We are considering a change to a 28-35 foot 5er as our travel plans have changed considerably. Money is no object (yeah right...) but we have a good budget. I have a 2011 Diesel F350 with airbags so what do I look for? Here is what I decided we need so far:
Towability (don't want to have to purchase an F550)since weight is a consideration
Excellent insulation as we spend a lot of time in cold weather now
Durability as we are going to Alaska
Quality and comfort (of course)
Roominess, washer-dryer, central vac, nice kitchen for the wife
Generator ready, easy leveling and comfy recliners for me
Additional questions
best frame?
best roof?
best running gear, suspension, etc.
If you really want the best thing for you, consider any number of custom makers as featured in Escapees magazine, or I'm sure an internet search would turn up several. Not cheap by any means, but you get exactly what you want.
Cardinal has some nice floor plans. As does Alpine and Montana. Don't overlook Arctic Fox. Last of the privately owned companies. Make their own frames and have a very good reputation.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All
Best made, probably New Horizon, custom design only and really heavy. Below that is probably Mobile Estate and Hitchhiker.
Best value, IMO is Arctic Fox. Well made, but with little "splash", that is things like stained glass inserts in the cabinet doors,
2008 F350SD V10 with an 2012 Arctic Fox 29-5E When someone tells you to buy the same rig they own, listen, they might be right. When they tell you to buy a different rig then they own, really pay attention, they probably know something you don't.
The new Montanas can be ordered in the Big Sky edition...nice options available. Big shower, dual a/c ducted with zone control, generator, washer/dryer prep, automatic hydraulic leveling system, leather sofa and recliners, full paint,...saw one at the RV show in Destin, FL recently. I'd love to pull the trigger on one of those.
Select suites seems to be another popular series....
I wouldn't rule out some of the toy haulers that are available....
Wills250psd wrote: THE BEST 5ER is one thats paid for.
x2
Al & Eva
2007.5 2500 Dodge 6.7
2010 Montana Mountaineer 335 RET
Bessie the Bassett (in doggie heaven 4/10/13)
Little Bit the Terrier (in doggie heaven 5/14/12)
Hickory Foothills Good Sam Chapter member
We just purchased a Montana at a great price, it met all of our needs and then some. I suggest you look at all fivers you can and find the one that works, both in design and price. While we don't plan to live in ours full time,, it is sold with manufactures statements, stating it can be used in that manner. Many RVs for a variety of reasons don't make those claims. Happy hunting!
Wills250psd wrote: THE BEST 5ER is one thats paid for.
x2
X3.
We made it a rule to never make payments on toys so we can save our money. Because of our philosophy (and not because we've made a lot of money), we no longer have to make payments on anything and when we need a new RV, well pay for it. This meant that throughout the years we've had some pretty junky RV's but we still had fun.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
2002 F-350 PSD CC LB DRW 6WD 6spd, Reese 16K, Prodigy
2005 Keystone Laredo 29BH
Loving Wife and three great children 16, 10 and 5 AC B, WD Farmall W-4, M, 140, 656hydro JD A
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