Forum Discussion

Planning's avatar
Planning
Explorer
Apr 24, 2018

5th Wheel Toy Haulers

I am inquiring for a neighbor who is considering the purchase of a 5th wheel TH, and has zero experience in the towed genre of RV's.

We spoke at length regarding the quality control issues with towables in general. He is aware that Northwood Manufacturing has a very good reputation for frame quality, and others mfrs. not as well.

The bulk of my experience is with the non-TH 5th wheels. I told him I would ask others who know more about the genre.

I know that consensus is not the plural of data, but I would be interested in hearing the positives and negatives from owners of various brands.

Thank you in advance for your input.
Toy Haulers
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    Apr 24, 2018
    As one from the Pacific Northwest one thing I like about Northwood is they are local, if you need help you're not calling out East you're calling Central Oregon. They are close enough if it needs factory attention you'r a days drive away. But overall they have a good reputation. They tend to run on the heavy side, but I also feel that quality comes at a cost and weight is one of those costs.
  • JAC1982's avatar
    JAC1982
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2018
    As has been mentioned in the other threads 2oldman posted, I think everyone's experience with their manufacturer is different. Sure, our first Keystone bumper pull toy hauler wasn't perfect, it certainly had its issues, but nothing completely terrible, but we still bought a second Keystone, and have overall been happy with it. Others have nothing but bad things to say about Keystone.

    I will say, the dealer we bought our current one from has been much better than the dealer we bought the old one from, and I think that can make all the difference in the experience.
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    May 08, 2018
    We've had a couple of very minor things we needed fixed on our Raptor but for the most part it seems to be built as well as most other 5th wheel haulers. This is my 3rd hauler, bought the other 2 used and really didn't have issues to speak of with those either. One was a Coachman, the other was a Thor built Winners Circle.
    As JAC1982 mentioned, your dealer is the make or brake person on repairing any issues you have on an RV and keeping you a happy camper!
  • cbigham's avatar
    cbigham
    Explorer III
    May 11, 2018
    I had for a fee years a Thor Tahoe 30 ft 5er. Worked great, ramp door, no separate garage. I liked it better than regular trailers in how quick u hitch, unhitch, more stable, and the top master bedroom gives you a spacious feeling. You also have a pickup truck to recover broken bikes! Was heavier, and didn't get blown around as much as a regular trailer.
  • patperry2766's avatar
    patperry2766
    Explorer II
    May 12, 2018
    We were looking at a Grand Design Momentum the other day. Really liked it because it had better appliances, the StepAbove brand stairs, very good fit and finish. About the only thing that I would say would be a negative for me was that the loft bed was on the small size, but it wouldn't be a deal killer. Also looked at the KZ equivalent and you could see the differences between the two manufacturers.
  • deltabravo's avatar
    deltabravo
    Nomad
    May 12, 2018
    Planning wrote:
    ...Northwood Manufacturing...


    Northwood (Desert Fox) hasn't built a 5th wheel toy hauler in quite a while.

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