Will it be difficult to find a reliable 5er on a 20K budget

[GBEngineer]

I owned a 5er several years ago but sold it due to a move. I am interested in getting another one. I still have my tow vehicle, 2004 Silverado 3500 diesel, that I plan to use. I can afford to spend around 20K. I would like something in the 27-32 foot range. I don't need something really nice but want something as reliable as I can get.

I would appreciate any advice on what brands or models have a good reputation for being reliable in my price range. I would also be like to hear from others that have searched for a purchased a used 5er, how was your experience and any advice you can offer.

Thanks for any help.

[hornet28]

Three years ago I bought an 02 Cross Roads 5er and I checked that everything worked before buying. We put 7500 mi on it in one trip to the PNW and it performed flawlessly. But I also did pre trip preventive maintenance, brakes, bearings, shocks and tires. We sold it and upgraded in size to an 05 Mountaineer. Notice I said I did the maintenance not a shop so the cost was much less than if you're needing a shop to do those things.
There are nice older units out there at decent prices, you just need to be patient and stay away from dealers. I've found that some like to tack $1000 to the sale price of used units for clean up. I've never bought an RV from a dealer always private individuals. Some will scoff at the following but my RV purchases have all been under $9,000 each. That's including a truck camper, TT, and 2 5er's.
In 60 years of driving I've bought less than a dozen vehicles bought from dealerships I hate paying inflated prices

[Retired_JSO]

Dave H M wrote:
Heck yeah, I think the $5 gas that is coming will change the market.

$5 a gallon diesel, actually $5.15 in New York back in 2008 didn’t slow us down and the roads were full of RV’s.

[MarkTwain]

GBEngineer wrote:
I owned a 5er several years ago but sold it due to a move. I am interested in getting another one. I still have my tow vehicle, 2004 Silverado 3500 diesel, that I plan to use. I can afford to spend around 20K. I would like something in the 27-32 foot range. I don't need something really nice but want something as reliable as I can get.

I would appreciate any advice on what brands or models have a good reputation for being reliable in my price range. I would also be like to hear from others that have searched for a purchased a used 5er, how was your experience and any advice you can offer.

Thanks for any help.

Which ever 5th wheel you are looking at buying take it to a Good RV shop to have it completely checked out to make sure you know all the systems are working and if any repairs are needed. $200 to $300 could be well worth it. It will also give some peace of mind.

[work2much]

Dave H M wrote:
Heck yeah, I think the $5 gas that is coming will change the market.

Actually as a full timer I would be ok with that trade-off. Trying to book popular parks now exactly 6 months in advance and having to take a shot at exactly 8am and having everything fill immediately as a bunch of us are competing for those few available spots and not getting them is getting old.

[TXiceman]

As noted, look at the older higher end 5ers. The new ones are junk compared to the older ones.

Ken

[ACZL]

Dave H M wrote:
Heck yeah, I think the $5 gas that is coming will change the market.

Heard a 1 line headline on Fox Biz Channel yesterday that oil "could " reach $100.00/barrel.

[FlatBroke]

Dave H M wrote:
Heck yeah, I think the $5 gas that is coming will change the market.

X2!

[Veebyes]

Lots of older high end 5ers to choose from. Alpenlite, Carriage, Nu Wa, Mobile Suite for starters.

[Dave_H_M]

Heck yeah, I think the $5 gas that is coming will change the market.

[TenOC]

BB_TX wrote:
Lots of older 5ers are still in great condition. Just a matter of finding one and carefully inspecting it.

I agree. Remember that water leaks are the death of 5ers. However, a lot of people purchased RV to camp the summer of 2020 due to the Covid so the 2020 market for RVs was very HOT in 2020. In a few years when non-RV travel is back to normal one may not be able to give away a used RV as the 2020 RVers get rid of no longer needed RVs

[BB_TX]

Lots of older 5ers are still in great condition. Just a matter of finding one and carefully inspecting it. I have a 2007 34’ Montana that is lightly used for its age and in very good condition. Someone will get a very good trailer a few thousand below $20k when I get ready to sell. Which may be in the near future since our travel has been severely curtailed by other factors.