Question,i am sure this has been asked before ,in fact i asked myself and never quite got a answer that i needed, i know most 5th wheels are the same in that i mean frames are almost all lippert a c systems are the same most everything is more or less the same. Now is there any substantial difference between the wildwood heritage glen the sierra ,sandpiper palamino columbus and prime time crusader, other then tv brands mattress brands other things that are not really critical in the make or model trying to see which make model works best for me and the wife ,looked at the prime time the other day,and it looks almost like the columbus.I am curious about the other issues ,workmanship amount of insolation sound deading other issues that matter,i know all makes and models build a lemon or 2 .dont mean to be picky but weather it is grey or beige isnt really a issue to me. Thank you.

batavia02 wrote:Question,i am sure this has been asked before ,in fact i asked myself and never quite got a answer that i needed, i know most 5th wheels are the same in that i mean frames are almost all lippert a c systems are the same most everything is more or less the same. Now is there any substantial difference between the wildwood heritage glen the sierra ,sandpiper palamino columbus and prime time crusader, other then tv brands mattress brands other things that are not really critical in the make or model trying to see which make model works best for me and the wife ,looked at the prime time the other day,and it looks almost like the columbus.I am curious about the other issues ,workmanship amount of insolation sound deading other issues that matter,i know all makes and models build a lemon or 2 .dont mean to be picky but weather it is grey or beige isnt really a issue to me. Thank you.How do you plan on using a trailer? Those are all entry or lower level units. Chris

We plan on using it for vacation , long weekends. It is our first 5th wheel,so we also need one with bunkhouses and a king bed for me and my wife,which is why we are looking at the ones we are looking at.

My recommendation is buy used. What we did was buy a used 4 year old Keystone Everest 5th wheel to learn what we liked and didn't like about them. We used the Everest for 2 years and learned a lot. We then bought the Voltage in our signature brand new. Nice thing is the bugs were already worked out with the Everest - a new 5th wheel can be a real nightmare for repairs, as our Voltage was.

After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.

southernsky wrote:After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.Ouch! I just bought a new 2016 Crusader Lite :(

difference among forest river 5th wheel brands | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Apr 21, 2016
I've had great service from prime time. Several issues covered after warranty. They have certainly been excellent for me.
alexleblanc
Explorer
Apr 20, 2016
I can't speak to the higher end FR product lines but our previous 2013 Wildwood TT was riddled with issues, both build quality and poor components. I'd steer away from their entry level products and look at a solid used higher end from them or other manufacturers. My first new unit was an entry level Dutchmen and I had no issues to speak of with that one over 3 summers of use so I didn't think twice about the wildwood.
ACZL
Explorer
Apr 20, 2016
batavia02 wrote:
Unless i missed it. Silverback and or silver creek does not make a floorplan that works for us in terms of bunkhouse and king bed

Yes they do offer BH and king bed options
batavia02
Explorer
Apr 20, 2016
Unless i missed it. Silverback and or silver creek does not make a floorplan that works for us in terms of bunkhouse and king bed
tinner12002
Explorer
Apr 20, 2016
southernsky wrote:
After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.

Well that pretty much the whole RV industry!!
ACZL
Explorer
Apr 20, 2016
Perhaps you ought to look at the Silverback Line by Cedar Creek. Little less expensive than a Creek, but very well made and customer/company support is top notch. Our Silver is 11 years old this year and is a very stout unit. CC replaced the axles due to faulty ones at time of build. Otherwise, just some some things here and there which I've taken care of or had dealer look at. CC Silverback may be more $$ than what you mentioned, but could be better off in the long run. This is our 1st RV (no tents,pop-ups, TT etc) and have been rewarded w/ many happy memories so far and few issues. Quality is very apparent from lower/entry lines to upper lines. Outside/looks of a RV can be made to look great, but it's the foundation that makes it last. Do your research and compare all aspects of lines/divisions and mfrs. We did, and ended up going w/ CC.
Oakman
Explorer
Apr 19, 2016
southernsky wrote:
After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.

I haven't found this to be true at all. I'm on my third Forest River product and I've been very pleased with the company and their service.

Of the products listed by the OP the Columbus would be the best choice. It is definitely not an entry level.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Apr 19, 2016
southernsky wrote:
After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.

And I bet you bought from Dixie Rv with their incompetent and non-existent service.

My Crusader, except for the cheap Lippert electric rear stabilizers, has been a good trouble free unit since July 2012. I lived near you in Gonzales for 30 years bought my previous Holiday Rambler, from Dixie, was a trouble free unit with over 40,000 miles.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2016
southernsky wrote:
After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.

And you think a Grand Design is better than a Cardinal or Cedar Creek??? Chris
goducks10
Explorer
Apr 19, 2016
southernsky wrote:
After owning 3 Forest River products, I wouldn't buy another. From the low end models to the high end there is no quality in their product. After the warranty runs out you're on your own.

I be surprised if any MFG stepped up after the warranty is over. Maybe some do but it's sure not industry wide. It more than likely would be based on the type of warranty work needed.
And how long after?