New User Looking for Input About Quality 5r's

cobikeman · 05-04-2009, 02:32 PM

Greetings to all,
Finally decided to quit lurking and start interacting. My wife and I are looking for a 5th wheel. We just sold a Komfort 212T TT, which we liked but found way too small. We live in Colorado and frequently head for the high country, so have been focusing our attention on smaller fifth wheels that are easy to maneuver, easier to tow, 4 seasons, and durable enough to withstand rougher dirt roads. In addition, we want it to be big enough to take to Arizona in the winter and spend a few weeks at a time.

We have looked at many brands, and have come to the conclusion that a 25-26 footer with either one big slide or two smaller slides fit the bill best. Probably our favorite floorplan is the Forest River Wildcat 25RL, but after reading all the comments here am really leary of FR, even thought there are some incredible deals out there on them (Ebay at $22,450 brand new). Have looked at Komfort, Arctic Fox, Jayco (none with floorplans we like), Gulfstream (we like the 25FRKW, quality?), Cougar (seem cheap). I just started looking at older Excels and Hitchhikers (very few smaller ones out there). We would really like to keep this trailer for awhile, so longevity is a real issue.

So what brands would you guys consider standouts that would have smaller 5's? I would like to stay under $30k, which I think is doable considering the current state of the RV market. Is Gulfstream respected? Obviously I would love to find an 06 Hitchhiker or Excel for that price, but they are scarce. Would really appreciate your input.

Colorado Bikeman (that's bicycle)

TXiceman · 05-04-2009, 05:33 PM

First...a great big welcome to iRV2.

Without a doubt, the Arctic Fox will be a better all season unit than any of the others. But every owner will tell you what ever they have is the best.

Next on the list I would look at Sunny Brook and Jayco. The rest of them you mentioned are pretty much entry level trailers...in my opinion. All depends on what you will be happy with. Forest River and KZ can be a good unit, but quality is pretty variable,

One thing I have learned over the years that holds pretty true. To see what kind of quality is in a unit, look at one that is 5 years old or a bit older. You will see some of them looking a bit long in the tooth, no matter how well kept.

Superslif · 05-04-2009, 06:00 PM

I think it is going to be hard to find a 25' - 26' in a 5er. I think new Sunnybrook's start at 32'. Now, I have seen some older Sunnybrook's that were shorter. Try http://www.rvtraderonline.com/ or Rv Online RV Online will list 5er's by price and length.

cobikeman · 05-05-2009, 06:36 AM

Thanks for the input guys. Found an Arctic Fox floorplan we like and are looking at it. Sort of spartan interiors but very well built. Will keep you posted.

**Hitchhiker** · 05-05-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobikeman

Greetings to all,

Obviously I would love to find an 06 Hitchhiker or Excel for that price, but they are scarce. Would really appreciate your input.

Colorado Bikeman (that's bicycle)

There's a 2006 HitchHiker II LS 29.5 LKTG with a 'Buy it Now" price of $32K on ebay but it's is actually 31' 5" long, probably longer than you're looking for. It's posted it with the 'Make Offer" button so if you're interested you could certainly offer less. The ad expires tomorrow, it's been up for a week or so with no bids.

You can find out what other NuWa owners say about their HitchHiker trailers on the NuWa Owners Forum and you can also keep up with the latest stuff on that forum by reading what the CEO of NuWa posts. He's an active participant on those forums.

I've always been pleased with my HitchHiker trailers, the one I have now is the 4th HitchHiker I've had over the past 12 or 13 years. They're built well, hold up real good, have great factory support, and seem to hold their resale value as well as can be expected in these times.

Good luck with whatever trailer you choose, maybe a few other 5th wheel owners will post and give you some additional testimonals on the brands they own. We have an Excel forum here on iRV2 but you probably have already found that.

There are some real good brands availble these days but you should beware of some of the 'not so good' brands that seem to dominate the lower end market.

VI Roamers · 05-05-2009, 07:46 AM

On Triple E's website you can look at downloads, and you will get the floorplan and specifications of their very poplular fifth wheel units, as well as others...

Check it out, they are well made for three season use at least, many use them for all seasons.

cobikeman · 05-05-2009, 08:07 AM

Ya, I have been looking at the Hitchhiker 26.5, nice unit. There is only one for sale, an 06, but it is in Florida. A long haul from me!

Stanbnv · 05-05-2009, 09:15 AM

We had a 24 foot 1996 Nash, (Same company as Arctic Fox) for 8 years and had absolutly no problems with it. Northwood Manufacturing says they make their rigs for the back roads you talked about. We drug ours all over the back roads of Nevada and eastern California and as I said, no problems.

GQuigley · 05-26-2009, 09:46 AM

I have a 29-5T Arctic Fox and very happy with it. The AF owners association are having a rally in LaGrande that you might want to attend in late June. They have tours of the factory as well and you can ask all kinds of questions. I was impressed with their manufacturing methods. My opinion is you get "more bang for the buck" with them.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 05-31-2009, 03:53 PM

GQuigley, I see this was your first post. Welcome.

IMHO pulling some drawers out and looking at the construction under the counters is a good way to see differences in quality.

Artic Fox builds some nice stuff, KZ has some innovative models and seem to be well built, and from what I've read and seen Forest River's apparently vary. Tetons struck me as very well constructed, but I don't know the current status of the company, or if they made anything in the smaller range.

Anyway, if this is going to be your first 5th wheel, it wouldn't be a bad idea to hit a big RV show with your digital camera. Then cruise the internet for used examples of the models you like. Though there are good buys on new, there are often 2nd hand ones that have only been used a few times at a fraction of what the new ones run.

It seems to me most folks learn from their first 5th wheel what features and size they wish they would have gotten, and a person would really take a bath trading in after a year or two.