We read too many topics describing poor craftsmanship and/or customer service by RV manufacturers. Our experience with Peterson Industries, Excel 5th Wheels, has been more like joining a family than just purchasing an RV. From the owner, company president, and customer service folks, we have been treated as if we were more than just owners of one of their RVs. They have raised the bar with their 2009 5th Wheels. Now, I need to convince the DW we need to accelerate our upgrade plan -- she'll tell me to "dream on"!! .
If you're in the market for a quality 5th wheel backed by an outstanding factory staff, check out the Excel.
I have to agree with you. We have a 35' right now but we are in the process of moving back to our house in MT and wanted something smaller so we are in the process of getting a 30TKE. I have never seen a president more accessable than Bryan. Everybody that I have dealt with at Peterson Ind. has been great and it is true that you feel like you have become family when you buy one their great rigs. We have had many other brands and none, and I repeat none have been as nice as the Excel. One of our previous 5ers was an Elite Suites by DoubleTree (now don't get me wrong they are nice also) and it may have been fancier but I feel (now this my opinion) the Excel exceeds my Elite in quality.
This is IMO
Butch
2006 F550 CC 4X4 Lariat PSD/Torqshift Dark Shadow Grey Metalic w/Manning F350 bed
2007 Excel Limited 35RSE
2009 Excel Limited 30TKE (On Order)
2006 Dodge 3500 Laramie 4X4 QC SB SRW/Cummins 6 speed Jake exhaust brake
In '07 we bought a '93 excel, and the quality is great. We've made some cosmetic changes to suit our style other than that only repair we've had to do was replace the rubber gasket around the slide out. Called Peterson described what we needed and how much. They had the gasket in stock, but the staff offered some suggestions so we wouldn't have to buy the full length of the gasket. We went ahead and replace the entire length but did appreciate the fact that we were offered options. This 5er was well used when we purchased it, guest are always suprised by the year, because of the craftmanship and quality.
There are a lot of things that I, too, like about Excel, and they were up near the top of our short list last year when we were looking to buy a new 5th wheel.
However, I could not get past their "dated" interiors (one Excel owner described them to me as "frumpy") and we bought a Newmar Kountry Aire instead.
How is Excel doing with thier sales this year? I hope they are one of the survivors.
I remember we looked at them in 2003, but either didn't like any of the floorplans, or I didn't have enough headroom in the bedroom area. The was the top two things that wiped a lot of 5th wheel trailers off our list.
Still see a lot of them in the midwest.
Nolan and JoAnn
2000 Kenworth T600. (The Little Blue Truck)
2004 NuWa Hitchhiker Champagne 33LKTG
2003 Kawasaki Nomad. The Cow. (mine)
2004 Harley Road King. The Hog. (hers) http://community.webshots.com/user/2ontheroad
Just brought a 2003 Excel 28RGO home and couldn't be happier. Well taken care of, still looks like new. Looking forward to a lifetime of service with it! Called the company and talked to a vice-president and was very impressed with the reception and time he took with me. Big John: I'm also an Illini boy and have been to the Excel owners forum but haven't figured out how to make a post... Lee
We have been fulltiming in our Excel for over 3 years. Great product. As with any fifth wheel that goes down the road as a rolling earthquake at a 3.5 rating (average road), there are gonna be issues. However our issues have been mainly with suppliers (vendors) products, not the craftmanship of the rig. Excel has stood tall on everything and we have enjoyed their great customer service. They are heavier than most, but for a good reason, they're tough. I would hate to think about FTing with any less a unit. Thanks Excel! 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
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-- she'll tell me to "dream on"!! 
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