What is cheap?

There are new 5th wheels for well under $40k. And there are also those for well over $100k.

Low price does not necessarily mean "cheap". The lower price units are going to have fewer bells and whistles and not be as nicely finished in better woodwork, counter tops, and such. Keeps the price down but does not necessarily cheapen the product.

For 80K personally I would look for a lightly used high end unit. The fact is it will be worth far more in 3 years than a 3 year old 80K new RV. We bought our 07.5 MS in late 11 and full timed in it for 3.5 years then traded it in our 16 MS. We lost about 10K , in my book that was nothing for 3.5 years of full time use. The new 80K RV would easily loose that amount the day you take possession.

I would imagine that if you spent around $150,000 and had one custom made, you could be pretty sure that you're getting a well built rig. Not 100% but better than any run-of-the-mill bought off the lot one.

I would consider a unit that has a MSRP of $80,000 as a mid-level.

Some brands have better reputations than others, but even they have issues with some of their models, and you can run into problems with them too.

If you’re going to spend $80,000 you sure can get a nice fiver, but not very often does anyone pay the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. When we were looking we started by taking 30% off the MSRP. So in my opinion for that price we are talking mid-price rigs. To be honest most trailers have great eye appeal, and the place the manufactures cheapen them are places you don’t look at as much. Cheaper tires, frames and suspension, brakes, insulations, windows, water pumps, etc.

Figure out how you plan to use your RV and go from there.

In a nutshell-$80,000 should buy you a pretty nice 5er. Add in another $50,000-60,000 for a TV and you're talking some real money, and that's not cheap.

I think the experience should concentrate more on what you need. For instance, if you plan on parking in an RV resort, then don't buy something with top-rated suspension and a leveling system. Instead look for nice interiors and good HVAC and a winterizing package. But if you plan on dragging it all over the countryside then you will probably need that suspension and a top-drawer TV as well. There are lots of different models in different price ranges and I would recommend that you try to attend an RV show and see 'em all, but don't get sucked in by a salesman until you have finished your homework and know what you need and want.