We currently have a 2004 Prowler 300BHS and due to an accident will most likely have to replace. We are very happy with this camper but my husband would like to get a fifth wheel instead of a travel trailer this time around. I am looking for some recommendations or where to begin. There are so many manufacturers out there it is hard to keep them all straight sometimes. We have a lot of dealers in this area so its hard to know where to start.We are looking for an entry level 5th Wheel, less than 35 feet, bunkhouse-preferably with it's own room. We have a 2005 Chevy 2500 diesel to tow with. We were not planning on this purchase so I would like to keep the cost as low as possible but am wary of the low end 5th wheels. Are they as cheaply made as they seem when walking into them? WE looked at Keystone Hideout 5th Wheel this past weekend as well as a Puma 5th Wheel.

2005 2500.........That will limit you on choices IF you stay within trucks ratings due to 'payload' limit and axle ratings.A 10,000 GVWR 5th wheel will put you at ratings

If you read postings here long enough, you will likely read complaints about every brand out there. But you will just as likely read praise from others for those same brands. With lots of dealers in your area, take the time to visit each one, look at all the models of the size you are interested in, sit down in the chairs, lie on the beds, look at fit and finish, look at the bells and whistles, look at the internal arrangement, look in the storage areas, look around the outside, then do it all again. Make a list of trailers you like, and after visiting all the dealers go back and revisit the trailers you liked until you decide on the one that best suits you.

I'm very happy with my Grand Design Reflection, and they've been adding more light weight FW's to their portfolio. Here's a link to their Reflection Floorplans. Click on the specifications tab to get the weights.Grand Design Reflection FloorplansJim

BB Tex has it right. Go visit different dealer and identify which floor plans you like. Then compare models with the same floor plan. Considering you are a current camper owner already, you already know what works and what does not work in a camper. That experience will help you in your search more than you realize.

Find a floorplan you like, then see if you can find a =used= one. Even if it has an ugly interior or some options that you might not consider if buying new, it will give you some experience of the FW. You can find things that you might consider "necessary" in a TT, but not in a FW, and vice versa. Just a thought...Personally, I'm looking at the Jayco Eagle HT and KZ Durango 1500 lines for my next FW. The Jayco grosses at 9,950 on all models but one, and the KZ's gross at 10,500 for all models. Neither are what I'd call "entry level", but both are good brands with decent reputations. Both also have 2 year warranties.Lyle

Fifth Wheel Upgrade | Good Sam Community

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jun 07, 2016
BB Tex has it right.

Go visit different dealer and identify which floor plans you like. Then compare models with the same floor plan.

Considering you are a current camper owner already, you already know what works and what does not work in a camper. That experience will help you in your search more than you realize.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2016
I'm very happy with my Grand Design Reflection, and they've been adding more light weight FW's to their portfolio. Here's a link to their Reflection Floorplans. Click on the specifications tab to get the weights.

Grand Design Reflection Floorplans

Jim
BB_TX
Nomad
Jun 07, 2016
If you read postings here long enough, you will likely read complaints about every brand out there. But you will just as likely read praise from others for those same brands. With lots of dealers in your area, take the time to visit each one, look at all the models of the size you are interested in, sit down in the chairs, lie on the beds, look at fit and finish, look at the bells and whistles, look at the internal arrangement, look in the storage areas, look around the outside, then do it all again. Make a list of trailers you like, and after visiting all the dealers go back and revisit the trailers you liked until you decide on the one that best suits you.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 07, 2016
2005 2500.........

That will limit you on choices IF you stay within trucks ratings due to 'payload' limit and axle ratings.

A 10,000 GVWR 5th wheel will put you at ratings

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