We have a 2010 8281SS and love it. We have 3 kids and a dog. We have been up and down the east coast from Florida to Massachusetts, including several 2000 mile round trips.
The only problem we have had is the main slide motor went out on us this past summer. Fortunately, we bought from a great local dealer we use for repairs and service, so no problem with the repair, although it took a little longer to get the part from Forest River. Other than that, we have been very pleased with the product. This is our second Rockwood product---we had a Roo hybrid for 4 years until the kids outgrew it and we traded up for the fiver. Our dealer sells lots of Rockwoods. He also carries Sierras, but that is about it.
We get our wheel bearings re-packed every fall and also have the dealer clean and re-seal everything on the roof. We moved into covered storage last year, and that has really helped cut down on sun exposure and weathering of the roof.
Enjoy your trips!!