We're looking for a little input. I will retire in about two years and we will want a unit that is good for extended periods. We could get a rig such as an Excel for around $70,000. We would get some experience with the unit with shorter trips and weekends. The other option would be a mid-range 5er such as a Montana or Jayco. It would be a lot less money and we would still gain the experience with the fifth wheel. In terms of quality there does not seem to be much question that the Excel wins and it has a lot of positive features that do not exist on the mid-range units. I do not have trouble making decisions but I am interested in how people with more RV experience would decide. What is your recommendation?
My recommendation would be to go with the Excel. The extra features are nice to have. I am moving up and considered Excel, and would buy one, but due to the wood construction the weight is more than I want. www.Carriagerv.com Cameo is on my short list right now.
Have you considered buying a used Excel? If you aren't in a hurry and do your homework you can find good used ones now and then. We found a ten tear old NuWa product that had been well cared for. It was affordable and in the two years we have been living in it, there have been no major problems.
Russ
Excel has a great reputation. But quite heavy. Make sure you have a TV that can haul the weight.
If you find what meets your needs, go for it. Buying something less than you want, will cost you dearly for "the experience". Better off to buy one truck/trailer that meets your every need, than buying something less and then turning it over in a short time. Unless you have unlimited funds.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
If I could have any Fifth-wheel and had the proper tow vehicle to pull it, my first choice would be Excel. There is a Excel dealer about 35 miles from Albuquerque that is the #1 Excel dealer in the nation. Check them for inventory and priceing also check their used inventory...RV Sales...If you go with your second choice, I would check pricing at...RV Capital Wholesalers...You can price Everest,(cousin to the Montana) Heartland Landmark,Big Horn, Big Country and others. Good Luck!
2004 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Allison/Shortbed/Crew Cab/ 4x4
2004 Crossroads Cruiser Fifth Wheel CF29RK
1973 Seeker Travel Trailer (for the short trips)
When you say "extended periods", do you mean 3-4 weeks at a time or 3-4 months or more at at time. If you are looking at weeks, then one of the mid range models would serve you well and save $30,000. If you are looking at months and money is not a concern, then go for the upper end models.
Speaking from experience, you would most likely never be sorry if you purchase an Excel, new or used. Just to clarify something stated in one post in this thread, it is not the wood construction alone that makes an Excel heavy, it's many things including a super strong box tube frame. There is very little difference in weight (less than 500#) between wood framing and aluminum. Good luck and happy camping with whatever you decide on.
Bob & Sharon
Fort Worth, Texas
05 Excel Limited 35MKO
05 Ford F-350 PSD DRW 4X4
Crew Cab King Ranch
TowBoss & TowCommand
My wife and I have been seriously looking at 5th wheels for for the past 2 years. Excel was near the top of my list, along with Teton and Newmar. We visited several dealers, went to the Teton factory, and the Newmar factory (twice). We also talked to several dealers on the telphone, including the #1 Excel dealer in NM, already mentioned.
Although I do believe that Excel makes a fine 5th wheel, we ruled it out as a result of (I'm quoting an Excel owner here, with which we agree) "Their frumpy interiors".
We were in the market for the top end models, by the way. Teton Royale, Excel Limited, and Newmar Kountry Aire.
However, after taking everything into consideration, we settled on the Newmar Kountry Aire. In fact, we found 2 dealers that offered us about 10% more off MSRP than we were offered on Excel Limited's, thus bringing the price difference down to just a few $1,000's. (I believe that both of these dealers would also offer great service, which is worth about 5% of MSRP versus low or no service dealers, IMO).
The only significant drawback in my mind in choosing the Kountry Aire over the Excel Limited was that we had to acquire a larger tow vehicle due to the increased weight of the Kountry Aire -- had we chosen the Excel we probably could have gotten away with something like a Ford F350 (or equilavlent) and perhaps a single rear axle truck - something I would have preferred over a dually. (We're getting an F450)
a_flyfisher wrote: Although I do believe that Excel makes a fine 5th wheel, we ruled it out as a result of (I'm quoting an Excel owner here, with which we agree) "Their frumpy interiors".
"frumpy interiors" -- say what?? I don't know what your friend is calling "frumpy" but Excel 5th wheels are known for their quality inside and out. Please go to the Excel Forum link in my signature for owner's views.
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, but check out the HitchHiker line by NUWA. I think they are every bit as good as the Excel, but should come in a little less expensive.
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I don't know what your friend is calling "frumpy" but Excel 5th wheels are known for their quality inside and out. Please go to the Excel Forum link in my signature for owner's views.
