thumper41

florida

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Joined: 04/21/2012

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We are looking to purchase a new Toy Hauler. We are new to the camping world and have little knowledge of motorhomes. Ultimately we want to purchase the best vehicle for the money as anyone would. Mainly we want one with solid construction first and comforts second. I'm hoping that I can get some opinions on the models that we are considering so I can narrow it down to the one.
We have looked at a couple of RV places and have narrowed our search to 3 models.
2012 Voltage V3005 $ 47,000
- Washer Dryer prep in garage
- Patio Deck
- electric jacks
- Some obvious wear as unit was used at a RV show"s"
2012 Road Warrior 305RW $ 43,000 (on sale)
- Washer Dryer prep in front room
- electric jacks
- NO patio deck
2012 Fuzion 310 $ 49,000 (new to lot)
-6pt. Level-Up System
-2nd A/C with Heat Strip
-Rear Ramp Patio with Awning
-2nd Awning
-washer dryer prep in garage
-blow up mattress/sofa bed
They all have Onan 5.5 generator and features such as fueling stations, happi jack bunks, etc.
I'd like to know which unit might be more desireable for resale purposes. Also if a particular item that seems like it would be a benefit is actually a drawback, like the 6pt hydraulic leveling system. I know somethings may be more of a personal choice but since I have no experience with TH I'm hoping I can get some much needed advice.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on the 5wheel hitch. I have a dodge 3500 and will need a 5th wheel installed. I now have a Reese hitch for pulling our bike trailer but I don't know much about the 5th wheel options and since this is a very important part of the setup I dont want to overlook it.
Thanks in advance.
Patti
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OldGreaser

South Texas

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Joined: 02/13/2010

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I don't own a 'level-up' system but it is highly regarded & I wish I had it. It's about a $4k retrofit so will bring resale value IMO. I have a 2nd A/C but my unit is larger (Cyclone 3812, 41'). I don't know if you'll need it but again it should help resale. I may be wrong but believe the Road Warrior is the only one with hydraulic front jacks. They are very quick compared to electric.
After a year of full time use on our toy hauler I have seldom been in a site where I could leave the ramp door down. If you plan to boondock the patio might be more valuable.
There are several good hitches & you should get some good input. I have a PullRite & I like it but it's the only one I've ever had.
You should be able to make a dent in those prices. Rule of thumb these days is to pay about 65% of MSRP.
Good Luck with your decision & purchase!
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ricatic

Home

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Joined: 06/25/2009

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I recommend a visit to the Heartland Owners Forum. Here's the link:
Heartland Owners Forum
Look at both the Cyclone and Road Warrior sections. The brand manger visits them daily and answers questions personally. He posted a large list of differences in construction that will answer most of your questions.
Heartland equals a great product with great customer service and an Owners Group second to none
Regards
Ricatic
Debbie and Savannah the Wonderdachsund
2009 Big Horn 3055RL
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Dually LTX with the Gold Standard LBZ Engine and Allison Transmission
2011 F350 Lariat SRW CC SB 4WD 6.7 Diesel POS Gone Bye Bye
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porkchop1221

US

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Joined: 02/14/2012

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Those were my choices as well when I started looking at 5th wheels. I decided on the heartland after visiting the forum, lots of very friendly informative people on the list and the customer service of heartland is amazing. You call them and talk to the parts people and service people at heartland directly. Amazing. They answered all my questions without rushing me at all.
I liked the fact I could have a washer dryer in the rv if I decided to stay in it full time. I think the cyclone has they hydraulic landing gear but the road warrior does not.
All those prices can ne negotiated better. I got around 30 to. 35% off mspr. And I had it built. I didn't get the. 6 point level up because we will most likely be staying on pavement.
Anyway, I haven't picked up my cyclone yet but many people that I have seen here and on the heartland forum really love those rvs.
Call around and spend a lot of time in each one too. Have fun and good luck!
2012 GMC 3500HD, Diesel, Crew Cab Standard Bed, SRW
2013 Cyclone 3010 (to be picked up)
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jetenbu

Southeast Texas

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Joined: 08/03/2006

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I would suggest you also look at Montana fivers. I own one and am prejudiced towards them but believe me, you will get a quality fiver. Take a look and see what you can find. You will be pleased. Mine has all the amenities I could want. The newer 2013's have the level up system you are wanting. I got 38% off of MSRP when buying mine for about $60,000. new. Montana has a very good reputation and is the best selling trailer for over 10 years running!
Look online at the RV Station in Nacadoches, Texas where I got mine. They have internet deals and will definitely deal with you. They are very laid back and want you to be happy with your fiver.
I hope this helps.
Jim
RV: 2012 Montana 3625RE Quad Slide SKP#108921
TV: 2004.5 Dodge Dually 3500 HD
Favorite Quote: ''Life's tough, pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid.''-- John Wayne
Warning: THIS RIG PROTECTED BY SMITH AND WESSON!
U.S. Navy Vietnam Vet 1967-1968
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francheska

Canada

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Joined: 01/17/2012

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We had a 36' Heartland Roadwarrior it had evrything but the 6point leveling jacks. We lived fulltime in it one summer and fall moving. I did nothing to it, it worked great and DW just loved the living space of
26'. Plus the garage area gave us lots of extra storage area. We had a reese 5th wheel hitch. Worked great was easy to hook up to an unhook. This was my first 5vr so I was a newby at every thing. We sold
it as it was just to big for what we want now but would buy another if it fit our life style. I did talk to
Heartland customer service direct and had a great result. Hope this helps.
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MadMav

Colorado Springs, CO

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Joined: 03/12/2007

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All are very similar in quality and function. Pick the floorplan you like the best and be happy.
Mav
"A fifth wheel trailer is a bi-level towable mobile home."
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grizzly660fan

Utah

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Joined: 06/15/2004

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I have a Voltage (3905) with the auto level system and it is terrific! I would for sure lean that way even if you are only staying in improved campgrounds, it makes set up easier and also with the mid trailer stabilizers makes the trailer more stable.
Montana makes a great product, I am not discounting the brand. However one advantage a toy hauler has whether you use the garage to haul toys or not is the size of the tanks. They generally have much larger fresh water tanks and also grey/black tanks. If you ever stray from full hookup campgrounds these larger tanks become a huge benefit.
When we get to camp and set up, I pull the toys out of the garage and we uses it as additional living space. We end up eating and enjoying the garage as much as the rest of the trailer.
2012 Epic Voltage 3905
2003 High Output Dodge Cummins
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05hd350

Maryland

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Joined: 05/23/2011

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Look into the curt brand hitches also, I had one and liked it a lot better than the reese that came in my new ford..
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remoandiris

Florida

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Joined: 07/13/2011

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I don't own a TH, but have started thinking about one while on my trip to Utah. So many nice places I'd love to ride my motorcycle and I'd have to buy a dual sport bike or ATV to hit the miles of trails. So I'm researching, too.
While I applaud you for thinking about resale value, IMO that is no reason to buy one model or another. You're not going to get anywhere near the value YOU think the used rig is worth. That is just the way it is. You need to buy the floorplan and accessories YOU will use and enjoy.
I have no need for a patio. I don't sit outside very much anyway. A patio would be a waste. I do want a big garage that is flexible enough for me to convert into a man cave when camping. Even then my needs are simple; a comfy chair and a tv.
I think a 2d awning is a great idea. The less sun directly on the unit, the better. Depending on the temps of where and when you go out, a 2d a/c might be mandatory. The 15K just can't push enough cold air to combat summertime temps.
IMO, the level-up is a niceity, not necessity. A few 2x10s under the tires on one side will level a unit at a MUCH lower price.
2011 GMC 3500 Dually
New to me 2006 Jayco Designer 38RDQS
2 Boxers and a Maine Coon
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