Decided to Sell/ Upgrade
 

When my bride and I purchased our HiLo it was an experiment to see if we liked the lifestyle and other unknowns. Well we've decided that even though we haven't camped much we do enjoy it (and expecially using it as overflow bedding when company arrives). The problem we continue to run into is space.

Now our 24 footer is fine length-wise but too narrow to pass each other. Add in two large dogs and there's no foot room either.

So tomorrow it'll go to a nearby private sales lot and we'll commence looking for something used/local with a slide-out or two.

As I'm not wanting to lose my truck bed I'll be looking for a hard-sided, bumper pull, 24-26 feet, with slide(s). We've also set a minimum size of a Queen mattress, preferably King like our HiLo. We would also greatly prefer a larger fridge. I prefer minimal extra beds but she wants lots of them so there'll need be a compromise there.

If anyone has any strong recommendations by brand name please offer them up. I guess also any brands to decline - but please explain why.

You can't go wrong with Airstream. They are built to last and there are some pretty good deals on older ones that are still in good condition. With the all aluminum frame and skin there is little that goes wrong with the overall structure of the trailer. Interiors can always be updated with a little elbow grease.

I don't think an older airstream will work based on the requirements: ...with a slide-out or two. Newer ones are very expensive.

Yeah I thought of that. But really the only trailer I would recommend. Everything else is just built so cheaply nowdays they are not worth the price and develop leaks very easily. My brother has a 69 Airstream that he never maintains. It sat for 6 years and he changed the tires, greased the wheel bearings, and drug it to Arkansas last weekend with no problems. And it didn't leak a drop in the 6 years it sat idle. They are just plain superior trailers and worth the price difference.

Now that was quick!
 

So I spent the day touring numerous places/dealers, and then purchased one just down the street from where I live. These folks had just purchased a newer/ larger fifth wheel and were anxious to sell their old one.

So what did I get? A 2008 Jayco Eagle Super Lite Series M-29.5 RLS. Being priced right allowed me to overlook it being a fifth wheel, and looking like new didn't hurt. Now I need to find/install a matching hitch. And build a covered shed.

For those too polite to ask: $13,000. Hopefully its not gonna be a headache.

Our last tt was an 18' Jayco. We had it for 8 years and really liked it. The only problem we had was a leaky roof.

Wrascal,

Welcome to the world of S.O.B.'s (Some Other Brand) :-)

Bob

Anyone considering an Airstream
 

Airstreams have their place just like all brands of trailers. If you are really serious about this brand then spend at least a year reading all you can on the www.airforums.com website. I've been on this forum for three yrs. and have learned so much. DH is a retired sheet metal fabricator with an interest in all things metal.

New to you SOB
 

Wrascal, Congrats on your new to you 5th wheel. Join a forum with other owners and I;m sure you will cut your learning curve.

RC47, who you calling a SOB? It must be in the air as one of my welcoming messages from the Jayco forum site welcomed me from the SOBs also.

I haven't seen an Airstream for sale in over a year. I do like the looks (and their reputation) but as was pointed out ... I wanted foot room - my dogs like to spread out. This new 5vr has two slides, opposite from each other, which creates a very large living room; and it has a fireplace to consume my medicinal alcohol by.

The elderly gent I purchased this from was explaining that he doesn't like heights, so he allowed his father (yearly) to paint on the roof sealant - once again just before selling it. He is one thoughtful son. I guess it worked, no leaks or stains. I can't say that about my old HiLo which I simply covered when not in use.

I am still fretting, I'm afraid it's too big to handle (in tight spots), time will tell.

Now I need some Canadian - and unwind time. Y'all come on by and join me.

Hi wrascal,

Good luck on the sale of your HiLo and congrats on the purchase of your new trailer!

My understanding is that a 5th wheel tracks differently than a travel trailer. Here is an article that explains it:

How to make a turn in a 5th wheel - National RV Travel | Examiner.com

Good luck Wrascal. I am helping a friend that is in the process of buying a fifth wheel trailer and also needs a hitch. In trying to find a hitch I have learned the trailer supply places have some outrageous prices. You will be much better off finding one on Ebay or somewhere and then taking it to a trailer place to have it installed. One place local wanted nearly $1500 for a hitch and install. But only $250 to install one. Seeing as the online prices for a new hitch average $500, the $1500 price is a massive mark up. Installation isn't terribly difficult but does involve a bit of precision drilling through your TV frame so it would be advisable to let a pro install it.

misfit, the older Airstreams are the best; the new Airstreams (manufactured by Thor Industries) leave a lot to be desired even with their high price.

Dee

Last year when I rolled into this town I stumbled upon an independent RV repairman that treated me right. I spoke with him yesterday and he said he would install a new 15K fifth hitch for under $500 out the door. Normally I would go the craigslist route but feel this guy needs an occasional bone - so that's where I'll bring it.

Some owners have advised a slider but this same guy says they're really more hassle than they're worth. He'd be glad to sell me one but says it's not necessary. One more reason I trust him.

I'm meeting the seller in twenty min. for the operational tour, then to the bank.

Chat later, y'all.

That's the story with everything today. High prices and low quality. And corporate record profits. Imagine that.

It's done.
 

OK folks, its too late to back out, the deal is done.

The only problem(s) noted was the single battery is weak (and the tray appears to be able to hold two batteries). The battery is code dated G09, which to me likely means July 09- on an 08 trailer? I forget the batteries name but it's also labeled as a marine battery - which I don't think Jayco would use. I'm guessing someone (prior single owner) swapped it (or two) batteries out for this older one - but of course I didn't throw accusations as he is a polite gentleman. Coincidentally I now find out that his current/ larger 5vr is also used ... I wonder if it needed a battery, or two?

WOW, my English/grammar teacher would have fits over that paragraph.

So I'm likely gon'na need a new battery; oh yeah, and two tanks of propane - as both tanks (the larger size) are empty. I wonder if his newer one needs propane? Both minor things but of course the money does add up. Add in sales tax (still unpaid) and the required hitch and my expenses aren't yet done.

I'm sure that I'll always be using shore power so what do y'all think, will a marine battery suffice? I also feel that one battery will be sufficient - but will listen to users with experience. AND, should I go strictly RV deep cycle?

This Cheap Charlie Would spend more - if its really worth it for my usage.

EDIT: Not a single nibble on my HiLo which I attribute to both the wrong season and weekday viewing traffic. I'll be dropping the asking price weekly and do expect someone to eventually feel "what a bargain".

Just for full discloser, State Farms wants $29.33 monthly (for $1k deductible). I believe my HiLo was about $10 month for the same coverage. Of course I value the newer one 6-8 times more so that's not bad in my opinion.

Now I'm gonna pour a stiff one - then head to bed. If y'all hurry I'll offer you a night-cap.

Wrascal, I don't think a deep cycle battery is particularly more expensive than a marine one, and I think it will last longer under heavy use, such as when you stop for a break on a trip and have it powering the fridge.

As was pointed out, a 5th wheel tracks MUCH differently than a bumper pull. But my Sister pulls a 4-horse gooseneck trailer with her F250 and she's learned how to do everything with it - loaded with hay burners too! So far, not a scratch on it.

- Jack

Many manufacturers label their deep cycle batteries as RV-marine. No issue there.

I recommend the largest deep cycle batteries that will fit, group 31 or 27. Better yet, use two CG2 golf cart batteries if they fit. You will have to buy a short jumper cable to wire them in series.

Monies spent
 

This morning I took the single old battery in to Walmart and had it tested, almost slam dead. I looked at what they had and decided I didn't want to waste all morning chasing the best battery for the best dollar.

So I picked up two Walmart branded marine/deep cycle batteries ($100 each) and a pair of cables to wire them in parallel. Remembering after the fact I went to O'Riellys Auto - to get some dielectric for the terminals, FREE! Thank you, O'Rielly.

Then off to the campground store to fill the propane tanks.

With that I found one additional problem, I can't light the oven (stovetop works), and there's no manual. As it appears unused I'm guessing it's Operators Error. Guess its off to the net once I get the model and make.

Now for the Big Brag, today I also found/purchased some .22 Magnums. Its been two years since I've last had some.

Catching up: the oven works and I didn't do anything different; I suspect ...

Yesterday I had bright sunlight streaming into the oven cavity (hoping I could see what I was doing) ... maybe the pilot was lite but too sunny to see?

Giving it one last chance this morning (darker cabin) it became apparent when I torched the pilot. Operator error - as I said?

Wrascal,
Sometimes those ovens are a bear to light. Just don't burn that possum casserole! :-)

Bob

Once again I'll explain, I do most of my meals by grilling on the Baby Weber (wonderful investment). I just wanted to be able to dry laundry, dishes, etc...

And this camper is large enough that today I installed several stereo components to a pair of Baby Advent II speakers inside. No more tinny transistor radio sound. Movin on up!

Wrascal,
Congratulations! This summer I bought a '98 Jayco Designer 33XLS for our lake property. spending a week at a time in our 21' Towlite (17' box) was too hard. I was almost a cause of divorce. It is in excellent shape for being 14 years old so I think they must be well made. My buddy an experienced 5er delivered it for me. He drove it up a steep windy canyon and was driving about the same speed I was in my unloaded Dakota. He swears by the 5th wheel as so much easier and stable than a bumper pull.
We are keeping the Towlite for our actual boondocking camping trips.
IMHO the Jayco forum is dull. Nothing unique about the as trailers to talk about, maybe info on 5th wheels I guess. Everything I needed to know is already on this forum from these nice folks.

Just up the road from SLC - interesting place.
Our Vintage Airstream Inventory - for purchase as-is or restoration

With the 5th wheel we have on our property I would not trade it for an airstream. The slide giving up the extra width so we don't crowd each other 100% of the time as well as the height makes a huge difference. I am 6'2" and can still walk under the ceiling fan. I am glad we don't pull it though. We are keeping Lil' Towie for that.

Update
 

REF: my hitch. I upgraded from 15K to a 16K S Husky hitch, with a roller slider. Installed and taxed at $809. Even though this gent assured me I shouldn't need the slider I got it just to be safe. This RV is much bigger than I'm accustomed to AND my TV does have the shorter box (6.5 feet).

That added $300 is cheaper than the alternative (if I was to put the two together). Now I'm thinking I'll also need wider mirrors on my TV, and a platform on the rear-end to carry my propane fireplace, Baby Weber and extra propane bottles. Fortunately the prior owner added a 2 inch receiver then had it strengthened by a local welder.

1st camping reservations made for the 8th - Veterans Day. Rain predicted at 80% for the first day, ugh.

All loaded up/hitched up, and ready to go tomorrow. This thing swallowed an enormous amount of food stuff (cabinets, fridge, freezer) and I've still got room for more.

I'll miss the easiness of pulling the HiLo but will get over it.

Happy Vets Day.

Good luck rascal with your new toy and hope you enjoy it. Stay in touch:)

Wrascal, we also just sold our Hi-Lo and went with a 5th wheel - 38'. We simply needed a toy hauler and a little more space than the 24'. We have a neighbor who seems to be interested in looking/buying in that she came to the house earlier in the week inquiring about ours. What area in the south are you and what kind of price are we looking at? I'll pass the information on to her.

I'm in the very SouthEast corner of Alabama, so not exactly handy for just a casual look-see.

And this is not the camper for someone looking to just enjoy a carefree trailer - it shows wear and tear. It apparently had leaks before I purchased it ... and rather than fix them I simply covered it with a sack. Also some of the 12V lights are intermittent, on/off when they want to (provided they're switched on). I think the wire bundle where the upper/lower meet has a loose connection. None of these were problems for our type of camping, and/or when used as a spare bedroom for company.

The furnace was never fired, hot water tank fired once. AC and fridge (three way) all work. City water and on-board water systems all work fine. Toilet never used but tested fine. No leaks with gray or black tanks. Pulls just fine and the up/down function works as intended. Has an awning and solar cell, 2 bt. propane, spare tire, and sock to keep it dry inside.

I've got it priced at $2800, mostly because folks like to barter. Because I can park it and let company stay in it easier than I can set-up the new 5th wheel for them, I seriously doubt I'd go lower than $2000, but ready cash might induce me to part with it.

I think it'd be better suited to the hunters/fishermens, to simple pull it on-sight and can then live with these problems.

OK, I wasn't going to advertise this on this site but now you've got me started. I'll post this in the for sale section, along with my Craigslist ad.

Congrats Wrascal.

Hubby and I are out looking for 5th Wheel also. He has retired and we are looking to do some more traveling. I love my Hi-Lo put there is work to it putting everything down off of the cabinets Tv's microwave, etc. It's also not a four season trailer. I'm going to miss our Hi-Lo but looking forward to a couple recliners and more room. Ours is a 31ft with tipout but the 5th wheels have so much more space. We put our Hi-Lo in storage today and will be selling it in the Spring and hopefully find a 5th wheel between now and next years camping season.

Deb, we are right now in the direction you and your husband are headed. We just sold our Hi-Lo and bought a 39' Raptor toyhauler. Three slides and a full kitchen. But I can tell you I miss that trailer. We sold it to one of my job foremen and his family so we still get pictures of he and his wife/family using it on week-ends. But there is still a sense of belonging when you are a Hi-Lo owner.

There was someone on here that's been looking for a 31' but I can't remember who it was. They have been looking for a while now. The 2 of you may be able to come to a mutually beneficial deal.

My initial impressions: setting up a fifth (with slides) isn't a brisk walk in park. First, you must anticipate the side to side clearances. When ready to depart you need to clean off the top side of the slides - or the contents will wind up inside the trailer. You also need to clear the inside area of obstructions BEFORE retracting them.

Much like the HiLo needs to be parked clear of overhead stuff and the interior packed away before lowering the top.

But that huge living room (and refridgerator) make it worthwhile.

My one complaint: this Jayco has a tinier bed. Its called a queen- but sure seems closer to a full size to me. It's not nearly as comfy as my HiLo (king) was.

Jim
Your new 5th wheel sounds wonderful. We are also looking forward to the big kitchen and large fridge with 3 slides. Not much to choose from in our neck of the woods so we're kind of thinking of making a trip to Elkhardt Ind. after Thanksgiving of course weather permitting.

I guess I got lucky. On the day that I decided to upgrade I visited several local dealers - viewed what they had - and heard their offers. Of those that met my price expectations the campers left a lot to be desired. Those that I liked ran $20K, more than I was willing to separate from my tight fisted wallet.

Several days earlier, my bride and I saw one parked about a mile down the road (from our house). Once again passing by we decided to look at it. Walking up to it I knew it was another $20K RV and so had no expectations of taking it home with us.

But as I said earlier, he was ready to sell and we had an agreement. It has required me to spend even more money however: fifth hitch, new batteries, better sewer hose, add towing mirrors to my TV, etc.

Speaking of sewer hose - and "it's only money" this is the one I ordered: Polychute

Terribly expensive - but it gets rave reviews. Has anyone here ever used one? Please tell me I didn't waste those hard earned green-backs.

Deb,
Utah has many huge dealerships but my Friend in Des Moines got a better deal than anything I have ever seen here. He got a new Jayco Eagle 256 RKS with the upgraded interior for about $18K. That is what the used are going for here. He got it at:
Trade Winds R.V. Center
10171 North Saginaw Road
Clio, Michigan 48420
If you are thinking of driving to Indiana you might want to see what they have first.