Hello all, I am new to this forum and I like what I see and have read. We currently own a 2006 Keystone TT and hate it. It has delammed, slide support wire broke, toilet issues, new tires, axles gone trough, jack broke and now floor is soft due to no support. We have always kept in covered storage, waxed it every year, and done everything right. We cannot afford to keep fixing this thing and are looking to trade it in on a used 5th wheel. Two have caught our eyes:
2002 Carriage LS 3 slides 31'
1998 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite 1 slide 29' but is 10k less than the Carriage
Can anyone please help in our decision process? I am a big guy 6'4'' and would like to fit in the shower instead of using the camp site's. I also would like to know which one is better built and will not break down with years of use. We cannot afford another delam issue, and would really appreciate your reply. We use it about 4 weeks out of the year and would like to use it more. The JUNK Keystone we have now has only been used about 12 times, a week at a time and each time we have to take it too the shop and spend money we no longer have. Weight is not an issue, I have a 3500 Dodge diesel. Thanks again.
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
TST tire monitors
Carriage...Newer, more room, great build quality. That is if both are in equally excellent condition, and floor plans meet your needs. Might need tires on either one. Check the date codes. Change tires if > 3yo.
'12 F350 SB, CC, SRW, 6.7 PSD, 3.55 RAR, 6 spd auto, Ultimate Lariat pkg
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
We know a couple who have a 1996 Carriage and they are still happy with it. In fact they just remodeled it and had new body paint. Looks beautiful. They are full timers so they live in it.
We also live in our Carriage.
Carriages are built well.
The Carriage you are looking at is several years newer than the Holiday Rambler.
The Carriage would be the best decision.
2008 dodge 5500, diesel,Laramie
2008 Carriage Carri-Lite, 36SBQ, 4 slides,dishwasher,washer/dryer,2 fireplaces,6500 gen.
D & D
Two Schnauzers and a BIG cat
I have a Carriage Cameo on order. If you do your research you will find that Carriage products, while not perfect are an excellent investment. I have done extensive research and have looked at other brands. I now have a K-Z 5er that I will be trading in. I have had no problem with that unit and would recommend.
No matter what you decide on, be sure to check out the unit thoroughly before you leave the dealership. A dealers inspection is very important prior to you even seeing the unit. I will be traveling from PA to MN for mine and will be looking at the unit before I even sign the papers. If it is not right, then I will just loose my deposit.
You might keep an eye open for a buy on a Newmar or Nuwa also, the Carriage and the HR are both fine units. BTW, I just traded my junker Keystone for an 03 Kountry Star and couldn't be happier. As for Keystone, I wouldn't waste the diesel to push one off a cliff.
I am looking for something that will not delam. I know there might be a few issues owning a rv, but I have spent thousands on fixing the Keystone, I hate to even look at this thing and see my monthly payment go to a junker is making me stress out and lose sleep. I had the worst vacation knowing I had to deal with a bouncy floor. I t is dry as a bone, I have no idea what happened, I just know I cannot afford to fix it. I know it is not from water, just lack of support under the floor. It has a few support beams and it is fine there. Just by the bed and entry door. I am hoping I can get the money I owe out of it, if not I don't know what to do, I refuse to even look at another Keystone and will not speak highly of them to anyone. Thanks for the replies and I will keep you posted on the Carriage. They want 25,000 for it. Is that a reasonable price? I did find another one that is a Carriage Compass for 20k. I do not want a lite trailer like I have now, they are cheap and not sturdy enough. Do Newmar and Nuwa have the gel coated sides also?
I bought a '96 Carri lite 532RKS 3 months ago. It had been used as a weekender, then Parked for the last 7 years. It was not cared for on the exterior- no wash/wax, the inside was decent but needed help.
Now all the systems are good when we bought it. Original fridge, stove, Microwave, front jacks, hot water heater, AC, furnance, plumbing, wiring etc.
All of the equipment was tops in its line in 1996, thats why they cost so much. The attention to detail in the build process impressed me, and I am a custom yatch builder in eastern NC. If you can afford it buy it.
'06 Ram with a Cummins
Tuned w/ EFI-Live
'09 36MAX1 Carrilite
Me, Alie, and Salie
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