Community Forums

SteveSheahan · 02-02-2018, 09:56 PM

We are in the market for a ~32' 5th wheel, but don't want to spend much more that $50K. Want a quality built unit, but needs to have 4 season insulation (we live in MT) and a King size bed. Considering a Artic Fox 29-5, an Montana Avalanche or Alpine and the Grand Design Reflections. Would rather buy a relatively new (2-4 yr old) used, if can find one in good shape for a good price. Would appreciate any advice! Thanks in advance!

plasma800 · 02-02-2018, 10:04 PM

Arctic fox all the way. I wouldn't even put the other two on the same playing field.

Now that being said, there are some quality used fivers out there, but I found that in the quality builds the decor was off putting. The DRV's of yore were nice. I think up to 2011, somewhere along the line they changed. But they are also all a bit longer.

The Artic fox is a great bet, or Outdoors RV, sister companies. I'm incredibly impressed with my ORV, and I've looked at a lot of 5th wheels. This thing is solid.

Freqz · 02-02-2018, 10:06 PM

Outdoors RV would be in you price range with a couple of options around 32'

ramn4ver · 02-02-2018, 11:42 PM

Artic Fox hands down. Had a 05. 25P trailer. Stayed in Spokane KOA one winter Christmas weekend. It was like 20°. Stayed nice and warm. But I did purchase a 01 SunnyBrook 27' 5th wheel this summer. Built as good as the Artic Fox. It was an one owner. Like new. $6500. Love it. Everything great working order. We were the first callers. We got lucky.

Rockwood27 · 02-03-2018, 07:12 AM

We just bought a 37 foot 2015 Montana High Country for $36K. It should be easy to find a lightly used one in your size range for similar or less $$. Keep in mind that you can get 25-30% off MSRP on new RV's and used RV's depreciate like a rock.

WheelingOn · 02-03-2018, 11:47 AM

All floor plans are not created equal.

The "best fifth wheel" has to take into account for your preference for the living space.

ORV and Arctic Fox fall short on their floor plans, in our case.

Gray01 · 02-03-2018, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSheahan

Want a quality built unit, but needs to have 4 season insulation (we live in MT) and a King size bed. Considering a Artic Fox 29-5,

AF has a good frame, built in-house, and they use Dexter axles. We have never been uncomfortable in very warm and sub-freezing temps. We have also modified ours quite a bit: disc brakes, Truma water heater, residential reefer, etc.

Virtually all 5th wheels use the same components from the same manufacturers. The mediocrity of RV components cannot be avoided, but the installation and assembly quality depends upon individual RV mfs.

Elkhart is in the middle of heavy production due to market demand. Unless a company is extremely diligent, quality can fall off during rapid production. I would personally avoid any Elkhart brands at this juncture.

SkiSmuggs · 02-03-2018, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canyonlands

All floor plans are not created equal.

The "best fifth wheel" has to take into account for your preference for the living space.

ORV and Arctic Fox fall short on their floor plans, in our case.

While AF would be my first choice, only one floor plan meets my desires, but not DW's. Alas, she prefers form over function.

Cumminsfan · 02-03-2018, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiSmuggs

While AF would be my first choice, only one floor plan meets my desires, but not DW's. Alas, she prefers form over function.

AF is definitely lacking in floor plan excitement.

glennwest · 02-03-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray01

AF has a good frame, built in-house, and they use Dexter axles. We have never been uncomfortable in very warm and sub-freezing temps. We have also modified ours quite a bit: disc brakes, Truma water heater, residential reefer, etc.

Virtually all 5th wheels use the same components from the same manufacturers. The mediocrity of RV components cannot be avoided, but the installation and assembly quality depends upon individual RV mfs.

Elkhart is in the middle of heavy production due to market demand. Unless a company is extremely diligent, quality can fall off during rapid production. I would personally avoid any Elkhart brands at this juncture.

Some use mini splits instead of typical units, full size residential appliances, build their own chassis. so all don't use the same components.

WheelingOn · 02-03-2018, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiSmuggs

While AF would be my first choice, only one floor plan meets my desires, but not DW's. Alas, she prefers form over function.

Function over form is what eliminates AF and ORV for us. That said we haven't been in their fifth wheels in person yet, and will wait until then to completely rule them out, but it's very likely.

What we're considering stays on the shorter side at around 35'. 2012-2015 Montana, Alpine, Vilano and Redwood(if we look to spend more) are on our list.

We've had very good luck with recent RVs out of the mid-west, so the floor plan still reigns supreme here.

We'll be selling our much loved View in early spring, then buying the best 5th wheel we can find, and fitting truck.

Freqz · 02-03-2018, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennwest

Some use mini splits instead of typical units, full size residential appliances, build their own chassis. so all don't use the same components.

Who build their own chassis, uses full sized residential appliances and installs min split ACs in 32' FWs for under $50k?

Arch Hoagland · 02-03-2018, 10:44 PM

I've owned a Northwood trailer, Nash 22h, and know two other people who own Northwood trailers and we are all fans of them.

Bamaman · 02-05-2018, 10:46 PM

We are very satisfied with our Grand Design Reflection bunkhouse model--36' with 4 slides. Never had a warranty claim or repair required in 3 years. Great floorplans available too.

This company is very customer driven too.