overwhelmed newbie

[shotz]

our family has decided to buy an rv after many trips with friends. we really enjoy the lifestyle. right now we are looking for a TT, but preferably a fifth wheel.

there are so many mfgs, models. is there any advice anyone can shed on which mfgs to stay away from due to poor construction, etc. which mfgs are reputable.

we were looking in the range of 30K-50K, preferably 34-36ft

thanks for any advice you can give me. i know i have a lot of homework to do.

[ncrowley]

I had an Evergreen Everlite and I thought is was a quality made trailer. They also make fifth wheels.

[mileshuff]

Veebyes wrote:
Biggest piece of advice ... Buy your second RV, first! :-

Take that one a step further & buy your last RV first.

Not sure that works for most! When I was young a tent and gear piled in truck was perfect. We could camp where few trailers could get too.

Then we moved up to a tent trailer. It limited where we could go somewhat but offered better living conditions especially in inclement weather.

Next we moved to a larger tent trailer with shower. Again, limiting where we could go which was fine, we were getting too old for the rough stuff!

Then we moved to a Hybrid TT. Much of the comforts of larger trailers but light enough to be pulled by a smaller vehicle.

Last year we decided we had outgrown the hybrid TT and moved to a fifth wheel. This will probably be our trailer for quite a number of years. Perhaps we'll upgrade larger if and when we are ready to move to full timing. I don't think our current 5th wheel would have met our needs when we were tent camping or even popups.

[wa8yxm]

The best advice I can give you is this... Whatever you plan on towing it with, Find out how much it can tow (Will be in owner's manual) and multiply by 3/4 (75%) for safety.

DO NOT ASK THE SALESMAN "Can my truck tow this" because his answer will be YES.

Of course if you really do not want to have to ask... http://www.trail-hauler.com

Folks who show there, do not ask

[Roy_Lynne]

Can't give you any advise on 5th or TTs but we bought our first and last Class A about 10 years ago and after a 6 week trip, we found there was just stuff we didn't like and bought our second and last Class C You guessed it, we are now looking for our 3rd and last Class B.
Don't buy new, look for gently owned. Talk to your friends with the TT and others who own and ask what they like and don't like. The size of your family, the kind of camping that you want to do,( boondocking vs resorts) are you going to winter camp or camp in the desert in the summer.
Welcome to our world

[Veebyes]

Biggest piece of advice ... Buy your second RV, first! :-

Take that one a step further & buy your last RV first.

Really do the research for needs & wants & don't be swayed by the fluffy stuff. Junk will cost more in the long run than quality so might as well spend the extra on quality right off the top.

[ScottG]

Make a list of must haves - for instance we wanted a walk around bed.
Go to a RV show to see lots of rigs at once.
Buy a used RV. The vast majority of people don't keep their first RV very long because they figure out what they really want while they're using it.
Don't buy anything that has signs of past leaks. It just not worth it and there are plenty of nicer used RV's out there.

[johnnylawless]

That's a pretty big jump. I just bought my 1st a month ago, a 15' (19' bumper to tongue). The layout comfortably sleeps the wife and I, plus the 3 kids (all under 5).

I have very limited towing experience, and that was the most I confidently wanted to pull, but every large one I looked at (25+) didn't really offer add'l sleeping capacity or common area.

We've only been camping locally twice with it and mostly only stayed in it to sleep and prepare food.

Just sayin', why do you want one so large?

[LakeN]

And towing big rig experience?? 36 ft + tow vehicle is mighty long for first camping unit

[azrving]

So you have a one ton truck already?

[SkiingSixPack]

First, find a a floor plan that you like and can live with.

Water leaks from the roof / walls are your biggest worries. Then make sure everything works as far as appliances.

Biggest piece of advice ... Buy your second RV, first! 🙂

[MitchF150]

Do you have a "Mule" already, or going to get that after you decide on the "Cart"? 🙂

Is that budget for just the "Cart" or both the "Mule and Cart"?

As far as "poor construction", you can get a bad one from any manufacturer.. Just as you can get one with no issues at all.. A lot has to do with your initial walk thru and acceptance of the rig and how you maintain after the fact..

Lots of info on here and lots of informative people so take it all with a grain of salt and don't take the first thing you read as gospel and be open minded to all opinions, as that's all they are.. 😉

So welcome to the site and I hope you find the rig of your dreams.. 🙂

Mitch

[mockturtle]

There are plenty of good 'pre-owned' fivers for sale. Trying to post advice on manufacturers to avoid would open a hornet's nest. Just look for one that has been well maintained and inspect it carefully.