Community Forums

ScottnBrawn · 05-03-2015, 10:14 AM

We live in the pacific northwest, and would like to live in our rv year round. Which brand is best? Which will be warmest in the winter? What kinds of things should we be on the lookout for? I appreciate all of your feedback! Thanks!

**JohnRR** · 05-03-2015, 10:24 AM

Good luck with your plans.

FRasco · 05-03-2015, 10:34 AM

I am choosing Newmar brand.

glennwest · 05-03-2015, 10:54 AM

New or used? What dollars? What size?

jkn1946 · 05-03-2015, 05:20 PM

Northwood is manufactured in Oregon you might look at those since they are in your area. We live full time and travel in ours and are quite happy. Most people on the forum have larger and more luxurious ones. We wanted one big enough to live simply and small enough to travel easily. We have an arctic Fox. Silver platinum edition. 29-5T. Seems that all RV's (5 wheels) have some flaws and break in issues but we have encountered very good customer service when needed.

JKN
2014 Arctic Fox 29-5T
5 Wheel. full time

jkn1946 · 05-03-2015, 05:22 PM

BTW if I had it to do over again, I would have preferred a used one and bought my own furniture. Or a new one and bought my own recliners and vouch.

JKN
2014 Arctic Fox 29-5T
5 Wheel. full time

pismocouple · 05-03-2015, 06:35 PM

Hello - we are in year three in a Dynamax Trilogy 3850D...very residential, modern, sleek and comfortable...not cheap, however...

tuffr2 · 05-03-2015, 07:21 PM

Most manufacturers built entry level, mid level then upper level 5th wheels. There are a few models above even these upper level 5ers. The very top three are all custom builders. They are in no particular order 'SpaceCraft, New Horizons, Continental Coach'. These are very heavy well built rigs that require the F-450/550, Ram 3500 with all the towing options or better yet a Freightliner Sport Chassis type Mid Duty Truck (MDT).

Then probably next are Excel (just went out of business) DRV, Lifestyle, Luxe. The Augusta Luxe is the latest to the up scale mix.

Then to me the Dynamax Trilogy, Holiday Rambler Presidential are probably next.

Then there are over a dozen other manufacturers that build more 'run of the mill' 5th wheels. 5th wheels names like Montana, Infinity, Pinnacle, Cardinal, StoneRidge, Brookstone, Bayhill/Alfa Gold, Landmark, Columbus, Solitude, Redwood.

You have to do your homework to figure out which one of these 5th wheels are better then the other. All are probably ok to full time in.

Things I would look for are 7,000 axles (8,000lb axles are better) 'G' or 'H' rated tires (not 'E' rated) a thick 12" I-Beam Frame (stacked box frame is better) flush mount dual pane windows, and one that advertises good insulation.

Good luck.