Community Forums

campinsharz · 01-26-2018, 05:43 PM

We currently have a 35" 5th wheel and would like something shorter, less than 30 feet. As most of you know shorter 5th wheels are not out there. Suggestions appreciated along with different brands and personal experiences.

Bob and Sharlene

Have 2015 Dodge 2500 diesel
Have 2017 Grand Design Solitude 321RS

jdpm · 01-26-2018, 05:56 PM

We are in the midst of the same debate. We have a 38' Lifestyle LS36fw that we love and that has been problem free.
We've considered downsizing to a shorter rig, too. However, it has to be a full profile and quality build. That's the problem.....is there such a thing?
The only one of interest with quality in mind is the Artic Fox 27-5L. Arctic Fox and Great Outdoors RV are the only things that come to mind that are shorter, full profile and decent quality.
We just aren't sure we can give up the quality and room we have for the Fox. The storage will be limited inside AND out it won't have some of the features we really love about our current rig.
Our main reasons are for ease of maneuvering especially as we age, ease of finding sites especially in National Parks, and being able to go back to a SRW truck that will fit in the garage.
Good luck in your search.

quartlow · 01-26-2018, 06:24 PM

Retro RV, 29' 3"

Wife and I are kicking around the idea of getting one. Haven't been to see one yet.

BirchyBoy · 01-26-2018, 06:45 PM

What's driving the change from a fifth wheel to a trailer? To get the same room, you're going to ha e to go with a long trailer and they can be a pain to haul. I hauled an OR Light 31' with an '05 F-350 and it wasn't fun. We looked at fifth wheels before we decided to go to a Class A.

There are some nice 5'er floor plans from Winnebago in the high 20's to low 30' range. Keystone has some as well. I'd suggest you look at those before going to a TT.

Freqz · 01-26-2018, 07:16 PM

A 30 footer in a FW? Arctic Fox 27-5 or Fox Mountain is your huckleberry. Outdoors RV (ORV) has one unit at 30' 6".

In a TT? The world is your oyster but I bought a ORV Timber Ridge 24rks at 24' 8" since I thought it was the best value under 40k and under 30' for my usage.

CecilD · 01-26-2018, 10:36 PM

Grand Design Reflection 29RS is 30'-11", that's close. They had a 26RL at 29 1/2 ft. but it looks like you would have to find a leftover on a dealer's lot if you want new. I see you have a Solitude now so you probably already know this.

warsw · 01-27-2018, 06:45 AM

Grand Design now has what they call the "Reflection 150 series Fifth-wheel". They have a couple of floor plans that are under 30' that might interest you.

warsw · 01-27-2018, 07:06 AM

What is a 2017 Grand Design Solitude 321RS? I can't seem to find that model anywhere.

dayle1 · 01-27-2018, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quartlow

Retro RV, 29' 3"

Wife and I are kicking around the idea of getting one. Haven't been to see one yet.

I'd prefer the Rockwood 2440BS rather than the Retro RL model. The Rockwood is a little shorter and 1000 lbs heavier. But it has a bedroom slideout and dresser that makes a huge difference in bedroom livability and storage. Otherwise, the floorplan is almost identical.

campinsharz · 01-28-2018, 10:00 AM

Thanks for all your advice. Was a big help. Outdoors RV and Northwood are two of the brands recommended by others. Since we own a 2015 truck think we will continue to search for a shorter 5th wheel. We also would like to be able to go to National and State parks and easily park our rig. Trying to decide if moving down to a 5 foot shorter rig is the right way to go. We also love our rig but having more camping options and ease of backing up is also an important issue, especially since we are seniors. Will continue to check out your suggestions. Want to find the Outdoor RV rigs close to where we live.....Northern California.

monitormix · 01-28-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campinsharz

Thanks for all your advice. Was a big help. Outdoors RV and Northwood are two of the brands recommended by others. Since we own a 2015 truck think we will continue to search for a shorter 5th wheel. We also would like to be able to go to National and State parks and easily park our rig. Trying to decide if moving down to a 5 foot shorter rig is the right way to go. We also love our rig but having more camping options and ease of backing up is also an important issue, especially since we are seniors. Will continue to check out your suggestions. Want to find the Outdoor RV rigs close to where we live.....Northern California.

Cordelia RV is an ORV and Arctic Fox dealer. Junction of 80 and 680

tjsmiles · 02-04-2018, 02:18 PM

We had a 2015 Reflection 337RL which was 35' 5" and traded for a 2017 reflection 27RL this past December. The 27RL is 30' 11". We loved our 337 but we realized we didn't need that size of unit for the 2 of us. So we traded the 2015 for the shorter 2017 and yes we took a huge hit, but we live this life once and we are going to fulltime beginning in 2019 the Good Lord willing and we wanted a smaller unit! We love this unit!! So much storage! We gave up a pantry, but there is plenty of room to store food. Tj

steeltom75 · 02-04-2018, 07:05 PM

Check the Winnebago Minnie Plus - 3 5th Wheel models under 30'

25RKS @ 27' 3" 27RLTS @ 29' 8" 27REOK @ 29'6"

campinsharz · 02-05-2018, 03:55 PM

We made a decision, just purchased an Artic Fox 27-5L. Will be picking it up on February 13th, probably our best Valentine's Gift in 50 years. And yes, it will be 5 1/2 feet shorter than our 2017 Solitude, keeping us under 30 feet. I totally agree with you, yes we took a hit but the 35' Solitude was just too big for us....this is perfect. Less closet storage but I really don't need to pack so much (8 pairs of shoes is a bit much). Especially since my husband usually packs 3 pairs. We are both very excited about our new purchase.