Looking for information

[Askwines323]

Starting to research 5th wheels. I'm following the advice of many to focus on the build first, not the bells and whistles.

I'm trying to find information on comparisons of frames and suspensions available. Tried searching but no luck.

Thanks

Alan

[pcm1959]

ckwizard777 wrote:

Askwines323 wrote:
Thanks, guess I'm looking for comparison between an I beam vs. A box frame. Which is considered better and why.

Stacked box frames are what I prefer as they will be considerably stronger with a lot less frame flex that your typical I beam frame.
DRV uses this type of frame and the old Sunnybrooks use to have this type of frame but no longer do.
Now many of the other high end builders will use a 12 I beam frame but will also weld a heavy wall square tube along the bottom of the I beam to beef it up and reduce frame flex, I would be ok with this set-up also.
Good luck

Stacked box is what Carriage and Lifestyle were built on, too. Very solid.

[ToddD]

Here's a good frame and suspension overview. Hybrid type of construction with vertically reinforced I-beams:

https://youtu.be/fDdAlKdt79Q

[ckwizard777]

Askwines323 wrote:
Thanks, guess I'm looking for comparison between an I beam vs. A box frame. Which is considered better and why.

Stacked box frames are what I prefer as they will be considerably stronger with a lot less frame flex that your typical I beam frame.
DRV uses this type of frame and the old Sunnybrooks use to have this type of frame but no longer do.
Now many of the other high end builders will use a 12 I beam frame but will also weld a heavy wall square tube along the bottom of the I beam to beef it up and reduce frame flex, I would be ok with this set-up also.
Good luck

[justme]

I am going to buy a new unit this winter in Florida. I will be paying a lot of attention to how the units are designed, material used, appliances selected, chassis components, fit and trim and features upgrades offered. My budget is $100K. The dealer is not as important as the manufacturer because I travel and do most of the maintenance myself-- and I am self insuring.

[4x4ord]

In the very back of my mind somewhere I'm thinking about my next fifth wheel as well.....probably 5 years down the road. I kind of think I know what it is going to be.....yet, I have a hard time imagining the future me spending that kind of money on an RV.

[Veebyes]

You can never do too much research. We were about 2 years worth also. Did the Hershey, PA show twice. Made a point of visiting dealerships whenever we were in the US. Lurked on RV.net for don't know how long. Went through manufacturers websites over & over.

By the time that time to buy came around we were down to just a few possible models from 3 builders. All 3 builders were small & all models were rare so it took some time for the right one to pop up online.

[Askwines323]

We are in the very early stages of research, probably 2 years out unless some miracle happens and start sooner.

[4x4ord]

I'm curious as to where you're at in your quest? When do you hope to make your purchase?

[justme]

Lippert builds their frame to the spec's the RV mfg requests. So it is impossible to make a decision based on Lippert built. They build both quality and junk based the RV mfg. specs. The same goes for Dexter and most other OEM's.

[ken_burke]

Askwines323 wrote:
Starting to research 5th wheels. I'm following the advice of many to focus on the build first, not the bells and whistles.

I'm trying to find information on comparisons of frames and suspensions available. Tried searching but no luck.

Thanks

Alan

I would go with a Forest River built 5th wheel. They are well made and the factory is very customer friendly.
The most important thing is to find a good, honost dealer. I am not sure how you do that. If you get a bad dealer (only interested in the sale) you will be very unhappy.
AS mentioned most 99% are made my Lippert.
ken

[Askwines323]

Agree, I'm working my way up!
I have seen a lot on cabinet quality on the boards.
These forums are extremely helpful and appreciate everyone's feedback

[john_bet]

You are concentrating on frame and suspension, but to me the interior cabinet work is just as important also. Like how many screws are there in the slides to the drawers, how the back side of the drawer slides are supported, the quality of the wood used, the quality of the fit and finish etc. Just one mans thoughts.

[Cummins12V98]

Butch50 wrote:
When NUWA was still in operation I believe a lot of their frames were made by Young's Welding. Very good frames. Young's Welding just happens to be located in Chanute, KS. Pretty handy for NUWA.

If it's painted "WHITE" it's a Young's frame. NUWA did have some Lippert I believe in their lower cost units.

[pcm1959]

I'm very confident in the integrity of my 2014 Lifestyle frame. My Big Foot jack controls are on the street side. One day as I was lowering the front landing gear I did so without realizing that only the left was working. I lifted the rig off the hitch before realizing it. I was surprised tat I never heard a creak or pop from the frame or saw any thing out of the ordinary.