Fifth Wheel Shopping? Watch this first!

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[dh]

The biggest upgrade I will be looking for in our next unit is a better roof and protection against water intrusion/leaks, which means I won't be getting a new unit anytime soon. Or I will take what I can get and look to 3rd party aftermarket solutions to get the improvements I want. I have owned four trailers over the last 25 years and the unit that did the best was the tent we used before getting into trailers (we pay a big price for that indoor plumbing!).

[brianlykins]

Very good J.D. all good points you make.
Agree, generlly as you go up in price, trailers as in trucks, you get nicer amenities.
I am amazed at the difference in mid price trailers are today vs 10-15 years ago not to mention the top of the lines per manufacturer.
Manufacturers are utilizing better materials and technology . One major area they seem to be inclined not to address is damage caused by water intrusion. Almost always caused by poor roofing materials and poor caulking.
Caulking that's usually always a butyl based, which dries out and shrinks in sunlight. Why it continually has to be re-done every year, and still doesn't work.
The other major item is roofing. Still utilizing TPO, rubber systems -- that can not hold up to direct sunlight. Sunlight degrades rubber, that causes water leaks at seams and joints. Solution from roofing and trailer manufacturers tell owners to just keep slobbering on more sealer, every couple of months. Perpetuating the problem. If the first layer of sealer has started releasing and failing, putting more new sealer over failed sealer is not the answer.
I understand switching to a commercial grade roofing materials, like used on office buildings, grocery stores etc., would raise the price significantly. But if properly applied, manufacturers could offer a 20 to 30 year warranty.
Would you be willing to pay a little more for that piece of mind ?
I believe that roofing is an area that manufacturers are going to have to look at.
Since you have the ear of some manufacturers, perhaps could be an interesting conversation.
I mean asdell (hope I spelled correctly) siding was a new concept to avert delamination in sidewalls. Next logical thing is to stop water from getting to sidewalls.
Anyway buddy, just my thoughts. Hey, you started the conversation, I'm just adding my 2 cents.
Love your content and appreciate objective opinions you offer, for the most part, I agree with what you say. Hope your health is continuing to improve. God bless you and your family and have a blessed day my friend.

[davidcoupland]

Good video JD. So many variables for a newbie to consider that I will throw in just a couple more that I believe in. First, think of your needs. Family size, amount of use, importance of the layout and such. What is your budget. These are not investments but a life style. Get your second RV the first time. Meaning rather than taking an expected loss on two units, get the one your going to get in a year or two the first time. Most importantly, don't wait for the "perfect" unit. That is a unicorn. Just get out there with what you can afford and what checks the big boxes.

[TheRoadGlideRider]

Thank you for covering the front storage area! 🏍💨🏍💨

[joshuacarter]

Solid video, actually REALLY helpful in my look for a new 5th wheel!

[Truck-it]

Being a starter with 5th wheeler. Thanks for these importants hints and showing all differences. Well done.👍

[OOMAN]

All the bells & whistles are great, but will lead to more cost if something breaks down the line. The more tech you add to the unit, the more things you may not be able to fix yourself. I also like that my 2017 Seismic 4113 still has redundant switches to control everything in addition to the OneControl. I'm more concerned with quality construction/materials/components/appliances, than the kind of tech, sound system, or how many TV's an RV has. I guess that puts me in the middle of the road category. Mine also has the electronic ground control system. I prefer that over the hydraulic, not only because I can change a motor anywhere, but I can easily manually operate them individually with a ratchet or drill in an emergency. I also do not have to worry about dealing with hydraulic fluid and hoses (that get brittle over time and are a PITA to change). The only time I ever notice the leveling system straining, is when I try using it when not hooked up to shore power. I try to only hook up/unhook/level while connected to shore power now.

[stevedenoyer]

I have the northpoint, right between these two. Been very happy with it!

[kruppert]

Thanks for your quality videos and I appreciate that this is an informative one for a first time buyer. They only thing better would be to have you present when shopping. Beside the differences for me is that I will be traveling alone and dealing with the size/practicality involved in the decision. As a former truck driver I’ve settled on a fifth wheel and have just purchased a new 3/4ton diesel. Your videos will aid in some of information I’ll need.

[dannycollins]

Very good video, as always great information. We have had a class A, but are looking at 5th wheels now.

[Masterchief]

Great video! Nice to see the availability and differences!

[stanley]

In my humble opinion with all the upgrades and add ons it increases the weight exponentially. Taking a lot of customers out of the high in market for that reason alone. I did enjoy the video just was hoping to see the inside of the RV. Thank you

[dzaino]

So for 120k I get to purchase a Pinnacle with a smashed up front cargo box liner? What the heck are these builders doing, and secondly, how does that pass p.d.i.? I spent 4 months working on my 2022 Hemisphere after it was drop shipped from Ohio to my home in Seattle. More things wrong than ever should be allowed. Tired of crap products being produced with zero support to us consumers. Sorry for the rant, however I do enjoy your videos and honest perspective.

[williamb]

Great video on comparisons. Would be interesting to see a comparison on a unit advertised as ‘lite’ vs non lite. Aside from obvious weight difference - would be interesting to see other differences in quality, durability etc.

[dwightrudd]

As usual, GREAT video!! Me thinks the rv industry is SLOWLY pricing itself out of business??

[philsalsbery]

Hi JD, another good comparison video. My wife & I like the added luxury upgrades as in our Legacy Montana with full body paint. One upgrade I do not like is the power theater seating. Motors are slow, and while I understand older folks with less leg strength may like them, I wish we had pull levers.

[lowblues]

I purchased a new Eagle in 2016. Using your “luxury” item scale it was closer to the current 22 Pinnacle than the same 22 Eagle today as far as luxury items on it. (It also cost me half the price of the current one.) My point is that it seems that many of the manufacturers are putting less into their mid range units trying to keep their cost down. I would love to see you do a side by side comparison of a new and say 6 year old same unit and see the changes.

[rickmorris]

You may want to revisit the slide systems on the Eagle vs Pinnacle. A rack and pinion is used on the camp side of the Eagle with the cable system on the off camp side (kitchen/entertainment slide) as shown in the video. On the Pinnacle I believe Jayco uses the Slim Rack system instead of the cable system found in the Eagle and Eagle HT's. I believe they do this to save weight. Hope this helps and thanks for another great video.

[brentmcmahon]

I want it all if Iam going to use it a lot !

[anniek]

Safety is more important than luxury. If the thing is over 35 feet it's too big for state parks. Full timers might want the size. Outside cooking rather than inside. Inside always sets off the alarm. Bedroom comfort is important also. I need space around the bed to get in without crawling in and space to change my clothes. Good info!