Best (or worst) Fifth Wheel to buy?

[DianeD]

Hi! I currently have a 29.5bhok Jayco and am looking to upgrade to a 36 ft.+ rear living Fifth Wheel. I am struggling on which brand to buy based on all the issues that I have had with my Jayco. Does anyone have a Fifth Wheel that they love? Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts on which ones to stay away from..... Thank you so much!

 

[FL-JOE]

I guess my initial thought is none of them are perfect. We have owned two different brands of fivers, Keystone Montana and now a Heartland Cyclone. The floor plans we have had are the larger models (39' to 44') with MSRPs in the $100,000 to $125,000 range. I have found that these have had larger frame rails and the side walls seems to be constructed better. We have had minor issues with all of them but nothing major.

I would first find a floor plan that you like in a model that you can tow with your current truck. Then start doing a little research on the history of that specific make. Owner's forums can be a good place to check for common issues with certain makes/models.

We have had our Heartland for just a few months. We are very happy with our purchase. I only have two issues that need fixed under warranty and might be difficult to get done as full timers. Our ice maker doesn't work (LG frig) and one of the fantastic fans is detective. Since I can't easily take it to my selling dealer (1,300 miles away) I will have to find another dealer to do the work which is sometimes almost impossible. The Heartland factory won't do warranty repairs unless it is something really major that dealers can't handle.

Oh, and by the way, if you are looking at new dealer stock on a fiver you want to start negotiations around 32% to 35% off MSRP. Be sure to locate the exact make/model/color you want at several dealers around the country before you go to the first dealer and start dealing.

 

[DianeD]

Thank you for your help! I have a 3500 GMC Duali so pulling won't be an issue - but I love your feedback on construction and warranty and negotiating - that is a huge help! I really appreciate it.

 

[Calsun]

Hi! I currently have a 29.5bhok Jayco and am looking to upgrade to a 36 ft.+ rear living Fifth Wheel. I am struggling on which brand to buy based on all the issues that I have had with my Jayco. Does anyone have a Fifth Wheel that they love? Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts on which ones to stay away from..... Thank you so much!

If I was buying a 5th wheel trailer it would be one built for 4-season use with adequate insulation. As for problem brands and years I would go to the individual forums for each manufacturer's products. I would also be aware of the model years with problems as what may have been an issue 10 years ago may not be a problem with more recent model years, and vice versa. Searching on "jayco" and "problem" is going to be more productive in researching trailers.

RV manufacturers use the same plumbing and appliances so it comes down to how well the frame is constructed and the roof type and wiring for solar and battery bank layout and other issues that would be my concerns.

 

[ArizonaAJ]

I like what I see in the Grand Design series as I look for a good 5th wheel. I think one dealer website I looked at said “lifetime warranty”. I current have a 19 ft Cruiser Shadow that I pull with a Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. It all works fine, but just to crowded for the longer trips. I am looking at the Grand Design Reflection series and the 260RD. It is about 30 ft., and 9,997 gross weight. Of course I then need a pickup and thinking the RAM 2500 diesel might be my ticket.

 

[R42nova]

Hi! I currently have a 29.5bhok Jayco and am looking to upgrade to a 36 ft.+ rear living Fifth Wheel. I am struggling on which brand to buy based on all the issues that I have had with my Jayco. Does anyone have a Fifth Wheel that they love? Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts on which ones to stay away from..... Thank you so much!

We upgraded from a travel trailer to a keystone Laredo 325rsl, it’s rear living with a couch that folds out to a bed and has the 2 recliners, very roomy, has plenty of storage space (I’m still trying to fill it up) we picked it up last sept and just now camping in it. Absolutely love it, and love how it tows versus towing a travel trailer

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Sometimes I can't help but giggle like a little girl. two phrases set this off. first one is lifetime warranty, must mean a good product. This is because I have had two rigs that were sold with such a warranty. Both manufacturers were not in business when I bought them. The other phrase is we are going green as a country. This one makes me laugh because I have had a machine shop and know how much green energy it would require to make the shop viable.

For the record I have only met happy grand design owners.

 

[OTH]

First, I agree that it doesn't matter what you buy. They're all gonna have issues. That being said, I really like our KZ Durango Gold 356. Its the right size, weight, and quality. I love (almost) everything about it. Great trailer.

 

[Banned Again]

It really depends upon your budget. What's the budget?

 

[NGC 613]

I had a Grand Design. Sold it after 1 year . Poor craftsmanship just like so many others out of Indiana. The worker pool is the same. I know a lot of GD owners with issues. Like posted above go to the individual manufacture forums web sites. Read what the owners say and ask questions there. The owners are the best way to find out.

 

[Banned Again]

I had a Grand Design. Sold it after 1 year . Poor craftsmanship just like so many others out of Indiana. The worker pool is the same. I know a lot of GD owners with issues. Like posted above go to the individual manufacture forums web sites. Read what the owners say and ask questions there. The owners are the best way to find out.

Our Solitude was about a year old when the wood-grain vinyl wrap on the doors started to peel off on the edges. The GD quality of build is typical for the price range. Their customer service is above average however. IMHO.

 

[DKRITTER]

We are now out of the 5th wheel market, having bought a MH. We as they say graduated through the system of RV's.
We had a Forest River 5th wheel we bought new. We had a major electrical issue shortly after purchasing and both the selling dealer and FR would not step up and take care of it. I finally fixed it myself and worked through the poor workmanship over and over again. So I would never buy any Forest River product again. I don't want to be just a number on a spreadsheet.

We looked hard at New Horizons and really liked them. I think Luxe was probably 2nd on our list and then Beacon.

 

[NGC 613]

Some friends of ours own a Beacon. They have been all over the road and back over the last 2 years. They love it. Not one issue with it. While I'm not sure about Luxe , I always see good reports on both New Horizons and Vanleighs. A good choice either way for upscale 5th wheels and full timing.

 

[FL-JOE]

Luxe and some of the other fivers that approach and exceed $200,000 are great units, or at least most of the reviews claim they are.

Looks like DianeD hasn't been back since October so there is no way to know what there purchasing budget was in the first place. Maybe they will return and let us know what, or if, they ended up with.

 

[Donincanada59]

Not sure if you bought anything yet...but Grand Design is good. Customer service was as good as people say. Any issue I had was resolved. I had a 337RLS Fifth wheel and only sold as we couldn't cross the border and wanted a smaller unit once things settle down...I am CDN and want to go to the USA

 

[Al's Eagle]

Recently purchased a Jayco 321RSTS fifth wheel only one 100 mile trip so far but tows nice with my ram 2500hd with the 6.4 hemi

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I figure purchasing new or used, bumper tow or 5th wheel, big 35' or small 21', they all have about the same brands of appliances and systems. There is just standard stuff used throughout the RV products. And they all have about the same level of electrical and plumbing issues. Do figure on very little support from the Dealer and maybe less, unless a major frame issue, from the manufacturer. In other words, plan on resolving the issues yourself. Plus you will learn about the systems and have more money in your wallet.

Read the reviews in various publications. Then decide.

 

[NGC 613]

I posted this in another forum once. Seems like this would be a good place for it.

Let me ramble and get yelled at here.

I'm not saying they are all the same , but almost all are really. Only the sales pitch, hype and cost are different.

Most manufactures of travel trailer and 5th wheel trailers have been doing the following for several years now. Very few have not.

Most have not used rubber roofs or only 2 inch thick roofs for many many years. TPO, PVC , Vinyl or other type materials now days are used. Each manufacture brags theirs is better and will last 10 to 12 years.

Most have had enclosed under belly's for years now. Yet they each state and claim it as if their the only ones to offer this.

Racetrack ducting. All been there and done that now days.

Most all have the same floor plans for each class and size. They almost all use the same cabinet makers, color schemes and designs.

Most all have the same components from the same suppliers.

Seems most are all built the same way with few differences. Most like to make it sound as if they are the only ones who do this or that. Yet when you look around you find others do it and may have done it longer.

Per size and class they are almost the same from one manufacture to the next.

Each has something they brag about that makes them better , but in the end they are not really all that far apart from one another.

Heck most of them are built in Indiana and by the same worker pool year after year.

So knowing this to be true in a lot of cases and with not much to separate them other than factory warranties for structural builds ( which by the way is again almost never the issue for any of them) why do we here the rumors about this one being bad or this one being better? Seems like even the sales people and techs believe these rumors and or spread them. One tech tells a customer to STAY AWAY from that or this manufacture , they make a 2 inches thick roof or that type floor wont last it is foam . Yet now days almost nobody builds like that Simple little statements like that and it spreads like wild fire that this manufacture isn't as good as this one. As an example and only as an example. I owned what some consider a really good one Grand Design. Yet my support wasn't all that for 2 issues, and I had to have the entire slide wall replaced right from the factory because the wall paper was so poorly laid down there wasn't a flat place on it . The fit and trim was not very good at all. So much for the in house inspections there. They do make a great product so don't think I'm knocking them . Many people are very happy with them. They seem to stand behind their product really well.

I guess with few exceptions there are no real differences between them all. I do see cult like followings of some manufactures that I can not understand. People even pay a lot more for that name, sure as heck there's another guy builds his the same but the rumors and hype made them spend a whole lot more.

Here are a few example question for ya on builds. If you have a choice which would be better.

Laminated aluminum framed or wood framed walls ?

Wood Truss roof or aluminum truss roof ?

Marine grade tongue and groove flooring or laminated floor construction (vinyl - luan - foam - luan ?

My point again is it seems to me they are almost all the same with some sales hype for this type slightly different build or that type build being the better one.

In the end now days nothing really stands out from one to the other so why such big price differences between them? Per class and size one is really no better than the other if you take away rumors and hype.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

Lots of great insight in this thread! thanks for sharing.
We have recently come to realize that we are not camping in the manner we thought we would. Life conspires to lead you onto certain paths and before you know it, you have gone pretty far down trail.
We love our Cornerstone, but we are not getting out as much as we wanted to nor visiting the type of places we enjoy. Too easy to park rig on our coach lot and just enjoy that vibe. Seems like the coach just becomes a second home in the mountains.
DW thinks a smaller rig parked at our S&B would enable some more spontaneity and return us back to our roots. So... we will make the pilgrimage to Hershey and look around. I have been trying to research other alternatives, but for many of the reasons captured in this thread it is not easy to ID good players, from mediocre, to bad.
Been at this long enough to know all rigs will break, each will be built with their own nuances, and perfection does not exist.
Wish me luck, patience, and control.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Don't buy one expecting to accommodate the kids and the grandkids. You and the wife will be stuck with a $100K, hard-to-handle, oversize travel trailer or RV. While it may seem like a great idea at the time, they will join you a couple of times and that will be it. Buy something suitable for you and the wife and something that won't require a humongous tow vehicle. You'll be a happy camper.