alexleblanc
Moncton NB
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Joined: 01/31/2011
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We did an average of 60 ~ nights per year with out previous KZ Durango 1500 series and it was towed approx 50000km's over 6 summers. I would consider that pretty heavy usage and it really wasn't worn out yet, we only upgraded for more room to accomodate our growing family.
TV - 2017 F350 CCSB SRW Platinum 6.7 + 5er - 2021 Grand Design Reflection 311 BHS + B&W Companion
On Order - 2022 F350 CCSB SRW Platinum 6.7
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TurnThePage
North ID
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Joined: 10/08/2003
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Of the "light" fifth wheels I looked at with any real interest, the manufacturer claims materials and assembly are the same. The difference is the units are smaller and may have less stuff in them.
2015 Ram 1500
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE
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Mote
Hoosier State
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Joined: 05/25/2005
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If you like your current camper just keep it and enjoy spending more time camping in it. We have an older Keystone Cougar. I wouldn't hesitate spending a few months in it if I was retired.
In my opinion, your camper will be fine.
2005 Dodge 3500
2001 Lance 1030
2006 Cougar 29RL
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ReneeG
Meridian, Idaho
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Joined: 07/13/2005
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TurnThePage wrote:Of the "light" fifth wheels I looked at with any real interest, the manufacturer claims materials and assembly are the same. The difference is the units are smaller and may have less stuff in them.
We looked at "light" units when we were looking to buy before we got our Bighorn. Light, doesn't mean less stuff, but lighter build as the OP knows, thinner cabinet material, thinner counter tops, etc. With that said, I don't see why they would not hold up to longer road trips and extended stays. With today's fuel prices, a lighter unit would be more economical to tow, I would think.
2011 Bighorn 3055RL
2011 F350 DRW 6.7L 4x4 Diesel Lariat and Hensley TrailerSaver BD3
1992 Jeep ZJ and 1978 Coleman Concord Pop-Up for remote camping
Dave & Renee plus (Champ, Molly, Paris, Missy, and Maggie in spirit), Mica and Mabel, both Rat Terriers!
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goducks10
There
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Joined: 02/22/2010
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A lot of times 'Lite' is not really lite. The OP's 5er comes in dry (UVW) around 8600lbs+. The 2022 comes in around 9100lbs dry. Thats not light in my books. HT is not really always half ton as there's no half ton truck that could tow the OPs 5er. There's one Jayco eagle HT thats maybe 1/2 ton towable but thats it's. It's just more marketing hype that needs to stop.
The rest are 3/4 ton gas or 1 ton diesel.
Inside construction isn't much different than other lines as far as cabinetry goes. Maybe a lighter countertop but thats not a failure point.
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Retired JSO
North Georgia Mountains
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Joined: 01/28/2009
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Your trailer has apparently served you well up to now. I would think with proper maintenance and care it should last many more years.
As of today, I would keep what you have. As fuel prices rise, and the threat of another war, I would not take on any additional debt until things settle down.
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TXiceman
Bryan, TX
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Joined: 11/17/2000
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The thing that would worry mt on the OPs trailer is the suspension and tires. Look at adding the Mor/Ryde CRE 3000 with wet bolt kits.CLICKY LINK
Next would be better tires like Goodyear Endurance.
Make sure the brakes and bearing are ready to go as well and enjoy your current trailer.
Ken
Amateur Radio Operator.
2023 Cougar 22MLS, toted with a 2022, F150, 3.5L EcoBoost, Crewcab, Max Tow, FORMER Full Time RVer. Travel with a standard schnauzer and a Timneh African Gray parrot
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Joined: 08/19/2009
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Honestly, your average retired couple full timing is probably less hard on an RV compared to a young family with kids swinging on the cabinet doors.
If it hasn't been a problem so far, it's unlikely to become one by using it.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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ReneeG
Meridian, Idaho
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goducks10 wrote:A lot of times 'Lite' is not really lite. The OP's 5er comes in dry (UVW) around 8600lbs+. The 2022 comes in around 9100lbs dry. Thats not light in my books. HT is not really always half ton as there's no half ton truck that could tow the OPs 5er. There's one Jayco eagle HT thats maybe 1/2 ton towable but thats it's. It's just more marketing hype that needs to stop.
The rest are 3/4 ton gas or 1 ton diesel.
Inside construction isn't much different than other lines as far as cabinetry goes. Maybe a lighter countertop but thats not a failure point.
Thanks for the clarification.
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Chuck5395
Keizer, OR
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Joined: 07/18/2003
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Thanks everyone for your replies. This line of thought started after our last trip where one of our landing gear legs started to slip while leveling. Later in the night, the trailer drop down a few inches on that side. I ended up our bottle jack under the front end and that held us stable for the weekend. I hitched up without a problem, but started slipping again when we got home and went to unhitch. We've already replaced the other one about 2 years ago.
This brought up the conversation regarding the use of lesser components to keep the weight down. I've gotten use to the soft spots in the floor because the support beams are further apart.
We do really like the unit's layout. I've done a lot of upgrades to it overall so I'd hate to start over, but I wanted to pause and evaluate our options.
Thank you for all your input into the conversation. You all bring unique perspectives to the table and have given us more to consider.
-Chuck
2018 Jayco 28.5 RSTS
2017 RAM 3500 Cummins
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