5th Wheel Manufacturer Recommendations

I am in the market for a new 5th Wheeler, I had been looking at a Class C but after reading for a few days now, and since money and space is a priority I am now in in the market for a 5er.:)

We currently own a TT 26' Viewfinder it is a nice trailer but not as comfortable inside as I would wish.

We are empty nesters and go camping about 4 to 5 times a year for long weekends or in some cases a week or longer.

We are active and love biking, hiking and kayaking, we take our own kayaks and bikes with us most places we go that have the access for them.

We will probably never live in the 5er full time, the longest I would imagine we would live in it is about 3-5 months at a time after I retire, but until then we would do short trips.

We love to cook outdoors and spend most of our time outdoors, but when inside we like to be comfortable, we currently can only enjoy watching TV while in bed as the dinette table and chairs in our current TT are just not comfortable for sitting and watching movies or TV.

We live in Texas so most of our camping is done in Texas State Parks in Texas weather :E

I own a 2011 Chevy 2500 Diesel truck and would want to keep it as my TV.

What I am looking for is recommendations of good green manufacturers that have well build 5ers with good maintenance records.

Well insulated for heat and cold
Quality Frames
Quality structure (not even sure what is considered best, wood frames, aluminum frames, aluminum siding or fiberglass siding)
Good storage capacity

I am trying to narrow down the manufacturers as there are so many and very little know or published as to who are the better and more reliable ones.

Lots of windows to see the outdoors when inside (I loved my Pop Up Trailer for that one reason)
A floor plan design that leads to a well placed sitting area that you don't have to strain yourself when watching TV.
Outdoor kitchen
large and easily accessible food pantries
plenty of kitchen counter space

Thank you in advance for your help.

19 Replies

katmann343
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014
Find a Hitchhiker by NuWa. best bet
LINDA53
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
we have a 2010 nuwa hitchhiker 37 ft with 5 slides. very comfortable and well insulated. we bought 2nd hand and very pleased with it.
Vulcaneer
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
Since you want to keep your Chevy 2500, you should keep within the cargo carrying capacity (payload) of your truck. This will limit some options. As most high end trailers, are quite heavy. So that means you might want to go for a smaller unit, so it fits your criteria....and your truck, too.

Jayco, Open Range, KZ, Montana, might work for you.
retispcsi
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
Your budget and your TV will dictate which models and brands you can buy. I am talking new units of course. First remember it is not impossible to purchase a unit for around 30% off of MSRP. Therefore you may be looking at models which actually have a MSRP around 80K which would put at 56K purchase. That said be aware that the dealer usually has their own MSRP so you will need to check out different dealers for the model you like. Since you are not sure what brand you want and everyone here has their own likes I suggest you start going to RV shows if you have any in your area or visit dealers. Take your time and look at all the models. Good luck and have fun.
Stefan
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
Check out Sabre by Forest River. 6 side aluminium, nicely optioned, well priced. Some great floorplans with outdoor kitchens.
tnclays
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Just a quick thought---you mention you carry kayaks and bikes. When you go to a fiver, you'll lose about all of the truck bed for carrying those toys. The bikes will be more easily handle than the kayaks. Just a consideration.....
msredneck84
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
earlvillestu wrote:
I think msredneck's point was that a lot of use is what destroys CHEAPER trailers, so therefore the OP can consider a lower-end unit. Your HH is certainly not a lower-end unit.

Thanks Earlvillestu, that is exactly what I was trying to say to OP. Jim-Linda I consider HitchHiker one of the higher end coaches, sorry I had forgotten to include it. Another great unit is Teton Homes. Sorry if I offended anyone.
Capt_Zosimus
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Thank you all for your replies. I guess I was not clear

Looking for best manufactures! :)

I don't know what a limpet frame is so I did not know I had eliminated it

Budget 40 to 60,000

I don't want to spend my time researching models on a manufacture that has a terrible reputation.
NHIrish
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
I would suggest that you figure out your budget first...but I suspect that you would be happy with a mid priced fifth wheel...having said that some are better than others, so once you decide on money (and max weight), then you can narrow things down.

Best of luck!
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
Capt Zosimus wrote:
I am in the market for a new 5th Wheeler, I had been looking at a Class C but after reading for a few days now, and since money and space is a priority I am now in in the market for a 5er.:)

We currently own a TT 26' Viewfinder it is a nice trailer but not as comfortable inside as I would wish.

We are empty nesters and go camping about 4 to 5 times a year for long weekends or in some cases a week or longer.

We are active and love biking, hiking and kayaking, we take our own kayaks and bikes with us most places we go that have the access for them.

We will probably never live in the 5er full time, the longest I would imagine we would live in it is about 3-5 months at a time after I retire, but until then we would do short trips.

We love to cook outdoors and spend most of our time outdoors, but when inside we like to be comfortable, we currently can only enjoy watching TV while in bed as the dinette table and chairs in our current TT are just not comfortable for sitting and watching movies or TV.

We live in Texas so most of our camping is done in Texas State Parks in Texas weather :E

I own a 2011 Chevy 2500 Diesel truck and would want to keep it as my TV.

What I am looking for is recommendations of good green manufacturers that have well build 5ers with good maintenance records.

Well insulated for heat and cold
Quality Frames
Quality structure (not even sure what is considered best, wood frames, aluminum frames, aluminum siding or fiberglass siding)
Good storage capacity

I am trying to narrow down the manufacturers as there are so many and very little know or published as to who are the better and more reliable ones.

Lots of windows to see the outdoors when inside (I loved my Pop Up Trailer for that one reason)
A floor plan design that leads to a well placed sitting area that you don't have to strain yourself when watching TV.
Outdoor kitchen
large and easily accessible food pantries
plenty of kitchen counter space

Thank you in advance for your help.

Should you accept this mission, Mr Phelps (or any other poster) - the post above will self-destruct in five seconds.

Mission Impossible - for everyone but....... *YOU*.

BTW - Lengthy "wish list" - everything EXCEPT what you plan on spending!
(What's in *your* wallet commercial, LOL!)

Everyone believes what they have is/was "the best".
Even with multiple "ownerships", IMO most folks have owned less than a handful of RVs in a lifetime.

Get out there and visit dealers, RV shows, etc.
Decide on the floor plan/s *you* like - then narrow down your choices by the features you must have - and the ones you will "accept".

Good luck, & happy hunting!..;)

~