Downsides to an All Seasons unit?

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Cneubauer

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Mar 21, 2013
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Iowa
Have been looking at used 5th wheel trailers in the 30' size range and found a nice 1998 Carri Lite 531 that we are interested in.  When we first looked at it last weekend I didn't know what an all seasons camper was or that it was one, wasn't until we got home and I started doing research on that model.  Now that I know what it is I am wondering if there is a reason the older models like this are priced the same or even slightly lower than regular campers of the same age and size?  I realize that they are heavy and require a bigger truck (I have an '05 Dodge 3500 dually so should be ok there and 90% of our camping will be within 40 miles of home so fuel usage isn't a big deal) but is there any other reason to shy away from one of these if a person doesn't need it's full ability. 

I do realize that often with higher end items their resale value takes a huge hit because people who want higher end stuff tend to want new but I want to make sure I'm not missing something before writing a check.  This unit is in very good condition and the build quality is what got my attention.  I know Carriage is no longer in business and that might be a factor in resale value too but I'm not too worried about that, the components are still serviceable just like any other brand.  The fridge has been replaced with a normal apartment sized fridge (it's brand new) so the fridge is new but that will also require having 120v power instead of being able to run off LP while on the road. 
 
To answer your question, there are no downsides to an all season unit. We have a 2011 Carri-lite and have been full time in it for over 2 years now and we love our Carriage. The best fifthwheel we have ever owned. Here is a link to a great Carriage forum should you decide to buy one or want to read more about them.

http://www.carriage-lifestyle-owners.com/portal.php
 
There is likely no downside as Falconhunter said but you have to take that term with a grain of salt sometimes. Not all so-called "all season units" are built to the same standard. In fact, there is no standard.
 
Cneubauer said:
Have been looking at used 5th wheel trailers in the 30' size range and found a nice 1998 Carri Lite 531 that we are interested in.  When we first looked at it last weekend I didn't know what an all seasons camper was or that it was one, wasn't until we got home and I started doing research on that model.  Now that I know what it is I am wondering if there is a reason the older models like this are priced the same or even slightly lower than regular campers of the same age and size?

I would guess that, if age and condition are similar, it's mostly because Carri Lite is not a well known brand.

Any purportedly all-season camper will weigh more.  Weight is a major consideration for nearly all first-time buyers because they are trying to use whatever car or truck they have as a tow vehicle rather than having something purchased specifically with an eye toward towing.

This unit is in very good condition and the build quality is what got my attention.  I know Carriage is no longer in business and that might be a factor in resale value too but I'm not too worried about that, the components are still serviceable just like any other brand.

The fridge has been replaced with a normal apartment sized fridge (it's brand new) so the fridge is new but that will also require having 120v power instead of being able to run off LP while on the road.

That alone should drop the price by about $2000, which (depending on fridge size) is about what it costs to replace the fridge with one that is set up for gas.
 

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