Fifth wheel recomendations - Diesel Forum

Kornfed · 05-02-2006, 12:06 PM

Looking to get a new 5th in the 30 ft/$30k range. The wife & I really like the rear living floor plan. Does anyone have any recommendations on manufacturer, model, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Kornfed · 05-02-2006, 03:44 PM

Anybody with good or bad 5th wheel experiences?

Believer45 · 05-02-2006, 04:06 PM

Not a lot of camping experience here compared to some of the RV sites. I frequent a few, in my opinion the best one I have come across is <font color="blue">THIS ONE</font>. It is kind of like TDS.COM for RVers.

They have a forum dedicated to fivers which should give you anything and everything you need.

Hope it helps out.

Dave / Believer45

SmokeyWren · 05-02-2006, 09:13 PM

We bought a new Keystone Sprinter 5 years ago. We have been extremely happy with it.

Our only problem the first year was a couple of broken springs and a few blow-outs on the too-small Goodyear trailer tires. Keystone replaced all the springs with heavier models, and I replaced all the tires and wheels with higher-capacity wheels and Cooper trailer tires. Since then, zero problems.

And that 5er has been coast to coast several times in the last 5 years. Nothing has broken or fallen off. Options on ours include fiberglass exterior, 15k AC, and day/night shades.

Here's the 2006 Sprinter 5er that sounds like what you're looking for. It will probably list for around $30k. Keystone has sized the tires better for that rig, but the 15k AC is still an option. If you plan to travel in hot country in the summertime, be sure you get that 15k AC option (instead of the std 13.5k).
http://keystone-sprinter.com/index.h...&year=2006

Tiger02 · 05-03-2006, 07:38 AM

Also look at the Keystone Outbacks. 4 floor plans up to 32 feet, and all can be had for below 30K. The nose shape does make a difference when towing.

http://keystone-outback.com/

Good luck with your search

RonRosewall · 05-04-2006, 12:16 PM

I have a Keystone Montana and we love it. It is a Front Living room model and has considerable toung weight. But it works for our family. You can get lots of opinions at Montana Owners Club There are a lot of good folks on the MOC that are there to help othe owners that are having problems. Keystone frequents the site and there are lots of numbers and people that will get you any help you need.
Here is a shot of my floorplan 3685 Front Living Room

SmokeyWren · 05-04-2006, 01:54 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I have a Keystone Montana and we love it.

[/ QUOTE ]

GVWR = 14,340. If you can keep the weight of the tow vehicle down to 8,000 pounds, that's a GCW of 22,340. So you need a GCWR of at least 23,000 pounds to tow it without exceeding the GCWR of the tow vehicle. Any of the 2005-up PSDs can handle it, but older PSDs would be overloaded.

Kornfed · 05-04-2006, 05:37 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. The wife & I are still looking at all of our options. I would like to stay as light as possible but I know that length of 5er usually equals somewhere around 13k GVWR.

Lclegg · 05-04-2006, 09:02 PM

Last RV was a 2003 Keystone Montana " Big Sky" and it was by far the best, most luxurious of any. With the aerodynamic front cap, it pulled better than the previous "Cardinal". Also held it's resale very well and actually sold for more than it cost ( used). Would advise on any 5ver, to get the 16" wheel option with "E" load range tires.

desertsands · 05-05-2006, 01:37 PM

Check out the KZ's they make some nice rigs, of course you will pay for it. www.kz-rv.com

T_Bone · 05-05-2006, 04:03 PM

Hi Kornfed,

Well I too used to like the rear livingroom until I seen the new side kitchen layouts that just suck. A rear kitchen yields more storage and counter space than a center kitchen.

Next, I would look for a all metal frame with a one piece roof (no seams).

The bottom of the trailer design yeilds more mpg precentage gain than any other part of the trailer design. Most from a covered belly with a 15º kick up and the end of the trailer that claimed 15% less aero drag.

I don't agree that the PSD is a limiting factor for GCW as I've had 31kGCW on my "stock" PSD without any problems at all. However the differential, clutch and transmission is where I feel the weakest link is. I figure 26kGCW to be cost effective maximum for my truck but course I'm my own warrantee provider too other than for the engine.

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wittmeba · 05-07-2006, 09:38 AM

Make a list of categories:

- Must have
- Like to have
- Optional

Stay focused on the Must have items. Should include things like structure, cabinet materials, flooring, roofing, etc.

Learn where models are in the pecking order of the parent company/mfg.

Here is a good link to most mfgs:

http://www.rvbg.com/manufacturers.cfm

ProDriver18 · 05-07-2006, 09:55 AM

While I don't own one, I've pulled many, many different trailers. I deliver new ones for a living all across the country. My hands down, no question about it favorite is the Keystone Outback 5th wheel.
Lightweight, nice inside, well built, they sit a little lower and with the rounded nose they really pull great. They do however need a tire upgrade, they are putting cheap bias ply tires on them.

rwjejits · 05-07-2006, 05:20 PM

I highly suggest going to site rv.net Loads of info there.

Sorry, don't know how to make this link clickable..just cut&paste

I'm addicted to that site as well...

GregAllen · 05-07-2006, 06:05 PM

Check out Jayco a 36 year old company built by the amish. Their fit up and finish is top of the line since they build all their cabinets and furniture in house. Best warrenty on the market 2 year bunper to bumper.