justme
USA
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Joined: 04/27/2002
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I’m considering buying a truck and 5th wheel instead of another motor home. My decision is based on the apparent improvement in comfort of 5th wheel units these days along with the improved fuel mileage of the new Fords and GM trucks. My question is what are some good quality 5th wheels from 2009 to present? I would like to stay below 16000GVW for the 5th wheel and pull it with either a Ford or GM 3500 extended cab long bed single rear wheel truck. I am not sure what to look for in the engineering that goes into the design and build. I am “extended camper” which means I own a permanent home but travel for months at a time in all places in North America and many parts of Canada. Any ideas and experience is welcome.
38 ft Phaeton with Honda CRV
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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keystone Montana or some of their other units. they have a unit called high country that saves you about 2000 lbs and tow very nice. You can get by with a smaller truck such as a chev 2500
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Chris
Shelter Bay, Wa
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Joined: 12/19/2000
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At 16k and SRW you will most likely be better off with a 2011+. Chris
My Rig
2001.5 2500 STD CAB AUTO SLT 4x4, CTD 4:10's, Bomb'd to Tow
2005 Cardinal 29WBLX.
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bailer6334
Prescott, AZ
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Joined: 01/08/2010
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Could you provide a bit more info, like are you looking at high end, mid range and maybe approx. length? Further I suggest you look at 4 season/arctic package, enclosed underbelly and insulation factors. Might also consider dual pane windows and 15K A/C.
IMHO, high end look at Nu-Wa, Carriage (just went bankrupt) New Horizon. Mid range look at Montana, Hartland, Crossroads and Northwood (Arctic Fox).
I'm sure others will provide additional recommendations.
You will need to do your research, as you will need to know more than any salesperson about the 2 or 3 front runners you select. Also if you have the time visit the factories of the finalists and see how they are build. Also get a 3500, not much more cost, but provides better payload.
Good Luck and enjoy the search.
2011 Arctic Fox 29-5T 5th Wheel
2011 Silverado HD 3500 6.6L Duramax Diesel Crew Cab
Short Bed 4X4 SRW LT
50gal Transfer Flow Aux. Tank
16K Valley Hitch w/bed saver
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Allworth
Orlando, FL
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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You may want to look at 09 and 10 Titaniums. Glendale is out of business, but the original qualiy was high enough that that is not a big concern to the owners group. The extra 5' of living space out over the cab of the truck is a big plus.
Formerly posting as "littleblackdog"
Martha, Allen, & Blackjack
2006 Chevy 3500 D/A LB SRW
2008 Titanium 30E35SA; EZ-Lube axles; wet bolts; spring hanger gussetts; BFG Commercial TAs
"Real Trucks Do Not Have Sparkplugs"
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Joined: 08/19/2009
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What are the improvements you see in 5th wheels? That may point us in the right direction in regards to recommendations.
Also, what improvement in fuel milage are you talking about? Betsy gets 20-22 mpg not towing and almost 13mpg towing. Betsy is a 1992.
Tammy Mike & the Bilge Rat (AKA: Diego)
Ford F250 7.3L
1997 Sunnybrook 27' 5er
1995 Gemini Sail Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and 5er
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ReneeG
Meridian, Idaho
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Joined: 07/13/2005
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I would like at units that are recommended for full time use. In this category, there are quite a few makes and models - Montanas, Heartlands, Cameos, Titaniums (as one mentioned here), Upper end Jaycos, etc., etc. Your next step should be to get out there and start visiting RV lots, RV shows, to really look at them and get brochures. Then visit their web sites and forums. Most of these have forums that welcome questions. Good luck.
2011 Bighorn 3055RL
2011 F350 SD CC DRW 6.7L Diesel Lariat, Hensley BD3 with Ford Under-Bed Adaptor
Dave & Renee plus (Champ & Molly in spirit), Missy, Maggie, and now Paris!
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Rug
GREED COUNTY, Boerne Texas
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Joined: 12/27/2001
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You should go to www.nuwa.com
Look at their inventory.
You can buy direct from the factory.
Some great buys on two and three year old 5th Wheels.
Glen & Dee Ann
A couple of Mules
with a Covered Wagon
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b_pilot
Texas
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Joined: 06/12/2006
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We have a 2010 Bighorn by Heartland. It has a GVWR of 16,000 lbs. Also has the four season package with enclosed under belly with heating and dual pane windows. We are happy with it. There are many others with simular options and more. You'll have to decide what is best for you. Fuel mileage on any of the trucks pulling a large 5th wheel will be in the 10 to 13 mpg range.
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solaman
Louisiana
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Joined: 03/19/2007
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Keystone Alpine or Crossroads Redwood
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