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Old 03-22-2024, 08:17 PM   #1
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Too many 5th wheels without fiberglass rear caps. Bloody ugly!

Maybe it's just me, but these late-model 5th wheels with their slab-flat backsides look incredibly cheap from behind. I believe this "cheapening" started during the pandemic and it quickly spread to even some higher-priced models. What a lousy way to cut costs — kind of hard to take much pride in one of these rigs when compared to those with molded fiberglass rear caps. Just my two cents.
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Old 03-22-2024, 11:03 PM   #2
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I would prefer a glass cap on the rear.

But how much do you think they would cost? $5k or more.

I'm okay as it sits.
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Old 03-23-2024, 07:49 AM   #3
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You could always start your own company and build what you think is right.
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Old 03-23-2024, 07:59 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by edmck101 View Post
Maybe it's just me, but these late-model 5th wheels with their slab-flat backsides look incredibly cheap from behind. I believe this "cheapening" started during the pandemic and it quickly spread to even some higher-priced models. What a lousy way to cut costs — kind of hard to take much pride in one of these rigs when compared to those with molded fiberglass rear caps. Just my two cents.
I have no idea how long you have been RVing, but back in the early 70s they all had flat rear caps. Only the extreme high end units, like Newmar London Aire, and Mountain Aire, had fiberglass caps.


So this "cheapening" didn't start during the pandemic, it was around a long time before that.
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Old 03-23-2024, 08:00 AM   #5
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I can't see the back of my trailer when I'm going down the road. As long as it keeps the dirt and water out, who cares? Besides you.
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Old 03-23-2024, 08:31 AM   #6
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Everyone wants five star product at two star prices. Doesn't work that way. Want cheap? You gonna get cheap.

Exterior appearance is important but it is not my first stop in an inspection. First place I go is on hands and knees to see frame reinforcement around spring hanger areas and count spring leaf number.

That action is sure to put worried looks on sales people's faces.
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Old 03-23-2024, 09:12 AM   #7
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On my 3rd RV now and have never been a fan of those plastic back caps. To me it always looks like a cheap afterthought. Oh well, you may think differently!
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Old 03-23-2024, 09:16 AM   #8
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A good friend feels the same way about rear caps - he HAS to have a 5th wheel with one. He calls my flat back cardboard; I call his plastic. Honestly, I can't figure out what the big deal is.

It seems to me the trailer with molded backs cost more. I figure it a vanity thing....
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Old 03-23-2024, 09:26 AM   #9
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In an effort to keep this thread going, maybe give it some Momentum forward, I'll just offer this..........



She's a thing of beauty.....
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Old 03-23-2024, 09:53 AM   #10
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I've reached the age where I don't care what my backend looks like. I just want people to stay a safe distance from it.
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Old 03-23-2024, 02:23 PM   #11
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That’s what all the fifth wheel companies found out, most people could care less about the rear caps. You have to add the caps on now for more money. My Cedar Creek has a rear cap which I love. If I was trading campers it would have to have a rear cap. Everybody is different, I like the large window on the rear and I paid $3500 dollars to put one in. It’s what you like
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Old 03-23-2024, 02:30 PM   #12
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Like a bag of chips. They have less inside but cost more.
FWIW you can still get a fiberglass rear cap on a Northwood MGN Arctic Fox Grande Ronde
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Old 03-26-2024, 05:09 PM   #13
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Who cares what the back end looks like? Only the people behind you can see it.
Are they stopping and telling you how ugly it looks?
Yes it is just you.
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Old 03-26-2024, 06:47 PM   #14
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Winnebago Destination 5th wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by edmck101 View Post
Maybe it's just me, but these late-model 5th wheels with their slab-flat backsides look incredibly cheap from behind. I believe this "cheapening" started during the pandemic and it quickly spread to even some higher-priced models. What a lousy way to cut costs — kind of hard to take much pride in one of these rigs when compared to those with molded fiberglass rear caps. Just my two cents.
Hello, I have a 2017 Destination 39FB 5 er. It has fibreglass caps both ends, for super strength. It has frameless windows. It has shock absorbers on both axles, and the EquaFlex suspension balance system, all installed from the factory. The suspension parts are heavy duty and welds are all backed up with gussets . The ride is very smooth for a 16,000lb rig.
It's no wonder Winnebago stopped Destination production when they acquired Grand Design.
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