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joeburnes's avatar
joeburnes
Explorer
Sep 04, 2015

Fulltimers....what's your favorite 5er?

I'm about to start fulltiming and have never owned a 5er. I'm looking to buy a used one due to budget. I want to get a unit that I know the construction is good in so I don't buy a brand that is falling apart on me. Please let me know which ones to look at that will stand the test of time and which ones to definitely stay away from. And most importantly, "why" you feel the way you do.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

EDIT: I'll need a "4 seasons" one as I'll be all over the country at different times of year.
  • Depends on many consideration starting with budget. You can find used high end units for about the same money as the mid-line new rigs.

    You could add DRV, formerly Doubletree, to your prospects.
  • Ours! We bought her used in 2013, and knock on wood, haven't had any problems, except filling the fresh water tank, which was easily resolved.
    DH had to replaced the front landing gear about 6 mo ago, and we got a new fridge by choice, but she is a little gem.
    We love her so much, she is getting surgery on Tuesday. Having IS and disc brakes installed by Mor Ryde.
  • Stay away from the cheap ones. I feel the way I do because time after time 'you get what you pay for.'

    My Okanagan has held together very well for 12 years.
  • Someone just posted a day or two ago about some that used Lippert frames that had cracking issues in the pin box area. Seem to remember some having cracked frames in the suspension area also but dont remember the frame manufacturer. You may want to research things like that.
  • No matter the brand, or the price range. There are those for each brand who have great service and few problems. And there are those with the same brand who have had nothing but problems. If you have read this forum long enough, you will know that is true. Pretty much a cr@p shoot and hope you are a lucky one.

    We bought our Montana new in 2007 and is really pretty incredible how few problems we have had, especially so when you consider the punishment these things go thru bouncing down our rough highways.
  • Cedar Creek hands down! Their after the sale customer service is the best and they make a great fiver, ours is 8 years old now and I really can't justify buying a new fiver.