Opinions on 5th Wheels with Island Kitchens

2halfs wrote:
Hi,

My husband and I have been a Travel Trailer owner since 2004.

We are looking into the possibility of moving to a 5th Wheel.

As for floor plans I am most interested in the floor plan with an island kitchen. Although our plans do not include a large in length for a 5th wheel, we are looking at the ones that are 34ft and below.

Another feature that is appealing is the outdoor kitchen.

Some other important function features are the ability to access the bathroom and refrigerator while slide outs are in.

Looking at these floor plans would anyone like to share their pros and cons? What do you suggest we keep in mind as we look?

Manufacture of Grand Design keeps popping up when I do searches...Any suggestions on other manufactures?

We are planning on purchasing a used trailer, a 2018 and above in age. Ha,ha we say that now but you know how it is when you go to look ;)

Any advice is appreciated....obviously owning a TT since 2004 we have the basic of Rving down, but moving into a 5th Wheel is a new concept for us.

Thank you,
Denise

Denise, my #1 pick when I was shopping had an optional island that was counter and storage =only=; no sink. =My= plan was to get one =without= the island, then get a rolling cart that we could move as-needed to gain the same counter and storage space. I would have added small recessed d-rings in the floor to strap it down while traveling. It was the KZ Durango 1500 D284RLT which, sadly, they stopped making in 2018. I never was able to find one to lay eyes on but we lucked into a D277RLT which has a =peninsula= kitchen. Wife loves it, so that ended that search. :-) Well, that and a price that we simply couldn't pass up. Having the peninsula =does= mean that we have to move the street slide out a bit to access the fridge, but we also have a remote so can do so from the truck, if needed. The counter and storage space are, however, wonderful. Bathroom is fully accessible at all time. Both of these FWs are under 32' long.

KZ has 2 models in their "Half Ton" line that are < 34' that have islands. They are the D263RLT and the D283RLT. The 263 is listed as dealer stock only, so may be hard to find.

KZ is decent quality. IMO, GD is probably a bit better, overall, but I have no experience with GD.

Lyle