Community Forums

Bill.Vannuys · 07-06-2015, 06:21 PM

This is my first post after over a year of reading these forums.

I'm fairly new to RV traveling - I purchased my 2011 Sprinter 271FL (a great trailer) in 2012 new when I retired (military) to see if my wife and I would enjoy traveling in an trailer. I was done flying and my retired airline wife thought we should try a trailer. After 32K miles, we decided we both really enjoy the RV travel and are now are looking for a 5th Wheel that better fits our needs. We've narrowed to just a few brands that we like and we are ready to purchase.

My question: Is there a reliable, unbiased tool to provide Manufacturer, warranty, owner satisfaction, build quality and MSRP/reasonable selling price information? Something along the line of New cars and NADA or one of the other resources to help establish what people are paying. I heard of something called "RVNET", but really could use some advice.

I appreciate any recommendations.

Bill

Mr_D · 07-06-2015, 06:26 PM

There is one but they just use the brochures and factory specs to "rate" the unit. They may never have even set foot in one. So I question the validity of it.

jimcumminsw · 07-07-2015, 08:12 AM

To me there is no such book or source that you are looking for. We all have to do our own research on trailers before we buy.

The best thing to do is frequent the boards for the various RV's that you are looking at. Such as this one, Keystone Forum, Forest Rivers’ Forum and others. There you can read about owner’s feelings of their fifth wheel and or travel trailers. But keep in mind that most of the comments could be negative since most people do not praise a unit.

We are on our third 5er in 8 years and we finally feel that we have what we wanted in a 5er. What I like about Forest River manufacturing; it seems that the manufacture is involved with you as an owner after the purchasing experience. Granted you still need to work with a dealer but they do respond to customer issues. Not like some of the other manufactures.

Forest River even host rallies were as an owner you can attend and factory representatives are on hand at these rallies. I am attending this year’s rally in Elkhart Lake IN. for the first time with our Cedar Creek 34RL.
Jim

jpharley · 07-07-2015, 09:17 AM

In my opinion, look for the best quality you can find for your price point. Pay attention to the frame, suspension, tires, etc, then find the floor plan you like. They are all pretty inside. A quality used unit may be better than a new unit. I know Kansas RV Center in Chanute, KS refurbishes NuWa HitchHikers as an example. (Yes, we have a HitchHiker so we are familiar with the quality of that brand and they do have an owner's forum). Most of the high quality 5th wheel manufactures like NuWa, Teton, Excel have ceased production because they cannot compete with the mass produced 5th wheels on the market today. In the end, it will always be what makes you happy. Happy searching.

Bill.Vannuys · 07-07-2015, 08:14 PM

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

I have been reading the forums of the manufacturers that I have narrowed my search to as I get close to buying. I have also been doing my research in campground where we stay; Most are happy to show their unit and explain what they like or dislike about their current unit.

I suppose my science background just has me looking for something quantitative and absolute. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Bill