Opinions wanted - 5th wheels suggestions

[wittmeba]

Posting in 5th wheels as this is where we have the most interest. Been away from this forum and Rving for about a year or so.

We are looking at some part time travel and need a new 5th wheel or TT. We were impressed with Heartland and Cedar Creek quality and looked pretty seriously at a couple of floor plans.

Our assessment at the time for quality was Heartland, Forest River and Jayco for the price range we are interested. We are considering 28-30 foot rear living 5th wheel and might consider a TT with the right floor plan.

We like the Rear living, center kitchen and front bedroom so you don't have to climb over guests to make morning coffee. I've always felt most traffic during the day is to the kitchen & bathroom 🙂

While looking we are seeing new names like Rockwood, ElkRidge and other new names to us. Who is building good quality rigs these days?

Reputable dealers within 200 miles of the Roanoke Va? Experience with RV Outlet in Ringgold Va?

Some considerations:
Elk Ridge
Rockwood
Cougar
Wildcat
Coachman

Suggestions?

[jnharley]

Whatever brand you buy, look further than the pretty interiors. A good frame, solid suspension, and good tires are much more important to us. Then find the floor plan you like in the line you have chosen. Nowadays, they are all pretty inside. How many frame, tire, and susoension issues have you seen just on this forum.

[x96mnn]

Forest River makes a product line called Sandpiper. I bought one about two months back. Find it gives a health balance of quality and price, things like toung and groove plywood floors and a thicker all aluminum frame. Do not see a lot of complaints, some items like the awning lights glue let go it appears on 2013 and 14 models.

There is a floor plan, 329re I think fits your bill, weight is under 10k dry and just over 36feet in length.

Personally, I looked for the best dealer I could find, then picked from the lines they had. I have found there is only a certain amount of quality that comes out of a factory under a 100k. It is really the care and caution put in by the dealer during their inspection that makes the differance.

[C-Bears]

IMHO there is not much difference between brands. When we began our search we generally looked at makes/models that had been in business for several years, rather than new start-up companies. I didn't want to buy a FW and 2 years later the manufacturer went broke.

Also, if you are looking at floor plans and prices on-line you really can't make a final decision that way. We had to visit dealers and RV shows for months to really see the "fit and finish" of the different floor plans we wanted. Prices were all over the place. A unit could have a MSRP of $80,000, but could actually be purchased from the right dealer for $50,000 without a trade.

[ReneeG]

Bamaman1 wrote:
I have a 3/4 ton diesel truck, and many of the Heartland fifth wheels are just too heavy for me.

You are right about this. We had a 3/4 ton when we first bought our Bighorn (and it's one of the shorter ones), towed it but not safely. We upgraded to a 1 ton and it made the world of difference.

[2hams]

We are happy with our Grand Design and with our dealer, who meets your distance criteria. They also carry Open Range and Jayco.

[Bamaman11]

I have a 3/4 ton diesel truck, and many of the Heartland fifth wheels are just too heavy for me.

The newest player in the fifth wheel market is Grand Design, and they're kicking some butt in the industry. Grand Designs are only sold through better RV dealerships, and they delivered over 2000 units in their first 18 months in business.

I bought their Reflection 323BHS bunkhouse model, and I'm very impressed. The company appears to be very customer oriented, and all of the Reflections can be pulled by a 3/4 ton diesel.

[laknox]

One of the biggest comments or complaints about rear living FW are for those that have 1 rear slide and the entertainment center towards the middle of the coach, usually next to the dining area and just aft of the bathroom. You're talking about 12-15 feet away from the screen if you're sitting in the rear recliners. The Outback posted earlier, alleviates that with the 2 opposing rear slides. Personally, I'm not a fan of appliances in the slide. Again, personally, the weight on my older D'max is a large consideration. too. With a 350/3500 series or a newer 250/2500 series, that's not as big a deal.

Lyle

[ReneeG]

Friends of ours just bought a 2015 Solitude by Grand Design - $85K.

[SkiSmuggs]

goducks10 wrote:
Take a look at http://www.granddesignrv.com/

Wow, they look nice! I hope they are around for my next fiver.

[goducks10]

Take a look at http://www.granddesignrv.com/

[mileshuff]

Last year we looked at numerous brands in the 9000-11000lb GVWR range. Looked at Heartland XLT, Jayco HT, Cougar and many others. None matched the build quality we found with the Winnebago Lite Five series and the newer Voyage. The cabinetry and drawer slides were much more sturdy, walls better finished and exterior gel coat nicer, 16" rims instead of 15", higher rated axles etc. For the same price as other brands ours came with standard amenities that were options and higher prices on others. Been using it just over a year now with over a dozen trips and love it! Seemed while lighter it matched the qualities and amenities found in the more expensive heavier series of Heartland and Jayco's.

[ReneeG]

We have a 2011 Heartland Bighorn 3055RL, bought new in 2010. High quality and a lot of amenities, some that are extras on DRV units. Our unit still looks new. I'd have a hard time finding a better unit today for the price we paid back in 2010.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

.

Suggestion/s:

As you can see - replies will not really form a consensus for a decision.
Visit dealers and RV shows.
Try Yahoo Groups or owner's forums for the brands you like.
Check *price/s* for exactly what you want from dealers *everywhere* - then compare your results with the local dealer/s you like.

If nothing else - the "distant" quotes may assist negotiating with the local dealers you like.

Good luck with your search!

~

[DutchmenSport]

How about Outback 286FRL (32 feet). Is this what your after?

[Allworth]

A friend of ours who is a dealer in Canada dropped both Heartland and Redwood due to QC problems. He had to do the warranty work!