Priorities in your 5th Wheel

[Piper Guy's Gal]

I know there was a thread a while back asking what you would like to change on your RW. This is a somewhat different query. I'm curious as to whether there is a strong consensus as to what matters to us collectively as owners. I would be interested in what priorities you have for your ideal 5th wheel. Please try to limit to the top 5.

For Vaughan and I, there has been a shift in priorities since we acquired our RW (our first RV) and have accumulated more experience, mileage and knowledge about things. Before, I think the layout was the top priority for us both. Now, I consider a strong frame as the top while Vaughan would go with overall construction quality. Bottom line - how it's built and what's underneath, along with driving safety, is more critical than a pretty interior (though that helps).

This is my list. Vaughan may want to post his own:
1) strong frame (I'm going to load the puppy up).
2) good brakes
3) maximum storage
4) counter space in the kitchen
5) laundry area (we can add our own washer/dryer. I LOVE the ones Vaughan got for us.)

If a particular model/brand lacks any of these when it comes time to buy a new one, I'll take a pass on it.

[Dave&Ginny]

Tracey,

this is a good thread, I hope other jump on and give their opinions.

[atom ant]

Our next would have to have the King slide in slide. If fact, that would be the single item that would steer me to Redwood over DRV, as I hate having the slide in the awning space on the DRV bedrooms. The slide in slide gets you the room without the other hassles - added to that Mor-Ryde sliding bed that helps you make the bed, it would be ideal.

Would prefer a box frame, but I really haven't had issues with the I-beam 12". Would prefer a more robust suspension.

I have to say - the Redwood actually satisfied our last list of must haves - we are very happy with the features, layout, decor, all of it.

[bergeman]

Being my first trip in my redwood, I have two new priorities before my next trip.
1. Dishwasher
2. Aux fuel tank for truck. (Not specific to RV but I was spending too much time looking for gas stations. Made the trip less then pleasant.)

[Titan Guy]

As a full timer #
1. storage space
2. Disc Brakes
3. Frame & running gear

[Buddy Wallace]

(1) One piece Armor roof.

(2) Morryde IS 8 ton axle with disk brakes.

(3) 17.5" H rated tires.

(4) Trail Air Flex Air pin box.

(5) power cord for 50 amp service.

[rlmankin]

We've put about 15,000 miles on our 31sl over the past two years. I would echo the robust undercarriage comments; frame, suspension, brakes, and tires. I didn't think about those much at buying time, but I do now.

[hoosierguy]

1. More robust suspension system with heavy duty shackles and bronze bushings with option for Mor/ryde IS suspension.
2. Hydraulic disk brakes as a minimum.
3. Goodyear G614 tires/wheels as a minimum with option for Goodyear H114 17.5 inch tires/wheels.
4. Battery tray large enough to accommodate 3 group 29 batteries.
5. Trailair pin box as a minimum with option for Flex Air pin box.
6. Factory to implement, as a minimum, real quality control in assembly and workmanship.

[Ford truck guy]

My top 5 likes/needs/wants :

1- EVERYTHING UNDER the floor -Strong running gear , shackles , equalizer , bronze bushings ,option for the IS suspension , Disk Brakes , "H" rated tires , ect...

2- Good insulation package

3- Great Factory Support

4- Automatic Everything !

5- Automatic RV Wash whenever - wherever ...

[Dave&Ginny]

I think it's interesting that so far nobody has mentioned more LED lights under the counters or other "glitzy" things. Seems most of the current owners are looking for easier maintenance or integrity of the coach.

I've noticed at the RV shows that the "newbees" are looking at the glitz and glitter and the "seasoned" RVers are looking under and around the coach. Also the questions seem to change with experience as well.

[Dan]

Undercarriage, Undercarriage, Undercarriage
Better support for the water and waste tanks
Min 4 6V batteries
Retractable Power cable
Pre wired for Solar

[Char & Steve]

1) Suspension,Axels,Brakes,Rims and tires,IS option.
2) Much needed upgrade on RW Quality Control!!!!!!
3) More basement storage with better lighting with easier access to water filter.
4) Better performing HVAC system.
5) RW has beautiful wood interiors but they still cheap out with fake wood in some areas with very poor workmanship.

My wife will have another list I'm sure.

Steve

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Dave&Ginny

I think it's interesting that so far nobody has mentioned more LED lights under the counters or other "glitzy" things. Seems most of the current owners are looking for easier maintenance or integrity of the coach.

I've noticed at the RV shows that the "newbees" are looking at the glitz and glitter and the "seasoned" RVers are looking under and around the coach. Also the questions seem to change with experience as well.

The LED lights just never really spun my wheels..

[Char & Steve]

Electric stairs
Separately zoned ac's
Upper living and upper bedroom to allow for better storage underneath
Better lighting in bathroom
Remote for the ceiling fan in the kitchen ��
Char

[Shane Wood]

My # 1 would be quality of workmanship and attention to small details like vacuuming all the wood shavings and cleaning up all the little pieces of wire screws etc. Ensuring there are enough nails in the trim enough screws In what they are holding. Also stainless screws that do not rust out
#2 weld and install proper cross members that will support the water tanks and whatever they were designed to do
#3 Offer better suspension and tire upgrades. Mine is still within spec after weighing the trailer with stock 7000 lb axles and G tires. But just barely.
#4 quality control on the suppliers and installers to ensure the same problems quit arising. Listen to the people that are using them to make them attractive to new purchasers.Eg batteries, waterfilter, sewer connect that are acsessible to the baby boomers that you are trying to sell to
#5 all rvs have the same floor plans options etc. Some put a little different twist or options to them. All I and I'm sure everyone wants is to purchase one that operates the way it was intended no matter what the price point is and not have the head aches of dealing with an inadequate dealer service network when there are issues

[Piper Guy's Gal]

Thank you for the feedback. This is good to know.

Now could I ask you to do what Steve did and get your spouse/partner/darling....to state their priorities as well? I imagine the selection process involved one another.

[Ford truck guy]

Mrs. Ford truck guy said " whatever makes my husband happy " ..
Crap , gotta run , here she comes!!

[Piper Guy's Gal]

Next query: what is the maximum Trailer GVW that you would consider? (Vaughan says max of 19k, with at least 3k lb cargo or us).

[Retired educators]

1. Better suspension, MorRyde IS at least as an option.
2. Two switches for main slides, two switches for awning led lights.
3. Better quality control, clean up construction debris, etc.
4. Flex air pin box or offer as option.
5. Rear support to take shake out of rear of unit.

[Piper Guy's Gal]

Originally Posted by Ford truck guy

Mrs. Ford truck guy said " whatever makes my husband happy " ..
Crap , gotta run , here she comes!!

Uh no. The saying is not "a happy husband is a happy life."