Shopping for first RV...need guidance

Phydeauxman wrote:
My wife and I are going shopping for our first RV. We are going to large camper retailers this weekend just so we can get an idea of what is available. Here is what we know:

- We are pretty sure we want a 5th wheel

- We would like to be able to get a trailer that will sleep at least 6 that is safe to tow behind our 2014 F250

Questions:
1 Is one construction type significantly better than the other (Wood vs Alum)?

2 Are the brands that are better than others or brands we should try to stay away from?

3 Will the price of a trailer change based on where you buy it? We live in the Northern Virginia are where everything is more expensive...would it be cheaper if I drove say to Louisiana and bought the trailer?

4 I am all about ease of use when it comes to something like this. Don't want it to be too much work because then it reduces the fun and desire. Thinking of this...are there features I should be considering? As an example...auto-leveling jacks.

I am sure there are a billion other things we are not thinking of so any useful guidance is appreciated.

1) Wood is heavier. That's about it. People have had problems with trailers made of either. Not going to see significant issues of one versus the other.

2) In the weight class you should be looking at, their isn't a significant difference in quality. You can find horror stories in any of them, just like you can in any vehicle.

3) Prices can vary significantly based on region. Michigan seems to do a huge amount of out state business. I make no recommendations though.

4) Ease of use, boy that is really so person specific. Some might need a dishwasher for ease of use. Another might not want any slides. Huge scale.
But I do like my auto leveling system. Built in black flush is nice too.