Our current fifth-wheel is starting to show a little age, and our family is growing out of it as our "everyday" rig. So we're looking to use it as a long-term/semi-permanent rig at some places we like visiting, and buying a new rig for our primary camping purposes. We've enjoyed having a fifth wheel, but our needs and uses have evolved since we started this hobby several years ago. For one, I'd like to have my truck bed space back ;-)We've never shopped for travel trailers because our first rig was gifted to us and our current fifth wheel is the only rig we've ever bought. So, I'd like to enlist the help of others as we begin this search.We're looking for an above-average quality unit, with good suspension, solid frame, and overall good structural rigidity. We are not concerned about weight at all. Some of the rigs our friends have purchased in the last few years just appear to be flimsy with pencil thin axles and weak frames. We'd like a rig between 26' and 32'.In terms of amenities, we'd like an outdoor kitchen, exterior bathroom entry, no slides on the curb side (preferably) and 3 bunks or bunk-type options. Other than that, a u-shaped dinette would be nice, along with an awning that extends to the outdoor kitchen.Finding a good floor plan is easy, but we're mostly concerned with the quality of the rig.

Northwood, Arctic Fox line. Very well built, insulated, we use ours off road boon-docking, there that tough. Most use them in structured camp grounds.

Stay away from Forest River. They are junk!At least my new 2017 isJack L

I don't think you beat an Arctic Fox/Northwood short of an Airstream. They have limited floorplans and I'm not sure how available they'd be in Florida, though. Look at some toy haulers too. The outdoor kitchen may be tough to find, but they are generally going to be heavier constructed because they're designed to carry more weight. Much larger tanks and an on-board generator would make dry camping easier if you're into that, and they're pretty flexible inside with the drop down rear bunks. You'll push it a bit with your desired length but just food for thought. The weight would be no concern with your Cummins pulling it, especially with the big hips.

If your budget allows it, nothing wrong with the brands mentioned. There are a lot of folks who love them and whenever anyone mentions a new unit chant their virtues. I dont think west Coast folks realize how few dealers for those brands are on the east coast. If you are looking toward the $30-$40k range try Grand Design, Highland Ridge, and maybe Gulfstream, there are numerous brands, offering good products often with two year plus warranties, for reasonable prices, enjoy the hunt.

You can't have it all, but this is close perhaps.Grand Design

New Trailer Recommendation | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

WTP-GC
Explorer
Jul 17, 2017
At this point I've looked at all the manufacturers I know of. The Coachmen 292bhs mentioned above is very ideal, and that's the perfect layout for, even without the exterior bathroom entry. But, just when we find something that will work, a quick look at the specs shows it only has a 33 gallon grey tank. That's been more/less the case with most of the units. Our current 5er has 2 tanks that combine for 74 gallons, which gets us through a long weekend without sewer hookups.

We've found some that check our boxes, but at 36' or more, that doesn't work for us. Some of the places we frequent present enough challenges for us having only a 32' camper.

This has been tough!
CoachandCampBK
Explorer
Jul 14, 2017
We purchased a 2017Coachman Freedom Express 292bhs on New Years Eve. 35 ft sleeps 7-9. Its available in similar design/ floor plans that are smaller. It's got a large outdoor kitchen which we love. It came nicely equipped for the price. Have had it in for warranty service once for small things. Only issue we have is the cable tv system doesn't work, will need to take it in again. We have camped 3 full weeks so far, plus 5 long weekends, and are in the middle of a full month at the lake. This TT has had a full test in short time...3000 miles round trip from FL to Maine; camping with my niece and 2 grandkids ages 5 , 7 &7 and 2 dogs; and now a month with 4 dogs. Except for for the cable issue, which I have learned to bypass until we can get it fixed, this TT has been easy to tow, set up and has been very enjoyable. It's a big upgrade from our first which was a 2002 Coleman 23 Ft. It weighs 6200 lbs dry and we tow with a 2005 Yukon Denali XL.
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2017
Ron3rd wrote:
elm3420 wrote:
I would not suggest either the Flagstaff or Rockwood as they are pretty much the same trailers with slight differences in appearance. They are not built very well at all and mine has not held up well at all. I will not be buying another.

Rockwood and Flagstaff are the same trailer, just different decals.

I must have gotten lucky and gotten one of the good ones, or they've improved since the member above bought his; my 2013 Rockwood Flagstaff has been flawless, with zero issues going on 4 years. Excellent fit and finish IMO.

It's very much the luck of the draw with Forest River. Ordered a 2016 from the factory. It arrived and was a total POS. I refused the purchase and had dealer order another one. The factory rep swore up and down it would be perfect and had gone through a process called a QC section division pull where it's pulled from the line and gone over top to bottom. Someone was blind evidently. It was better than the first, and now a 2017, but I still fixed numerous things on my own dime. Forget the warranty unless you don't mind losing the use of it for months at a time. Some people get decent, some receive junk. Some people hit the jackpot dealing with Rockwood, some get the shaft.

If you're considering one I suggest an in stock unit on the dealers lot, where you can take your time and inspect to your hearts content. I'll never order from the factory again nor consider a Forest River product. I should have learned my lesson when our Palomino popup literally fell apart with use. I think I was afflicted with a case of idiomoronitis buying from Forest River again.
Pop-Pop_C
Explorer
Jul 12, 2017
We just went from a MH. to a 30' travel trailer. Grand Design. One thing I was remiss about was not getting dual pane Windows,
Wanting to down size. We are full timers.
Don't know what,part of the country you are in ,but Out Doors RV. Is well built and insulated.
Down side is they are only sold in the north west. MFG. in Oregon.
Limited floor plans and heavy.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2017
elm3420 wrote:
I would not suggest either the Flagstaff or Rockwood as they are pretty much the same trailers with slight differences in appearance. They are not built very well at all and mine has not held up well at all. I will not be buying another.

Rockwood and Flagstaff are the same trailer, just different decals.

I must have gotten lucky and gotten one of the good ones, or they've improved since the member above bought his; my 2013 Rockwood Flagstaff has been flawless, with zero issues going on 4 years. Excellent fit and finish IMO.
WTP-GC
Explorer
Jul 12, 2017
Well, that's what I get for asking ;-)
Looks like the Outdoors RV line isn't available at any dealers closer than Denver...
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2017
elm3420 wrote:
I would not suggest either the Flagstaff or Rockwood as they are pretty much the same trailers with slight differences in appearance. They are not built very well at all and mine has not held up well at all. I will not be buying another.

Have to agree.......Our 2017 Rockwood was slapped together. Its fine now after spending all last year finishing building it, rebuilding it, re sealing it, so on and so forth. It was an every Saturday project for most of last summer and fall, while constantly kicking myself in the rear wondering why I bought it to begin with. I have plenty of times to this day I wish we would of kept our 2013 Keystone.
velvetmonkey408
Explorer
Jul 12, 2017
Check out the Outdoors RV Mfg product line. The frame is an I-beam and the suspension is made for boon docking. They should be less expensive than the Northwood product line.
FloridaReLoaded
Explorer
Jul 11, 2017
Open Range makes quality units, not sure they match your criteria. You'll have to look yourself.
elm3420
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2017
I would not suggest either the Flagstaff or Rockwood as they are pretty much the same trailers with slight differences in appearance. They are not built very well at all and mine has not held up well at all. I will not be buying another.