We just got our truck and are now looking for a 5th wheel with a bunkhouse plan (3 or 4 bunks) that we will take our family of (currently) 5 across the country. Are there any particular makers/floorplans to look for or stay away from? Or are most 5th wheels made the same? Is Forrest River a reputable maker? Sorry if this is a basic question.... we are new to this!Our truck is an '06 F350 King Ranch 4x4 diesel.Truck has ~7 foot bed. Which makes us wonder if we need a sliding 5 or not? We've read a 6 foot bed needs a sliding hitch but 8 foot does not. We prefer not to have a 40 ft 5er. Neither of us are very experienced in towing anything, so we are hoping to find what we want closer to the 30-34 ft size. Hopefully we become comfortable pulling that quickly. Wanting to stay under $35,000 if we can.

I think today's manufactured RV are all pretty well made, and very similar. 5ers can be very expensive as well as reasonably priced based on size and interior decor and design. Forest River is a reputable company. In your search, consider how much your tow vehicle is capable of handling, both the amount that can be loaded into the bed of the truck and the amount it can actually pull. And also consider how well the rig can stop also. If you are considering a specific manufacturer go visit a dealer that sells them. Web site images are nice and full of information, but there's nothing like actually stepping inside and experience the moment. It helps if you can identify what floor plan you like, and after you find the floor plan, then start comparing against different manufacturers. The last step is to compare floor plans and models against the cost you're willing to pay. Once you've been through these steps, you'll be able to plunge with confidence.Others will chime in. Consider everything everyone will present to you. At the end, the decision will still be yours. Good luck in your quest, and enjoy this journey too. It's very exciting studying, planning, and searching for the right camper! It really is!

It is hard to answer without knowing the basic specs on your truck. Year, Make, Model, Cab type, bed length, fuel? All make a difference.Two things to keep in mind:All truck salesmen lie about towing capacity.All trailer salesmen lie about loaded weight.

Our truck is an '06 F350 King Ranch 4x4 diesel.

Hi... Well it depends on how much money you want to spend. With kids across country I would want them to have thier own room and bath. IMO Jayco makes a good 5th wheel. If I was in the market and had $$$ this would be up my ally... Especially with my rowdy kids...LOLI would get the 4 season package on any camper if I could...Just better.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rphbMP-uI_A#t=199

We just bought a Jayco 375BHFS has its own bunk room with plenty of space for kids. Even a couch in their room turns into bed, I thought it was the nicest Bunhouse I've seen yet. Very spacious throughout. We get it in 2 weeks, good luck,Ris

Bunkhouse Recommendations? | Good Sam Community

NMace
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
Check out the Puma 295 KBHSS.
Sturgeon-Phish
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
We took 3 kids my bride and I in our 31 Wildcat with 4 bunks 7600 miles this summer and it did great. Something to keep in mind is a lot of older state and national parks are not set up for campers longer than about 32 foot. As far as setting at the dinnett, we us a folding chair at the end. The spare bunk can be used for extra storage. On our trip we still had open storage in the underneath and cabinets. This is our third 5th wheel and we like it best. Good compromise between usable space and size/weight.
Jim
aarond76
Explorer
Oct 15, 2013
In the size range you are looking for, don't rule out travel trailers. You will find similar floors plans for less money. Travel trailers can tow well also. Both are nice and have their pros and cons. The nice thing about the size you are looking at is that most State and Federal parks will be able to fit you in.
aclay
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
We have a TT bunkhouse and have toyed with the idea of a 5ver BH. Right now I have my eye on a Forest River Wildcat 312BHX. Watch tank size across the brands.
tnclays
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
Try Rockwood 8281WS--bunkhouse and half bath in the back. Lower bunk is a futon sofa that sleeps two, upper bunk a single. Also, the dinette is easy to make into a bed and there is an air mattress in the sofa. Full bath in the front with the master.

We have 3 kids and it has worked well for us; easily towable with your truck and pretty sure it hits your price.
kjandjosh
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
I like Forest River and coachmen but like many others said they are pretty much built the same.
Saw one of these in person very nice
Forest River

coachmen

The wife Loves the looks and interior of the Open Range but they might be high in price.
I like anything with an east to west bed. only because of the room and being so tall.
lawrosa
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
Here is a smaller unit. Only two bunks and 31 ft...7500 lbs. Real light and easy to pull with the truck you have...

Jayco Eagle HT 27.5BHS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=L8sZbAXtU6Q#t=150

Why a 5th wheel though? A TT may give you better layouts IMO
lawrosa
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
Whats the specs on your truck?

Here is that 5th wheel I linked in the vid specs Jayco Eagle Premier 375BHFS

Dry Weight 13,653 lbs. W/Options
Hitch Weight 2,500 lbs

It is 43 ft though.... But only around 40K :)
AcademyRoad
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
Truck has ~7 foot bed. Which makes us wonder if we need a sliding 5 or not? We've read a 6 foot bed needs a sliding hitch but 8 foot does not.

We prefer not to have a 40 ft 5er. Neither of us are very experienced in towing anything, so we are hoping to find what we want closer to the 30-34 ft size. Hopefully we become comfortable pulling that quickly. Wanting to stay under $35,000 if we can.
nremtp143
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
What length 5er would you prefer? 32-35ft, 35-40 or over? Is your truck a long bed or short bed? We would like a little more info so we can start giving you suggestions in your range. There are many out there in all lengths....