pmw2922
USA
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Joined: 02/09/2012
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Hello,
Been a lurker and am ready to get into a used Fifth wheel. So many manufacturers. I have looked, but been unsuccesful in finding any kind of better to worse manufacturer listing. I know some are better than others, but other than asking a specific question about each one, is there anything like a guide about which has a better or worse reputation than others? I am looking at an older model. Thanks in advance.
Paul : -)#
* This post was
edited 02/09/12 01:56pm by pmw2922 *
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ausie607
white lake
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Joined: 04/30/2011
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You don't say how old used you're looking at. Any used unit will show some wear and tear and I think its a good thing to be able to see how any brand stands up over time. Water staining, rips in the wallpaper in corners and joints, delamination, any kind of discoloration inside or outside will indicate problems. Check the fit of the woodwork, windows, doors etc.
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amxpress
Clayton, NC
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Joined: 04/14/2007
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This is a valuable guide:
http://www.rv-comparison.com/
2007 Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Cab w/6.7 Cummins
2013 Palomino Columbus 320RS
Reese 15K Pro Series manual slide
Prodigy
Firestone Air Bags
Champion 3500 genny
M.I.L still at the zoo
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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I would DOUBT if any manufacturer would list any of their brands as "worst"  Best to actually LOOK an an RV, study the details and make your own decisions about what is "BEST" because anything you get from the dealer will be strictly price dependent and that is NOT the measure of quality.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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When buying an older model...if the prior owner was a fanatic about maintaining his RV properly is more important than the actual RV manufacturer for the most part. Leaks and rot are the biggest RV killers out there. What's the cancer that kills even the best made RV?
Negect.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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MPI_Mallard
Windsor,Ontario,Canada Davenport,Florida
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Your best "guide" is this forum,when you consider the years of rv'ing experience to be had here for free it really becomes invaluable to the novice rv'er. I myself made my decision after hearing a lot of people rave about my manufactuer and had several friends who owned that brand and were happy with them,most rv manufactuers should remember word of mouth is really their best advertising,good luck!
07' Dodge 3500 6 speed Cummins Diesel Dually/6.7L Bully-Chipped /
Jake Brake/07' Cedar Creek 37CDTSD Daydreamer fiver
Mallard @ Frau Blücher
Red Green:
Now lets Bow your heads for the men's prayer.
I am a man, but I can change.
If I have to, I guess...
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NC Hauler
Asheville NC
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During the years that I owned pop-up's, I felt I eventually, ended up with "one of the best"...same with TT's, same with 5th wheels, now that being said, that means there were some that weren't as "nice" as mine and there were more than some that were "higher end" than mine....A lot has to do with a lot of research and what you can AFFORD. I'ts not about keeping up with the Jones or owning the highest end or most expensive, (they have their issues too), it's all about the family making memories with the best they can afford to camp in.
I will probably never have the money to afford the "best" or "highest end" 5er, but we've had our's for almost 5 yrs now, (purchased new in 07'), and it's been great, beyond our expectations, BUT I've also read where others have had bad experiences with the same model..go figure...all of them will put out a bad one on occasion and some more often than others...part of the manufacturing business, like it or not....that's why I've never ordered one. I look around on the lot's, kick the tires, go over the unit with a fine tooth comb and if I like it, I make a list of any thing that needs to be done at that time and I don't purchase until it's done...worked for me for years.
Do the research, based on your budget and go from there....I have to agree, one of your best resources is an rv forum where you can get first hand factual information...
Jim & Kathy
2010 Dodge 3500DRW Laramie 4X4/CC/LB/CTD/4:10/auto
2012 Jeep Patriot Limited Trail Rated
06 HR Presidential Suite 37RLQ/ 4 slide/ dual pane windows/Winegard SK3005 Satellite/Splendide XC2100 W/D
Boxers;Buddy& Sheba II
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overthehillbill
Patterson, Ca.
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This link may be of some help.
Link
Bill
'08 Cedar Creek 32TK, 35'9", 13,990#
'01 F-250,Lariat, 7.3L, SC, Auto, LB, JW Towmaster Tranny, 6.0L Tranny cooler, DP custom tunes, 4" Turbo back exhaust, Auto Meter Gauges, Firestone Air Bags. '07 Headlights and Grille, Prodigy P-3.
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newk
Gillette, WY
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If you told us how you'd be using it, what size you're thinking, how you'd be pulling it, age and price, etc., etc., we'd be happy to suggest some brands and other things to look for.
There really is no "best" 5er. What's best for you may not be best for me. We have one of the cheapest 5ers on the market, but for us it meets our needs just fine. A $120K DRV wouldn't. We only use ours a few times each year, pull it with an old F250 and prefer to camp in forest service campgrounds. IMO a TC would be better for us, but my wife likes a little more room, therefore a small 5er is "best" for us. 
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pmw2922
USA
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Thanks for all the replies and I really should have given more specifics. My family had a Winnebago Brave motorhome when I was in college and I had a 32' Carriage TT that was used when we bought a small farm in middle Tennesee and I lived in while buildig a house. I sold it after the house was livable as I could not see hauling it anywhere. It seemed so long, it would need it's own zip code. I am mechanically inclined and worked on both.
Now, the kids are grown and I am looking at a 5th wheel for just my wife and I. I presently have a 2003 F250 SD 4X4 long bed truck with a v10 that is a workhorse. I just picked up a used Reese 14K hitch. My intention is to try and stay under 10,000 lbs and probably 30' or less. My budget puts me at $7000 or so. My wife wants at least one slide out and I do like the option for more room.
I agree that current maintenane is a big consideration, but I also am sure that some brands have been better built with better materials and have held up better through use.
I guess, I am more interested in not picking up a lemon or one prone to structual issues. I would hate to be a bother on this board to ask about specific models. This would be a waste of what I see is a great resource. Again, thanks for the replies.
Paul : -)#
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