So I am again searching for a TT or 5th wheel RV.

Anyone have any experience with a Holiday Rambler 5th wheel.

This is an early 1990's. Made when Harley Davidson owned the brand.

Wondering if any of you have any experience with one?

I don't need a project. This one looks pretty clean. I have not seen in person yet.

This one have been converted to a goose neck hitch fwiw.

Thanks.

For the most part all TT, 5th wheels, etc are built like crap. Flimsy materials and poor fit and finish. They are basically falling apart (and depreciating just as quickley) the minute you drive them off the lot. The biggest concern is water intrusion. One of that vintage has likely leaked if not maintained religiously and been stored under cover the majority of the time.

The sweet spot for used RV's is 3 to 7 years old, assuming they have been well cared for by the owner. Older than 10 years it's not a question of if/when problems will arise it how many and how often.

Not wanting a project and buying a nearly 20 year old RV are mutually exclusive.

I lived in a Holiday Rambler Imperial travel trailer for 11 years. My repair man said it was very good quality and very well made. It was a 1992. I sold it in 2008 and bought a house. I liked it but changing flats on the side of the freeway is a bummer.

We bought a 1999 Holiday Rambler 5th wheel new. 26' rear kitchen with a 12' slideout. Kept it for 12 years. Easy to tow, usual RV repairs over the years, theromst, roof vent, nothing major. As our family grew we just wanted something larger.

Thanks mu and rt, good info.
tx, I think that is a bit dramatic but I hear ya.

The goose neck ball hitch is not your friend. Better to have the 5th wheel style that asorbs the push and pull of the trailer. I like the B&W Companion hitch as it can be converted quickly to a flat floor in your pickup.

I think the HR line is pretty good, just keep it under cover to protect the roof when not in use. Good Luck!

I recommend you mosey over to RV.net and ask.

There are different rooms there, just like here, go to the 5th wheel part. Check out the rest while you’re there.

Mom and Dad had a HR 5th wheel, new in 1994. They towed it with a 1990 Ford F350. When Dad got a Freightliner FL50 there were issues. The air ride on the truck was making the hitch slap and was too rigid. We found this out on a trip to Nova Scotia when we discovered that the frame was cracked around the hitch. We got it welded at a local shop in Maine and soon after we returned home, Dad ordered an air ride hitch. I do not remember the name brand, but I can ask if you would like.

Other than that, which I don't blame HR, it was a great trailer and served them for ten years with regular maintenance. It was still in great condition when they traded it in.

In short. Check around the hitch for cracks.

I raced cars for 45 years. Had an International Hauler and towed a 48' gooseneck trailer. The best thing I ever bought was an Air Ride hitch. Eliminates a lot of abuse to the hauler and trailer.

quote:

I don't need a project.

IMO, all RV's are a project, especially with some age on them.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Yarchin:

quote:

I don't need a project.

IMO, all RV's are a project, especially with some age on them.

Thank you for that honest reply Jeff!

quote:

Originally posted by craigcpa:

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Yarchin:

quote:

I don't need a project.

IMO, all RV's are a project, especially with some age on them.

Thank you for that honest reply Jeff!

I agree with Jeff.

As part of our plans, wife and I have been living full time in an RV for 3+ years. Mostly stationary in Virginia at Oceana with occasional trips to the lake in Richmond and friends in Florida. Even our brand new 2017 RV had issues, 3 months at the dealer when we arrived in AZ that included replacing the entire floor and left side of the camper for structural issues. Currently living in it at our retirement spot in AZ while we plan for a cabin build.

They are all projects to some degree. In the used market look for 2-5yr old one owner. Talk to and buy from the owner, not dealer. In 2-5 years an honest owner is going to tell you all the kinks and issues he has worked out or fixed/had fixed. That age range, camper is still modern enough to enjoy. If tires on camper are more than 3.5 years old by DOT date, factor replacement into your purchase. Check spare too. If camper is located at owners home or storage lot without a 30/50a electrical hookup, ask if he has a generator or can you bring one. Ask for water to be hooked up including fresh water holding tank to be filled to check pump. Work through all electrical, HVAC, and check water. Run A/c and Heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure the thermostat and system cycles properly. Look for cracks on axle spring hangers for indications of overloaded camper.

Also not a fan of 5th wheel converted to gooseneck. Not enough interaction between manufacturers and conversion kit companies to say the the frame of the 5th wheel camper is strong enough for the lateral forces that the conversion creates.


ORC,

There is much more. You steered me in the right direction on a piece of heavy equipment, my turn to help you make a good choice. Sent you an email.

David

Thanks guys, all really good info. I am not a new rv owner. Had a 19' trailer several years ago and traded it for a small camper. Not a get decision as I did not use the camper like I thought I would. Recently sold it.

I could use a smaller camp trailer or smaller 5th wheel now. It is more of a want than a need. But it would be a usable want.

My plan is to also install a small wood stove in it
Surely that will drive some of you crazy

Sigo, was great to talk with you and catch up.

If the unit is water tight and the roof system is good. The water and sewer system is in tact and operational and the electrical system is mostly bug free. The floor being solid. I could live with other maintenance issues for the most part.

I understand about the goose neck conversion issues but need to look more into that as it seems those are pretty common.

Years ago my neighbor had an older TT. He spent more time fixing it than he ever did using it. He always said that if you need something to keep you busy get an RV.
Rod