Which brand of 5th wheeler do you recommend?

Submitted: Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 12:32
ThreadID: 103336 Views:4571 Replies:6 FollowUps:7
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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.
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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.
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Follow Up By: Phillipn - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 07:33

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 07:33
missed the word "happy" with them
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Reply By: Witi Repartee - Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 18:30

Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 18:30
Make sure you buy one that can fit under low bridges and underpasses!! Sometimes your GPS can make your route really awkward...especially when you have to back up for several hundred metres.
AnswerID: 515141

Follow Up By: Member Boroma 604 - Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 21:59

Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 21:59
Gooday,
Jayco have just released a couple of sizes in 5th Wheelers, i would look into them, do not think a lot of dealers will carry them for a while but depending on where you live would be worthwhile going to look before outlaying a lot of money. Southern Cross in Brisbane make one I am sure, and I am pretty sure Otto Tuzla who has made horse floats for years may make one, they sure make caravans, both these are located in Brisbane, would definitely check Jayco am told their warranty if you need it is second to none.
Cheers,
Boroma604
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FollowupID: 794293

Reply By: Member - Peter H1 (NSW) - Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 22:00

Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 22:00
I suggest you check out the "Travelhome" brand sizes 23' 25' 27' 29'. Yes I have a 29' that I am happy with. Made at Boolaroo [Newcastle NSW] and a show room at Argenton [next suburb]. They are hapy for you to have a factory tour and inspect while it is being built. No connection except owning one.

PeterH
AnswerID: 515151

Follow Up By: Member Boroma 604 - Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 22:10

Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 at 22:10
Gooday,
Yes Otto does make 5th Wheelers, it is Otto Tuza not as I spelt it before, have a look under Otron Caravans, that is their brand.
Cheers,
Boroma604.
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FollowupID: 794294

Reply By: DiscoTourer - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 00:11

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 00:11
Australian made....American ones don't cut the mustard on our roads.

Based on first hand experience with two American respected brands....they need to be given a wide Beth.

Brett....
AnswerID: 515154

Follow Up By: hooks - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 06:48

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 06:48
I agree thanks for your comment
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FollowupID: 794300

Reply By: toffytrailertrash - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 09:15

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 09:15
Hi Hooks

What tug are you going to be using?
AnswerID: 515159

Follow Up By: hooks - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:26

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:26
Hi toffytrailertrash,

We have not got a tug yet. We will get one to suit the trailer. Do you have a suggestion ? I wonder about the Isuzu twin cab. 4WD.
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FollowupID: 794360

Reply By: Member - Peter H1 (NSW) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:42

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:42
Wait till you pick the trailer, when you know the weight then pick a vehicle to legally tow it safely.
AnswerID: 515192

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