trying to get a Fifth-Wheeler made.

iana · Guru

RE: trying to get a Fifth-Wheeler made.

banjo · Senior Member

Just read on another forum that Southern Cross are ceasing trading as from the end of July !

It's a shame as there was only these two manufacturers left making quality full height bedroom models of any substance, and the competition helps keep the prices down a little.
The last one to go was Dryden who ceased trading just over 3 years ago.

iana · Guru

I was suspicious when they pulled out of the Brisbane caravan show. May also explain the lacklustre responses I have had with them. I also hope its not true as I am about to contact them for up to date prices.

banjo · Senior Member

I think the poster is pretty genuine re the closure, as they wish the owners well and are also current SC owners themselves.

Paul John · Member

Thats not good to hear Brian. I hear that Jayco are also to stop producing 5th wheelers. I would like to see more production of 5th wheelers in Australia to see them get wider acceptence and to debunk some of the myths about them all being to big and heavy. I guess we will have to waite and see .

Paul.

sarge · Member

Hi iana. We have a 26foot Maquarrie from Travelhome. Not the lay out you are looking for. But they do use the Ball type hitch. I have taken it over some fairly uneven ground gutters ect and found the side ways movement was not a problem. They tow fantastic and can be jack knifed for those tight spots in parks. Have you looked at Truelux?. They do a walk around bed and also use a ball type hitch.

Sarge

iana · Guru

sarge wrote:
Hi iana. We have a 26foot Maquarrie from Travelhome. Not the lay out you are looking for. But they do use the Ball type hitch. I have taken it over some fairly uneven ground gutters ect and found the side ways movement was not a problem. They tow fantastic and can be jack knifed for those tight spots in parks. Have you looked at Truelux?. They do a walk around bed and also use a ball type hitch.
Sarge

Hi sarge, I have looked at the Macquarie's, and their layout suits me. They use both styles of hitch, turntable and ball, consequently the goose neck is designed with more of a joggle to accommodate the turntable, and so the bed area is harder to access. If you use the single beds, access is not quite the problem, but with the queen set up its hard.

My first quote came back from Truelux at $150,000. I thought I had dumbed the design right down, doing away with all luxury items. When my wife saw the quote, the recliner chairs went out the window. Funny that because they have been the thorn in the bed, when working on layouts and overall van length from the beginning.

Southern Cross going out of the equation has also changed things, very sad that.

Chris61 · Senior Member

iana wrote:

Winjana, Ventura etc.etc. all use the De-Angelo style hitch. This suits a well body on a ute, but I a have gone and brought a tray top. I know the model you are talking about, they have made the space over the goose neck storage. It may be that I have to contact these other companies and see if they will come to the party,

Hi Iana,

You seem to be set on a ball type hitch. I have a single cab flat tray and manufactured my own base. I then had it certified to keep things legal.

To remove the hitch and leave a completely flat tray, all I have to do is remove the four 1/2" bolts that hold everything in place.

Owners Discussion Group - Tow Hitch Mount 25%.jpg

It is also adjustable backwards and forwards to get the best position to suit you, if you wish to make an adjustment. You can also adjust the height up and down with the original hitch setup. You cannot do that with a ball type hitch, once it is welded in, the setup is not adjustable.

The 29ft Macquarie has a model with a walk around bed and a flat floor