher motorhomes to a fifth-wheel. This will likely only be for about a year. Building a new home, and planning on living on site.

Up until now, we've primarily used the motorhomes for towing our vintage race cars to tracks here in California. Typically a Thursday to Sunday trip. No real long journeys, no plans for that either.

So we're pretty familiar with the systems, etc. Any brands that seem to be better in four season use? Our property is in the Seattle region, and it does get a bit cool & wet there at times. Any preferred floorplans that are well suited to full-time living?

I'm thinking of something 36-40' range, used, 2004-2010. Considering we'll sell it after a year, not planning on spending much, say around $20k.

[TransFueler]

Saw an ad for a nice looking Glendale Titanium 39'. A little different concept than most other fifth wheels. Canadian built, so I would think they should be decent in cold weather? Anyone with experience with one of these?

[GON2SKI]

Might look at Northwood AF's also….

[Veebyes]

TransFueler wrote:
Thanks for the ideas. Already sold our D/P, as we were only using it a few times a year. Have a Chevy 2500HD pickup that we use to tow a race trailer. It would be fine for whatever fifth-wheel we choose, considering it's going to tow it to the property and not much else. Will look for the indicated brands...

In that case check on some of the better than average builders listed above. That way you have something decent to continue RVing with.

[TransFueler]

Thanks for the ideas. Already sold our D/P, as we were only using it a few times a year. Have a Chevy 2500HD pickup that we use to tow a race trailer. It would be fine for whatever fifth-wheel we choose, considering it's going to tow it to the property and not much else. Will look for the indicated brands...

[Veebyes]

My question is why? Why take a loss on selling what you have, buying something else, take a loss on selling that after only a year, then maybe, maybe not buy something else?

Make do with what you have then either sell it or keep it.

Course, if money is no problem, go for whatever you want to do.

[kennethwooster]

I would suggest a Carriage. Excellent 4 season unit.

[Me_Again]

Or an old Travel Supreme!

Or purchase a park model bumper pull, there is a market for resell to a couple of the large RV ownership parks like Lake Connor Park North of Seattle and the one in Olympia. Chris

[phillyg]

NuWa, Teton and Newmar come to mind.

[RustyJC]

Golden_HVAC wrote:
I have friends with a Cedar Creek, and they really like it. You might also consider Tetons, Montana, and if you can find a Glendale RV Titanium, it would also be a good pick.

With all respect, other than the Teton, these really aren't in the same league as a DRV in terms of being a true 4-season 5th wheel.

Rusty

[Golden_HVAC]

I have friends with a Cedar Creek, and they really like it. You might also consider Tetons, Montana, and if you can find a Glendale RV Titanium, it would also be a good pick.

What truck do you plan on using?

It would seem much easier to just park your DP on the property, and put in fuel stabilizer, and use it.

You could also have the truck owner who is selling it deliver it to your property, or have a delivery company do it, saves a ton of money on buying a special truck able to move a 15,000 - 18,000 fifth wheel one time for one year.

You might even consider a construction trailer, or a larger single wide used mobile home for that matter. Check with your local zoning officials, and they might permit the trailer for construction duration, not to exceed say 15 months? This might be well under your $20,000 budget, and also hold up well in resale, as it has already depreciated as much as it will. ..

Are you considering a barn or large garage? It might be possible to design a larger barn, or say a 6 car garage, build that first, with a bathroom inside, outfit that for living space for the duration of the build, then remove the interior walls (except the bathroom) to make your garage when you are done. You could set it up with a RV dock, sewer and water fill connections as well.

GOod luck,

Fred.

[greende]

colliehauler wrote:
I would look for a used DRV with the thicker walls, more insulation.

I agree, if you're only going to keep it a year, an older DRV would still be a great 5er and give you the four season living.

[colliehauler]

I would look for a used DRV with the thicker walls, more insulation.