Suggestion for new to me fifth

You're looking at ten year old units.

Top end units not cared for could be junk; bottom end units well tended for could be gold.

Present condition should be what you are looking for. Decent condition, NO WATER DAMAGE, should be your gold standards.

Doug

Buying a used RV is somewhat like buying a used house. It really depends on how well it was taken care of and the initial build. RVs aren't like cars that are built to exact specifications. Sure they have quality control and inspections, but they are built by humans much like houses. That said the Cougar, and Laredo are made by Keystone and the Wildcat is made by Forest River. Both companies are probably the number 1 and 2 manufacturer. Not 1 and 2 for quality just volume. I have had Forest River TT and now have a Keystone FW. The TT was used and we had zero issues. The FW we bought new and has been in the shop for 2 weeks now for small warranty work. Just look real good at the overall condition and care taken of the unit.

Well how do these brand rate?

At $15,000 anything you see is going to be well used. Water damage should be your first concern and then ACTUAL weight, both total weight and pin weight.

Do not believe what anybody tells you about weight. Use the gross weight of the unit and then take 20% for pin weight. If in doubt have the dealer run it across a CAT scales and get a certified report. Add 1500 pounds for cargo and remember that the weight of the hitch has to come off of your truck's carrying capacity.

The brands you are looking at are probably a good start within your price range. Lines that were more expensive when new (read higher quality) are going to be older for that price and therefore more subject to damage.

What;s your budget? Excel by Peterson, DRV, NuWa, New Horizon and Arctic Fox are are better made, and cost more as a result.