Thread: what's the best choice????

Hi 'rebel and welcome aboard! Hope we can help!

As you can see from my sig line, we have a KZ and its a 30' "5th" with one slide. We did a lot of research before we bought and have been very pleased with ours for the last 3 1/2 years. Its plenty big for DW and I and should be fine with another adult and probably even a couple more kiddos as long as you spend most of your time outdoors as we do.

I'd go with fiberglass as its lighter even though there is nothing wrong with aluminum. Many prefer it but I don't believe it adds much.

After looking at many others and owning one, I can highly recommend KZ. Ours has given us outstanding service with nearly nothing going wrong. Biggest problem I've had with it is a drawer guide breaking and KS sent me the part to fix it. My dealer would have done it but it was easier do do it myself then take it over for that small a repair.

KZ Recreational Vehicles: Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Light Weight Towables, Sport Utility Trailers

Speaking of dealers, I would suggest looking at McClain's RV. They gave us a great price and service. Can't speak higher of them. Have a site:

McClain's RV - Home

On the other side, I will never own another Fleetwood product nor go near Vogt RV again:no:. PM and I'll be pleased to send a link that will take you to the gory details:thumbsdown:.

Again, welcome aboard. Take your time and enjoy the fun of purchasing a new RV.

Happy Camping!

Thought I'd add a bit more to my post in the hopes of make your choice easier.

Having pulled both types of trailers I will state that I much prefer towing a "5th". They hitch easier with far less "mechanics" to mess with. You can forget about "sway" and the need for sway control equipment. Also, the total length of your towed rig is shorter then with a "tag-along" as part of your trailer is over the bed of the truck and there is no need for the extended hitch assembly. The only disadvantes to a "5th" is the need for a truck to pull it (and this is a disadvantge how???) and the room in the bed taken by the hitch assembly. Please don't get the idea that you can get around the hitch in the bed by "converting" to a gooseneck rig. This has been done and some 5th wheel manufactures say that you can do this. Many don't and won't warrant damage done by doing this. It adds tremendous strain tn the hitch pin assembly.

"Slides" have become pretty much ubiguitous on all trailers. Even pop-ups have had them now for a number of years. Finding a "5th" without at least one slide would probably mean special ordering your rig. I wouldn't worry about it much and I can't see us owning a "5th" without at least one slide. The really big rigs have up 4 now though I'd see this as a bit of over-kill unless we were full-timers. One large slide in the main living area will serve you well though two in that area if you have a "rear-living" model would probably be better. Just make sure you keep the slide mechanism clean and lubed and you'll have no problems. Also, I know of no trailer manufacturer who recommends the use of external slide suports. There may still be some out there but most say NOT to use them and will not warrant damage done by them. One "rule of thumb" to keep in mind; each slde=1000 pounds.

Two more things about "5ths". I find them to be more spacious then the same size "tag-along". This is due mainly to the higher ceilings. Also, I sure do love my "basement":cool:!!!

Hope this has been of some help, along with the PM I sent. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have either through the 'board or by PM. Until then and always,

Happy Camping!

Really surprised you had the issue with McClain's. Though we purchased our KZ from them when they were still out in Alvarado a few years ago, we still deal with them in their new location in south Ft. Worth. Have never had a problem with them and don't recall anyone who has. Very odd.

As far as a choice between KZ and Jayco, I believe I'd go with KZ but it would be a real close call. Jayco has always made nice rigs.

Happy Camping!

Hey "kwrebel",

I kept thinking about what you said about having a bad experience at McClain's and I just couldn't make it add up. Every time I go in there, I'm treated like a king and I just didn't understand why they'd treat you any differently. Took the time to send them an e-mail, giving them a link to this thread. Within a few hours, I got the following reply;

From: Lori Ellis lori.ellis@mcclainsrv.com

Dear Mr. XXXXX (Turn Key),

Thank you for the link to Wild Texas. I appreciate the information, you are absolutely correct, we strive very hard to make all of our customers (and potential customers) happy.

I would love to be able to discuss the situation with “kwrebel”. I realize you have gone above and beyond already, but if there is any way you could get my name, number, or email address to him, I would be grateful.

I did not personally talk to any customers at the Dallas RV Show, so there may be some confusion, and I would like the opportunity to clear up the situation.

Thank you,

Rob E. Ellis

General Manager

McClain’s RV Ft. Worth, TX

817-568-1999

rob.ellis@mcclainsrv.com

Thought the best way to get the info to you was to post it here and let you act on it as you see fit. Hope all works out well.

Happy Camping!