Forum Discussion

Dustin_Tx's avatar
Dustin_Tx
Explorer
Apr 23, 2013

Looking at 5th wheels. Need advise

I'm looking at 5th wheels in the 36'-42' range. I have seen MANY different brands. I'm looking at 2010 or newer units.
I want something quality. I will be living in it full time going to grad school in Florida. It is just me, not married and no kids.
What are the better built name brands?
I will most likely get rid of my 03 F350 4x4 DRW Diesel 6spd and get a Retired HDT. So I don't need to be talked to about weights. I'm a farm boy, 26 years old and have been pulling trailers and backing them since I was about 12.
My 5th wheel budget is $40k +- a few
I want something that I can pull out onto 100 acres and live in while I have the house built. So it needs to last 5-7 years min. What options should really be standard? I'm new at 5th wheels, just doing some research before I fork over $40k
Thanks
Dusty
  • RVcrazy's avatar
    RVcrazy
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2013
    Take a look at Northwood Arctic Fox units. Built really solid and a more moderate price than Excel etc.
  • Eycom's avatar
    Eycom
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2013
    NuWa's Hitchhiker, Excel, and Carriage (now out of business) seem to be favored by many full timers. DRV and New Horizons are probably top tier. I would recommend looking at RV Consumer Group. They rate RVs relative to safety, economy, and reliability. Some folks don't place much value in their information. But the fact that they have been providing ratings for over 20 years is a testament to the fact that many do. It's not free. I used their evaluations to make a decision on my current camper in '04 and I'll use them again for my retirement rig later this year.
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2013
    The best made, bar none, is the New Horizon. Now, since they are (only) custom made, they are as rare as hens teeth. They are also the most expensive. Now their quality is in construction, not "splash". A New Horizon, in your age-range would probably be over your price point.

    Next tier down, would be Excel by Peterson, Mobile Suites and (various models) by NuWa (Hitchhiker, etc).

    Just down from there is Northwoods Arctic Fox. Personally I think the Fox is the best value around. You can get more expensive rigs, but they are more expensive because they have "splash" (and sometimes just splash and not quality construction)
  • Dustin_Tx's avatar
    Dustin_Tx
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2013
    Mile,
    I've heard EXCELLENT things about Mobile Suites and Airstream AF and Trilogy the rest seem iffy. I looked at 2010 Komfort and to be honest it looked flimsey and really cheaply constructed.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2013
    Check out Explore USA across central Texas. They carry Mobile Suites, Redwood, Landmark, even Airstream. New, used, and a few repos.

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