IMO there are cheap, cheaper, & cheapest trailers. There are some better than others depending on how the assemblers felt the day they were built. After a bad experience, a lot of reading, and some window shopping we selected Puma as one of the less bad stick and tin trailers. We have not been disappointed. No it is not perfect but nothing bad enough to take back after 6 months of ownership. Each one of these trailer factories operates in its own little world and drawing comparisons accross the whole corporation, especially the big ones may not be valid. Of course when you personally get a bad one built on a bad day that's it for you. I've read comments such as " nothing from Thor Corp." Really? Not even an Airstream? Puma is built by Palamino bought by Forest River a while back. So, I think Puma is good for the money (IMO).
Another IMO is don't skimp on the hitch just because you have nice big trucks. We ran WD just to get proper weight on the steering axle and friction anti-sway for insurance when pulling with our F-350 diesel. Our first trailer was bumper pull while the Puma 253fbs is a fifth wheel. 35' is an awfully long trailer to bumper pull even with your big trucks. Have you thought about an inexpensive fifth wheel?
