Good day to you all over here on the 5th wheel forum. My first time posting here. We currently have a Rockwood trailer but will be empty nesters in a bit and looking at the possibility of getting a 5th wheel. Our truck2014 F250 6.2L gasCargo capacity on door 3185We have looked at Wildcat, Columbus at local dealer. I will say that most dealerships around here carry numerous Forest River brands. Also seen Grand DesignWe want to be able to use it all 4 seasons (not Fultiming). Would like 3 slides (2 in living, 1 in bedroom), of course 2 AC's , no need for washer/dryer. Would like an island in the kitchen. Looking for brands we should go see and start looking at. Thanks on advance for all suggestions

First thing go to the towing chart that trailer life has and look up your equipment on the truck. This will be a good reference for max towing with fifth wheel. This weight is everything. Stuff people etc.On the trailer side. If you have a local dealer work with them and check with bbb on complaints etc. then do research on what you want in a fifth wheel. We got a canyon trail 33FRLQ from gulfstream last summer and it has been everything we wanted and more. We have 4 slides and are very heavy 13K with stuff included. We have a 2004 6.0 and it works to tow this rig. Good luck in your search. It took us several years to locate one with the floor plan we wanted.

There is more trash then quality out there. You're about to spend big bucks.Here is a site well worth your time and money. Sort of like Consumers Report for RV's.RV Consumer GroupIt helped me pick a 5 star rated RV a few years ago. Money well spent.Google "Forest River RV Quality" and read some user opinions of the brand.Enjoy your new rig whatever you choose.Ed

Don't forget to check out the owners forums.We eliminated the Columbus due to weight, and are happy with our new rig.

ed6713 wrote: Here is a site well worth your time and money. Sort of like Consumers Report for RV's.RV Consumer GroupYou have to pay $140 to receive any information from a Not For Profit organization? Am I the only one that finds this unreasonable?

Open Range has a lot of floorplans with a kitchen island.Lyle

Starting my research | Good Sam Community

ependydad
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
I guess it depends on what you mean by the winter season part of 4-seasons.

Forest River doesn't make a 4-season camper.
B_Sjulestad
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2014
2112 wrote:
ed6713 wrote:
Here is a site well worth your time and money. Sort of like Consumers Report for RV's.

RV Consumer Group
You have to pay $140 to receive any information from a Not For Profit organization?
Am I the only one that finds this unreasonable?

Nope
anaro
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
This Sunset trail might work with your truck and seems to fit the rest of your requests. The enclosed underbelly should help you with camping in southern winter temps. I know we used our Zinger (both made by crossroads) with the enclosed underbelly in 32 degree temps with no issues. The bedroom slide on this one comes out the front which is different and kinda neat.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2014
Other than Arctic Fox and maybe some of it's relatives there are NO four seasons 5th wheels out there that you could pull. Lots of them them advertise "Arctic Package" and "Cold Weather yadda yadda" But in the end all that is might be tank heaters and very little added insulation somewhere along with the all important "Arctic Package" decal by the front door...Shop wisely..

B.O.
taybrynn
Explorer
Jul 02, 2014
While your truck is nice and new, I wouldn't pull a 10k+ lb 5th wheel with ANY gas powered truck, regardless of the tow rating ... because the mileage will be horrible and the GVWR when you add in the hitch weight is likely to be marginal at best. We just bought a wildcat 337fb and love it. Some of the lighter weight models might work for your new Tow Vehicle however. I would just watch the weight limits and thats means doing the math and not trusting your RV dealers on that calculation.
jus2shy
Explorer
Jun 30, 2014
Looks like you're on the other side of the country. Otherwise, I'd recommend giving Northwood products a shot. Not much more expensive than the Forest River products you site, so I figure close to your budget. Here's some direct links to their rv lines:

Arctic Fox<-- this seems targeted towards empty nesters for the most part.
Fox Mountain<-- a more budget conscious line that seems targeted for couples or very small families as well.
Glacier Peak (still Northwood though branded as Outdoors RV).<-- this one I'm personally looking into hard. I'd go for the 30' and less versions since they can handle my growing family.
topjimmy
Explorer
Jun 30, 2014
Their are soooo many to choose from that fit your criteria ,I don't care what anybody says that brand X is better than brand B Blah Blah Blah, they all have issues that have to be worked out Or you might luck out and get one like mine that must of been built by the Employee of the month and not built on a Friday Or you might get a POS built on a Friday by a pissed off employee It's a cr.p shoot sometimes, pick one that fits your needs and can get the best bang for your buck AND a buy from a good dealer and ENJOY!!! One you mentioned was Grand Designs and I have 3 people that I Rv with and they have been back to the dealer many times for minor stuff but at least Grand Designs has great Customer service and that counts for alot
laknox
Nomad
Jun 30, 2014
Open Range has a lot of floorplans with a kitchen island.

Lyle
2112
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2014
ed6713 wrote:
Here is a site well worth your time and money. Sort of like Consumers Report for RV's.

RV Consumer Group
You have to pay $140 to receive any information from a Not For Profit organization?
Am I the only one that finds this unreasonable?
2hams
Explorer
Jun 29, 2014
Don't forget to check out the owners forums.

We eliminated the Columbus due to weight, and are happy with our new rig.