Much appreciated

[ghost]

Honest opinions on this 5th wheel ...



http://www.campingworldofhanover.co...rest-river-rockwood-ultra-lite-2440ws-1252939

 

[Gary68]

would depend on build material and quality, is that real wood or veneered whatever?
dont know the market but for that big and brand new 30k sounds like a deal if it's a quality build

 

[ghost]

Welded Al frame and pressure insulated.  Delivered to site and set up for $500.

People are going to have to go this route, IMO...  I'm not rich, but not homeless : ) And plan to keep it that way.

 

[Txjaybird]

New....Big...Bright...Shiny...Well Equipped....Expensive.  The important question is does it suit your wants and needs?    
There is a Camper World near me.  I have looked at various rigs in the 6yrs I've been back in AL at several dealers.  I think Camper World has the highest prices  and their make ready fees are outrageous IMO.  This is just me and the way I look at things.
 
I have had several T.T.s , pop up trailers, truck campers, tents and a 18ft tipi.. Thru the years I realized they all had something in common with my homes.  Living on my own since 1979 I use 3 main areas....bathrooms, kitchen and bedroom no matter the size of the home.  

 I have been in my current apt. for over 6yrs and use the living room as a staging/storage area  This suits me as I do not like a lot of people in my home at one time.   So it suits me now........it's what I need.

You should have some  more responses from others and questions...we always ask questions

                                        Jewellann  aka  Texas Jbird

 

[Gunny]

Just a suggestion.... Go over to RV Net and and search for forest river. I have no direct knowledge of them and haven't owned one but I have read of a myriad of after-sale issues.

Chat with some members on the 5th Wheel forum. Camping World does not have a stellar 'after the sale' reputation. JMHO.

 

[highdesertranger]

looks luxurious. how ever it's expensive in my book. also do you plan on taking this off pavement? I see problems if you are. highdesertranger

 

[cyndi]

Your paying too much if you're buying from camping world

 

[ghost]

looks luxurious.  how ever it's expensive in my book.  also do you plan on taking this off pavement?  I see problems if you are.  highdesertranger

This would mainly just be parked on a level lot in an RV park with full hook ups located in PA - - If I were to move it to CO or OR I would do the same.   I would not off road with it or anything.

 

[ghost]

Your paying too much of you're buying from camping world

Any suggestions on where to get a better buy?  I usually buy new as to not have to deal with hidden issues from past owners ...

 

[ghost]

New....Big...Bright...Shiny...Well Equipped....Expensive.  The important question is does it suit your wants and needs?    
There is a Camper World near me.  I have looked at various rigs in the 6yrs I've been back in AL at several dealers.  I think Camper World has the highest prices  and their make ready fees are outrageous IMO.  This is just me and the way I look at things.
 
I have had several T.T.s , pop up trailers, truck campers, tents and a 18ft tipi.. Thru the years I realized they all had something in common with my homes.  Living on my own since 1979 I use 3 main areas....bathrooms, kitchen and bedroom no matter the size of the home.  

 I have been in my current apt. for over 6yrs and use the living room as a staging/storage area  This suits me as I do not like a lot of people in my home at one time.   So it suits me now........it's what I need.

You should have some  more responses from others and questions...we always ask questions

                                        Jewellann  aka  Texas Jbird

Apartment process in the 3 states that I like have SKY ROCKETED in the last few years since people lost their homes in 08'  There are apartments in CO and OR that I paid $700-$800 per month that now rent for $1300 or more!  It's insane.  Hence the reason for living in a 5th wheel or RV/ Van of some sort...

I'm just like you as far as needs.  Bed, bathroom with a hot shower and a desk and chair.

 

[cyndi]

A quick google search shows multiple RV sales centers with 3-5 star reviews, in the Philly area. Camping World is not one of them.

 

[mayble]

Any suggestions on where to get a better buy?  I usually buy new as to not have to deal with hidden issues from past owners ...

The thing with RVs is that there are ALWAYS hidden issues straight from the factory.
Sometimes it's better to let the first owner not only take the depreciation hit, but also handle all those repairs under warranty.
I second the suggestion to read the forums over at RV.net.  You'll see thousands of complaints about nearly every RV brand about shoddy workmanship and endless repairs.  It's the nature of the beast when they are basically building a house in 8 hours on an assembly line.
You can probably find a 3-4 year old unit that's only been used a few times at half the price of new.

 

[ArtW]

I know a couple of ladies who own an RV park here, both of whom will tell you not to buy new, and both of whom recommend PPL as a source

 

[Photogal39Travels]

ArtW
I agree with this.

 

[Stargazer]

In Sept 2014, I purchased a new 2015 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8280 WS.  It went back to the dealer once for a few minor repairs and I am very happy with it, so far.  Did exactly what OP has planned, had it delivered to a nice RV park and it hasn't moved since.  It's my home now.

I love it.  I have a neighbor whose Forest River developed a major floor problem after the warranty ran out.  Forest River picked it up, took it to the factory, rebuilt the floor, repaired some minor things that had broken, and returned it at no charge!  Another has had so many problems he would bad mouth FR from here to eternity!  It's hit or miss.  The really important thing is the service department of the dealership where you buy.  

As for new vs used, I prefer new, mainly because I was looking for a particular floor plan and couldn't find it in a used model.  The financial hit is there but to me, it was the price I was willing to pay. Also, I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off.  Hopefully, 10-15 years.  A five to ten year old unit is already past its prime and in far less time will require replacement and more money spent.  So I see it as a wash.

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[jimindenver]

RV.net would be good for reviews and so would a owners forum for Forest River.

RV.net is also a good place to see SOME of the complaints about camping world but from what I have seen so far, I can save you time and effort. RUN AWAY!

I see lots of huge 5th wheels on the back roads. Flip those axles and you can go any where I do with our 25 ft trailer, and it usually requires 4x4 low at some point.

On the rig, look for how much storage you have. Coming to Colorado? You will need space for summer and winter gear.  You will need room for essentials like pot, pans, towels, etc. as well as nonessential like paperwork and keepsakes. Make a list of what you want to take and when you see the unit, imagine where it will go. Most RV's are made for short term camping and have storage for that, not full timing.

Go look at the rig, get in and shut the blinds for a hour. How long can you sit on the couch or dinette before you go stir crazy or have a backache? RV furniture can be akin to the seating in a fast food joint. Yes you can sit there but you only want to do it long as you have to. You can eat quickly but you may be stuck in the rig for days due to the weather. I would replace my dinette and couch except I'd loose that storage.

You are right about rents here. I pay less monthly for a 4 bedroom than you will find a 1 bedroom rental. The thing is you are not the first to think of using a RV to save money and the monthly on a space is high too. Long term isn't going to be a campground, it will be a mobile home park and likely is a less desirable area. By the time you make the RV payment AND lot payment, you may not be saving anything.

One thing about here is while usually it's pretty decent even in the winter, it can also get cold for long periods. I'm talking 20 below and RV's are not made to deal with that. The slide outs are not insulated nearly as well as the rest of it. The fridge is not good for below 20 above. You'll need expensive propane not hook up to the parks natural gas. Your fresh water and sewer are not buried and will need to be heated or disconnected in a cold spell.

Last thing is that it looks like you will have someone else move the rig around when needed. Check out how much that will cost especially the long term moves.

Just some things to chew on while making your decision.

 

[ghost]

In Sept 2014, I purchased a new 2015 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8280 WS.  It went back to the dealer once for a few minor repairs and I am very happy with it, so far.  Did exactly what OP has planned, had it delivered to a nice RV park and it hasn't moved since.  It's my home now.

I love it.  I have a neighbor whose Forest River developed a major floor problem after the warranty ran out.  Forest River picked it up, took it to the factory, rebuilt the floor, repaired some minor things that had broken, and returned it at no charge!  Another has had so many problems he would bad mouth FR from here to eternity!  It's hit or miss.  The really important thing is the service department of the dealership where you buy.  

As for new vs used, I prefer new, mainly because I was looking for a particular floor plan and couldn't find it in a used model.  The financial hit is there but to me, it was the price I was willing to pay. Also, I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off.  Hopefully, 10-15 years.  A five to ten year old unit is already past its prime and in far less time will require replacement and more money spent.  So I see it as a wash.

Best wishes and good luck!


That's awesome!  Is it a 5th wheel that you purchased?  How long have you lived in the park?

 

[ghost]

RV.net would be good for reviews and so would a owners forum for Forest River.

RV.net is also a good place to see SOME of the complaints about camping world but from what I have seen so far, I can save you time and effort. RUN AWAY!

I see lots of huge 5th wheels on the back roads. Flip those axles and you can go any where I do with our 25 ft trailer, and it usually requires 4x4 low at some point.

On the rig, look for how much storage you have. Coming to Colorado? You will need space for summer and winter gear.  You will need room for essentials like pot, pans, towels, etc. as well as nonessential like paperwork and keepsakes. Make a list of what you want to take and when you see the unit, imagine where it will go. Most RV's are made for short term camping and have storage for that, not full timing.

Go look at the rig, get in and shut the blinds for a hour. How long can you sit on the couch or dinette before you go stir crazy or have a backache? RV furniture can be akin to the seating in a fast food joint. Yes you can sit there but you only want to do it long as you have to. You can eat quickly but you may be stuck in the rig for days due to the weather. I would replace my dinette and couch except I'd loose that storage.


You are right about rents here. I pay less monthly for a 4 bedroom than you will find a 1 bedroom rental. The thing is you are not the first to think of using a RV to save money and the monthly on a space is high too. Long term isn't going to be a campground, it will be a mobile home park and likely is a less desirable area. By the time you make the RV payment AND lot payment, you may not be saving anything.

One thing about here is while usually it's pretty decent even in the winter, it can also get cold for long periods. I'm talking 20 below and RV's are not made to deal with that. The slide outs are not insulated nearly as well as the rest of it. The fridge is not good for below 20 above. You'll need expensive propane not hook up to the parks natural gas. Your fresh water and sewer are not buried and will need to be heated or disconnected in a cold spell.

Last thing is that it looks like you will have someone else move the rig around when needed. Check out how much that will cost especially the long term moves.

Just some things to chew on while making your decision.



Awesome advice!  This park in PA is only $400/ mo. plus electric and the park is really nice and shaded and in a safe area.  Other parks out in Oregon I have priced out are in the $550 range and right on Hwy. 101 (loud road noise).

 

[ArtW]

Stargazer that is a good point re choosing your floor plan
My Road Ranger is 30+ years old and still livable, but it's a bunkhouse, so a lot of space is wasted on stuff I don't need

 

[jimindenver]

OUr trailer is a BH and at first we felt it was so much wasted space. The thing is storage is so limited when you are out for weeks that those bunks became wonderful. They make it so we can some of the day to day stuff accessible without having to dig every time we need something.

Every trip I look at them and day dream about what I could do with the space. A set of drawers along the back, a fridge on the lower, a cube freezer up top. Pull the top bunk out and create a macro photography studio/ work bench. A nice recliner might be comfy too. Unfortunately I think that even as much as I love the trailer, it might be its last season with us. A motorhome will simply be easier on me and I'd love to find a nice Brave or Chief.