I went fifth wheel shopping today

[rampowerwago]

One of the things you will learn is that on these forums there are a lot of opinions expressed. A lot of those opinions run along the lines of, "I have a (place brand name here] and nothing else compares. These opinions can be completely ignored.

Talk with owners of the brands you are interested in and listen to their experiences both good and bad. Much better to make your decision from this type of info rather than internet experts.

FWIW, we owned an Arctic Fox 29-5t. We did have quality issues with it but the factory will bend over backwards to make issues right whether you are at an AF dealer or not. I would buy another one if they offered what we wanted.

Good luck in your search.

[glennwest]

The infrastructure is the main item to look at. If lacking in this area, it will have a lot of flex which causes warping, cracking, drawers binding, etc. I mentioned Excel. Yes, they closed business but they built a good unit. Stacked tube steel for chassis. Real wood cabinets. If I was in the market for a 35'ish unit that is where I would look. Trilogy had some growing issues early (lack of insulation in areas). Have not researched the newer ones. I was impressed with them. Considered buying until the lack of insulation in cap area came up. Excel we wanted but no 40' units. Yes, we have a very nice Teton. Ours is a 2003. It looks like a new unit inside. No warping, all drawers work like new. All oak wood cabinets look like new. We have 16" of chassis. Has 2X4X1/4" tube steel welded to bottom of that. Stating this to show the quality of a good infrastructure.

[Wundertaker]

Originally Posted by Superslif

Have you looked into Northwood Arctic Fox or their Fox Mountain units. The Fox Mountains run 28-30'. The regular Arctic Fox have two or three floor plans under 32'. These are definitely full time units in a shorter length.

Or their sister company (outdoors RV) and their 5th wheel line Glacier Peak. How about this one 30'6" Glacier Peak F26rks

Both of these companies are on the upper end of the quality spectrum, But are heavier and more $$$.

First....What kind of Truck will you be towing with???

[glennwest]

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

First....What kind of Truck will you be towing with???

Actually you get the camper you want and fit truck to camper.

[MKOwen]

has anyone bought an rv from RVUSA? i was wondering how you would do that since a lot of them are in other states! I guess you would just need to get the ones close to you and hope they have what you want so you can go look at them. I can't imagine how you could buy one without seeing it first hand. Wish there were more used inventory around here that fit what we want.....

Where did you by yours? Was that a good experience? I've noticed a lot fo people saying that once they bought their rig, the places they bought them from have not been very easy to work with if their were a problem after. I'd like to avoid the problem places if at alll possible

[Wundertaker]

Originally Posted by glennwest

Actually you get the camper you want and fit truck to camper.

Negative... The OP wanted suggestions for a 5er. If they want us to help them then we need to know what kind of truck they have. If you'll "read" the OP's post #1, they mention, and I quote, "My husband will go back with me but wants to wait until after we pick up our truck in SD on May 8th and drive it back.

This sentence suggests that they either already have a truck OR they just bought one and are picking it up on May 8th. Knowing this information will help us to help them. Wouldn't want them to buy a Northwoods Mfg 5er and show up with an F-150 to take it home.

Jus' sayin'....

[glennwest]

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

Negative... The OP wanted suggestions for a 5er. If they want us to help them then we need to know what kind of truck they have. If you'll "read" the OP's post #1, they mention, and I quote, "My husband will go back with me but wants to wait until after we pick up our truck in SD on May 8th and drive it back.

This sentence suggests that they either already have a truck OR they just bought one and are picking it up on May 8th. Knowing this information will help us to help them. Wouldn't want them to buy a Northwoods Mfg 5er and show up with an F-150 to take it home.

Jus' sayin'....

Just saying, they doing it backwards. See it done a lot and people end up with wrong truck

[Superslif]

Originally Posted by glennwest

Just looked at video on Artic Fox website. All hung fiberglass insulation will drop and leave areas uninsulated. Just the nature of this. I had a DRV and it did too

Are you sure your not confusing Arctic Fox (Northwood Mfg.) with Forest Rivers Arctic Wolf 5th wheels. Arctic Wolf's are a shorter 5th wheel but of much less quality than a AF.

Arctic Fox does have a lower end trailer line called "Nash" that has wood walls with hung insulation.

Arctic Fox 5th wheels are built like tanks. Their sister company (Outdoors RV), which I bought, we took the factory tour the day after we picked our unit up last Oct.. If you saw how they were built, you would surely buy one after the tour. 3 hour tour....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6O8xKpRT6A

[Wundertaker]

Ideally I only want my Truck using no more than 80% of it's "actual COMFORTABLE towing ability", and preferably 70 to 75%!!! I want more truck than I really need...do I know it costs a bit more to do it that way?...YES...Do I really care that it costs more?...NO, because I am much more comfortable, at ease, and enjoying the TOW a whole bunch more!!!

[glennwest]

Originally Posted by Superslif

Are you sure your not confusing Arctic Fox (Northwood Mfg.) with Forest Rivers Arctic Wolf 5th wheels. Arctic Wolf's are a shorter 5th wheel but of much less quality than a AF.

Arctic Fox does have a lower end trailer line called "Nash" that has wood walls with hung insulation.

Arctic Fox 5th wheels are built like tanks. Their sister company (Outdoors RV), which I bought, we took the factory tour the day after we picked our unit up last Oct.. If you saw how they were built, you would surely buy one after the tour. 3 hour tour....

That same video I watched. They showed the walls with fiberglass insulation. I didn't have the sound on since everyone else watching tv.

[Wundertaker]

Originally Posted by glennwest

That same video I watched. They showed the walls with fiberglass insulation. I didn't have the sound on since everyone else watching tv.

The fiberglass is in the Nash Model...NOT the Fifth Wheel they are featuring on the video. The Nash Models are a lower end model for Northwood.

[dexters]

Originally Posted by MKOwen

fter we pick up our truck in SD on May 8th and drive it back. Hopefully we can find what we both want by July 2nd when we have our first reservation set up.

You may be doing it backwards.

First you pick out your 5th ... then the truck.

What if your truck can not tow your 5th?

[archer75]

Originally Posted by dexters

You may be doing it backwards.

First you pick out your 5th ... then the truck.

What if your truck can not tow your 5th?

Then you don't buy that 5th wheel.

Ultimately you have one of the items, then you buy the 2nd item that would work with the first item.

[glennwest]

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

The fiberglass is in the Nash Model...NOT the Fifth Wheel they are featuring on the video. The Nash Models are a lower end model for Northwood.

I really don't see what is so special about them. Watched the video, checked specs. The light weight says volumes