Forum Discussion

Jim's avatar
Jim
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015

2009 Keystone Everest

I've been driving a Class A for 11 years, averaging 15,000 per year. That's been fun, but I'm thinking of settling down and maybe just do 5,000 per year from a home base. Maybe like a snow bird doing only 2-3 trips per year.

I'm thinking of buying the 5th mentioned in the subject line and wonder if anyone has experience with that model or what do people think of the Keystone line in general.

Also, and here's the biggie, since I'm now nearly 70, is it too much setting up and tearing down a 5th? I'm still getting around fine and all, but 7 months ago injured my shoulder and I'm still dealing with it. Makes me wonder if I shouldn't take a step back from too much physicality during setup and teardown and stay with a Class A.

I have been to hundreds of RV parks in 11 years, but darned if I can recall a time when I'd just sit and watch someone do a setup or teardown in a 5th. I regret that now of course, there's nothing like watching an example. Wish I'd paid more attention.

Any advice for me? Stick with the Class A or move over to a 5th? Does it really make all that much difference in setup and teardown?
  • Went to visit the 5ver today, checked on the weight of the recliners...not bad, and yet still have a nice firm feel to them. But the were light enough to move around readily.

    The thing that kind of turned me off is the lack of computer space in the living area. I could not for the life of me figure out where I could put my two tower computers, the 22" monitors for them, the keyboards, mice, accessories, cords, cables, 4" square high gain WiFi antenna, etc., etc..

    Then, I carry a mini electronics shop around with me and many of the cabinets I have I carry in the under floor storage area of my Class A, along with some test instruments. Nowhere to put all that stuff in a 5er it appears.

    Gah.
  • Thanks for the advice so far. I'll be looking at one today and your advice has helped already.
  • soos's avatar
    soos
    Explorer II
    Set up and tear down are pretty easy with a 5th wheel. My only concern would be the hitch- checking it and latching it etc.
    Also, we had a 2009 Everest and we had to move the recliners to bring the slide in, and man, let me tell you, they were HEAVY.
  • Everest was top of the line for Keystone from 2007-2009 . R-9 walls, R- 15 roof, and
    R -29 floor. Since 2010, the name changed to Alpine, and they have a higher quality unit called the Big Sky.
    We have had our 07 Everest for about 3 years, and we love it.
    We changed from a DP, to the Everest fifth wheel, which we swore we would never do.
    Set up has been surprisingly easy, after we got used to it. Our motorhome routine just got modified a bit.

    We are full timers now, and haven't had any problems with her. There have been no recalls to our knowledge.

    We love ours so much, we will be getting IS and disc brakes on her in September.

    PM me of you have any specific questions, and we will be more than happy to help you out any way possible.
  • My niece and husband have had good luck with their Everest over the past 8 years or so. We are on our second Keystone Cougar and quality is typical/average for this price point. Keep in mind that Thor now owns quite a few RV companies but they still seems to keep their individuality.

    Recently we parked next to a Class A and he commented on all we had to go through to park, level, and set up. He had a leveling system and did his setup by flipping two switches/levers. As I get older I think my next one, whether Class A or 5er, will definitely have a leveling system. A camera system is another consideration, especially if I am eventually alone.

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  • Further info that would be helpful is any recalls on this model?
  • Exactly as donn0128 states. I thought the Everest was slightly better than the Montana . The Keystone line is no better no worse that any other line in the price range. It was discontinued but parts should be no problem as it is a Montana clone.
  • Everest was a carbon copy of Montana with slitely different interior decor. As far as setup? No harder just different. Biggest hurdle I see is backing into sites. Difficult at best without a second set of eyes.