kb0zke Posted January 23, 2021 Report Share Posted January 23, 2021 After seven years full-timing in our Foretravel, we've decided it is time to make a change. The original idea was an Airstream, but Mama wants a 5'er. Budget is no more than $35,000 and we want a high end coach, so that means buying used. Not a problem as between the two of us you can count on one hand the new cars we've purchased and still have fingers left over. We're looking at some Mobile Suites, but what else? I checked on New Horizons but most of them are too expensive. We're NOT looking at toy haulers. We'll have to get a truck, too, and are looking at F450 trucks (used, of course). Is that enough, or should we go to an F550? They seem to be harder to find, but are available. Quote David Lininger, kb0zke 1993 Foretravel U300 40' (sold) 2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mptjelgin Posted January 23, 2021 Report Share Posted January 23, 2021 Hitchhiker went out of business in 2013 (ish) but built excellent fifth-wheels that hold up very well to full time use. Others that are comparable in both quality and price were Excel and Carriage. You should be able to find something in your price range. Also, they are not as heavy as the Mobile Suites or New Horizons, and can be safely towed with a properly set up F-350. Quote Mark & Teri 2021 Grand Designs Imagine 2500RL, 2019 Ford F-350 Mark & Teri's Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nwcid Posted January 23, 2021 Report Share Posted January 23, 2021 If you are really looking at 5th wheels that require a F550 you really should check out the HDT section of this website. An HDT will often be less expensive upfront, give longer life and increased safety. Quote 2014 Volvo 630. 2016 Fuzion 325T, RZR 900 Trail 675ah AGM, MSH 3012 inverter, 960w Solar. (2016 Chevy 3500 DRW, backup) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dblr Posted January 24, 2021 Report Share Posted January 24, 2021 If you have been looking at the DRV's I would suggest you also look at the River Stone line as they are built similar and offer 3 levels, Reserve, River Stone and then the Legacy. We have had ours now going on 4 years without any real issues, yes we have had a few minor things and received excellent help from the factory when needed. Good luck on your search. Quote 2017 River Stone Legacy 38MB 2001 T2000 Kenworth 2009 Smart Passion ET Junior hitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx & Wayne Posted January 24, 2021 Report Share Posted January 24, 2021 We bought a 2006 Carriage and upgraded it after being in it for a year and figuring out what we wanted changed. The cost was lower than newer luxury models but we got just what we wanted. We are very happy with it. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ Quote Jinx and Wayne 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sculptor Posted January 25, 2021 Report Share Posted January 25, 2021 We also were in favor of Carriage, and had started looking at them. We bought a DRV eventually, but would still consider a Carriage or a Teton. Quote Kevin and June 2013 Volvo VNL 730 D13 Eco-Torque @ 425 Ratio 2.47 2014 DRV 36TKSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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