Wife and I are looking into possibly buying an RV next year.

With our '07 CTD, we're looking in the 29'-32' range 5th wheels with slide-outs.

Anybody recommend RV brands not to buy? We know enough not to get those trailers with the corrugated siding and to get 16" trailer wheels if we can find them. Any RV brand advice to look at or not look at would be appreciated.

We've looked at Cardinal and Sandpiper rv's here in SE Texas. Those seem ok.

 

I'd recommend seeing if there is a big RV show coming to your area, as they are your best opportunity to see many brands side by side.

Take a digital camera and make the 1st shot of each unit you are interested in a picture of the poster that says what the unit is. You will likely see so many that they will run together.

Beyond that, look hard at the little things: Construction quality under the cabinets, pipes and junk hanging down or tucked into an insulated belly, access to batteries, access to the bed and bathroom when the slides are in... If I were to buy a new one, I'd also opt for a china bowl.

Most of the high end units will be fiberglass, but I don't really consider metal siding bad. Fiberglass is heavier, can delaminate, and some of it will yellow if it lives in the desert sun. Fiberglass does look better, is likely easier to keep clean, and it provides better sound insulation.

Lastly, unless money isn't an object, once you have found what you want I'd at least do some internet searches of the used market. These things drop huge value in the first year or two, whether they get used much or not...

 

arctic fox are four season beasts.

sunnybrook and sunline's titan series are solid too.

forest river: cardinal or cedar creek

 

We just bought a new Keystone Cougar TT and love it. It is 33ft long (model 304BHS) and tows very well. We traded up from a Fleetwood Niagara pop-up and are really pleased. It has two slide-outs with bunk beds in the back.

My opinion - decide which floor model you like (bunks, no bunks, 5th wheel, Travel trailer, etc) then look at your local dealers. One of the most important things I found when buying a camper is the dealership and maintenance department. Also, prior to buying our camper, I visited the rv.net forum a lot to see what other folks thought about the quality of campers.

 

I have an F32Sp Sandpiper Sport. This is my 4th season and everything has performed perfectly. I bought it at one of those RV shows and got a great deal. Dispite the many brands that are out there a Trailer is a Trailer and you just got to hope that the one you bought was built on a GOOD DAY !

 

How much do you want to spend? 30' 5th wheels can range from less than $20,000 to more than $100,000. How do you expect to use it? RV resort or boondocking in the middle of nowhere? Some RVs are better suited than others for the intended use.

 

Before you make the final decision to purchase visit RV.ORG and buy a copy of their RV rating guide. Keep in mind that no RV salesman is looking out for your best interest. They are in the business of selleing RVs. With the RV rating guide you can prepare a short list of the better rated units and go from there. This is the approach I used. As noted in my signature I purchased an Arctic Fox.

 

My inlaws just bought a new 30 foot Sunnybrook 5'er and what a piece of . They have taken it back twice for numerous things. Must not have any quality control at that facility. On the other hand I just bought a Keystone Raptor and what a difference. No big issues and the deals are out there on the 2006 models so shop around. There is also a checklist that you can get for a pre inspection of what ever kind of unit you may look at. Good luck!!

 

I have a nice 30' 2005 Jayco 5ver in the classifieds. Take a look.

 

Remember one thing. There is a good reason why there are not many RV companies that have weathered all the ups and downs over the years. Many upstarts have come and gone. I have been around the RV stuff since the 60s and most companies cater to women, in the fact that they make them look really pretty to attract. Look below the surface and that is where you will find the real quality. I am on my 3rd Jayco trailer and have never had any problems with them. They are well built and come in all sorts of price ranges. Their factory in Middlebury IN. will allow you to tour the plant which is very nice to see how they are made. They have been around since 1968 and they are in rare company as there are very few companies that can boast that. Just my 2 cents.

 

I know you said 5er, but I LOVE my Airstream. It tows great, better mileage and great quality. In fact, the best quality. The best thing is years from now you would just have an old, used up trailer, an Airstream will always look great and you will have a line of buyers waiting to take it off your hands. Just be sure to get 25% off list price. I have a 25' CCD model, it is ultra modern looks like a Ikea on wheels. I have towed mine almost 90,000 miles to over 45 National Parks. Saying it has been great Would be the understatement of the century!!!!!

 

we have a jayco eagle 341rlqs 38' and absolutly love it. it money wasn't an issue though i would have bought an explorer, or a numar mountain aire , the mountain aire models have dually axles and absolutly amazing interior finishes.

 

I've got a 2005 Jayco bumper pull lightweight. I LOVE IT!! I would concur on the observations of the other respondents comments on Jayco.

 

After you have looked at some RV's and gotten a few models in mind..go online to RV clubs or sites and ask questions on specifics from actual owners of the models that you liked...you can find several sites for RV clubs and particular makes (brands) by just going to search..but keep in mind almost all makes will have some flaws...what ever you get, good luck and have fun.

 

I have a 2005 Jayco. I have haulded it quite a few miles in some fairly rugged terrain, and I love it. My input is look at the storage layout, that is a big factor for us.