Brand comparisons for quality, durability, and USA made parts

[AsenathBarzani]

Hi all, it looks like I'll be needing to get a 5th wheeler so that I can have the live/work space I need, as well as a washer/dryer hookup. With that in mind, I'm wondering what the most reliable and durable models are, and who focuses on USA made parts as much as possible. A dealer told me that Winnebago focuses on quality and builds in-house, which among other things makes it easier to replace parts and deal with any malfunctions. Wondering if anyone here has experience with Winnebago and can confirm or deny that assertion.

I'm still considering NOrthwood but will need to upgrade to an Arctic Fox 5th wheel with washer/dryer hookup. From all the feedback I've gotten, seems to be a solid brand, and Pacific Northwest locally focused with an emphasis on American made parts.

Some other brand tips I've gotten are below. Would appreciate any feedback on people's experience with these brands:

spacecraft
new horizon
luxe
bowlus

I don't want to get a motorhome becuase I need to detach my truck and take off. I know motorhomes are easier to handle and are more cushy, but the need to detach my truck overrides those benefits.

Thanks as always!
Asenath

 

[AsenathBarzani]

Also wondering about people's experiences with these, which I've encountered at RV dealers:

East to West
Lance

 

[SpencerPJ]

Have you considered a Class A rv and tow a car around? IMO, a 5th wheel, can be a large setup to maneuver around. Nice once setup, but you still have a monster truck as your daily driver. There are some well built, well maintained, preowned Class A (motorhome) options. After reading many of your posts, personally I think it's a valid option for you.

 

[ferfer]

I don't want to get a motorhome becuase I need to detach my truck and take off. I know motorhomes are easier to handle and are more cushy, but the need to detach my truck overrides those benefits.

I do not understand what you mean 'I need to detach my truck and take off'? RV are either pulled by a motorized car/truck or a motorized RV can pull a car/truck. Motorhomes are designed to pull a car, truck, or trailer while pull behind must have a capable truck(car). Both pull behind and motorhomes have weight restrictions.

 

[AsenathBarzani]

Have you considered a Class A rv and tow a car around? IMO, a 5th wheel, can be a large setup to maneuver around. Nice once setup, but you still have a monster truck as your daily driver. There are some well built, well maintained, preowned Class A (motorhome) options. After reading many of your posts, personally I think it's a valid option for you.
View attachment 178293

Im open to anything at this point! Just trying to figure it all out. From what I researched, motorhomes are the easiest to dirve nad most comfortable to live in. I just wnated the ability to separate the trailer from the truck, so that I can be mobile. But your'e right, I could tow my truck behind. That would provide the advantage of not having to get a truck at all, because I could tow my SUV (whcih only tows 2k, so I thought I was going to have to sell it). I love that car, so that would be a plus. Previously I was looking at $30-$40 k price range for trailers, so a $100k motor home seemed outlandish. Now that I have wrapped my head around the $80 k range looking at fifth wheels, motorhomes seem more in the ballpark. So...thanks for helping me ponder these options!

 

[rvlifer]

Does bowlus make a 5th wheel?

I own a 2015 luxe and would say they have one of the best interiors and cabinetry of any 5th wheel. Spacecraft and new horizons i would say are higher quality with luxe coming in 3rd place. The manufacturer was great around support and that is a huge plus with any rv.

All 3 are very expensive and you will have a hard time finding one in you $80k price range.

If you arent in a rush we may be selling ours and it will be in your price range. It was in an accident and currently back at the manufacturer to get estimates for repairing it. Still waiting to see how it works out but if we end up selling it i will make sure it is repaired properly. I wont sell it if i think the next owner will have a lot of issues.

 

[AsenathBarzani]

I do not understand what you mean 'I need to detach my truck and take off'? RV are either pulled by a motorized car/truck or a motorized RV can pull a car/truck. Motorhomes are designed to pull a car, truck, or trailer while pull behind must have a capable truck(car). Both pull behind and motorhomes have weight restrictions.

Thank you. OPening to considering this option. Shared on another post, in my reply, why that didn't seem like the right choice previously. But maybe it is after all... Thoughts about quality manufacturers for motorhomes?

 

[AsenathBarzani]

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Have you considered a Class A rv and tow a car around? IMO, a 5th wheel, can be a large setup to maneuver around. Nice once setup, but you still have a monster truck as your daily driver. There are some well built, well maintained, preowned Class A (motorhome) options. After reading many of your posts, personally I think it's a valid option for

Does bowlus make a 5th wheel?

I own a 2015 luxe and would say they have one of the best interiors and cabinetry of any 5th wheel. Spacecraft and new horizons i would say are higher quality with luxe coming in 3rd place. The manufacturer was great around support and that is a huge plus with any rv.

All 3 are very expensive and you will have a hard time finding one in you $80k price range.

If you arent in a rush we may be selling ours and it will be in your price range. It was in an accident and currently back at the manufacturer to get estimates for repairing it. Still waiting to see how it works out but if we end up selling it i will make sure it is repaired properly. I wont sell it if i think the next owner will have a lot of issues.

looking for new only, just to err on the side of caution, but thank you!

 

[TheBar]

Previously I was looking at $30-$40 k price range for trailers, so a $100k motor home seemed outlandish. Now that I have wrapped my head around the $80 k range looking at fifth wheels, motorhomes seem more in the ballpark. So...thanks for helping me ponder these options!

Don't forget a low mileage truck will run $20K+ and make bad mpg even when not towing.

 

[rvlifer]

Don't forget a low mileage truck will run $20K+ and make bad mpg even when not towing.

Can you find them that inexpensive? I was very happy to find my current tow vehicle used in 2015 for $50k. I dont think i could afford to buy one today. Last time i checked new they were asking close to $130k for the options i currently have.

I think mpg is about a wash. Everyone i know with a class a gets about the same mpg or worse than i do when towing

 

[Larry N.]

That would provide the advantage of not having to get a truck at all, because I could tow my SUV (whcih only tows 2k, so I thought I was going to have to sell it). I love that car, so that would be a plus.

Which SUV? I ask because some must be towed on a dolly, some must be towed on a trailer, and a few can be towed flat (4 wheels down), so more things to consider.

 

[ferfer]

Thoughts about quality manufacturers for motorhomes?

I do actually. These are my thinking and worth exactly what you paid for them.

I applause your efforts but think you are chasing something that does not exist, at least at a reasonable price.

There are entry, better, and higher level RVs. The hope is that the fit and finish (what you see) reflects the quality and engineering of how each coach is built using quality materials(what can not see). The higher end do build better coaches but each coach model is an individual or limited number build. RV's do not have the quality controlled assembly line like car manufacture. The assumption RV quality is better with higher manufacture really depends which model vs their model line. Today's RV manufactures offer different systems, i.e. 12V/120V/propane, 120V all electric, 12V only fridge etc. but still a lot of common components between mfg..

I agree with your effort to find the best RV. To me that means find floorplans that work for you in your price range. You need to determine if your truck leasing company will allow a 5th wheel hitch installed in truck bed or a hitch install for trailer or in front to tow behind motorhome. Once you know if your truck is an option then determine ballpark weight limits for size trailer and fifth wheel you can safely tow. Now you have some known limits. Start looking for floorplans.

I do suggest you buy used and relay on pre purchase inspection. The thinking is the original owner corrected manufacturing problems.

I hope you can quickly narrow down the type of RV. Might help focus on floorplan.

But please keep asking. Without questions you may not find your answer.

 

[SpencerPJ]

Im open to anything at this point! motorhomes seem more in the ballpark. So...thanks for helping me ponder these options!

- Remember not all (actually not many) vehicles can be flat towed behind a motorhome. That would need to be a separate discussion, there are other options (dolly tow).
- Many would argue that an older Motorhome well cared for would be superior to anything new, and a lot cheaper. You just have it inspected by a qualified person.
- As you are finding out, RV lifestyle is not as cheap as it seems. Up front costs, maintenance, weekly/monthly rv park fees.
- I see your desire for a washer / dryer. Keep in mind, most RV washer / dryers are not the same as common household versions. Much smaller.

 

[Larry N.]

- I see your desire for a washer / dryer. Keep in mind, most RV washer / dryers are not the same as common household versions. Much smaller.

However, assuming the RV has enough space, the typical stackers are often used in apartments and work well for RVs. We had stackers in both our Beaver and our Ventana- DW loved them, and other than size, they were pretty much like we use at home.

 

[AsenathBarzani]

holy moly, that's a ton of cash! good to know about mpg. definitely feel more comfortable with the idea of a motorhome, was only avoiding it because of price, but all these variables makes it seem less outlandish than previously. would love some recommendations on quality manufacturers.

Which SUV? I ask because some must be towed on a dolly, some must be towed on a trailer, and a few can be towed flat (4 wheels down), so more things to consider.

Mazda cx-5

 

[AsenathBarzani]

I do actually. These are my thinking and worth exactly what you paid for them.

I applause your efforts but think you are chasing something that does not exist, at least at a reasonable price.

There are entry, better, and higher level RVs. The hope is that the fit and finish (what you see) reflects the quality and engineering of how each coach is built using quality materials(what can not see). The higher end do build better coaches but each coach model is an individual or limited number build. RV's do not have the quality controlled assembly line like car manufacture. The assumption RV quality is better with higher manufacture really depends which model vs their model line. Today's RV manufactures offer different systems, i.e. 12V/120V/propane, 120V all electric, 12V only fridge etc. but still a lot of common components between mfg..

I agree with your effort to find the best RV. To me that means find floorplans that work for you in your price range. You need to determine if your truck leasing company will allow a 5th wheel hitch installed in truck bed or a hitch install for trailer or in front to tow behind motorhome. Once you know if your truck is an option then determine ballpark weight limits for size trailer and fifth wheel you can safely tow. Now you have some known limits. Start looking for floorplans.

I do suggest you buy used and relay on pre purchase inspection. The thinking is the original owner corrected manufacturing problems.

I hope you can quickly narrow down the type of RV. Might help focus on floorplan.

But please keep asking. Without questions you may not find your answer.

Oh that is smart. That did not occur to me. The idea that someone will have taken care of the problems already. I was thinking of it as not wanting to inherit someone else's problems.Thank you.

 

[Boat Bum]

would love some recommendations on quality manufacturers.

No one ever got fired for buying a Newmar.

 

[Domo]

To me, the priorities for any RV are; Frame (including flooring structure and material), Watertightness, slide out mechanism and interior floor plan. Pretty much everything else is an add-on including; furnace, air conditioner, levelers, appliances and cabinetry <-- all of which you'll be forced to deal with during any RV ownership.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Just to throw a wet blanket on the discussion, maintenance and repair must be accounted for. If it's not DIY then those services must be scheduled, sourced, and paid for. And with what amounts to be a delivery truck this isn't as simple as a trip to jiffy lube and you're done in 35 minutes. In the case of common A & C chassis like the F53 and cutaway GM's, not all dealers will work on RV's. Getting things fixed away from home is pretty hit and miss. That can make the argument in favor of a tow vehicle and trailer, as trailers are simpler to work on and most dealers will work on pickup trucks. So I guess before one goes picking out curtains and place settings, the nuts and bolts of keeping the thing running and contingency plans for breakdowns should be understood. It's not enough to sign up for a roadside plan and bet your problems are solved dialing an 800 number. You would lose that bet.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[darsben]

What is your plan for living? Cold weather, follow the sun, traveling health care professional?