The Top 3 Fifth Wheel RVs For Quality In 2024-2025
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Fifth wheel RVs are very popular with RV buyers. And there are lots of brands and models to choose from.
But which manufacturers and models are best to buy if you want an RV with higher build quality? This video gives you my personal recommendations for the 2024-2025 model year.
Here is the link for my fifth wheel buying guide featured in this video - payhip.com/b/8...
🟢 GET MY RV BUYING GUIDE FOR USED RVs - "How To Avoid Buying An RV Money Pit" AT THIS LINK - payhip.com/b/cPLl
🟢 GET MY RV BUYING GUIDE FOR NEW RVs - "How To Buy And Inspect A New RV The Right Way" AT THIS LINK - payhip.com/b/O...
🟢 GET MY CLASS A BUYING GUIDE FOR NEW RVs - payhip.com/b/p...
🟢 GET MY CLASS A BUYING GUIDE FOR USED RVs - payhip.com/b/a...
🟢 GET MY GUIDEBOOK ON BUYING CLASS B AND B PLUS RVs - payhip.com/b/N...
🟢 GET MY GUIDEBOOK ON THE BEST FIFTH WHEELS AND TOY HAULERS TO BUY NOW at this link - bit.ly/3xMwfdE
🟢 GET MY CLASS C BUYING GUIDE FOR NEW RVs - payhip.com/b/W...
🟢 GET MY USED CLASS C BUYING GUIDEBOOK - payhip.com/b/2...
IF THIS VIDEO WAS HELPFUL PLEASE SUPPORT MY CHANNEL BY DONATING WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE AT www.PayPal.Me/...
🟢 SUBSCRIBE TO MY PODCAST - rvinspectionan...
🟢 JOIN MY FACEBOOK RV GROUP "RV LIFE, TIPS AND REVIEWS" - / rvlifetipsandreviews
🟢 FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA -
Facebook - / rvinspectionandcare
Instagram - / rv_inspection_and_care
🔸 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY TH-cam CHANNEL NOW AND COMMENT BELOW!
🔸 PLEASE DO ME A FAVOR AND SHARE THIS VIDEO WITH OTHERS!
🔸 Don't forget to visit my website for even more helpful RV hints and tips at www.rvinspecti...
🔸 Find out about all of the RV Gear I recommend by clicking here - rvinspectionan...
🔸 Get my monthly newsletter on RVs and RV living - rvinspectionan...
🚐 Have safe and happy travels my friends!
🔹 Note: RV Inspection And Care LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But I only link to products I personally believe in, love and can recommend to others with complete confidence.
🔹 I am also associated with affiliate programs by a few other companies as well. So if you make a purchase as a result of clicking on one of the links in this description, I will earn a small commission. All purchases are private and using an affiliate link costs you nothing extra. But please keep in mind that using the links in this video description helps me to continue providing free content for you. Any support of my video content is very much appreciated!
🔹 This channel for entertainment purposes only. I am not an RV, travel or renovation expert. I share my opinions based on my experience and what works for me, but you should do your own research.
![[LIVE] MCHOICE & MINT AWARDS 2024 at TRUE ICON HALL, ICONSIAM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wMewUeT5nbY/mqdefault.jpg)
I just purchased a Brinkley Z3400. We are going to most time when we retire in 13 months. I have been researching for about year and half and I love the Brinkley’s fit and finish. I never thought in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would spend that much on a fifth wheel.
That sounds great Mike. I'm sure you're going to love your Brinkley. I hope you have lots of fun adventures in it!
My husband has been in the RV business here in Oregon and he is absolutely impressed with the quality of the Brinkley line as well. That will be our purchase when he retires
@@momsnoozy3 That's awesome. Have safe and happy RV travels in your Brinkley!
@@momsnoozy3 Where at in Oregon?
@@mikewadams1 Curtis Trailers in Aloha, Jim Snoozy
Happy as a clam with our 2024 DRV Houston. It measures 47ft from front cap to rear ladder, and GVWR is 24k lbs. Our F-350 DRW with a 5300# payload just handles this rig. Loaded out for full time living, the trailer comes in at 23,730#, and the Truck is right up to its max 14,000 lb GVWR. We do have a generator and washer/dryer installed. We put 15,000 miles on it the first year. We've had it over the Sierra Nevadas, been over 10,000 ft passes, and up/down long 8% grades. The truck and trailer handle perfectly. It took some six months to get the initial warranty items settled, the dealer and factory support have been great.. My one gripe is that the solid wood used on the valences over each window are too heavy, so they tend to get loose with our mileage. These are stapled on, and have been my only quality complaint (well that and the useless tank level indicators). These are quite minor items and can be dealt with; nothing is perfect! I've had issues with the rubber membrane roof covers in past 5th wheels, we sought out the fiberglass roof option, and have had no issues with that. Weathering TS Debby, we've had 9 inches of rain in one day, some of it sideways...dry as a bone inside, and rock steady!
That's awesome James. It sounds like you have a great rig and you're very happy that you chose DRV. I hope you have lots of fun adventures in your full-time travels!
We have a Drv FULLHOUSE 2023
The bedroom slide liks water I have to close it when it rains
Very annoying
There is more I can go on
The warranty people say it was fix but not until we got to Florida we find out
Thanks for the info. Happy to see you list the Montanas here!! I agree. We are really happy with our 2022 Montana Legacy 3761FL. We had minor issues but overall it's been a great rig!!
So glad to hear about your good experience with a Montana. I hope you have lots of great adventures in that rig!
As always, thanks for another informative video. It's good to have someone with your experience so willing to share their knowledge and further educate RV buyers/owners. And, as before, my hats off to you with your patience and good sense in handling some of the comments posted here and in previous vids.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. And thanks for the positive words of encouragement. It's nice to hear!
I am also pleased to see Montana make your top picks. We have a 2018 3560RL Legacy, and while we've had a few minor issues which I've been able to address myself, it has been a fantastic RV.
Thanks for sharing your Montana experience. I'm sure it will be helpful for others viewing these comments. Have safe and happy travels in your Montana!
Liz amazing just showed how DRV takes care of of there customers. No so good.
I don't know or follow Liz Amazing, so I can't comment on her specific issues. But I do know that the vast majority of DRV owners are very happy with their rig and with the customer service they have received.
We drove from Florida to Indiana to get mayor warranty done it was a waste they didn’t fix anything
My slide still liks and I can go on and on
Drv warranty people did a poorly job
Don’t recommend it
I think one oft forgotten 5th wheel is the Outdoors RV brand out of Oregon. They make a high quality 5ver
Not really. Like I said in the video, these brands don't constitute the full list of recommended 5th wheel brands and models found in my guidebook. And Outdoors RV is one of those brands.
I"m going to agree with you. We've had numerous RV's over the past 45+ years and currently own a ORV. Yes they have some issues; but overall we've had great success for 3 yers; & would buy another one in heartbeat. They are smaller profile & length than a DRV but also half the cost.
Happy to see you listed the Montana. We have a 2022 3761fl Montana and love it.
That's awesome. Thanks for telling us about your Montana experience!
I think giving Brinkley the number two spot is a little premature considering how new they are. I think it will take 3-5 years before you can start putting them ahead of 98% of the others.
I'm sorry you don't agree, but I stand by my recommendation. I have seen enough to confidently recommend Brinkley as one of the better quality RV builders out there and their building methods are far ahead of most other RV manufacturers right now.
Thanks for the informative video! Have you inspected a Northwoods Arctic Fox Grand Ronde? I like the fact that they make their own frames and have heard a lot of good things about them in general. Thanks again and I just subscribed to your channel.
Yes, I have inspected several Grand Rondes and they are on my recommended list of better quality brands found in my guidebook. And thanks for the sub!
I'm interested in a Reflection. What are your thoughts and recommendations?
Hi Dan. There is a lot of negativity being spread around online about Grand Design RVs now and much of it is unfair in my opinion. I have personally inspected several Grand Design 2024 fifth wheels and travel trailers in the last 6 months on dealer lots. And my conclusion is that although GD experienced problems with quality during the Covid years just like all other RV manufacturers did, they seem to be returning to pretty good overall build quality at this point. So I have no problem recommending the new models.
Looking at a Jayco Eagle HT (25RUC). Thoughts? Seems like Jayco uses higher than average quality materials and components.
Jayco is on my recommended list of better quality manufacturers compared to their competition.
I would agree that in almost everything you pay for what you get for. Unfortunately I have seen $200,000 5th wheels and 800,000 motorhomes with horrible quality. So where is the line. If you cant get quality for close to a million dollars then what does it take?
Product consistency is a challenge for all RV manufacturers because they are all still built essentially by hand. And the better brands do a good job with maintaining consistency in their products. But that doesn't mean that they are perfect by any means and you can get a poorly built RV from any RV brand. But the odds of that happening are much less with the better brands. However, I always recommend that RV buyers make good use of certified RV inspectors when they buy either a new or used RV to help make sure that the RV they are considering is not a lemon. And I also recommend that if you're going to spend that much money on an RV, it's a good idea in my opinion to buy an aftermarket service contract from a reputable broker like wholesalewarranties.com to lower your personal out of pocket risks associated with costly repairs. It's the people who refuse to follow the advice I just mentioned here that are most likely to get problem RVs that they are dissatisfied with.
What are your thoughts on the East to West Ahara 5th wheels?
Unfortunately, East to West is not on my recommended list of 5th wheel brands. That doesn't mean that you can't get a good RV from East to West though. It just means that you can probably do better for overall quality consistency with a different brand for similar money spent.
@RVInspectionAndCare thanks. However, I was talking about the Ahara line. This line uses Dovetail cabinets and has brass fitting for the plumbing. This is the same as the Brinkley.
Not sure if DRV is all you crack it up to be. I had a friend who had 2 of them as a full timer. Both times he had water intrusion issues. And this was an isolated case as in spending time myself as a full timer I meet a number of people. I have been told on numerous occasions from DRV owners about water intrusion problems. Myself, I absolutely love my Landmark. Unfortunately they have “suspended production. If you want a true high end, then check out New Horizon 5th wheels.
You are free to have your own opinion about DRV Rick. But my viewpoint is not based solely on what I've been told by others. I have personally inspected several new DRV fifth wheels in the past 6 months and in my opinion their overall build quality is very good right now. Also, my experience is that water intrusion issues are seldom the fault of the manufacturer. They usually happen because the owner has not inspected and maintained their RV's joints and seams like they should. And by the way, yes New Horizon makes a great product but they are much higher in cost than a DRV. So try to compare apples to apples if you can. This list was meant to cover most of the price ranges from higher end to more affordable. It's not just a list of all the super high end 5th wheel manufacturers that have higher overall build quality because they are getting a ton of money for their products.
@@RVInspectionAndCare not too be disrespectful but you stated high end 5th wheels. New Horizons is a high end unit. Also, call Rolling Acres in OK, they know about the intrusion issues. While I won’t disagree on the lack of maintenance on most owners part, I believe those that buy and own new DRV’s have the wherewithal to have their sealing checked and fixed.
@@Rick92153 You didn't read my comment carefully. I said that whereas DRV is on the higher end of fifth wheel manufacturers, I did not want to make the three brands I featured in this video simply a collection of "super high end" manufacturers, meaning New Horizons and others like them. But clearly you have convinced yourself that DRV has serious problems at this point and nothing I'm going to say will change that. And that's fine, because it leaves more DRVs available for those who understand their true value.
We are considering the Ahara 380FL. Is this on your list? Thank You for a informative video!!
H Sharon. No I am sorry but that brand and model did not make my recommended list. That doesn't mean that you can't get a good East to West RV. It just means that I feel there are better choices to consider in that price range. My full recommended fifth wheel list can be found here - payhip.com/b/82KPO . Thanks for watching!
What do you think of a Keystone Cougar 368MBI? My husband is trying to get one built for us to maybe winter in and maybe full time in when I retire….🎉
As I said in the video, I feel that Keystone makes some pretty good higher end fifth wheels, like the Montana. And the Cougar is another iconic model that has many happy owners. Of course, there are lots of versions of the Cougar as Keystone seems to be bent on putting out a dizzying array of models. But the one you mention is on the high end of the Cougar line. And my experience is that Keystone tends to build better quality RVs as the price increases. So it could be a very good choice. Just be sure to get it inspected before you take ownership of it to be sure that it is in good and usable shape right away.
My wife and I are looking for a small 5th wheel we can tow back to the midwest from Arizona each summer. We looked at the Keystone Cougar 23MLE and there were a lot of obvious quality shortcomings. So, we're reluctant to purchase that one. We've seen reports of Alliance coming out with a 23ML rear kitchen design, but there are none out on the market just yet. Your thoughts the smaller Alliance 5th wheels? Should we wait for one?
All I can say is that Alliance tends to build a very good quality product. Keystone is much better on overall quality in the higher price ranges but as the price for the RV goes down, so does the quality. Of course, that is to be expected to some extent. But the dropoff is a little more dramatic with Keystone.
Duane, what’s your thoughts on the Jayco Pinnacle and the Riverstone Legacy models? I agree with you on Brinkley only issue is they don’t put half baths in the Z line. Thanks for this video!
If I had to choose between those two RVs, I would choose the Jayco Pinnacle for overall quality. Thanks for watching!
@@RVInspectionAndCare I’m down to the G3500 or the Jayco 36 FBTS
I would love to hear ur opinion on Heritage Glen by River forest...they have amazing looking floorplan now..are they good quality? Thanks
Unfortunately, I don't recommend Forest River 5th wheels for various reasons. One of the biggest mistakes RV buyers make is getting an RV because of its appearance or floor plan without giving serious thought the the build quality of the brand and model.
I would like here what you have to say about DRV or Keystone as they are owned by Thor Ind. Bad reviews Thor Ind. Built stuff. Brinkley very cool. Signed Big Phil
Hi Big Phil. I'm not a big Thor fan either. But there is no clear evidence that Thor has clearly and directly negatively influenced the companies that they now own. It's just a bunch of hearsay by people who usually don't know what they are talking about. The truth is that the Covid pandemic had a far more negative impact on both DRV and Keystone than Thor did in recent years. And now that the pandemic is behind us, they are returning to better quality products and customer service.
Thanks makes me feel a little better about future of the RV Ind. I have not heard a lot of issues with Keystone and DRV. Some. I would like to here more about quality in the Destination trailers. I feel they are in a different group from Travel trailers.
@@philjohnson-ic7dm There is a lot of negativity and drama spread around online that often originates with online influencers who are just trying to get more views on their channel. I do my best to set the record straight but a lot of people aren't interested in that. So I appreciate you're asking questions to try to learn rather than just parroting what others have said. Unfortunately, I have not had a lot of exposure with destination trailers yet and so I can't really comment on them at this point. Have safe and happy RV travels Big Phil!
Peak MT Camps. What u think about them .love your show hereTK you so much ❤
Honestly I haven't had any experience with them so far. But I'll keep my eye out for them in the future. Thanks for your suggestion and for supporting the channel!
Tk u for reading.i do love your channel. It's hard fine real out there.if you ever up too Nashville TN. Let me know come on over to Cheerkee Marna and Camp ground....❤
@@alvindorris4373 Thanks so much for the invitation Alvin. I may surprise you one day. Have safe and happy RV travels my friend!
Us the sprinter limited 3810qbs a good 5th wheel??
Keystone turns out pretty good quality for being a high production RV builder. And the better quality RVs are at the higher end of their line, with quality dropping off as the price decreases. The Sprinter Limited you mentioned should have good overall build quality in most cases. But I always advise to use a certified RV inspector to make sure that the RV doesn't have any hidden problems before you buy it.
What about the LUXE?
Luxe builds a very good 5th wheel and they are on my recommended list in my guidebook.
Thk U
You're welcome Roger. I'm glad it was helpful.
I f they are built by a Thor owned company stay away.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject with us. Safe and happy travels to you!
What is you opinion of cedar creek fifth wheels.
Cedar Creek is not on my recommended list. That doesn't mean that you can't get a good Cedar Creek RV. It just means that you have better options for the same money in my opinion.
What about Columbus 5th wheels? Looking at a new 380RL. Thank you.
Hi Steve. Columbus 5th wheels are built by Palomino and unfortunately that brand is not on my recommended list. That doesn't mean that you can get a good Columbus 5th wheel. It just means that there are better choices for a similar cost in my opinion.
I’ve been considering an Ember RV, and their owner reports of problems, Ember saying no after a few attempts to repair leaks (water intrusion while driving) have made me pause and rethink my decision.
Don't believe everything you hear online. There is a lot of negativity and half-truths being spread about some very good quality manufacturers.
@@RVInspectionAndCare - what is your opinion of Ember? I’m not sure if you’ve done one of these for “semi-quasi off road RV’s,” but I would love your input. And yes, I am just now aware I should have checked if you had before asking, my bad!
@@Erin-Thor Honestly, I plan on doing more hands-on inspections of Ember in the next 6 months. So I haven't had a lot of exposure to them so far but what I have seen has been encouraging. Stay tuned. 🙂
Your thoughts on Alliance Paradigm
It's definitely on my recommended list. Thanks for watching!
Thank you. Currently looking for full-time RVing. Love Brinkley too. Im in Canada so prices are much higher here. Brinkley has gone up a LOT in one year...in Canada anyway. Thanks again
Heavyweights
Yes quality fifth wheel RVs tend to be heavy. Thanks for watching!
The number one problem with DRV they are owed by Thor. Thor has a reputation of buying a company, sending in the accountants and destroying the product. I also noticed you didn't consider Riverstone Legacy, or at least you didn't mention them.
There is absolutely no clear evidence that Thor has negatively impacted DRV. That is just rumors spread online by people who really don't know what they are talking about. My personal inspections of new DRVs within just the past few months indicates that they are starting to recover nicely from the negative effects of the Covid pandemic. At the same time my inspections of new Riverstones did not leave me favorably impressed.
Montana HC 377fl?
Yes, that model is on my recommended list. Thanks for watching!
None of them have outdoor kitchen,we camp a lot and we need an outdoor kitchen so much easier
Sorry about that Chuck. But my recommendations are not based on appliances, components or features. Only on who puts out the best overall build quality.
New Horizons beats all of them but are considerably higher in price.
Yes, New Horizons is very good. But this video isn't just about all of the highest end and most costly 5th wheels. It has to include brands and models that are within reach of a good portion of the buying public.
@@RVInspectionAndCare
I have talked to several DRV owners that have had many issues. I think DRV quality has gone down since they were bought out . They used to be a top notch RV
@@cwtex59 Well I have personally inspected several new DRV 5th wheels in just the past few months and they were incredibly well built. DRV had trouble with quality control during the Covid years just like every other RV manufacturer did. But that doesn't mean that their overall quality has gone downhill for good. They seem to be rebounding nicely just like most of the better RV manufacturers in the industry.
@@RVInspectionAndCare
The people I know one had a DRV pre 2020 and the walls were failing . They found screws backing out or shearing off . They were full timers and said floor was also buckling. They bought it new and said after first year it was constantly being repaired. The other DRV was a2022 and it had similar issues. Off the line it had minor issues like most do but the issues started multiplying after miles started racking up . They both have bought New Horizons and that ended the structural issues they were having. I’m sure if you inspected a new DRV it would probably look good but it’s when it’s used that the issues happens. All manufacturers can have issues with common components they all use . It’s the fit and finish, structural , quality of build that they lack .
@@cwtex59 Making a decision about a whole brand on the basis of just one or even two RVs is not wise. I never do that. My recommendations are based on lots of research, many online reviews as well as my personal interactions with RV owners. I stand by my recommendation of DRV as a brand.
Riverstone is better then DRV and cheaper.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just don't happen to agree with yours.