I need help I am beginning to get overwhelmed trying to pick out a 5th wheel. I am looking for a 31' +/-Trailer. I have a budget of $35,000 and don't exspect luxury . I know the floor plan I like but the problem is trying to figure out which manufacturer to trust I have read so many reviews and I am coming to the conclusion that most reviews are written by a disgruntled customers. I currently own a Forest River TT. The quality has been less then stellar. I would love to hear from anyone who has had a positive experience with their 5th Wheel in my category.

We bought a 31 Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel last year at the end of the season and made one trip before winterizing. There were a few issues on this shake down trip that cropped up but some of the things I fixed myself. The dealer resolved the rest. There is not a lot of quality control in my opinion with any manufacturer so they let the purchaser and dealer work out the bugs. After all of our known issues were resolved we took several trips this calendar year and had no issues. One big trip to Utah with over 4000 miles of towing resulted in no problems. I think now this Grand Design is going to hold up well and give us enjoyable trips. Also you should be able to make a deal with about 30% off MSRP. Ours was 52K MSRP and we got it for $37K. It was equipped very nicely and we love the self leveling system. It also has two AC's with 50 Amp service.

My 2005 Cedar Creek has been absolutely outstanding. Only problems have been normal wear and tear. For your budget look at Arctic Fox, or earlier models of Cedar Creek.

My 2007 Montana has been as near troublefree as I could have ever hoped. Not so sure about the newer years. For Montana or any other brand for that matter.

Is used an option for you? You can get a nice used upper tier brand at that length and price range. It may take longer to find but they are out there.

I suggest you attend some rv shows...pick out a half dozen rigs that peak your interest. Now you will have a general idea of floorplans that work, and the "must have's" for your needs. Now go online and search for ALL 5ers with similar attributes and scrutinize their specs, visit owner forums, and be prepared to sort through the fanboys and haters of various models. Once you find 2-3 that really are worth dropping cash on find out who has them...go for a drive and physically spend a few hours in each to really ascertain if they are worth buying. Honestly some folks drop 35k after falling in love at the rv show and have at best spent 15 mins of superficial browsing. Do your homework, find other owners of your top picks and send them private messages for honest like/dislikes of their pride and joy. You have all winter....enjoyDaryll

Buying 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Nov 27, 2017
We once purchased a 2 year old 2001 Cardinal that was excellent up until we traded it in on our current 2015 Cedar Creek Silverback. We intended to purchase a 3 year old used unit, but found that there was water damage and ended up with a new model.

We looked a the used market prior to the time we got our new unit and found that you really need to be picky about what you buy. Keep to your specific wants & wishes because you will find the one you're looking for.

Not sure where you live, but we've found while in Florida for the winters that there are some good deals down there with used units. Many folks just end up selling their 5vers because they don't own or want to buy a new tow vehicle or someone passed away, whatever.

For the $30-$40K range you will find yourself a nearly new 5ver, likely 2-3 years old.
laknox
Nomad
Nov 27, 2017
OP, don't forget about looking at end-year deals on new stock. That's what we did on Saturday. :-) I'll be posting about the experience...

Lyle

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