Hi everyone,

I just stared posting but I have been lurking for awhile...great site and great information.

I apologize if this is in the wrong section.

I am looking to buy my first fifth wheel in the next few weeks and wanted to get some advise.

Basically what I'm looking for is something 2 to 3 years old, 30' to 34' in length. I'd be great if it could hold it's value for the next couple of years until my wife and I decide if we want to stay at it or maybe get some thing newer or bigger (have kids).

From what I have seen and read I only want to look at fiberglass trailers. Is there any thing I should stay away from? Is there anything specifically I need to look for in the damage area's that will be hard to see?

I'm looking at the Reese signature series hitches, are they ok?

TIA,
-Allen

Allen,

Not sure if you know about the rv.net forum, but I have found it a useful site when researching RV topics. A ton of posts to go through. I have posted a link below:

http://www.rv.net/forum/

I spent countless hours on this site researching 5th wheels and hitches not too long ago. I have had several travel trailers over the last 15 years, but recently went to a 5th wheel. I was asking many of the same questions.

Hope this helps,
Alan

Ditto what OC said.
Some pointers I have are as follows:
Buy a hitch rated 2-3k more than you intend to tow and/or think the trailer may weigh. You'd be surprised at the actual weight of these things when loaded. I went with the Hidden Hitch 18k and am very glad I did.
If you can, Take it to a scale before you buy to see what it really weighs. Make sure it's full of water and propane so you get a more acurate weight.
Hook it up and pull it around the block to see how the brakes are and if they're making any noise. If it's been maintained properly you won't here them and they should be able to lock up the tires.
See if the tires are all the same manufacture and have the same wear. If not, it could indicate a problem with the tires that either came with it or replaced when the original wore out. Also, make sure it has a good spare!
I'll keep adding to this as I think of things!
What style of 5vr are you interested in? Toy Box or standard? Pop outs? What type of camping did you have in mind?
Chuck

The Reese signiture series is a nice hitch but kinda pricey. But just to let you know Reese, Draw-Tite, and Hidden Hitch are all the same company. The are all owned by Cequent Towing and the only thing that is different is the paint on them for the moment

I'll add a little bit to what TT mentions above:


Q - From what I have seen and read I only want to look at fiberglass trailers.

I would not rule out aluminum siding trailers. In general, while not as nice looking and harder to clean, they hold up better in the long run and will not delaminate (as some fiberglass sidings have). This is all about personal choice.


Q - Is there anything specifically I need to look for in the damage area's that will be hard to see?

For sure check the roof for any possible rips/tears or signs of water intrusion. Walk away from any trailer that has had water damage from roof leaks. There are always others on the market that have not had a problem.


Q- I'm looking at the Reese signature series hitches, are they ok?

This is Reese's top tier hitch. I am certain it is a good one. You may also want to look at a Pull-rite hitch. They make a pretty hefty unit. It all depends on the size of trailer you wish to purchase. With a "dually", you should be OK unless you go extremely large. With a 2500HD (like I have), it is amazing how fast the legal limits of the truck are approached (in my case with just a 28 ft 5th wheel).

Maxed,

Ditto what the boyz have been saying. Is this your first camper? If so you may want to rent a trailer for a weekend and see how you, most importantly the wife, like it. If you've owned and towed travel trailers you will love the 5ver, from both a towing aspect and comfort level. ;)

TT gave good advice on oversizing the hitch a bit.

I've owned both fiberglass and aluminum sided trailers, both have their plus's and minus's.

Main thing is to stay within the weight limits on the tow vehicle and TT.

RV.net is a great forum for gaining intel on RV's. Later. JJ :)

And here's another pretty neat link for browsing "rigs"
http://www.chooseyouritem.com/rvs/

Another great forum for gathering information is irv2.com . My family did something similar to your approach. We purchased an older 29' TT, kept it for 3 years and updated last year to a new 33' 5er. This kept our initial out of pocket money down to a minimum in case we did not enjoy the RV as much as we thought.

I would go through all of the major systems on the RV...the A/C, heater, oven, stove, hot water heater, refrigerator, water pump... One problem I had on the old TT was muddaughbers getting into the heater flue and intake. Nothing like camping in 28 deg weather without a heater.

Good luck and hope you and your family enjoy the RV experience.

MaxRock

Thanks for the responses, you guys are great!

I signed myself up on rv.net forums and have been busy searching...lots of stuff to read and digest.

I have looked at both fiberglass and aluminum trailers and the fiberglass "seems" to hold it's value a little better. Also, I live in the DFW area of Texas and we generally get at least one big hail storm a year which would beat the aluminum trailers pretty bad.

While I have extensive towing experience (CDL) this will be my first 5'er camper. I am looking at the Reese 18k signature series hitch that way I can swap it out with their 30k goose neck. My brake controller is a Brakesmart...best one I have ever used.

I am looking to get a standard 5'er with at least two slides no shorter than 32'. I am mostly looking to find quite places so I can spend quality time with my wife and daughters. I found a 2003 32' Dutchman Classic locally with bunkbeds. Are these of decent quality?

TT, great advise. Will definately hook-up and pull around and check everything out before I sign the dotted line.

JJ, I looked around for a rental and there just isn't much, everyone pretty much rents just motorhomes. The one I did find wanted $400.00 for the weekend:eek:

Please keep the responses coming. I appreciate all the advise that is given.

Thanks,
-Allen

Another great forum for gathering information is irv2.com . My family did something similar to your approach. We purchased an older 29' TT, kept it for 3 years and updated last year to a new 33' 5er. This kept our initial out of pocket money down to a minimum in case we did not enjoy the RV as much as we thought.

I would go through all of the major systems on the RV...the A/C, heater, oven, stove, hot water heater, refrigerator, water pump... One problem I had on the old TT was muddaughbers getting into the heater flue and intake. Nothing like camping in 28 deg weather without a heater.

Good luck and hope you and your family enjoy the RV experience.

MaxRock

This is exactly why I am buying a used trailer. I need to make sure that this is for us with as little out of pocket expense as possible.

Thanks,
-Allen

Maxed,

I also live in the DFW area...north of it. I also use the brakesmart controller...best controller on the market in my opinion.

I've installed a B&W turnover ball (www.turnoverball.com) with 5th wheel companion hitch. A little pricey but gives you your bed back when not using the 5th wheel. The companion hitch is rated at 18k pounds, the gooseneck is rated at 30k pounds.

What part of DFW do you live?

MaxRock

I bought a used '02 Forest River Wildcat 28BH last year, saved about 40% of new discounted price, it was in very good condition. I would get out the Wildcat line they are a decent entry level trailer, aluminum frame fiberglass sides. I also have a Reese siganture 18k hitch, I am not sure the other brands listed also sell the signature, there is a big difference between the regular Reese and the signature series. The signature series leaved the bed clean when you take it out, it has a one piece jaw and it also carries a longer warrantee. I bought mine online at www.bigdiscountrv.com (http://www.bigdiscountrv.com) had it in two days with the free shipping and installed it myself.

The hardest part about putting the signiture series in is if you have a drop in plastic bedliner. You have to cut a 4" X 19" section out so i would use the spray in Liner. And on another note the drilling of the 4 2 1/2" holes might make you cringe a little

I do not have a liner or spray in, but I found a thick rubber bed mat will fit with the hitch in, you only have to cut the 4 2.5" holes to match the ones in the bed. I was a little nervous cutting those big holes in the bed, Reese offers a tool that is basically a bolt with a thick 2" nail in the end, you thread it up from below through the threaded holes in the under bed frame and it puts a dimple in the bed where you should center the hole, I did not have the tool and could not wait for it so I made one by buying a 3" bolt at HD, drilling the center of it and putting a small nail set in the hole, worked just like the tool. Had I known you needed the tool I would have bought it but I did not know till I read the instructions.

Yes the tool is basically a pointed bolt I have 3 of them in my toolbox in case anyone needs one for a loaner or something.

Thanks again for all the input, it really helps.

I found this trailer locally, what do you all think? I went and looked at it and its in pretty good shape.

http://kennedale.rvusa.com/inventory_item.asp?id=192239

MaxRock, I live in Southlake and work in Irving.

Thanks,
-Allen

Looks like a a lot of trailer for the money, especially being so an '03.