Community Forums

Regannielsen · 08-15-2016, 12:31 AM

I am looking to purchase a new fifth wheel that will last me a long time (let's call it 20 yrs) I am looking at the Winnebago 25RKS and the Keystone 262FWRK the trailers seem almost identical. But who makes a better trailer?

plasma800 · 08-15-2016, 09:04 AM

I'd lean towards the Winnie.

Fred1609 · 08-15-2016, 09:36 AM

We have a 2011 327RES Cougar, which we bought in 2010.....for 5 plus years we have had few problems related to the build or Quality Control. We did have a problem with the original tires which we probably should have replaced earlier than we did. I over the 5er in the winter and keep it pretty clean. So far no complaints. That's my experience for what its worth.

KerrTx · 08-15-2016, 12:06 PM

Redwood or Landmark if you can afford it and the TV to pull it. We have been very pleased with Bighorn and would probably trade up to a Landmark when retirement comes, if it comes!

jimcumminsw · 08-15-2016, 02:55 PM

What is your budget? This will depend on the quality and the usable life of the unit. Most private campgrounds want to review any camper that is ten years and older before the camper is allowed in the campground. Something to consider.

Zac808 · 08-15-2016, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regannielsen

I am looking to purchase a new fifth wheel that will last me a long time (let's call it 20 yrs) I am looking at the Winnebago 25RKS and the Keystone 262FWRK the trailers seem almost identical. But who makes a better trailer?

Have you looked at other brands and layouts. If you want 20 years look at Northwood Mfg and Outdoor Mfg.

Regannielsen · 08-15-2016, 09:57 PM

We really like the rear kitchen with the rear door. It makes the kitchen accessible without putting out the slide. I also like that the slide is on the opposite side from the awning. And our max budget would be 30k but I want to be below that. If I can find a trailer in excellent condition with the same floor plan, but not more than 5 yrs old that would be ideal.

Fred1609 · 08-16-2016, 09:29 AM

Think about getting a rig that is a few years old....save some dough.

carl.swoyer · 08-16-2016, 09:51 AM

If you like your bighorn consider putting a full body paint job on it. The big horn comes off the same production line as the landmark.

jimcumminsw · 08-18-2016, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regannielsen

We really like the rear kitchen with the rear door. It makes the kitchen accessible without putting out the slide. I also like that the slide is on the opposite side from the awning. And our max budget would be 30k but I want to be below that. If I can find a trailer in excellent condition with the same floor plan, but not more than 5 yrs old that would be ideal.

Stay away from any THOR own product such as Keystone. There is no manufacturing support at all, you can not even contact them. Go to the Forest River site and look up the contact page, you will see address and the contact page for each subdivision of Forest River. For each product that they build, such as Forest River, Palomino, Dynamax, Coachman, and so forth.

I have own both a Keystone product (Cougar) and a Forest River (Cedar Creek) it is unbelievable how Forest River will support you above and beyond the dealer.

Regannielsen · 08-18-2016, 02:22 PM

I contacted keystone last week and they e-mailed me the next day with the location of a trailer near me that I was looking for. I have had a friend and a relative with forest river products that seem very cheaply made. My father in law has a toy hauler that the bench pulled off of the wall the 4th time he used it. But, it was outside the warranty period by a couple months. The brackets were held to the wall with 1-1/4" #8 sheet metal screws.

Regan & Raegan Nielsen
Magna Utah

2005 F150 Supercrew

1995 Terry 25G 5er

emuller1 · 08-18-2016, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

Stay away from any THOR own product such as Keystone. There is no manufacturing support at all, you can not even contact them. Go to the Forest River site and look up the contact page, you will see address and the contact page for each subdivision of Forest River. For each product that they build, such as Forest River, Palomino, Dynamax, Coachman, and so forth.

I have own both a Keystone product (Cougar) and a Forest River (Cedar Creek) it is unbelievable how Forest River will support you above and beyond the dealer.

Sorry, have a 2011 Cougar 318SAB and never have problem with getting in touch with them, ordering parts that I broke etc. very happy with the unit and the company.

Joe11 · 08-18-2016, 04:53 PM

I'm a researchaholic when it comes to spending that kind of dough. Spent four years off and on trying to find the right one for me. I just ordered my 5th wheel but it wasn't either you mentioned. Look at what materials the units you are considering are built with. Start with the RV Buyers Guide at camping World or any sizable bookstore. You might listen to the guy who warned to stay away from a particular company. They make a lot of product but I've even had sales people tell me on the side they wouldn't recommend them.

09 harley · 08-18-2016, 04:57 PM

I would spend the extra money and buy a New Horizons unit. They sell direct and they are the ONLY brand with a five star rating. Go online and investigate the models and see the construction.
My brother has a new Forest River Champagne Edition 5th wheel. It is a piece of junk. You can't believe now cheaply it is built. I have spent as much time working on it as he has camped in it.
You get what you pay for and if you want quality and the capability of full time use then you will pay for it. Most fifth wheel manufacturers do not certify their units for full time use. They know they won't hold up. That must be why both Thor and Forest River came out with a press release acknowledging their poor quality and worse customer service and warranty repair issues.
Go for quality and you won't regret it.