NEED HELP!! Which 5th Wheel is best?? Bonus Rm/Loft

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by parfam_al

My wife and I are in somewhat the same search mode as you and one thing we decided on that has helped us is we have narrowed our search down to mid-coach bunk rooms only. We also culled a few models due to reputation (perceived or real) of the manufacturer or the local dealer who carried them - strictly a personal decision but there are enough offerings out there not to go into a purchase uncomfortable to begin with. That cut the field a good bit. Our reason for the mid-coach decision is that a bunk room on the end of the coach tremendously cuts down on the amount of sunlight coming into the living area. With a mid-coach bunk room we're able to have a large window across the end of the coach and all the extra light it provides. Also, we've noticed that trailers with a mid-coach room have more open space in the living area - whether it's an allusion because of the extra light or they are actually larger I can't say as I've not pulled any tapes. One thing to note is by limiting ourselves to mid-coach bunk rooms we've really cut back on the "luxury" models available because they seem to prefer the end-of-coach rooms and don't offer mid-coach rooms.

As I said above, we're just somewhat in the same search mode as you because we're only looking for a long term stay unit (1-3 months on the road then 1-3 months back at home) so we may not be looking at the same things in the end but here are a few models we've pretty much narrowed down to, in the order we're ranking them:

Jayco Pinnacle 37MDQS
Jayco North Point 377RLBH
Jayco Eagle 355 MBQS
(The Jayco products are on the top of our list more so because of the dealer as much as the appeal and functionality of the trailers. The local dealer has been in business for close to 40, yes 40, years - most in the same location - and I've known the founder since way back when in another business. He and his employees are good people, which means legions when buying an RV produced in todays cheaper/faster, just get-them-out-the-door! culture in the RV industry.)

Other models we're also looking at are:
Cedar Creek Silverback 37MBH
KZ Durango 2500 D343MBQ
Grand Design Reflection 311BHS

We are fortunately situated with several RV dealers scattered about an hour in any direction so we've been able to kick tires and climb through through a lot of different trailers and for us the extra sunlight in the living area that a mid-coach room allows became the our ultimate starting point. Now on to the next decision. And for you, hopefully, this epistle will help you with your decisions some as you move toward your purchase.

Thanks for the info and good luck with your search as well! This has been both exciting and challenging at the same time! Also very overwhelming. We are planning on living full time and will probably move the fiver about every three months because we want travel and see everything we can see in our wonderful 'Merica 😀 We actually saw the Northpoint and still liked the open range over that particular fiver but will take a look at the other suggestions. Thanks again!

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by cruzbill

If you buy now, and retire in 6 years, you may find that when you retire, you want a new RV.......Maybe wait. "Buy your last RV first" I think is the phrase.

Interesting...the reason we decided to go ahead and buy the RV now is because my hubby will be taking a new position that will be about 2 hours from our current location and we figured it would benefit us more if we put the money he would pay to rent a house into our future home. This way we're not throwing money away. That's one of the main reasons we are looking so hard. We want to make sure we are happy with our choice as we are planning on investing in a fiver that we will more than likely pay off. Is it common for people to want to trade in after a few years?

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

All I have to say is that the Montana is a Keystone/Thro product. Please read the reviews on this corporation, after that you can make up your mind on what to buy!

Will do! Thanks!

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by jonnyaiks

We went with a mid-bunkroom model (Montana HC 370BR) and we like it fine as a design. It sounds like you're looking at higher-end models so I have no comment on that. To get that second room we also looked at a Dutchmen Voltage toyhauler (we really like it), but the dealer "new" one looked like it was an insurance salvage so we ran away from that dealer into the arms of another (great) one selling Montanas. If I had any advice, I'd say focus on picking a dealer that earns your trust - they can source you anything you want even if they don't sell them.

Gotcha! Thanks for the advice!

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by Durango Dave

There are also some factory tour videos on youtube that you can check out. I was really surprised at some factories and how fast they put these things together (no time to check the work) just bang bang next. Then some factories will take a slower approach and give the workers time to look at their work and correct any mistakes or do things better.

Your never going to find the perfect RV, there are just too many choices and not all options go together in one package. You will find some that you love and some you love and hate and some that suck for you. You will most likely have to concede on some things to get other things you want. Thats just how it is... Best of luck with your shopping and see you on the road sometime

Thanks so much and yes, you are absolutely right! That's what has made making a decision even tougher. However, we are determined to find our fiver home! Thanks again!

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by Rambeau

this X2!

Thanks for the advice. I replied to the previous post and why we are looking now. Thanks again!

Paula

[southernlady]

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

All I have to say is that the Montana is a Keystone/Thro product. Please read the reviews on this corporation, after that you can make up your mind on what to buy!

Actually DRV is a division of Thor Industries. So is Heartland, KZ, Airstream, Entegra, Jayco, and a number of others.

[42willys]

The less expensive drv is now called aire.

[thehappyrver]

Originally Posted by chrispaula

Good day all,

My hubby and I are in the market (will purchase within the next 2-3 months) for a fifth wheel and thought we narrowed down our choices to either the Keystone Montana 3950BH or Open Range 3X 371MBH. Now we are searching the internet and finding more options. We are looking at best bang for the buck and do not want to push aside nice amenities. We are planning on this RV being our full time residence when we retire in 6 years so price is really not an issue; however, because we are looking at this being our home, we desire W/D hookups, large TV in Living area, preferably Residential Fridge, stainless steel appliances, theater seating, chairs for dining table, etc. Again, we are trying to
narrow our choices and get some input because feeling a bit overwhelmed with what's out there. Also, need input on structure, all season living, etc. Thanks so all for any and all input!!

Paula

Hi Paula,
I feel your pain. LOL
I researched 5th wheels for almost 3 years before I settled on the Open Range product (I have the Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer model 337RLS).
Below are just a few of some of the reasons I chose Open Range Roamer 337:
• Frameless windows
• PVC roof
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Auto leveling system with electric front jacks (rear jacks are manual)
• Electrical outlets - there are lots of them.
• W/D hookup is included/standard in almost all the 5th wheel layouts.
• 20lb propane tanks (Beats trying to find a propane place where there's enough room to drive up with the truck and trailer - you can just remove the 20lb tank like you do on a BBQ and either get them refilled or swap out as needed at Home Depot or wherever)
• Cable slide outs instead of heavy hydraulic. Lighter weight and many service people say they are easier and cheaper to fix.
• Quality cabinetry
• Very good use of space. No wasted space; well designed.
• Hookups are located all together (so you don't have the electric on one end and the water and sewer down the coach somewhere else.
• No carpet in living area. Beaufloor flooring - it's great.
• Electric awning - love it.
Also all season included - check out their website:
https://www.highlandridgerv.com/
Some other reasons why I personally chose the 337 model:
I chose the 337 model because I wanted to be able to access the refrigerator and sink without putting out the slides. So handy for quick stops and quick rests on the road.
And I didn't want the sink in a center 'fixed' island. I wanted the kitchen sink to be along a wall.
The 337 also has a movable island that you can position anywhere you need it. That way it is not 'fixed' in the middle of the main area.
The 337 is 34' feet long - not too long but long enough to have plenty of living space.

All of the above is just my opinion.
Wishing you all the best in your travels.
Paula M.

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by southernlady

Actually DRV is a division of Thor Industries. So is Heartland, KZ, Airstream, Entegra, Jayco, and a number of others.

Thanks!

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by 42willys

The less expensive drv is now called aire.

Copy!

Paula

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by thehappyrver

Hi Paula,
I feel your pain. LOL
I researched 5th wheels for almost 3 years before I settled on the Open Range product (I have the Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer model 337RLS).
Below are just a few of some of the reasons I chose Open Range Roamer 337:
• Frameless windows
• PVC roof
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Auto leveling system with electric front jacks (rear jacks are manual)
• Electrical outlets - there are lots of them.
• W/D hookup is included/standard in almost all the 5th wheel layouts.
• 20lb propane tanks (Beats trying to find a propane place where there's enough room to drive up with the truck and trailer - you can just remove the 20lb tank like you do on a BBQ and either get them refilled or swap out as needed at Home Depot or wherever)
• Cable slide outs instead of heavy hydraulic. Lighter weight and many service people say they are easier and cheaper to fix.
• Quality cabinetry
• Very good use of space. No wasted space; well designed.
• Hookups are located all together (so you don't have the electric on one end and the water and sewer down the coach somewhere else.
• No carpet in living area. Beaufloor flooring - it's great.
• Electric awning - love it.
Also all season included - check out their website:
https://www.highlandridgerv.com/
Some other reasons why I personally chose the 337 model:
I chose the 337 model because I wanted to be able to access the refrigerator and sink without putting out the slides. So handy for quick stops and quick rests on the road.
And I didn't want the sink in a center 'fixed' island. I wanted the kitchen sink to be along a wall.
The 337 also has a movable island that you can position anywhere you need it. That way it is not 'fixed' in the middle of the main area.
The 337 is 34' feet long - not too long but long enough to have plenty of living space.

All of the above is just my opinion.
Wishing you all the best in your travels.
Paula M.

Thanks Paula!

It really helps to have someone who owns an Open Range to help give us some guidance. We really like the Open Ranges for the exact reasons you listed. We are still looking at all our options but right now, Open Range is at the top of the list.

Paula

[thehappyrver]

Originally Posted by chrispaula

Thanks Paula!

It really helps to have someone who owns an Open Range to help give us some guidance. We really like the Open Ranges for the exact reasons you listed. We are still looking at all our options but right now, Open Range is at the top of the list.

Paula

Hi Paula,
Not sure where you are located. But if you are in or near Florida the best Open Range dealer sales and service is at Tradewinds RV in Ocala Florida.
Frank in the sales department knows the product well. And Tim C. (service manager) and his service staff are top notch. Had my W/D, solar system, surge protection unit - everything installed by them. They have reasonable rates, very experienced and will listen and answer any questions. Please note they are crazy busy in the fall, winter and spring months.
Buying an RV is the easy part. Finding after good after sales service is hard.
Tradewinds RV - Ocala FL:
Central Florida Towable RV Specialist in Ocala, FL - Tradewinds RV

All the best to you...
:-)
Paula M.

[chrispaula]

Originally Posted by thehappyrver

Hi Paula,
Not sure where you are located. But if you are in or near Florida the best Open Range dealer sales and service is at Tradewinds RV in Ocala Florida.
Frank in the sales department knows the product well. And Tim C. (service manager) and his service staff are top notch. Had my W/D, solar system, surge protection unit - everything installed by them. They have reasonable rates, very experienced and will listen and answer any questions. Please note they are crazy busy in the fall, winter and spring months.
Buying an RV is the easy part. Finding after good after sales service is hard.
Tradewinds RV - Ocala FL:
Central Florida Towable RV Specialist in Ocala, FL - Tradewinds RV

All the best to you...
:-)
Paula M.

Hello again Paula!

Unfortunately we do not live in FL (but funny enough I was born and raised in Orlando 😁 however, we do have a local dealer, family owned for 45 years, that we decided to go with. We currently live in MD but once we retire in 6 years, we will be looking to move and set up our base camp back down south, probably TN, and start traveling the country shortly after that. The dealer here (Leo's Vacation Center) has been great and we decided to go with the Mesa Ridge 374BH, which is a Highland Ridge product and actually looks exactly like the Open Range but some differences that we ended up liking better. We are going to get them to install the W/D but did not think about the surge protection so will need to look into that as well as the solar. We are planning on having a generator so will need to compare prices to install. They give a military shopping spree so we will have to see how far that extra money gets us. Thanks again Paula! Maybe one day we will cross paths and get to meet each other!

Paula D.