natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 Hi ladies and Gentleman, My daughter has a rare genetic condition that gets worse as the weather gets cold. She was just diagnosed this past February and the doctors told us we need to look to warmer climates for her and her specialists are in a state in the south. So we have been in a scramble to try to find the best fifth wheel to facilitate this. Naturally this caught us off guard and we do not have a ton of money saved up $12,000, We can make payments but our credit is not the best so not sure how to get financed. We had one dealer tells us they might be able to but only on one unit,The Heartland Gateway, but the unit has alot of customer complaints on them). Some said they wont even last 3 years. We are trying to determine which fifth wheel is the best value. We dont want to have to deal with a bunch of leaks and poor insulation or construction as we will be spending our time taking our daughter back and forth to her doctors. However, we also can not afford to buy "the best". There are 4 of us, two teenagers and my wife and I so we need a bunkhouse. We have heard that the DRV and New Horizones are good but even the used ones are out of our prices range. Any suggestions or information would be great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 Definitely look at used. In addition to the manufacturers you listed, look at HitchHiker, Excel, Carriage Cameo. You can find a nice selection of used 5ers at Kansas RV Center in Chanute, KS. They manufactured the NuWa HitchHiker. Ken Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKP099512 Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 FWIW those are the used brands I would recommend also. Older Travel Supremes would also be a good choice. If you told us where you are now there might be some dealer recommendations in addition to the Kansas RV Center. We would recommend M&M Camping Center in Trenton Michigan (near Detroit). Bob & JoFull-timing since 09/10/2009 - SKP 995122015 Lifestyle LS38RS 2010 Ford F-350Our blog: http://bobandjotravelblog.blogspot.com/Our travel photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobandjotravel/sets/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 FWIW those are the used brands I would recommend also. Older Travel Supremes would also be a good choice. If you told us where you are now there might be some dealer recommendations in addition to the Kansas RV Center. We would recommend M&M Camping Center in Trenton Michigan (near Detroit). Its seems many of the fulltime fifth wheels do not have a bunkhouse and we definitely need one of those as we have two teenagers. Also, from what we have been told, many rv parks will not allow you to bring in your RV if it is over 10 years old, how to you get around that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 Definitely look at used. In addition to the manufacturers you listed, look at HitchHiker, Excel, Carriage Cameo. You can find a nice selection of used 5ers at Kansas RV Center in Chanute, KS. They manufactured the NuWa HitchHiker. Ken Thank you. I did look at Kansas RV; I didn't see any that had a bunkhouse in it. We need a bunkhouse as we have two teenagers. We had kicked around rather than getting a big one, we could get one big enough for my wife , daughter and I and get a smaller one for my soon to be 18 year old. However, we are hoping to avoid that as that would mean we would have two space rents to pay every month. Unless they would give a discount on the second space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champ_49 Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 If you want a bunkhouse there are very few 5th wheels in that category. On the other hand with your situation I would look more into a travel trailer or tag along whatever way you want to put it. You will find more in that field with the bunkhouse. But, your also looking at less storage that way also. It's a give and take no matter which way you go. Good luck on your find! Dave Dave & Linda 2011 Bighorn 3670 2000 Ford 7.3 PS diesel white and tan in color Now Fulltiming since May15, 2010 Semper Fi Marines!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 If you want a bunkhouse there are very few 5th wheels in that category. On the other hand with your situation I would look more into a travel trailer or tag along whatever way you want to put it. You will find more in that field with the bunkhouse. But, your also looking at less storage that way also. It's a give and take no matter which way you go. Good luck on your find! Dave We looked at one travel trailer but when I walked over to the stove to see why it was much lower than the stoves in the fifth wheels; I hit my head on the top of the slide out for the kitchen, thats how short they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You will find very few bunk house models in the older RVs. As for durability and quality, the newer RVs in your price range with a bunk house will not be as well built. If you see one you like at Kansas RV Center, talk to Mike Mitchell (owner) and see if he can add bunk beds and make a plan work. They used to build the HitchHikers there and can do a tremendous amount of modifications to suit your needs. Ken Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You will find very few bunk house models in the older RVs. As for durability and quality, the newer RVs in your price range with a bunk house will not be as well built. If you see one you like at Kansas RV Center, talk to Mike Mitchell (owner) and see if he can add bunk beds and make a plan work. They used to build the HitchHikers there and can do a tremendous amount of modifications to suit your needs. Ken If we do get an older one, how do you get around the policy of RV parks not allowing any units in that are over 10 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GR "Scott" Cundiff Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You won't run into the 10 year policy often, and if you are on a tight budget you won't want to stay in those places anyway. I agree with those who say you need to look at travel trailers for a bunkhouse. If you have a budget of $12K I think you'll want to buy at around $9 or 10K - you will have money to spend just upgrading a rig as old as that needs to be for that price point for the road. For one thing, you'll very likely need tires. Travel Trailer tires are notorious for looking good but not being road safe. Really, I don't think you have a big enough budget to be picky. If you can find a travel trailer that still looks good at 7-10 years its probably a good deal for you. I don't think there's a chance that you will buy from PPL's consignment lot (in Houston) but you can look there for real world prices. Our "Here and There" Blog 2005 Safari Cheetah Motorhome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You won't run into the 10 year policy often, and if you are on a tight budget you won't want to stay in those places anyway. I agree with those who say you need to look at travel trailers for a bunkhouse. If you have a budget of $12K I think you'll want to buy at around $9 or 10K - you will have money to spend just upgrading a rig as old as that needs to be for that price point for the road. For one thing, you'll very likely need tires. Travel Trailer tires are notorious for looking good but not being road safe. Really, I don't think you have a big enough budget to be picky. If you can find a travel trailer that still looks good at 7-10 years its probably a good deal for you. I don't think there's a chance that you will buy from PPL's consignment lot (in Houston) but you can look there for real world prices. The 12k is for a down payment. we can make payments in order to get a better unit, however we arent sure we can get financing. We are not being "picking", we do not want to throw money down the drain as we have heard RV's can fall apart after 3 years. Has this been Y'all's experience? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GR "Scott" Cundiff Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 The 12k is for a down payment. we can make payments in order to get a better unit, however we arent sure we can get financing. We are not being "picking", we do not want to throw money down the drain as we have heard RV's can fall apart after 3 years. Has this been Y'all's experience? Better built rigs last longer, that's for sure. If you look at used ones it becomes apparent that some brands are better than others. That doesn't mean that people can't neglect a good rig to the point that it's falling apart. Most need to be recaulked after 5 years or so and most need roof maintenance each year. I can't help you on financing since we didn't go that route. Ours was about 6 years old when we got it and, after 3 years, we'll be happy to stay in it several more years. Our "Here and There" Blog 2005 Safari Cheetah Motorhome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreyandSusan Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 Newmar (a good company) used to make fifth wheels and they did make a bunk house model. A used one may be found at a good price. Not sure if it is the best full-time vehicle but it is an option. Newmar Cypress CPFW 36RBDS - Google search link Susan & Trey Selman | email | HDT: '01 770 VED12 | 5er: '02 40' Travel Supreme RLTSOA | '16 Piaggio MP3 500 | '15 Smart Cabrio | Personal Blog | HHRV Resource Guide | HHRV Campgrounds | Recreation Vehicle Safety & Education Foundation | Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You might also look at toy haulers...the "garage" could be made into a bedroom for the kids. Toy haulers are probably also much more numerous than bunk houses. LindaH 2014 Winnebago Aspect 27K 2011 Kia Soul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie & Jim Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 I agree with LindaH - look at toy haulers. We have good friends who full time with their 9 (yes 9) kids in a fifth wheel toy hauler. They built bunks for the kids. Think out of the box and you can probably find what you need. Sandie & Jim Dixon Traveling with Scooter and Skittlez www.wherearethedixonstoday.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 I agree with LindaH - look at toy haulers. We have good friends who full time with their 9 (yes 9) kids in a fifth wheel toy hauler. They built bunks for the kids. Think out of the box and you can probably find what you need. what brand did they buy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Greg Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You have not mentioned what you have to tow a fifth wheel or travel trailer. Do you plan to purchase the RV at your southern destination and park it and not tow it? The truck has to be capable of the weight of your RV if you are going to tow. Greg Greg & Judy Bahnmiller Class of 2007 2014 F350 2007 HitchHiker Champagne Both sold 2/19, settled in Foley, AL after 12 years on the road http://bahnmilleradventure.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted September 8, 2015 Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 The 10 year rule is generally used to keep out deteriorated RVs. Very few parks will even ask and those that do will usually say OK if you have a presentable rig. It is primarily a tool to keep out undesirables. The 10 year may be invoked if someone pulls in with a trashed rig. Dennis & NancyTucson, AZ in winter, on the road in summer.1999 Volvo 610 "Bud" 425 HP Volvo, Super 10 spd.2005 Mountain Aire 35 BLKS2013 smart fortwo CityFlame riding on Bud(Replaced '05 smart first loaded in '06 and '11 smart that gave it's life to save me!)Our Travel Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You have not mentioned what you have to tow a fifth wheel or travel trailer. Do you plan to purchase the RV at your southern destination and park it and not tow it? The truck has to be capable of the weight of your RV if you are going to tow. Greg It depends which ever is least expensive as to where we buy it. If we buy it and then have it moved, we have a friend that will do that for us. This should give us time to get the truck as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 The 10 year rule is generally used to keep out deteriorated RVs. Very few parks will even ask and those that do will usually say OK if you have a presentable rig. It is primarily a tool to keep out undesirables. The 10 year may be invoked if someone pulls in with a trashed rig. That is good to here bcs that opens up mroe options as far as if we find one that is suitable for our needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2015 You have not mentioned what you have to tow a fifth wheel or travel trailer. Do you plan to purchase the RV at your southern destination and park it and not tow it? The truck has to be capable of the weight of your RV if you are going to tow. Greg It depends which ever is least expensive as to where we buy it. If we buy it and then have it moved, we have a friend that will do that for us. This should give us time to get the truck as well. We have a friend that will move it either way for us. Hopefully that will give us time to find a truck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie & Jim Posted September 9, 2015 Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 what brand did they buy? I just sent you a PM with a link. Sandie & Jim Dixon Traveling with Scooter and Skittlez www.wherearethedixonstoday.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted September 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 I just sent you a PM with a link. Thank you Sandie. I just send you a reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natepickle Posted October 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 I just sent you a PM with a link. Hi Sandiw. How are y'all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BasicRV Posted November 16, 2015 Report Share Posted November 16, 2015 I agree with LindaH - look at toy haulers. We have good friends who full time with their 9 (yes 9) kids in a fifth wheel toy hauler. They built bunks for the kids. Think out of the box and you can probably find what you need. Wow 9 kids is impressive! Not to mention living in an RV Jayco Featherlite TT Mets Fan 5 States to GO! Owner of BasicRV.com Discount RV Covers, Parts and Supplies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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