Another Newbie Question about Brands

cycler wrote:
Wife and I are thinking, still just in thinking about it stage, but, may consider a fifth wheeler/pu rig. I have a question posted in the towing vehicles section about which truck, etc., but, I would/could really use the opinion and experiences of folks here when it comes to recommending a brand that is well built, good customer service, and comfortable for 2 adults and 1 labrador retriever. We want to stay between 25-30 feet, closer to 25 if possible. Thanks in advance, cycler.

Should mention top msrp for us would be 40-42k, or thereabouts.

I currently have a KZ Durango 1500, now called the Half Ton. In their HT line, they have one that's 28'11" and another that's 29'5". In their Sportsmen line they have a 25'3" model and a 29'5" model. So far, I'm pretty pleased with it, with just a few minor problems. In fact, it's at the dealer now to take care of a fairly short list of issues (7, in fact) before my warranty expires in November. Only 1 is a 2nd go-round for a slide adjustment. I did have an issue early on with the converter not charging (blown fuse) and the stereo going out. I think it might have been a pedestal issue at a CG, but I don't know for sure. I'd recommend them, based on my '17 model. My only complaint about the '19/'20 models is the stupid MorRyde folding step that they're now putting on almost all models instead of the "standard" steps. Not a fan of them and, were I in the market for a new rig, I'd seriously consider NOT buying one, simply because of it. Unfortunately, =many= mfrs are using these things, so they're not alone.

Lyle

cycler wrote:
Less than about 28' you really would be better suited in a pull-behind travel trailer.

Why do you say that? I was always told that a fifth wheeler makes for a safer towing experience. Of course, this is when I was working and hanging with co-workers, none of us having actually towed a travel trailer of fifth wheeler.

Mainly because the choices offered in less than 28' are few. And those that there are, are of the Lite or HT variety, intended for the half ton truck market. My Cougar is the Lite model, but I still think it is best pulled with a 3/4 ton truck. Nothing wrong with a lite model, and it fits us well, but it is built of lighter materials and physically smaller dimensions. Nice as a vacation unit, but not really built to live in full time. For the price of a 28' Lite fiver you could purchase a really nicely built pull-behind.

I still prefer my fiver, due to the tall ceiling (not as tall as a full size unit) and for the superior towing performance and ease of hitching. If I never pull a spring bar up again, that will suit me just fine.

As has been said you'll see posts with good comments about a brand and posts with bad comments about a brand. We've bought 2 brand new RVs since 1978. The first was a Nomad Travel Trailer that we used at least one weekend per month with several long distance trips during the 16 years we had it. Nomad was considered a mid-quality TT at the time. We currently have a 25 year old Alfa 5th Wheel which has been used at least one weekend a month plus long stays during the summer (2 weeks to 3 months) each year. We traveled 7000 miles during one trip around the US. The Alfa See-Ya was considered a mid-quality RV at the time we bought it.

Both trailers have held up well with what I would consider normal wear and tear repairs needed over the years. Both of these brands are no longer manufactured although Skyline (Nomad) still builds TT & mobile homes.

I feel that good preventative maintenance helped keep these trailers on the road.

We are also 2 adults and a labrador retriever! We have been very happy with our Winnebago 5th wheel so far. We are nearing the end of our second summer with it. Our model (27RLTS) is just under 30 ft total length. They do have a couple of models that are a bit shorter.

We have friends who, after a few initial hiccups, have been happy with their Grand Design so far.

Arctic Fox are very well built, we just did a 9000 mile trip in ours which is new to us. You may not find many on the east coast tho. But that said AF still has some quirks and problems. All of them will. You will find that many brands use components: frames and other items from Lippert and Lippert does not have a golden reputation among people here.

I will agree on the fact that KZ, Jayco and Grand Design all have good following..

I never owned a Jayco, or Grand Design, BUT I did own a KZ and their support was awesome ! the product I had is no longer around ( Montego Bay Fifth Wheel ) but wouldn't think twice about telling folks about them..

Buying an RV these days is like a CR@$ shoot, since MOST are owned by 1 huge corporation (like Thor), they all went down hill...

On the 5ers, as said above, all will have someone out there that has had trouble with them and will go against any brand over quality.
Keystones cougars are well considered generally as are the Grand Design reflection and reflection 150 models, in particular Grand Design has a better rep for standing behind their product.
Jayco and K-Z also have followings of folks with a lot of positive responses, and better than average support.

Less than about 28' you really would be better suited in a pull-behind travel trailer.

Why do you say that? I was always told that a fifth wheeler makes for a safer towing experience. Of course, this is when I was working and hanging with co-workers, none of us having actually towed a travel trailer of fifth wheeler.

"I have a question posted in the towing vehicles section about which truck, etc.,"

Select or buy the 5er first, then match a TV to it.

Everyone here is shy about recommending a brand, because we've learned they all suck more than they should. And, as soon as we do recommend a brand, the next guy says he would buy anything other than that one.

I'm mostly not shy about anything. So I will say I like the Cougar in the smaller sizes. Mine is 28'-9" overall.

waiting...waiting...waiting...

You'll have more choices if you get closer to the 30' size or a little more. Less than about 28' you really would be better suited in a pull-behind travel trailer.