Thinking about a 5th wheel...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
As a general rule, manufacturers have roughly the same investment in campers at the same price point. You get more quality for more money - but, any camper will last a very long time, provided it is used and maintained. Cherokee is fine, as are many others. Folks tend to make distinctions based on their own preferences. Working on them every day, I am not sure the differences are as great as they might indicate.
Just my thoughts,
Steve
Just my thoughts,
Steve
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 4
From: Suffolk, VA
Since there's a RV tech here I got a question, sorry for the hi-jack; but I wanted to know thoughts on if I should get a full cover for it or not. Not sure if it's worth the investment or not, but if it is I'll get one. Seems like day after day exposed to the sun and elements the roof and everything will slowly degrade.
As for the bunks, ours has 3 bunks and the kids love em. Plus you can store so much stuff on them during the travel. I'd love to have a 5'ver though, good luck in your search. Only thing I can recommend to you is that I've seen campers that sit at different heights. I understand why in some instances the lower center of gravity is ideal, but IMO find one that sits high. Then all the plumbing is up higher and won't get torn off on uneven pavement, and at the campsites it makes it easier to drain the gray and black water tanks. Mine sits low and I hate it.
As for the bunks, ours has 3 bunks and the kids love em. Plus you can store so much stuff on them during the travel. I'd love to have a 5'ver though, good luck in your search. Only thing I can recommend to you is that I've seen campers that sit at different heights. I understand why in some instances the lower center of gravity is ideal, but IMO find one that sits high. Then all the plumbing is up higher and won't get torn off on uneven pavement, and at the campsites it makes it easier to drain the gray and black water tanks. Mine sits low and I hate it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Since there's a RV tech here I got a question, sorry for the hi-jack; but I wanted to know thoughts on if I should get a full cover for it or not. Not sure if it's worth the investment or not, but if it is I'll get one. Seems like day after day exposed to the sun and elements the roof and everything will slowly degrade.
As for the bunks, ours has 3 bunks and the kids love em. Plus you can store so much stuff on them during the travel. I'd love to have a 5'ver though, good luck in your search. Only thing I can recommend to you is that I've seen campers that sit at different heights. I understand why in some instances the lower center of gravity is ideal, but IMO find one that sits high. Then all the plumbing is up higher and won't get torn off on uneven pavement, and at the campsites it makes it easier to drain the gray and black water tanks. Mine sits low and I hate it.
As for the bunks, ours has 3 bunks and the kids love em. Plus you can store so much stuff on them during the travel. I'd love to have a 5'ver though, good luck in your search. Only thing I can recommend to you is that I've seen campers that sit at different heights. I understand why in some instances the lower center of gravity is ideal, but IMO find one that sits high. Then all the plumbing is up higher and won't get torn off on uneven pavement, and at the campsites it makes it easier to drain the gray and black water tanks. Mine sits low and I hate it.
Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
Keith, we seen first hand the damage a lower sitting trailer can sustain, Jason's trailer last year at RRE. Mines low too but I take extra precautions but from what some guys say, and Steve might guide us on this one, flip the suspension around and you'll gain some height, will this work Steve??
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
. It's pretty common and, although I know a lower center of gravity may contribute to better handling, I don't think it's worth it. Steve
still plays with trucks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 3
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Living on the road in a RV? Hmmm, been doing it for 5+ yrs. Travel from job to job. We love it. there is a lot to be said for having you very own bathroom every morning no matter where you are. like I tell people the house never changes, but the front yard does quite frequently.
Things I look for in a RV.
16 in 10 ply tires minimum
would never have anything with electric drum brakes after having disc brakes.
lots of insulation, better in winter and summer
everyone else has good advice.
MOST IMPORTANT. load your truck with folks, fuel and stuff just like you were going camping them head to the local scales. WEIGH IT. look at you GCWR and GRAW. then shop accordingly for the RV that fits those guidelines.
Barney
Things I look for in a RV.
16 in 10 ply tires minimum
would never have anything with electric drum brakes after having disc brakes.
lots of insulation, better in winter and summer
everyone else has good advice.
MOST IMPORTANT. load your truck with folks, fuel and stuff just like you were going camping them head to the local scales. WEIGH IT. look at you GCWR and GRAW. then shop accordingly for the RV that fits those guidelines.
Barney
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
Joe,
I did the same thing you are thinking of when I was down in LA hauling campers for FEMA. There were no hotel rooms to be had and after a month of living out of the back of my truck or a tent, it was time to get a 5er.
A couple of things you will notice is that you actually have to be careful full timing in one, that is only built for part timing.
If the camper has in floor heating vents, then they are probably cheap plastic, do not expect to step on them over and over and not have one shatter. replace them with metal vent covers wehn you can. The carpet and vinyl are not the same grade as residential, and it will wear faster with constant use. Realize also that the hot water heater on these things is either 6, 10 or 12 gals, you are not going to take a long relaxing shower, and when you are in a cold climate that the water is being fed to the camper by a unshielded potable water hose. When its cold the water WILL freeze in the hose, and not supply the hot water heater. It is absolute death to a heating element for it to be turned on in a dry tank . The sewage is another hose that will freeze. Since these campers have holding tanks, it is best to let the holding tank fill to at least half way before dischargeing the waste. You need a little bit of pressure from the tank in case the discharge hose becomes clogged with waste. Always dump your sewage first, and then follow with your gray water form the sinks and shower. You will be running the heat in the winter off of propane, this will be an added expense you will have to contend with. NEVER leave your awning extended if there is a chance for a good wind. I dont care how well you anchor it, the vinyl is not meant to withstand anything above 10MPH sustained It will rip, and it aint cheap to replace. It is easy to replace, just not cheap.
Oh yeah, the real biggy will be the mattress. It is not going to be like a hotel, or your bed at home. It is a thin matress on top of a plywood box. Find a good residential mattress and replace the stock one if you plan on getting a restful nights sleep.
Check state parks for the best rates on camping.
call or PM me for any other info, or with questions you might have.
I did the same thing you are thinking of when I was down in LA hauling campers for FEMA. There were no hotel rooms to be had and after a month of living out of the back of my truck or a tent, it was time to get a 5er.
A couple of things you will notice is that you actually have to be careful full timing in one, that is only built for part timing.
If the camper has in floor heating vents, then they are probably cheap plastic, do not expect to step on them over and over and not have one shatter. replace them with metal vent covers wehn you can. The carpet and vinyl are not the same grade as residential, and it will wear faster with constant use. Realize also that the hot water heater on these things is either 6, 10 or 12 gals, you are not going to take a long relaxing shower, and when you are in a cold climate that the water is being fed to the camper by a unshielded potable water hose. When its cold the water WILL freeze in the hose, and not supply the hot water heater. It is absolute death to a heating element for it to be turned on in a dry tank . The sewage is another hose that will freeze. Since these campers have holding tanks, it is best to let the holding tank fill to at least half way before dischargeing the waste. You need a little bit of pressure from the tank in case the discharge hose becomes clogged with waste. Always dump your sewage first, and then follow with your gray water form the sinks and shower. You will be running the heat in the winter off of propane, this will be an added expense you will have to contend with. NEVER leave your awning extended if there is a chance for a good wind. I dont care how well you anchor it, the vinyl is not meant to withstand anything above 10MPH sustained It will rip, and it aint cheap to replace. It is easy to replace, just not cheap.
Oh yeah, the real biggy will be the mattress. It is not going to be like a hotel, or your bed at home. It is a thin matress on top of a plywood box. Find a good residential mattress and replace the stock one if you plan on getting a restful nights sleep.
Check state parks for the best rates on camping.
call or PM me for any other info, or with questions you might have.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: New Baden IL
Good one Dan! That's exactly what we use them for.....storage and sleeping for the kids when they were young. Storage is often an afterthought when buying an RV but becomes very much an issue when actually using the RV on the road. I have a wife, 5 kids (grown now) and a BIG dog!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: New Baden IL
Joe,
I did the same thing you are thinking of when I was down in LA hauling campers for FEMA. There were no hotel rooms to be had and after a month of living out of the back of my truck or a tent, it was time to get a 5er.
A couple of things you will notice is that you actually have to be careful full timing in one, that is only built for part timing.
If the camper has in floor heating vents, then they are probably cheap plastic, do not expect to step on them over and over and not have one shatter. replace them with metal vent covers wehn you can. The carpet and vinyl are not the same grade as residential, and it will wear faster with constant use. Realize also that the hot water heater on these things is either 6, 10 or 12 gals, you are not going to take a long relaxing shower, and when you are in a cold climate that the water is being fed to the camper by a unshielded potable water hose. When its cold the water WILL freeze in the hose, and not supply the hot water heater. It is absolute death to a heating element for it to be turned on in a dry tank . The sewage is another hose that will freeze. Since these campers have holding tanks, it is best to let the holding tank fill to at least half way before dischargeing the waste. You need a little bit of pressure from the tank in case the discharge hose becomes clogged with waste. Always dump your sewage first, and then follow with your gray water form the sinks and shower. You will be running the heat in the winter off of propane, this will be an added expense you will have to contend with. NEVER leave your awning extended if there is a chance for a good wind. I dont care how well you anchor it, the vinyl is not meant to withstand anything above 10MPH sustained It will rip, and it aint cheap to replace. It is easy to replace, just not cheap.
Oh yeah, the real biggy will be the mattress. It is not going to be like a hotel, or your bed at home. It is a thin matress on top of a plywood box. Find a good residential mattress and replace the stock one if you plan on getting a restful nights sleep.
Check state parks for the best rates on camping.
call or PM me for any other info, or with questions you might have.
I did the same thing you are thinking of when I was down in LA hauling campers for FEMA. There were no hotel rooms to be had and after a month of living out of the back of my truck or a tent, it was time to get a 5er.
A couple of things you will notice is that you actually have to be careful full timing in one, that is only built for part timing.
If the camper has in floor heating vents, then they are probably cheap plastic, do not expect to step on them over and over and not have one shatter. replace them with metal vent covers wehn you can. The carpet and vinyl are not the same grade as residential, and it will wear faster with constant use. Realize also that the hot water heater on these things is either 6, 10 or 12 gals, you are not going to take a long relaxing shower, and when you are in a cold climate that the water is being fed to the camper by a unshielded potable water hose. When its cold the water WILL freeze in the hose, and not supply the hot water heater. It is absolute death to a heating element for it to be turned on in a dry tank . The sewage is another hose that will freeze. Since these campers have holding tanks, it is best to let the holding tank fill to at least half way before dischargeing the waste. You need a little bit of pressure from the tank in case the discharge hose becomes clogged with waste. Always dump your sewage first, and then follow with your gray water form the sinks and shower. You will be running the heat in the winter off of propane, this will be an added expense you will have to contend with. NEVER leave your awning extended if there is a chance for a good wind. I dont care how well you anchor it, the vinyl is not meant to withstand anything above 10MPH sustained It will rip, and it aint cheap to replace. It is easy to replace, just not cheap.
Oh yeah, the real biggy will be the mattress. It is not going to be like a hotel, or your bed at home. It is a thin matress on top of a plywood box. Find a good residential mattress and replace the stock one if you plan on getting a restful nights sleep.
Check state parks for the best rates on camping.
call or PM me for any other info, or with questions you might have.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
Here is a bank repo , even has a gooseneck adapter.
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Crankyape.com Bank repo rvs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, atvs, boats, trucks, trailers, go karts, jet skis, sleds, fourwheelers, trailers, motorhomes, rvs.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
I don't know what you do for a living but I work pipeline and live in a 5er anywhere from 3 to 6 months at a time. RV parks charge from $250+ elect to $450 elect included per month, most of the time I don't have a choice as to where or the price due to where the pipeline is. When there are 600 to 800 people spots are not easy to come buy.
I have a 35ft with one super slide and wish I had one with a slide in the bedroom but I am alone so it's not that big of a deal with just one slide. Get as big a trailer you can pull as they tend to get small the longer you stay in it, but some park can not handle much over a 35ft. If you travel all over like I do as I work from ND to La or Fla look for one that is a 4 seasons if not you will you will wish you did as this past winter some of the guys from down south had water pipes freeze, and had to run their furnace most of the time when the temps went way below 0*. In the winter time I carry a 100lb propane tank so I don't have to fill my tank but about every 10 days, but keep my 60lb tanks full for backup.
Most rooftop A/C are 13500 BTU but I up graded mine to a 15500 BTU as it cools better. My 5er is a NUWA Hitch Hiker and is well built but it is heavy 14000lb but I like the way it pulls.
Just some thoughts
I have a 35ft with one super slide and wish I had one with a slide in the bedroom but I am alone so it's not that big of a deal with just one slide. Get as big a trailer you can pull as they tend to get small the longer you stay in it, but some park can not handle much over a 35ft. If you travel all over like I do as I work from ND to La or Fla look for one that is a 4 seasons if not you will you will wish you did as this past winter some of the guys from down south had water pipes freeze, and had to run their furnace most of the time when the temps went way below 0*. In the winter time I carry a 100lb propane tank so I don't have to fill my tank but about every 10 days, but keep my 60lb tanks full for backup.
Most rooftop A/C are 13500 BTU but I up graded mine to a 15500 BTU as it cools better. My 5er is a NUWA Hitch Hiker and is well built but it is heavy 14000lb but I like the way it pulls.
Just some thoughts
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
As this thread evolves with comments about possible purchases, I want to make a brief comment about the FEMA or what are called "white" trailers being sold on eBay. In addition to working on these things, I also buy and sell. Probably many of you have heard about the thousands of trailers that were used and at times left unused as temporary shelter for Katrina victims. Some of those trailers carry model names you do not typically hear and, while some were actual RV trailers, many were manufactured only for that market with extremely low price points. Sellers will not always tell you the origin of their used trailers.
Those trailers are now coming back into the comsumer market being offered by dealers who purchases them thousands at a time for literally a few hundred dollars each. I, like the majority of dealers at repo auctions, do not bid on or become involved with FEMA trailers having concerns regarding quality.
If you are considering the purchase of one of these trailers, be sure to go over it very carefully and be aware that resale value may be much lower than with standard RV trailers. I do not offer this as a blanket indictment of FEMA trailers. Some are just fine, but many were built rapidly and as cheaply as possible. Cornercutting may be apparent during your inspections.
Good hunting,
Steve
Those trailers are now coming back into the comsumer market being offered by dealers who purchases them thousands at a time for literally a few hundred dollars each. I, like the majority of dealers at repo auctions, do not bid on or become involved with FEMA trailers having concerns regarding quality.
If you are considering the purchase of one of these trailers, be sure to go over it very carefully and be aware that resale value may be much lower than with standard RV trailers. I do not offer this as a blanket indictment of FEMA trailers. Some are just fine, but many were built rapidly and as cheaply as possible. Cornercutting may be apparent during your inspections.
Good hunting,
Steve
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 4
From: Suffolk, VA
I drove several hours to look at a lot full of the FEMA trailers. None of them have holding tanks but they can be added. What turned me away was the nasty formaldahyde smell from the glue that I had read about. I figured it couldn't really be that bad, but it really is.
I'd still think that after you make the trailer payment, add in the campground costs, propane, maintenance costs and reduced fuel mileage from pulling one, and the general PITA it is to keep a camper clean, I'd personally rather be in a hotel when I'm on business.
I'd still think that after you make the trailer payment, add in the campground costs, propane, maintenance costs and reduced fuel mileage from pulling one, and the general PITA it is to keep a camper clean, I'd personally rather be in a hotel when I'm on business.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I drove several hours to look at a lot full of the FEMA trailers. None of them have holding tanks but they can be added. What turned me away was the nasty formaldahyde smell from the glue that I had read about. I figured it couldn't really be that bad, but it really is.
I'd still think that after you make the trailer payment, add in the campground costs, propane, maintenance costs and reduced fuel mileage from pulling one, and the general PITA it is to keep a camper clean, I'd personally rather be in a hotel when I'm on business.
I'd still think that after you make the trailer payment, add in the campground costs, propane, maintenance costs and reduced fuel mileage from pulling one, and the general PITA it is to keep a camper clean, I'd personally rather be in a hotel when I'm on business.
Steve
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
This is a good thread about 5th wheels and RV's in general. I have a nice 33 foot Cougar bunkhouse that I just got last year. It was 4 years old and had one owner before me. It was modified for a handicap person so the area where the bunks are in the back has a wall that is missing. (the bunks were originally designed to be in their own room.) Plus, the PO installed a nice hitch on the back to pull a double. It's a nice 4 season trailer and like the others have posted, it can take some light abuse but not a lot. It just wasn't made for that. But if you are like me, I take extra care of stuff and it will last a long time with proper maintenance and upkeep.