Hi everyone. I'm hoping to get opinions derived from experience and knowledge of 5vr's. I've decided to sell the stick and brick and purchase a 5vr. The issue is I just don't know which one to buy. I have looked at Jayco, Infinity, Rushmore, Cedar Creek, Trilogy, Heartland, Excel, DRV, and many others. The plan is to park the 5vr and live in it as I'm still several years from retirement age. Next year I plan to purchase a 17' TT to take on short weekend trips for camping/fishing.So here are some questions for the experts and seasoned 5vr's:One of the most important things is good cooling from the AC. Is it the norm that one unit is 13k btu and the other 15k btu? Of course I've been looking during the heat of the day and the units that were plugged in and running were not very cool. Is this adequate for hot Texas summers?Insulation ranks right up there with the AC. Does anyone know which manufacturer provides the most efficient insulation?Another important aspect is the refrigerator. I have read that some are prone to fires but not so much if it's residential style. Is there any truth to that? Kind of scary to think the frig could burn the RV up.What other important factors should I be looking at?Thanks for any information you can provide. My head is spinning trying to figure this out.

Excel and DRV are the best rigs on your list, my preference would be towards the Excel.Dual A/C systems would be something to look for, and well insulated (hence the Excel)Two other points, New Horizon is ever better and have you considered a Park Model?

Just bought it. Arctic Fox 27-5L Small and easy to maneuver, Heavy well built on a solid frame, Capable of hooking up or boon docking, Paid for and ready to use!

Well since this the fifth wheel section and I already bought one.I'll say I'd buy a Heartland.Then again if I was looking I'd look at the Keystone mid to high line 5vers.

You mentioned insulation......DRV has three and a quarter inch thick walls with a better r factor. We have the Elite Suites and got the 15 K btu air conditioner/ heat pumps. The electric fireplace was reluctantly ordered and were surprised how much we enjoyed it. Some folks have great luck with their DRV products but we have had numerous problems. Lots of things broke like the TV and surge protector. It is just a******shoot as most have had great luck with DRV. They are getting everything fixed for us and we like the trailer as far as finish quality. We notice the better r factor as the heat and air conditioner are not cycling all the time and there are no drafts. The price on these trailers really vary a bunch. If you end up considering this unit, send me a message and I will reply and let you know what I found and who we found to be the most informed and helpful dealer. This is our fifth RV and have enjoyed every one.

What 5vr would you buy? | Good Sam Community

40 Replies

rmalik1
Explorer
Sep 10, 2013
getnsmart2013 wrote:
Thank you for all of the great advice. I think we've narrowed it down to three. The Excel Winslow, Heartland Landmark Key Largo, and Cedar Creek CTKS or 38CK. Cedar Creek will probably be the choice due to price. The question I have is if the sale price (not MSRP) is about 60k, what should I offer at the start. I want to buy new but I don't want to take a huge hit.

Also, should I expect to pay more if I order one through a dealer?

Thanks again for the replies. It helps tremendously.

You should be able to get somewhere near .33% off or close to that figure! That's what I was able to get in 2011 for my 2012.
B_Sjulestad
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2013
Check Fun Town Rv in Cleburne. They have some great deals going on and a huge indoor showroom. I just traded my 2011 36RE for a new 36CKTS. DW and I had a list of "I wish I would have" items such as full body paint, Heat pump, Recliners facing the TV, more counter space in kitchen, ceiling fan in living room rather than kitchen.... We got them all plus thermopane windows. I will update profile picture soon.
lillyputz
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2013
Atom Ant wrote:
Yep and I noticed one of them is you as one of your many aliases.

My Redwood has been great, would buy again.

Don't you wish.

Lillyputz
Atom_Ant
Explorer
Sep 05, 2013
Yep and I noticed one of them is you as one of your many aliases.

My Redwood has been great, would buy again.
lillyputz
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2013
I would stay away from redwood. to many quality issues. read there forum. two more on there right now complaning about there lemons.

Lillyputz
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2013
Used upper end.
dblr
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
I would think if you order you should get a better price(IMO) as they are not sitting on it month after month and paying the bank in their inventory. I also think that Cedar Creek is a nice unit, not really rated for full time use, not saying folks are not doing it just not rated. I really think a lot of units can be used for full time that are not rated it's just how people maintain their units by keeping check on things. Good luck on your search but most of all ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
getnsmart2013
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
Thank you for all of the great advice. I think we've narrowed it down to three. The Excel Winslow, Heartland Landmark Key Largo, and Cedar Creek CTKS or 38CK. Cedar Creek will probably be the choice due to price. The question I have is if the sale price (not MSRP) is about 60k, what should I offer at the start. I want to buy new but I don't want to take a huge hit.

Also, should I expect to pay more if I order one through a dealer?

Thanks again for the replies. It helps tremendously.
rmalik1
Explorer
Aug 25, 2013
The best made 5th wheels are also the most expensive; Here is my list of the top of the line.

New Horizon
Continental Coach
Spacecraft
Excel
DRV
Lifestyle Luxury (because of frame only)(Carriage's old frame)

There are other lower priced 5'vers that may fit your needs(Putting those on a list could get hot!), and there are good orphan trailers available.

For the money I could afford IMO Cedar Creek was the best unit with the best - build (my area) and the looks & floorplan (wifes area). IMO the tier under those top 6, there are more expensive trailers but none have a build that is better than the Cedar Creek, maybe some have more interior glitz type items, but the build is most important item.
Ron_Nielson
Explorer
Aug 25, 2013
Whichever model you buy, make SURE it has insulated (double pane) windows (no, not storm windows) installed. They're cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and handle humidity within the trailer much better.

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What 5vr would you buy?

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