Newmar Quality

[PGCR]

We currently own a 2007 Newmar Class-A and are thinking about moving into the 5th wheel arena. Knowing the Newmar quality, but realizing that Newmar Corp discontinued their 5th wheel line, and with so many new manufacturers entering the game, who compares with the interior quality, structural durability, livability and cosmetics that Newmar offers? I realize everyone has their own namebrand loyalty, and I appreciate that, but with so many new product lines hitting the market, I'd like to hear from those who know this area on who they'd recommend I research more. Once I find the 5th wheel we'll find the truck that fits it. Cost at this point is not an issue. Thanks in advance!

[dokkema1]

http://www.tiararvsales.com/rv/Lifestyle-RV-2013-Lifestyle-37CKSL

[dokkema1]

checkout this place..I don't think you can beat there deals on new high-end 5ers...
http://www.tiararvsales.com/

[Luke_Porter]

C Schomer wrote:
FWIW, I talked to a very unhappy New Horizon owner last February. Had it back to the mfgr several times for basically poor quality problems including an elec. fire. I guess any of them can turn into spit. I too will quit RVing if I can't find something w/o lippert. Craig

I took the tour. They had one unit where they cut a window hole in the wrong location---so they "patched" it.

They wanted $70K more for a comparable DRV Elite Suites.

[drfife]

JTrac wrote:

Bill1374 wrote:
Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

Don't hold me to it but I think the new Hitchhiker's are made by Peterson Industries in Smith Center, Ks, who are the folks that make Excel. At least that was the news some time back.

That would be correct.
http://www.nuwa.com/ls/floorplans/

http://www.kansasrvcenter.com/inventory/385056/New-2015-NuWa-Hitchhiker-34FK.aspx

[The_Mad_Norsky]

JTrac wrote:

Bill1374 wrote:
Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

Don't hold me to it but I think the new Hitchhiker's are made by Peterson Industries in Smith Center, Ks, who are the folks that make Excel. At least that was the news some time back.

Looks like they are building with Excel's (Peterson Industries) support. They say another well known Kansas manufacturer.

I mean, there are only two other builders I know of in Kansas. Excel/Peterson Industries and New Horizon. And Excel has come out with basically a clone of the Hitchhiker 38CKRD in the Excel model 38RDE.

So good for us as consumers, and good for Hitchhiker.

The Nuwa site says these will be called "private label" Hitchhikers, designed and manufactured to Hitchhiker standards.

[C_Schomer]

FWIW, I talked to a very unhappy New Horizon owner last February. Had it back to the mfgr several times for basically poor quality problems including an elec. fire. I guess any of them can turn into spit. I too will quit RVing if I can't find something w/o lippert. Craig

[rmalik1]

JTrac wrote:

Bill1374 wrote:
Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

Don't hold me to it but I think the new Hitchhiker's are made by Peterson Industries in Smith Center, Ks, who are the folks that make Excel. At least that was the news some time back.

Hitch Hiker is a NuWa, not a Peterson (Excel).

[JTrac]

Bill1374 wrote:
Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

Don't hold me to it but I think the new Hitchhiker's are made by Peterson Industries in Smith Center, Ks, who are the folks that make Excel. At least that was the news some time back.

[Bill1374]

Hitchhikers are back in production to give you another option. Check the inventory at KansasRVCenter.

[rmoparman]

Also love the Artic Fox units.
Large 12 in frames ,non lippert
In house frames
Not to much bling

[vietvet66-67]

Another to ad to your list is the Grand Design RV, They have 3 models, and range in price from around $52,000 and end in the $120,000 The first is the Reflection Model and the second (their flagship) the Solitude Model. The third is a tot hauler the Momentum. They have a good following and their owners reply
to posts made on the owners website. I am looking at a reflection in my future, and as you can see I will be moving out of my American Star (1999) that has served me well.
I would also say the Excel is about as close to a Newmar as you can get in Quality, but out of my price range.
Good luck with your search, there are a lot of good ones out there.

[PGCR]

Excellent points. I couldn't believe all of the new manufacturers that have popped up since all of the restructuring, hence my question to the masses! I have really been looking at the DRV line-up, but with so many various models from so many different makers to choose from, and having been in some of the 'economy' units, I wanted to get the opinions of those who experience and live the quality day to day. Thanks again!

[Aridon]

We were very happy with our 2008 DP from Newmar.

We are very happy with our DRV fifth wheel.

There are differences in quality between them. Mostly minor stuff that really doesn't make much difference. Some DRV items are far superior and some Newmar items are a little better. Overall the DRV is a nicer / better unit than our Newmar was.

[Randu]

I had a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star 5th and it had all wrapped wood that started to peel. Had many axle, brake, bearing issues as axles were not strong enough for the weight of trailer. Maybe on paper but not real life. Traded when I found out that the springs lost all arch and were bent backwards. Would have to be replaced and tires were wearing odd. Been a very happy owner of a 2008 DRV Mobile Suites owner since almost exactly 3 years ago. Purchased used and its been far better than the Newmar. I like Newmar motor homes and I think they do a great job on them and I can't complain about the build on the trailer. My beef was the engineering and materials that were used and corners that were cut. Randu