The better 5th wheeler?

New or used,,,, and budget?
high end DRV

Mass produced mid/upper Grand Design or Winne, , KZ , And then you have the Jayco, Keystone and Forest River products.

If you have lots of money, DRV has or did have a very nice up scale Tow Hauler.

Gee, that’s women! Just two days ago you were wantin’ to buck up your truck for a camper.

Or you can go with a custom built unit from New Horizon....better have deep pockets for the trailer and the Freightliner to tow it.

Ken

One that stands out is Arctic Fox, by Northwood MFG, in Oregon. And it's a 4 season 5'vr, comes with a larger water heater than most 5'vrs They make their own trailer, which comes standard with shock absorbers. We have owned 2 A.F.-bought new. The last one-model 29 5T we probably put 50,000 miles on it-from So. Calif. we took it to the Yukon Terr.-to Florida and many points in between. https://northwoodmfg.com/

some are built better than others. the best way is to just go out there and look. check out the cabnet construction , the finnishing and every detail. we went with a cougar because we found there were some better build qualites in the interior, but every unit will have some issues.

the second best thing to do is take your time to find the floorplan that works for you. there are hundreds to chose from, check out things like can you pull over in a rest stop and have a nap with out putting out slides, can you access the fridge or washroom, with out putting out slides, is an outdoor kitchen on the wish list... there are so many option and features, just take your time and enjoy the looking.

Steve

There are no 3 best or better built 5th wheel trailers. As you will see its the one you own in most cases. Just like which trucks is best/better question.
Like Steve says just look at the floorplans you like and at the interior/exterior differences....and I would add at the costs. You want it cheap you get it cheap. Quality will cost more. And of course what one sees as quality may not be so too others.

Build and features are different animals, with an Arctic Fox or its like you get better quality build with extreme weather capability vs same priced units with more glitz and features.
DRV , New Horizons, are 2 that do both, for $$$ to $$$$ Excel did a fine job of straddling the line with shortish 5ers with great build heavy load capability and harsh weather capability. Sigh, they are gone.
Be mindful of Mfgr. claims about tank capacities, insulation values, a wall or access door has only the R value of its thickness so claims of additional films etc. to add R value are gimmicks .
Shorter, heavy for length should get you a durable unit. The 'Lite' unit is not for durability. . Be certain the tires, axles exceed weight rating, that suspension springs and shackles are greasable.
Do not hesitate to demand name brand tires with ply rating higher than stock as a last bargaining issue.

Next to loose trim, $ to fix, tires and suspension are the most troublesome $$$ to fix.

So many nice comments regarding Arctic Fox fifth wheels. They don't make a toy hauler. Northwood, who builds Arctic Fox, makes the Desert Fox toy hauler. All their models are minumalists with no slides.

I hear some good things regarding the Grand Design Momentum toy haulers.

DRV makes the Full House toy haulers. All their models are 44 feet plus long and weigh nearly 20,000 pounds dry. In fifth wheel lingo, "That is a long, heavy trailer". I'm sure their quality is commensurate to their weight and their price.

We currently own a River Stone Legacy and are very happy with it, it actually might be a bit heavy for your current truck but I let that decision up to you. You also might want to look at the brand new line called Alliance, they really listen to the consumer and also have been very customer supportive so far, now there are not a lot of them out there just yet so time could tell a different story. Good luck on your search.