Community Forums

charlotte · 05-20-2011, 02:50 PM

We are not experienced with fifth wheels and need opinions on "units" that are well built with good quality, tough enough to live in and be affordable. Please tell us what you feel we should look into and what you feel we should avoid. Thanks!

RustyJC · 05-20-2011, 02:54 PM

When you say "live in", I assume you're going to be full timing? Can you give us some idea of what your budget is? The reason I ask is that some individuals will full-time in a seasonal or even vacation-type unit because of budget constraints that keep them from looking at the true full-time type 5th wheels.

Some more information about your intended usage (full timing, staying in extremely cold areas, etc.) would be helpful in making any recommendations.

Rusty

ralper · 05-20-2011, 07:33 PM

Buy a good used New Horizons 5'er and you will never regret it. They are tough, well built units.

first5thwheel · 05-20-2011, 10:36 PM

You will be shocked at the deals out there. I would strongly recommend you check Craigslist. You can go look at all the units listed there. I have been searching for about two months and happened on the sweetest of deals, I got a 2000 Fleetwood Wilderness 32 foot for $6500. The NADA guide which is similar to Kelley Blue Book for auto's except the NADA is for RV's and 5th wheels ect., but anyway the NADA listed mine as $11,000 at the low end and $14000 for the high end. My 5th wheel is only 11 years old and is in great shape. It was a little neglected and I am putting new floor covering in it, but once that is done and it is thoroughly cleaned it will look as good as new. This forum should be able to list some 5th Wheel brands that are higher quality than others. My advice is stick to units that are 2000 or newer because they are lighter and less of a gas drain when pulling them. I do not know which brands are better built than others, but I am sure more people will reply to you and give you brands to choose from. But definitely use craigslist in your area to find great deals. If you go under RV's and type in 5th Wheels say price range $4000 to $8000 a bunch should come up. Then you just have to go visit each one you find and check out the condition. I am new to this like you, so my Wilderness will be a new learning experience for me too. But so far from what I can tell I got a great buy. I don't know your price range and the size you are looking for so that will definitely make a difference on what you buy. I wanted something bigger than 28 feet but shorter than 40 feet. Remember the larger the unit the more powerful truck you will need to pull it and the large they are the less gas mileage you will get. I settled for a 32 foot limit and found just what I was looking for. The deals are out there if you look for them. Try to buy from a personal seller because you will save thousands of dollars and they can give you an honest report on what the needs are of the unit or if it has any issues. Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ralper · 05-22-2011, 01:34 PM

The New Horizons factory have some nice looking trade in units for sale.

87_Fixr · 05-31-2011, 02:28 PM

Because I"m between fifth wheels right now, I try not to post too much, but many will advise you to join RV Consumers Group ( it costs a little bit) and read read read their advice. Best of luck with your search! Oh, and do what Rusty says!
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