We currently own a 2007 Newmar Class-A and are thinking about moving into the 5th wheel arena. Knowing the Newmar quality, but realizing that Newmar Corp discontinued their 5th wheel line, and with so many new manufacturers entering the game, who compares with the interior quality, structural durability, livability and cosmetics that Newmar offers? I realize everyone has their own namebrand loyalty, and I appreciate that, but with so many new product lines hitting the market, I'd like to hear from those who know this area on who they'd recommend I research more. Once I find the 5th wheel we'll find the truck that fits it. Cost at this point is not an issue. Thanks in advance!

If price is not an issue there are a few that fit quality. Full custom you have New Horizon, Spacecraft and Folks. Cost could be over 200k. My choice is Drv, I have a Mobile Suites on order. Excel is also top quality. Both can be done with custom upgrades. Well optioned out and custom upgrades 125k to 180k. Lifestyle Luxury is also a well made unit 100k to 115k. The first three will require a MDT or HDT tow veh. Others will have opinions also. Take your time and crawl under & over them and you will see which ones are quality. You will also see which are as they say put lipstick on a pig.

I currently have a Carriage Cameo which is very well made. Carriage went under so Evergreen bought everything except the name. They now build what is called Lifestyle which still has in house frame, and same quality build to maybe even better. That is what we will purchase next. The other listed are also quality. My biggest gripe with Mobile Suites is that it has Lippert build their frames. I would not buy one just because of that. Otherwise it is a very nice unit. Good luck with your search.

I had a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star 5th and it had all wrapped wood that started to peel. Had many axle, brake, bearing issues as axles were not strong enough for the weight of trailer. Maybe on paper but not real life. Traded when I found out that the springs lost all arch and were bent backwards. Would have to be replaced and tires were wearing odd. Been a very happy owner of a 2008 DRV Mobile Suites owner since almost exactly 3 years ago. Purchased used and its been far better than the Newmar. I like Newmar motor homes and I think they do a great job on them and I can't complain about the build on the trailer. My beef was the engineering and materials that were used and corners that were cut. Randu

We were very happy with our 2008 DP from Newmar.We are very happy with our DRV fifth wheel.There are differences in quality between them. Mostly minor stuff that really doesn't make much difference. Some DRV items are far superior and some Newmar items are a little better. Overall the DRV is a nicer / better unit than our Newmar was.

Excellent points. I couldn't believe all of the new manufacturers that have popped up since all of the restructuring, hence my question to the masses! I have really been looking at the DRV line-up, but with so many various models from so many different makers to choose from, and having been in some of the 'economy' units, I wanted to get the opinions of those who experience and live the quality day to day. Thanks again!

Newmar Quality | Good Sam Community

C_Schomer
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
FWIW, I talked to a very unhappy New Horizon owner last February. Had it back to the mfgr several times for basically poor quality problems including an elec. fire. I guess any of them can turn into spit. I too will quit RVing if I can't find something w/o lippert. Craig
The_Mad_Norsky
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
JTrac wrote:
Bill1374 wrote:
Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

Don't hold me to it but I think the new Hitchhiker's are made by Peterson Industries in Smith Center, Ks, who are the folks that make Excel. At least that was the news some time back.

Looks like they are building with Excel's (Peterson Industries) support. They say another well known Kansas manufacturer.

I mean, there are only two other builders I know of in Kansas. Excel/Peterson Industries and New Horizon. And Excel has come out with basically a clone of the Hitchhiker 38CKRD in the Excel model 38RDE.

So good for us as consumers, and good for Hitchhiker.

The Nuwa site says these will be called "private label" Hitchhikers, designed and manufactured to Hitchhiker standards.
drfife
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
JTrac wrote:
Bill1374 wrote:
Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

Don't hold me to it but I think the new Hitchhiker's are made by Peterson Industries in Smith Center, Ks, who are the folks that make Excel. At least that was the news some time back.

That would be correct.
http://www.nuwa.com/ls/floorplans/

http://www.kansasrvcenter.com/inventory/385056/New-2015-NuWa-Hitchhiker-34FK.aspx
Luke_Porter
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
C Schomer wrote:
FWIW, I talked to a very unhappy New Horizon owner last February. Had it back to the mfgr several times for basically poor quality problems including an elec. fire. I guess any of them can turn into spit. I too will quit RVing if I can't find something w/o lippert. Craig

I took the tour. They had one unit where they cut a window hole in the wrong location---so they "patched" it.

They wanted $70K more for a comparable DRV Elite Suites.
dokkema1
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
checkout this place..I don't think you can beat there deals on new high-end 5ers...
http://www.tiararvsales.com/
dokkema1
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
http://www.tiararvsales.com/rv/Lifestyle-RV-2013-Lifestyle-37CKSL

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