kwrebel

Hi, my name is Kevin. I recently sold a 37 ft. 5th wheel. It was my first RV. I really enjoyed it but it was too big for my needs as well as it was getting a little old (1996). I am in the process of gathering information for a new RV. I am wanting about a 25 to 30 foot RV. I am married with a son and may have 1 to 2 more kids. We will use the trailer about 6 times a year in about a 300 mile radius. I have a few basic questions that I would like to have discussed. What is better, metal or fiberglass exterior? Travel trailer or 5th wheel? Are slide-outs something else to go wrong with the trailer or a very useful item to gain space? Someone please advise. I plan on attending the Dallas RV Show next weekend and would like to have a better idea of what to look for. Thank you for any responses.

Troop198

We took a while looking so here are a few thoughts.

If you want to keep your vehicle what can it tow?
(weight wise) does it have all the right things for towing?
(After research and looking, you might rent before you buy)

RV shows are a great place to see a large number of sizes and brands. Go slow they will sell you the moon right now as sales are down

At some point consider storage, and insurance. Where the dealer is located is important for the first year things you always find. (we had a hole in the tent ends, no problem to get it replaced, just had to go to dealer)

We have a Coyote (made by KZ) it's a hybrid, has hard sides and tent ends. Slide out adds room and have heard of no extra problems. Trailers in the range your looking can sleep 4 - 5

Most trailers are fiberglass or light weight metal because of weight .

Turn Key

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!

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srds

I know what I would get a KZ spree 24' -nice-nice -nice.But will have to wait a little longer.Like troop said be careful at show and don't get talked into something you won't need.Good luck



srds :cool:
Have Fun

Troop198

We also got ours from McClains, and use the one in McKinney.

Turn Key

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!

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4everfrio

Check what your vehicle can tow. Salespeople will tell you anything in order to make a sale. Yes there are many good ones out there, but don't let someone sell you a trailer that you can tow safely. Good luck and have fun shopping.

kwrebel

Thanks to all who replied. I do not think I will be buying tomorrow at the Dallas RV show. I am mainly going to look at what all is a availible on a compairable market. Less travel for me and more pressure on the "salesman" to make the better deal. I am not able to sign on frequently but I will continue to check for future replys. Thank you once again for all advise. Oh yeah, I still have the same truck that was pulling the 16,000 +lbs 5th wheel that I recently sold so that will not be a problem.

Troop198

Any real good deals at the RV show, I understand they are offering 1 free year membership to Thousand trails.
They are good spots, but a little pricey.

kwrebel

There seemed to be some good deals but I was "shopping" only. I did narrow my selection down drastically. I do have to post this for others info. I had a very bad experience with the "general manager" of the McClains dealership of Ft. Worth on the day I went. I caught one of the salesman in a lie and then this so called manager basically blew me off as if i were no one. The funny part of the whole thing was that I had taken $10,000 cash with me just in case there was something that I could not refuse. The money was in my back pocket. The rude "manager" and salesman just did not know it. I will not say I will not buy from a McClains, but I will say they will have to have something really special along with a heartfelt "sorry" to get my attention. I am willing to try the McClains in McKinney. Sorry if this is rushed and not so clear. I will try to post again in a few days. I narrowed down to either a KZ fiberglass exterier bumper pull or a Jayco bumper pull. I like the interior design of the Jayco but it was metal exterior. What are some of your opinions?

Turn Key

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!

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Turn Key

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;

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!

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kwrebel

I wrote the individuals name down that was supposed to be the person of highest rank. I will get the booklet that I wrote it down on and we can go from there. How about that? I will try to repost later this evening. If not tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

kwrebel

Actually, I had the booklet right here. The name tag of the individual was Keith Parker. Will post again later.