Which brand of 5th wheeler do you recommend?

Submitted: Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 12:32

ThreadID: 103336 Views:5353 Replies:6 FollowUps:7

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hooks

Hi all,
I am researching various 5th wheelers and confess its a mind boggling experience. I rather like the Winjana Omiston 630 Off Road model. Does anyone have any comments on the Winjana models in general? Whist I don't wish to be off road in the majority of my travels, I want a rig that can withstand corrugated dirt conditions and the ability to venture of constructed roads from time to time, perhaps to gain access to a remote national park.

thanks

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Reply By: Member - Wamuranman - Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 18:30

Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 18:30

Hi Hooks,

I don’t pretend to know much about 5th wheelers but your post prompted me to have a look at the Winjara website as I have just got home from Farm Fantastic where I happened to inspect a different brand there (more about that brand later).

The Winjara I note from their website uses Canadian spruce framing and roof structure. I just thought that is weird if they are fully built in Australia. People will argue one way or another but I personally prefer aluminium frame (never gets wood rot from a water leak for example). I also note they use marine ply flooring….that is OK but very heavy and often you can see where the joins in the floor are through the floor coverings. Many manufacturers use modern composite sandwich panel floors now as they are lighter, come in 1 piece and provide better insulation and will never decay. Just a few observations.

I was at Farm Fantastic today and out of curiosity had a look at Cimarron Trailers. This 5th wheeler was ½ caravan and ½ horse float but they will make full caravan models to order. These are fully made in USA but built fully compliant to Australian ADR rules at factory (importers send over 12v components, lights etc etc to be used). Doors are built on the correct side at factory. I was impressed with the quality and strength….all aluminium, stainless steel and composite panel. The chassis rail is 9in thick aluminium. They have independent torsion suspension but air bag suspension is an option. Obviously they are built to carry over 2 tonnes of horses (3 or 4) so are well built. Price seems good value to me as well. At least they would be worth your while talking to as a comparison. www.cimarrontrailers.com.au
Happy and safe travelling in whatever you buy.
Cheers

AnswerID: 515140

Follow Up By: hooks - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 06:56

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 06:56

Thanks Wamuranman,

I will check out the Cimarron webb site. I also would expect that an aluminium frame would be better than a wood one. I need to research a bit more.

FollowupID: 794301

Follow Up By: Phillipn - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 07:31

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 07:31

We have a Winjana caravan. We seen it being built from start to finish, and they are well built.

When I went to see about having on built, I was amazed when the manager got on the roof and walked all over the top of the van. He said "try that with most other vans".

Our van is 20 Ft and has a tare weight of 2 tonne, which compairs good against other vans.
I know people who have Winjana 5th wheelers and they are with them. The after sales service is first rate.

No, I am not part of the company, just a happy owner of a quality built van.