Community Forums

Dano 500 · 04-08-2025, 11:03 AM

I’m trading in my old Carriage and wanted to ask opinions.

2014 DRV elite suites. Very nice, even has side and rear cameras. $55,999

2025 Forest River Cedar Creek Cottage 41FWC
$92,494 (includes bogus “$2,500 camping ready charge).

Opinions please.

3pedal · 04-08-2025, 01:33 PM

Not knowing anything about the two units specifically, I think I would lean toward the DVR, all things being equal. My impression is they are well built, and it cost a lot less than the new Forest River. Looking up the Forest River, it does not look like my style.

Of course, floorplan and features pretty important, so it depends if either or both meet your needs there. Also need to consider what you can tow with your truck.

Dano 500 · 04-08-2025, 08:22 PM

Yeah, all things being equal. I guess I like the floor plan of the forest river, but you can definitely tell the materials are no where near the quality of DRV. I just wonder if $55.9K is too much for a 2014, but even seems pretty similar in price to others I find that are like it. I have to pay more in interest because it’s older though.

**NLOVNIT** · 04-08-2025, 08:32 PM

If the DRV is still of any quality as it was when we were originally shopping for a 5r, then DRV hands down beats FR.

High Road Travelers · 04-08-2025, 09:06 PM

I would go with the DRV if you have a truck that can tow it. It's pretty heavy.
The original quality is good; if it is in good shape, that would be my choice.
Thanks,

Dano 500 · 04-09-2025, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

If the DRV is still of any quality as it was when we were originally shopping for a 5r, then DRV hands down beats FR.

It seems to be in prime condition as if it was stored indoors. You don’t think it’s risky to buy 11 year old rig? In all honestly, the only thing I can find wrong is it needs new silicone in some spots. It has three a/c units and I guess the leveling system is hydraulic.

Dano 500 · 04-09-2025, 08:24 AM

It seems to be in pristine shape. Has side and rear cameras. Three a/c units. I leveling system is hydraulic. Generator prep, but no generator.

Dano 500 · 04-09-2025, 08:29 AM

So, they are both 43’. The DRV seems in pristine condition. Three a/c. The leveling system is hydraulic. I don’t know if that is standard, good, or bad. Gen prep, but no generator. In excellent condition. Maybe some new silicone in some spots.

The FR has no generator, but does have 200w solar, which I don’t even know if that is even worth it.

You see the exterior shots below.

jimcumminsw · 04-09-2025, 09:25 AM

From what I know of various 5th wheel models a destination trailer is mainly towed and parked at an RV park. You than would leave said trailer at the park and travel back and forth to the trailer using it as a cabin. In my opinion.

Now I did look at the 2025 Cedar Creek 41FWC and the design is completely different than former Cedar Creek destination trailers are. To me I would be concern with the frame design when towing the trailer over a long period of time. Since this is a destination trailer. You would also spend an abnormal amount of time cleaning those windows when towing a lot from all of the bugs on the windows.

Dano 500 · 04-09-2025, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

From what I know of various 5th wheel models a destination trailer is mainly towed and parked at an RV park. You than would leave said trailer at the park and travel back and forth to the trailer using it as a cabin. In my opinion.

Now I did look at the 2025 Cedar Creek 41FWC and the design is completely different than former Cedar Creek destination trailers are. To me I would be concern with the frame design when towing the trailer over a long period of time. Since this is a destination trailer. You would also spend an abnormal amount of time cleaning those windows when towing a lot from all of the bugs on the windows.

I didn’t even think to ask that. Bugs and probably worse mpg.

**NLOVNIT** · 04-09-2025, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dano 500

... You don’t think it’s risky to buy 11 year old rig?...

Heck no. If it's a quality unit that was well taken care of, I wouldn't hesitate. I feel the same about my scotch.

Cumminsfan · 04-09-2025, 03:00 PM

Wondering why you'd want one with an upstairs bunk vs a standard RL floor plan?

Sam 3 · 04-09-2025, 03:26 PM

Have it inspected. Make sure the slide out floor is good with no soft spots. Check behind the washer for any leaks. Make sure you have enough truck to pull it.

Dano 500 · 04-09-2025, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam 3

Have it inspected. Make sure the slide out floor is good with no soft spots. Check behind the washer for any leaks. Make sure you have enough truck to pull it.

There are no businesses that do RV inspection here. I checked, but I will have them move dining side sofa to check for soft spots and check behind washer also. Thank you.