2014 Forest River 21' for 12K or 2008 21' Fleetwood for 7K

Thanks for all the replies. We went to look at the Forest River model last night, it really seems to meet most of our needs. There are a few things that we would prefer to change such as larger water and sewer tanks, but I think any units with larger tanks would be much heavier - we plan on going as light as possible so we can pull with a V6

Get new, no brainier !!!
Good Luck

You are going to have to decide what aspects important regarding features and layout. I have a 2006 Pioneer 180ck, nearly identical to the Mallard. We are a family of 5 and we love the layout, including the bunk (I sleep under it near the wall, doesn't bug me but YMMV). That bunk means at night all 3 kids get their own bed, during travel, I have a toddler folding bed rail installed, and all our suit cases travel up their, at night they go under the dinette and in the bath tub. During the day the kids like to lounge on the couch and watch some TV. The Salem layout would not work nearly as well for our family of 5.

We camp without hook ups a lot, and cook a lot, so the 2 burner stove-top with no gas oven would be a deal breaker. The convection oven would be worthless. When cooking breakfast I usually have all 3 burners plus the oven going!

Our Pioneer has nearly twice the holding tank capacity. 50/40/40 fresh/grey/black vs 34/25/25. It also has ducted A/C and ducted heat, and 2x30lb propane tanks vs 1x20, and room for 2 GC2 batteries. There were a few changes in 2007 so I am not positive all these stayed the same.

Our Pioneer has been very sold, only a few minor repairs that I was able to handle myself. Worst was a brake wire inside 2 of the hubs was too long and rubbed through causing a ground out during braking. Once I found the problem the fix was easy.

However, the Pioneer / Mallard is also 1000lbs heavier than the Salem, about 4000 before water and stuff, vs 3000 before water and stuff. You mentioned V6, but not what vehicle. The Pioneer was towed reasonably well by our 04 V8 Explorer, the V6 variant would have really struggled. However, many current V6 have as much or more power as my old Explorer did. The engine is not as important as cargo capacity, with the family aboard, you need to know how much cargo capacity is left for the tongue weight. A V6 Highlander is not going to tow the Mallard well.

Biggest difference is the Salem is a single axle not a tandum, and with a dry weight of 3000 lbs, and GVWR of 3900, you don't get much capacity for water or stuff, only 900lbs and that single axle will be MAXED out. 1760lbs for load range C 14" tires x2 = 3520lbs, so axle is likely a 3500lb axle. MFR is figuring (praying) on at least 400 of the 3900lbs will be on the tongue. This is a typical problem with single axle trailers

The tandum axles on the mallard are not even close to being maxed with a 3800lb dry and 5600lb GVWR. 1760lbs for same tires = 7040 lbs, even if the axles are only 3000lbs, the trailer running gear is capable of supporting it's entire weight not depending on the tongue weight resting on the tow vehicle.

Notice the label on the mallard, it has over 1300lbs cargo capacity AFTER propane and full water tank! I don't ever worry about how much stuff my family of 5 packs. The Mallard frame is also heavier (from what I can see in the pictures) 6" vs 4"

I will say that is a good price on the new unit, not so good on the used one, there may be room for negotiation on the used one.

Good luck in your search!

I agree that the new one seems like a better deal. But, I like the lay out of the used one better. But, that's just me. You have to decide on that part for yourself.

Talking from experience, I purchased a Fleetwood Pioneer 18CK brand new in 2007. It is the exact same trailer as the Mallard. I had it for 3 great years and did great for a family of 4. I too did not like the fold down bunk bed over the rear bed. A screw driver and 20 minutes to remove it. I made a nice shelf on the remaining ledge and it was nice allowing all the light in from the small window.

I wouldn't be too thrilled with having a bunk over my bed, if nothing else.
Depending on what's wrong with it, you can plan on spending at least $1500 just getting the older camper up to speed. The kitchen is pretty nice, but you don't really need that much kitchen. Especially if you cook outside. I've had a class 'A' and two TT's and have never used the oven in any of them. Inside cooking is pretty much limited to microwave. Everything else is outside. Keeps the heat and mess down inside.

Properly maintained, a camper can last indefinitely. The problem is, people start out with good intentions, but the time, effort, and cost associated with things like sealing the roof get to be burdensome, so the maintenance items slide a bit, until one day, it starts leaking, which may not even get noticed until a lot of damage is done.
I'd go with the new one.

No brainer. Buy the new one and add a second year manufacturer warranty for just $150 through Forrest River.

If it's only $4000 for new, then it would be a no brainer for me. Forest River is a decent brand. Like most RV manufacturers of *ENTRY* level trailers, they share the same engineering technology.
Your getting at least a one year warranty in which any bugs in the rig can be fixed. Add to that, the value of the new trailer will be higher if and when you are ready to trade it in or sell it. On a used unit a bad leak alone could cost you a few thousand to fix. Like you mentioned, the tires will be brand new. You will also have a choice of floor plans. Hopefully, the dealer will be close to home in case future repairs are needed.

Buy the new one. 6 year newer roof fabric, newer appliances, tires, brakes and running gear. You will get a full 1 year warranty plus the opportunity to add a second year right from Forrest River for not much money. Not so sure if it will have better insulation or better quality materials but it will be new. The Fleetwood Mallard is no longer being made. The original Fleetwood company went out of business. You won't be able to get new decals, trim or any of the proprietary parts that might be needed. It would be an easy decision for me.

B.O.