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.
Cheif -
The Excel owner who made that comment to me isn't some fly-by-night type of guy, and he only has top of the line products.
I understand, and concur entirely, that Excel is a top of the line product, and I would not have been seriously considering them for purchase otherwise.
Beauty is obviously more than skin deep, and I'm sure that Excels are a top quality product beneath that skin. However, after looking very carefully at the interior "skin" on the Excels, both my wife and I agreed with this Excel owner, that they are rather "frumpy".
I'm not saying that a rose by any other name is not still a rose (nor am I saying that Excel is not a quality product). What I am saying is that if it were dressed more attractively, it would exude more of a rose’s imagery.
I can see both sides of this topic. We have been in 5ers that may even cost less the Excel and enter the rig and say "OMG" this is really nice and fancy. Interiors are rather plush and "gushy" looking. I would no way call the interior of our Excel as "frumpy", but it is "clean and simple", the way we like things. Not a lot of "OMG" things that make your eyes bug out. There are times when I think I'd like "a little more bling" but then I get right back to my roots.
Most of the rigs that have the real "show stopper" interiors, have a lot lacking "under the skin" compared to our Excel. Being a "nuts and bolts" kinda guy, I like the quality stuff you find in an Excel. Get down on your hand and knees and take a close look at the "bowels" of the some of the "fru-fru interiored" rigs and you may be surprised of what you see!
It's been a while back, but I mentioned to Bryan that Excel could afford to add a "little more flash" to the interior, and I think they have some on the new ones, maybe they could use a little more, just don't do it in trade for what's under the skin....just my opinion. Tom
Rockintom
'05 Excel Limited 35ft. FLR 2 doors 1 on each side, trailer named "Journey"
'05 1 ton Chevy DRW Max&Allie Racor 660 Aux. Fuel Filter
Line-x Reese 20K hitch Prodigy controller GM nurf bars and folding bed cover - truck named "Tug" Fulltiming
Thanks for the great responses. We have an F350 so we can handle the Excel. The one I looked at was a 35 foot Limited. I agree the interior could be a little flashier, but it is the frame and construction that is the real selling point. On the bottom the frame is heavier and the roof is fiberglass not a rubber roof. We do plan to go for three to four months at a time but that is a little over two years in the future. The advice seems to lean pretty heavily toward going with the Excel and I am a bit surprised at that. We are going to another show this weekend. I'll let you know what we decide over the next few weeks.
You will get many good recommendations and it will be so confusing before you settle on the right RV. We looked around for several years before purchasing the Holiday Rambler "Presidential". There are many very good quality RV's on the market and the Presidential had EVERYTHING we were looking for in a RV plus they had a good reputation for making a quality product. This has proven to be true since we have not had a need for service since our purchase. Have fun during your research and shopping around and happy Rving!
If I understand your concern correctly, you feel, since your new to this, that a mid range unit may be better suited for you. I will go out on a limb here. I believe most folks who have mid range or lower mid range units at some point look to upgrade to a higher level unit. Going in you can indeed suffer sticker shock. While a mid or lower-mid range unit does serve many people well, especially folks who normally use their units on weekends and the annual two week camping vacation. These units hold up well under that level of usage. However, for folks who full time or use them for extended periods they may fall short on features and comfort.
If you are planning long term use and want to have the comfort of home when you are in your RV, then by all means I recommend you get the best unit you can afford. In some respects buying an RV can be compared to buying a Boat. Once you buy one, you want a bigger one.
I am sure others will disagree with my view point. However, I was trying to address your primary concern. Not what specific unit, but whether you should buy middle of the road or go for the higher end unit. I am a fulltimer and live in my RV 24/7. So, a higher end unit was very important to us. We wanted a unit that felt more like a home and less like a camper. If that makes sense. I am not knocking any of the units mentioned above, contrary, they are all nice units and each one serves a purpose. I think it all depends on how you intend to use the RV.
Good luck in your search. Don't rush the decision. Once you think you found the unit you want. Keep looking and looking. You may change your mind multiple times before pulling the trigger.
AdamG
06 Ford F-550 Custom Hauler W/Kelderman Air
07 KZ Escalade Sportster 41CKS
05 Harley Davidson Softail Fatboy (SE)
We have done almost everything you can do in RVing or camping. From tents to pop ups to tagalongs to class C and now to fifth wheels.
We were going to buy a new 5th wheel but just like I buy cars I would rather get a few year older used rig and go with a top of the line than go for a low end new unit.
I researched for 6 months or more and bought the RV Consumer Group CD for a little over $100 to further research trailers.
We got it down to about 5 brands and what sold me was the highway stability of the Excels.
Now I don't recommend this, but there have been times when I might look down at the speedometer and it was at 85. I never knew anything was behind me. I use to tow a 29 foot Fleetwood behind my full size Jimmy and I always knew something was back there.
Take your time making your selection, I started out with a 30 ft now in a 33 and when I get my HDT it will be time for a 35 or 36. Don't rush it and make sure you research all aspects of what you are buying.
I like to do my research online, once you go into a sales office you might be a bit swayed by what a talker might tell you.
Larry & Patty Godby Jo Jo & Shadow protecting us
2000 F-350 CrewCab LB 4x4, Auto Meter Gauges, Superchips Max MicroTuners, Master Brake Controller
2003 Excel 33 RSE, B&W Turnover Ball w/ Companion 5th Wheel Hitch, Garmin StreetPilot c580
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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