I have just started the search for a TRUE four seasons 5th wheel or towable. I have started educating myself about what is required to be truly COLD tolerant.
I looked at a 2007 38' Lakota 5th wheel today - made by McKenzie which was (is??) a part of Monaco. Is this thing TRULY a winter RV? I intend to leave it unattened about half of the time and sleep in it about 2 - 3 nights per week. It gets COLD here in Kansas. Winter before last we saw a record -17F!!
What's your budget? I think one of the best is Excel by Peterson Industries, but they are not cheap. Neither is the Hitchhiker by NuWa.
In my book, the most affordable is Arctic Fox by Northwoods. There is a guy on this forum that lives in one in North Dakota.
That being said, there probably is not an RV that is really as comfortable as a real building, when the temps get to -40. Really preparing any RV to withstand sub-zero temps takes a bit of work and add-ons.
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.
You might want to look at some of the "new" Carriages on dealers lots. Though Carriage is no longer, the ones on the lots should be able to be picked up at a good price and they are a good RV and advertised as all season RV's. Check to be sure they have the Astro foil insulation and double pane windows, etc.
Our older Carriage has gone through some very cold weather and we were OK BUT that was not for extended times and it was never left unattended. We do know via the Carriage forums that some hearty RV'ers have done well in their Carriages in longer term cold weather. Diana
1996 Dodge Dually, Max Brake Controller, Mor/Ryde Susp Rear Spgs, Air Bags, Tailgate Easylift,
1996/2010 Triple Slide Carriage, Mor/Ryde Susp, Kodiak Disc Brakes, Big Foot Auto Leveling System, TST TPMS
We full time in an Open Range residential unit 393RLS. Great in snow and sun as we have been in both. Great insulation with DP windows. Decent price too.
While a Arctic Fox is good (for the price) Excel, Carriage and NuWa are the best(but also more expensive). Montana also seems to be good for full timing.
2011 Arctic Fox 29-5T 5th Wheel
2011 Silverado HD 3500 6.6L Duramax Diesel Crew Cab
Short Bed 4X4 SRW LT
50gal Transfer Flow Aux. Tank
16K Valley Hitch w/bed saver
My Sunnybrook has the extreme temp package, dual pane windows and is very well insulated. The pipes and underbelly are sealed and insulated for cold temps. Check them out.
In my life I've spent my money on women, booze, Harleys, guitars and traveling, the rest I just wasted...
2007 Ford F-350 diesel/dually & Sunnybrook Titan KSRV 39-1 Toy hauler 5th wheel hauling my custom Harley
My Central to North Illinois family connections really like the big Montana fifth wheel. This is the only one they ever get. One is on their third one now. They are about as close to living in it as you can get.
Not sure what the model and floorplan is but its high dollar and fancy with slides all the way around it. Maybe Montana Big Sky? They leave Effingham IL and head for Central Flordia in January every year and come back in late April. Then they head out west to Arizona and back for long extended stays...
They have been trading for a new one every five to six years now it seems... We usually catch up with them in Sep/Oct at Lakewood in Myrtle beach with all the other close family members for our mini-family reunion thing. Out of seven kids we are down to four left now. I always got to tell everyone I had six sisters and each one of them has a brother... Two others also have the Montana fifth wheel and then there we are in our OFF-ROAD Starcraft POPUP. We wont stay on the same side of the park they are in hehe... Cant keep up with these "Joneses"...
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me Roy and Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS
POPUP PHOTOs-Pg52-Pg56
All of the rigs listed by posters are similar; good insulation, heat going to the tanks, thermal windows, etc. Most of them are also reasonably tight, in that they don't leak air.
Given a choice between a better insulated rig, with "some" air leaks and a lower insulated rig, that is tight. I would take the tight rig.
I know Northwoods (Arctic Fox) tests their rigs for leaks, and I believe that Peterson (Excel) and NuWa (Hitchhiker) tests theirs.
Bare in mind, that any used rig is more likely to "leak" then a new rig
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