It's time for us to start the process of getting a new camper. We're always on the hunt for the "perfect" one even though we know it does not exist :) Our problem is we have been unable to find anything that is not OMG plush and luxurious. We just want to camp; we're not ready to live in it, but everything we have seen just has too many bells and whistles. We're limited to two dealerships in our immediate area and I've been unable to find anything online that is nice, but not over-the-top. I'm sure I'm just looking in the wrong places. So, does anyone on this forum know of a brand of 5th wheel that might suit our needs? We're fine with used as long as it's not too old. Our current model is a 2005 Durango and the new ones are just too fluffy. We'd like a toyhauler for all our junk, but even those a seem a bit more stylish than we need. I appreciate any input. Thanks!

Both Forest River and Thor offer a lot of different models in prices all over the spectrum. Living next door to a FR factory and having owned one for 10 years I personally favor FR products. If you have a chance, also look at Northwood Mfg products. Lots more durable that the competition for the dollar.

When you look at the manufactures websites there is often the Luxury models and then there are the more basic. As an example when you look at Heartland they have more basic models like the Sundance. I suspect "flash sells" for many buyers. The profit margin is probably higher on the luxury models as well.

I'm familiar with Forest River and Thor, but not Northwood. I'll search those more thoroughly.It seems the websites don't show many of the just basic models. They tend to have about three examples of the decor listed for all models and it's all seems to be on the luxury end. I think they want to hook you with fireplaces and office nooks so you'll forget what you really want. When I look on craigslist,etc. the ones for sale are often really luxurious. I suspect the "flash" did catch their attention and now they can't pay the piper. Those easy monthly payments tend to add up.

FWIW, a good portion of toy haulers tend to be more utilitarian simply because they're likely to get hard use and be dirty, so need to be easy to clean. Interesting that most Aussie FW's tend to look like they were furnished by Ikea, but that's not bad if you're in a dusty/muddy environment. :-)Lyle

Sounds like you are looking for a Puma type fiver. Check them out, great value for the $$$. They have a fiver called a 29bh I think. It's a dual slide bunkhouse and you can often find them in the 18-22k range depending on options. They are a great bargin in the fiver market and they make pretty good quality. Thanks!Jeremiah

Looking for a "plain" 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2015
261daystogo wrote:
I'm familiar with Forest River and Thor, but not Northwood. I'll search those more thoroughly.

Northwood is a regional manufacturer based in LaGrande Oregon. Ron started building trailers around 1999 out of an old fleetwood plant. They build their own frames, and a reputation for durable quality product at decent prices. Thunder RV in LaGrande is the closest dealer to the factory and offer competetive prices.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
You may be able to order the floor plan you want and 'delete' most of the fluff from your factory order.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2015
Sounds like you are looking for a Puma type fiver. Check them out, great value for the $$$. They have a fiver called a 29bh I think. It's a dual slide bunkhouse and you can often find them in the 18-22k range depending on options.

They are a great bargin in the fiver market and they make pretty good quality.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
laknox
Nomad
Apr 30, 2015
FWIW, a good portion of toy haulers tend to be more utilitarian simply because they're likely to get hard use and be dirty, so need to be easy to clean. Interesting that most Aussie FW's tend to look like they were furnished by Ikea, but that's not bad if you're in a dusty/muddy environment. :-)

Lyle
261daystogo
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
I'm familiar with Forest River and Thor, but not Northwood. I'll search those more thoroughly.

It seems the websites don't show many of the just basic models. They tend to have about three examples of the decor listed for all models and it's all seems to be on the luxury end. I think they want to hook you with fireplaces and office nooks so you'll forget what you really want.

When I look on craigslist,etc. the ones for sale are often really luxurious. I suspect the "flash" did catch their attention and now they can't pay the piper. Those easy monthly payments tend to add up.
mdamerell
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
When you look at the manufactures websites there is often the Luxury models and then there are the more basic. As an example when you look at Heartland they have more basic models like the Sundance.

I suspect "flash sells" for many buyers. The profit margin is probably higher on the luxury models as well.
donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2015
Both Forest River and Thor offer a lot of different models in prices all over the spectrum. Living next door to a FR factory and having owned one for 10 years I personally favor FR products. If you have a chance, also look at Northwood Mfg products. Lots more durable that the competition for the dollar.

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Looking for a "plain" 5th wheel

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