Hi every one. I am new here and just had a few questions. My wife and I just sold our first TH/trailer. it was a WW fs3000 (30' bumper pull). Nice trailer but want to get a 5 wheel this time.
What I have learned from my last trailer is they have problems and are very poorly made in some ways of construction. I was more and more disappointed as I got to know the trailer better. I hear this is most brands?
As we look for a new TH who makes the best built? I am not asking about floor plans or what looks the coolest Inside and outside. My question is about the construct of the trailer. Like spacing of studs? are studs wood or metal? Is fiberglass better then alumin in durability? Quilty of insulation and pluming? Are some floors, axle, brakes wiring better?
Some people have talked about going to different factories where they are made. Any input would be great. Sorry if this thread is on here some where. I look all over google with now luck.
I am looking at a 05 forest river Sierra sport right now, and a WW 07 3305. I hear FR makes nice trailers. It's very plane inside. I like all the flash of the WW but would much rather own a well built product over a fancy trailer. I am buying used to save on money.
I think we have to all be realistic when it comes to ANY RV....the fact they are towed or driven over so many roads, BAD roads, it is almost impossible to get one without some flaws.
But I think some RV's are built a bit more tougher than others.
One of the things a lot of posters talks about is the frame, cracks & broken welds seem to be the big problems.
I'm sure some of our more seasoned posters/RV's can be more specific on theses concerns.
I guess the best thing to do is ask the manufacture just what goes into the RV you are looking at.
My TH has proven, so far, to be pretty sturdy and I have taken it all the way to Cali. & back.
I am looking at a 05 forest river Sierra sport right now, and a WW 07 3305. I hear FR makes nice trailers. It's very plane inside. I like all the flash of the WW but would much rather own a well built product over a fancy trailer. I am buying used to save on money.
Thanks Chad
FR Sierra is no better built than all the other inexpensive toy haulers out there.
Mav
"A fifth wheel trailer is a bi-level towable mobile home."
Arctic fox/Nash, Newmar, Carriage, New Horizons, Jayco, NUWA, Excell are a few that either build their own frames or don't use Lippert. There are also some brands that use Lipperts that are specifically engineered to the toy hauler manufacturers engineering specs..more robust.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
fordsooperdooty wrote: Arctic fox/Nash, Newmar, Carriage, New Horizons, Jayco, NUWA, Excell are a few that either build their own frames or don't use Lippert. There are also some brands that use Lipperts that are specifically engineered to the toy hauler manufacturers engineering specs..more robust.
Wow thanks for the fast replys from every one. I don't know what lipperts are? Can you explan please?
Here are some addition points. Northwoods (Arctic Fox/Nash) no longer makes (Desert Fox) a 5er toy-hauler. The Desert Fox 5er's were really large (38 ft over all for the big one).
New Horizon will make anything you want, as they do custom only. Their rigs are probably the best made, period. But that quality and the custom design do not come cheap. Expect deep into six figures.
Lippert is the largest maker of frames there is, something like 90% of the current rigs on sale have Lippert frames. Since there are more, there are more failures. Do they fail at a higher rate? I don't know, but I suspect that this is true.
2008 F350SD V10 with an 2012 Arctic Fox 29-5E When someone tells you to buy the same rig they own, listen, they might be right. When they tell you to buy a different rig then they own, really pay attention, they probably know something you don't.
Seen some skyline now called Rampage hold up ok. They were UL tested. I had a 5er bought in 2002. Tahoe Thor model with aluminum. Seen some of those that year with fiberglass - they look hammered! Really beat, faded, some are bulging. The aluminum *seems* to hold up better, weighs less. If you need to fix it tho u may need to fix a whole sheet.
fordsooperdooty wrote: Arctic fox/Nash, Newmar, Carriage, New Horizons, Jayco, NUWA, Excell are a few that either build their own frames or don't use Lippert. There are also some brands that use Lipperts that are specifically engineered to the toy hauler manufacturers engineering specs..more robust.
Sooperdooty
How can you state time and time again that Jayco does not use a Lippert frame? Have you looked at a Jayco lately? They say Lippert right there on the pin box. In fact in talking with a rep from Jayco he told me in 2011 they moved frame production from the old Dexter building to a existing Lippert factory.
I am sure that the current Jayco's are as much a Lippert frame as any other RV with a Lippert frame.
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