Quality, service, and longevity...3 things needed

[Charles27909]

Hey everyone, I come from a Class A diesel pusher background....but due to my growing family, a 5th wheel is looking attractive. I see a lot of Keystone brands and models but I would be interested in a make/model of 5th wheel that gives the least amount of trouble and built for long term usability. What are your thoughts?

[wingnut60]

Need more info--budget is first item, then size need. Have you looked at any yet--any likes? Keystone makes a lot of units and some seem to generate a lot of complaints, but just about any RV nowadays can suffer from quality control problems.

[spock123]

Look at Cedar Creek, it's a Forest River product. You can also buy a second year warranty from them for $250 bucks. They also sell RiverStone which is a very nice camper.

[raineman]

We have been very happy with our Keystone. No major issues. Keystone was great for all warranty items and even covered one thing that was out of warranty. You are already familiar with the RV world, so you already know that no matter what brand you buy, your dealer's service department is an extremely significant factor to the owner's experience with the product.

As far as which is best, I would say all brands will be similar as they all use the same components such as appliances, AC/Heat, water heater, generator, etc all made by other companies. Pick your floor plan and look around.

[NW Explorers]

Our first 5th wheel was an Alpine by Keystone. We were pretty well satisfied with it, no major issues. If a keystone fits your budget and floor plan needs, it would probably be a reasonable choice. I would stick to their higher end brands - Alpine and Montana.

As others have said, the dealer can be a very important piece of the RV ownership puzzle.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Happy trails,

[jimcumminsw]

I have had three different 5er's built by a different manufacture for each one. The first one was bought used a very will made 5er but the manufacture went out of business in early 2,000 time frame.

The other was a Keystone product a Cougar model there were issues with the unit and was very difficult to discuss these issues with Keystone when out of warranty. I want to purchase new decals for the faded and peeling Cougar symbol from my dealer and or Keystone. The dealer could not obtain and replacements Keystone would not sell them to him for me to buy and fix.

Since than I moved on to Forest River products and a Cedar Creek 5er. I was blown away by the customer service from Forest River and the listing of contact people to discuss their products with them even when out of warranty. At the international rally held each year in Elkhart IN. they will work on trailers regardless if they are in warranty or not. If I buy again I would defiantly buy another Cedar Creek model.

[JayC]

Have a look at the Heartland Big Country or Bighorn. They offer several floor plans and are both rated and warranted in writing for full time use. You may not want a full time unit at this time, but this should reassure you that they are built hearty enough to withstand the rigors of being used full time.

[raineman]

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

I have had three different 5er's built by a different manufacture for each one. The first one was bought used a very will made 5er but the manufacture went out of business in early 2,000 time frame.

The other was a Keystone product a Cougar model there were issues with the unit and was very difficult to discuss these issues with Keystone when out of warranty. I want to purchase new decals for the faded and peeling Cougar symbol from my dealer and or Keystone. The dealer could not obtain and replacements Keystone would not sell them to him for me to buy and fix.

Since than I moved on to Forest River products and a Cedar Creek 5er. I was blown away by the customer service from Forest River and the listing of contact people to discuss their products with them even when out of warranty. At the international rally held each year in Elkhart IN. they will work on trailers regardless if they are in warranty or not. If I buy again I would defiantly buy another Cedar Creek model.

That is pretty strange about Keystone and your graphics. Not only did they have my graphics but they provided the full front cap decals at no charge. Is it possible it was a dealer issue?

[bddadles]

Whatever you decide on BUY USED.

Brad

[spock123]

Buy what you like, I like new, I know who slept on the bed. We have no pets, so no dog or cat hairs , we don't smoke. People buy used just not for us. Buy what you like and can afford. Most of all enjoy camping

[jimcumminsw]

Originally Posted by raineman

That is pretty strange about Keystone and your graphics. Not only did they have my graphics but they provided the full front cap decals at no charge. Is it possible it was a dealer issue?

Since I was out of warranty I was dealing directly with the factory. Dealer provided a factory contact number since they could not make any head way.

[gnirwin]

look for the best dealer period..exclamation point..then see what he sells. A good dealer will have a good rapport with the manufacturer., he will have a good service department staffed with qualified people and he should have a very good name and high rating in the community. anything less, then good luck. you will read many horror stories and 9 out of 10 will be the result of a bad dealer.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by gnirwin

look for the best dealer period..exclamation point..then see what he sells. A good dealer will have a good rapport with the manufacturer., he will have a good service department staffed with qualified people and he should have a very good name and high rating in the community. anything less, then good luck. you will read many horror stories and 9 out of 10 will be the result of a bad dealer.

The horror stories are the simple fact that you pay $$50-90,000 for a 5th wheel and you have issues. The dealer didn't cause the issues, the MFG did. Thats the sad part. Relying on a dealer is the problem. Shouldn't be that way.