Excel 5th wheel question...

Thanks for the feedback, but I'm still confused. The NADA guide lists an "Excel" RV builder and it says they ceased production after 1995:

http://www.nadaguides.com/rvs/1993/Excel/Travel-Trailers-5th-Wheels?yearType=Used

It also lists Excel/Peterson separately:

http://www.nadaguides.com/rvs/1993/Excel-Peterson-Ind/Travel-Trailers-5th-Wheels?yearType=Used

Again, which is which, and how do I know which company made the RV I'm looking at?

Excel by Peterson is one of the best made rigs on the market.
But that at age, who took care of it, did the maintenance and how well has become more important.

I once saw a 20 year old Fleetwood that looked like it had just rolled out of the factory.
I also once saw a 3 year old New Horizon (which I would argue is a better rig then an Excel) that looked it it should be scrapped.

Maintenance is the key on something of that age.

Excels were made from 1972 thru 2014 by Peterson RV's-1992 to current year are the "new" Excel units, pre-1992 years are the "original" Excels. Be warned that they are somewhat renowned for being HEAVY!

By their own admission they claim to be "Excel: The Nation's
Top-Rated 5th Wheel" so it must be true...right?

I'm sure several other 5th wheel RV companies would argue that statement! :B

I only know of one Exel, the one designated as Excel/Peterson. Their entire company history is online. I believe that all of the Excel rating belong under the same umbrella.