We have decided it is time to downsize our RV. We presently have an Alfa 32RLIK (33')which we have had for 10 years. We have traveled about 50,000 miles and seen most of the US. We have lived in it up to 6 months without a divorce, so must get along. It is pulled with a 2500HD diesel/allison which we will keep. It will be for just the two of us, possibly with an occasional visit by granddaughters.We are looking for a smaller 5th wheel to use for trips of 2-6 weeks. I have looked and there seem to be few 5th wheel trailers in the 20-24' range available. We would like at least one slideout and a bed that is not 'camper type'. We are more interested in quality than a low price.What suggestions do you have? So far I have not found anything that fits. It seems that the manufacturers are more interested in putting 6-10 people in 35'.(Could this be a niche market?)

I too am interested in a shorter 5th wheel. 26 foot max.

Not sure if the manufacturer continues to produce our rig, but we spent a lot of time finding a short 5er with a slide and full size bed. We had enough room to add a California queen and can still walk on both sides of the bed.

There aren't many MFR out there making a quality unit for two in that size range. Try looking at Northwoods, like the Artic Fox, they seem to be a well built unit, but still approx 27' to get one slide. Ours in 40' but designed to sleep only two, but it's also designed for Full/Long Term Living.You may have to search to a good quality older unit to find something in that length.Good luck in your search

Northwoods no longer makes anything that small.I would recommend their older 24-5N (Nash or Arctic Fox). It has the most storage of any small rig I have ever seen (we owned one for a decade, would still but the DW got tired of not being able to stand up in the bedroom area.

It is difficult to find an older short Arctic Fox. BTW you can stand up in the bedroom of our 2013 Rockwood FW. I think all the newer shorter FW's are taller.

Downsize to short 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

GON2SKI
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
We are sure enjoying this one! She is quite heavy for a short 28ft unit and the '02 F350 may be slightly under powered as even with 60hp plus added with chip in tow mode it's maxed at 60-65 mph.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Mar 11, 2014
bigskyborn wrote:
Have you looked at this one? 2014 Keystone Springdale 253FWREGL

That's an entry level rig! Chris
bigskyborn
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Have you looked at this one? 2014 Keystone Springdale 253FWREGL
Me_Again
Explorer III
Mar 11, 2014
http://www.northwoodmfg.com/index.php?page=model&make=arctic&id=1050
fly-swatter
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
BillyandKris wrote:
Who makes Flagstaff? Is it Forest River? Was it a new one? Had not seen that one. I thought our Rockwood was the shortest one around. Glad you are enjoying your camper.

Yes , Forest River makes Flagstaff and yes we bought it brand new last year. They actually had 2 on the lot so I'm thinking there is not much demand for the smaller units.
padredw
Nomad
Mar 10, 2014
It is hard to get what we want: between 32 and 34 (inclusive). Not that we are actively looking right now. We like what we have: a 34' HitchHiker II, but it is a 2007 year model and, right now, we have not found a new one which we would like as well.

Also, as some of you, we are not looking for cheaper, just smaller.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Mar 10, 2014
We found that to get a decent amount cloth storage you need to be close to 30'. Really need a bed slide to get, a decent size closet.
BillyandKris
Explorer
Mar 10, 2014
Who makes Flagstaff? Is it Forest River? Was it a new one? Had not seen that one. I thought our Rockwood was the shortest one around. Glad you are enjoying your camper.
fly-swatter
Explorer
Mar 10, 2014
We bought a 24.5 foot Flagstaff last year and we really like it.It has one slide with the free standing table and chairs and a walk around bed up top. Lots of room for the two of us and the cat.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2014
Rumors have been going around that NuWa will be coming out with a shorter unit in conjunction with another manufacture with the NuWa label. Knowing NuWa it will be higher end quality. Going to be interesting for sure.

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Downsize to short 5th wheel

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