Older full-time 5th wheel?

[moontime]

Hello, long story short- we are in the market for a fifth wheel that will be our home for a few years. With our budget we can't afford a new one but are wondering if its a bad idea to buy one that is about 10 years old. Are some built better than others and can they hold up to 4-season use? We are looking at Carriage, Holiday Rambler, Sunnybrook, Jayco, Thor and Keystone. We have looked at lots of them in person but feel like we have more research to do.
We would prefer a 5th wheel but if there is a 30-35 TT we should know about we are open to all advice & info.
Also is there any brand that consistently has open bathrooms where the toilet is not in a closet room?
I'm sure I'll have more questions but that is a good start for now. Thanks in advance for any replies.

[velvetwolf5]

Be aware=if you are spending time in Fl. most parks have a 10yr.old no entry rule, for long term,or 6 months,some a 5yr. be sure to check ahead of time so, you don't end up last minute seaching or boondocking.It's not fair because most people take care of their unit,some parks have become status minded,a few have stopped entering tents to their campground.Camping just isn't what it use to be.

[moontime]

Thank you for that info. I don't think we'll be going to florida, mainly just be living in it on our land. We found a 2004 Outback Sydney we could afford and are seriously considering it. Anyone have any advice on that particular make for full-timers? I'll post in 5th Wheel Forum too.

[pbpastor]

Look for a older carriage product. They are a well built unit.

[moontime]

We did find a Carriage and it was almost perfect except for a severe water leak. It was so sad because the floorplan was awesome and we drove 4 hours to look at it.
We also found a KZ Durango and a 3-slide keystone Montana. We know they are probably built better, but we love that Outback. The floorplan is perfect for our needs.
We are torn. :confused:

[scrappycrafter]

We had 2 Carri lites, an 82 and a 92. They were 10 years old when we replaced the last one with a 2000 Montana. We have never been turned down in a park because of age. The Carri-lites had walk through baths, which I still prefer, but very hard to find these days. Hard to have company, and since we both work in the summer I have to get up early some days while my husband sleeps, good thing he is a sound sleeper, to shower and put on my makeup.

We found that Carri-lite did not stand by their product after a few years, if you needed a part or to find out where something was on the rig, you were out of luck, Montana on the other hand took our 6 year old rig in the factory and fixed things we didn't know needed to be fixed. I think we will be Montana owners for the years we have left to live this life. We were not even the original owners. Got to go through the factory to see how they were made also.

We also met some people who said they liked the floor plan of the Cedar Creeks, I like them too, but they traded for a Montana because it towed better. My husband prefers towing a 5th wheel over a tt. Judy

[kroving]

Hi Moontime
We are Carriage owners and members of the Carriage Travel Club. The Travel club is one of the best things ever and the Carriage trailers used to be the best on the road when Mr Yoder owned the company. Un fortunately, he has sold out to an investment group and they are not interested and anything but PROFFIT!! It is sad to see the best out there go down hill.
In general, If you plan to full time, do not buy a cheep unit. The carpets and fabrics just will not stand up to constant daily use. Go for at least a mid range unit. Some of the older trailers were built very well and will last for many years but be ware of the appliances.

Dave

[moontime]

Thanks everyone. We found out yesterday that the folks buying our house did not get financing, looks like the 5er buying has been put on hold for now, but I will keep all this great advice in mind.