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View Full Version : What to buy up to 50K?


afeiner
02-17-2016, 06:48 PM
Hi Y'all
We are planning to upgrade our 30' travel trailer to a 5th wheel, budget is up to 50K +/- 10%. I do contract work so I am moving around every few months, so looking for something with king size bed, full size, refrigerator and washer / dryer. I do not mind a year or two old 5th wheel,
My tow is Chevy silverado 2500 HD 6.6 Diesel.
any advice on where to start from greatly appreciated

wingnut60
02-19-2016, 03:35 PM
I was lucky enough back in '07 to find an '05 Mobile Suites for $45k--so those deals are still out there if you spend enough time looking. But a 2500 is not suitable to tow one of these.
A Jayco, Excel or HitchHiker are good names to look for--Excel no longer makes units, but they are well built. You kind of need to define 'full-size refrigerator'--you won't find many large fridges unless you are looking at 36' and longer. Room for a W/D also dictates more length.
If you considered upgrading the truck, it would give you more options, to be able to tow more pin weight.
Doing contract work, you surely will need the interior space of a 36' minimum fiver.
Have you looked around yet? Start looking at RVTrader.com/craigslist.com and others to get a feel for what floorplans are offered. If you are anywhere near Texas, PPLmotorhome.com has many used consignment units to look at.
Good luck in your search.
Joe

afeiner
02-19-2016, 03:50 PM
Joe

Thank you for the detailed answer, what a great answer. Yes, my next contract is in TX, so I am going to take a trip to on of PPL locations. I am not in a position to upgrade the truck right now, however based on the specs it will tow up to 18000 on 5th wheel / gooseneck system, and the one I really liked (Cedar Creek) seem to be within the limit. REgardless, I agree, patience and research are of the essence here, again, thank you for the great answer.
BTW, its PPLMotorhomes, you forgot the ..s

wingnut60
02-19-2016, 08:01 PM
I tend to leave the s... out of things.
But to mention--an 18k fiver is going to overload the rear axle of your truck badly, keep that in mind. During the course of doing all your research, take time to load the truck with as much stuff/people as you might want to carry and get it weighed, getting both the axle weights as it sits. Then you will have some actual numbers to work with. I don't worry too much about going over the rear axle limit, but you surely don't want to go over the tire capacity.
Joe

afeiner
02-19-2016, 08:53 PM
I actually spoke with the guys in New Braunfels since my next gig is in San Antonio, and I am driving my trailer there next week, I will stop by. He actually said the same thing and he mentioned they do have some that total weight will be in the 15.5-16. Now its time for the wife to decide, I just drive it :-).

wingnut60
02-20-2016, 09:20 AM
If married, the RV lifestyle is mostly "happy wife-happy life"
Hope you find just the right rig.
Joe

afeiner
02-20-2016, 09:25 AM
ANY Lifestyle is happy wife happy life, or else...