Fifth Wheels: Who has the "best bones"?

[jim1521]

I've had my first (and only) RV now for a couple of years. It's a 2016 Grand Design Reflection 313RLTS 37' (GDRV) travel trailer. I've cut my teeth on it, learning about the RV world.


I've been around boats for quite some time, so I'm familiar with sub-systems (i.e. electrical, plumbing, propulsion, hydraulics, etc.). RVs are often referred to as "land yachts".


The GDRV taught me a great deal - particularly about the inherent build flaws in workmanship that is rampant in the RV industry. I've learned that it's not limited to just GDRV, but rather ALL of the manufacturers. It seems to be a systemic problem that deals with two points of failure: 1) the components that they are made from (i.e. Lippert), and 2) shoddy workmanship due to the stress of getting as many out the door as possible in the shortest amount of time possible.


This is further compounded by the enormous amount of backlog that RV repair centers have.


So it means that if I'm going to have a good fifth wheel, I'm going to have to do the work myself.


In the boating world, you will often times hear of people buying an old boat because it has "good bones". If it's solidly built from the keel on up, the upkeep and repair of it is much easier.


I don't want a renovation or fixer-upper. I want a new(er) model fifth wheel that is built well. By that I mean design-wise. Easy access to systems (plumbing runs, electrical panels, HVAC, solid construction techniques, etc.). Only interested in 2015 or later.



From what I'm seeing in the last year of due diligence, DRV seems to fit that need. I've watched their construction videos on YouTube, as well as read as many forums as I could find.


For those of you who are doing your own maintenance, which are the companies that have "good bones"?


Thanks.

[tbos1958]

From what I’ve read on several forums DRV and Northwood (Arctic Fox) are supposed to have good bones. I’ve also heard DRV quality had gone down due to purchase by someone else. I’ve got a friend that swears by his cedar creek and he bought a new one to replace his older one. Good luck and let us know what you learn and decide on.

[jim1521]

Originally Posted by tbos1958

From what I’ve read on several forums DRV and Northwood (Arctic Fox) are supposed to have good bones. I’ve also heard DRV quality had gone down due to purchase by someone else. I’ve got a friend that swears by his cedar creek and he bought a new one to replace his older one. Good luck and let us know what you learn and decide on.

Correct about DRV. They were bought by Thor back in 2017 (I think it was '17).

[450Donn]

If you want to avoid Lippert components for the most part, look at Northwood MFG or OutdoorRV. Both family owned, both build the frames in house. Over the years Arcric Fox has had a reputation for decent quality, so a mfg like that would be my first choice today.

[jim1521]

Originally Posted by 450Donn

If you want to avoid Lippert components for the most part, look at Northwood MFG or OutdoorRV. Both family owned, both build the frames in house. Over the years Arcric Fox has had a reputation for decent quality, so a mfg like that would be my first choice today.

Thanks. I just looked at both of their sites. We're looking to go in the 44' length with 1.5 bath, so those two would be too small. I'd love to avoid LCI if possible, but don't think that's going to be doable.

[tbos1958]

Originally Posted by jim1521

Correct about DRV. They were bought by Thor back in 2017 (I think it was '17).

At a recent RV show I spoke with a rep from a company owned by Thor. He told me they let the companies run themselves but invest in facilities and tooling to help them be more profitable. He also told me that FR mandates the processes a company they buy must use. I don’t know if it’s true but it is interesting he volunteered that information when I asked about the company’s relationship with Thor. If it’s true then DRV’s decline in quality May be due to trying to keep up with demand and not increasing staff appropriately. Bottom line is the manufacturers don’t spend the time building in quality like they should.

[jim1521]

Originally Posted by tbos1958

At a recent RV show I spoke with a rep from a company owned by Thor. He told me they let the companies run themselves but invest in facilities and tooling to help them be more profitable. He also told me that FR mandates the processes a company they buy must use. I don’t know if it’s true but it is interesting he volunteered that information when I asked about the company’s relationship with Thor. If it’s true then DRV’s decline in quality May be due to trying to keep up with demand and not increasing staff appropriately. Bottom line is the manufacturers don’t spend the time building in quality like they should.

That's really interesting to hear - and good to hear as well. Thanks.

[egwilly]

Very happy with our ORV Glacier Peak fifth. Solid frame specially designed and built for the unit and off-road capability. Solid beefy pin box. MORryde on the axles and pin. Our 26RLS scales at around 13000, showing good solid construction.

They use real plywood for their units, not OSB. Build quality is average, comparing to the Eclipse toy hauler we used to have. Electrical has to be tidied up for sure. Plumbing is good, installed well. Nash involved with both brands of Arctic Fox and ORV.
I would not hesitate buying another.

[NRR]

You have to decide if you want a good rig design or more importantly a floor plan you like.


Yes I favor the Nash family because the one I had was great when I was younger.

[RVPioneer]

New Horizons.

[Daycruiser]

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

New Horizons.

[Fred and Bonnie]

Check out LUXE units.

https://luxefifthwheel.com/

Fred

[CWSWine]

I agree! Just depends how deep your pockets are and how willing you are to pay for quality. One of the few manufacturers you can sit down with and design your own floor plan.
http://horizonsrv.com/inventory/

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

New Horizons.