Forum Discussion

Willisg's avatar
Willisg
Explorer
Jan 20, 2026

2016 to 2020 Less than 35’

I have owned an old Carri Lite, and a 2000 model Cardinal when our kids were young. We are retiring and want to make some trips before we are too old or health fades. I have a 2025 Ram 2500 6.4l v8 with 32k miles and a barely used 2014 Cummins 6.7 that is very road worthy.

It’s been so long, what do you all recommend for a budget of 25 to 35k in the year range of 2016 to 2020?  Also why is a lot of the furniture peeling in these 2016 and 2017 models?

I used to hear Montana’s / Jaycos were tops but I have been out of the loop forever.

Thanks in advance.

12 Replies

  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Trailblazer
    Jan 24, 2026

    At that age, if the furniture hasn't already peeled odds are it won't. 

  • StirCrazy's avatar
    StirCrazy
    Moderator
    Jan 24, 2026

    what do you mean by " furnature pealing"?  I have a 2016 cougar 5th wheel and havent noticed that.  

    montanna's cougars are decent, I have never heard that jayco was good, when we were looking the jayco was just cheeply made.  we just went and spent time in different ones looking at the details. 

    • Willisg's avatar
      Willisg
      Explorer
      Jan 24, 2026

      The pleather peels off the foam. Looks like a bad sunburn peeling. Huge blotchy pieces. I was told it’s from all the heat and cold in storage along with humidity but I don’t know. 

      • StirCrazy's avatar
        StirCrazy
        Moderator
        Jan 25, 2026

        i have none of that going on in my 2016 cougar and i live in a 140 degree F temp swing bwtween summer highs and winter lows.  I imagine with the cheeper brands that might be a thing,or maybe certian manufactures just got a bad batch.   if one you like has that, I would just look at it as a bargining tool and then get it recovered.  I kinda wish mine didn't have the fake leather, I like a good sturdy cloth material better, you don't stick as much in the heat 🤣

  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator III
    Jan 22, 2026

    You looking at 5vers?  You didn’t say. But I can’t imagine a 10 year old travel trailer fetching that much money unless it was something special. 
    Rather open ended question for sure. 
    And the furniture peels because that’s what super cheap vinyl does. 

    • Willisg's avatar
      Willisg
      Explorer
      Jan 23, 2026

      Yes fifth wheels. Thought I posted it in the group for fifth wheels. I guess the pleather just doesn’t hold up. 

      • Grit_dog's avatar
        Grit_dog
        Navigator III
        Jan 24, 2026

        Yes you did. Apologies. 
        The answer is it’s super cheap vinyl. Like cheaper than the seats in a Bayliner. 

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