We purchased a 31 ft Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel after I retired. It has been on 5 trips now across the country into the West. It has held up pretty good overall. However there was some growing pains the first few local (200 miles or less) trips we made. I think all RV manufacturers push their models down the assembly line with no quality control other than possibly very basic checks. The dealer is responsible for plumbing leaks and other non life threatening problems. We certainly had too many of those to mention but on many of them I took care of here at home. It only went back to the dealer three times. So having said this let me suggest that you have a thorough walk thru, systems check with tanks filled and everything checked before you pay. Remember that RV dealers will get backed up with service issues and sometimes when you drop your unit off for service it is not uncommon to have it sit there for a few weeks. This cuts into your travel plans. I think sometimes a dealer will intentionally keep a unit so long that the owner is willing to take it back without total resolution of problems. This is especially true if purchasing a used one.
If you have never owned an RV you must be aware of critical maintenance issues you must perform or have performed. Sealing or re-caulking any joints or windows is a must do from time to time. RVs flex when moving and the caulk seam can open and allow moisture in which can cause de-lamination of the wall. Bearing repacking is another topic you can check on this forum and many others......very critical. Also be aware of the big problem with tires. Trailer tires are designated as ST on the sidewall and are in many cases cheap made China Bombs. They may have good tread but will blow out unexpectedly. There are many good brands but Goodyear Endurance Americn Made tires seem to be very popular and are what we have used now for a few years and many thousand miles with no issues. Tires should be replaced every 6 years even if the tread is good, manufacture date is coded on the sidewall. Tire pressure is critical and should be checked often along with the lug nuts. We lost an entire rim and tire because lug nuts got loose and I did not know it. The lugs sheared off and we lost the tire and rim on a trip. I carry a torque wrench now and check my lug nuts every few days when on a long trip. Very important!!
You can learn a lot on this forum and others about RV travel and some of the things to be aware of. Reservations are now extremely hard to get in some places especially on weekends and popular places. Sometimes you have to make reservations a year in advance!!
I believe that many brands are good with very similar manufacturing methods. Sometimes the difference in price is not always the quality of build but how well and how much it is equipped. We have owned 3 fifth wheel trailers and 4 truck campers and it is much easier to travel with a smaller unit if you can. Many state parks and such were designed in the 50's or 60's and mega RV luxury palaces 36-43 feet long have trouble using these facilities. If you have never pulled a trailer I would suggest you go to a Mall parking lot some morning a daylight and practice backing and turning. 5th wheel trailers are more stable on the highway even in high winds but backing them is very different from bumper hitch trailers. They react very slowly to steering wheel commands. It's not hard to do, just different in my opinion.
Good luck and safe travels
