If not, please delete and sorry, if it is, what are places to find good info on fifth wheels? My wife is interested in a Forest River Impression 26RET. Are they good? Bad? Middle of the road?

We're pulling whatever we get with an 18 350 dually, so weight/payload isn't a factor for us at all really.

Again, if this isn't allowed, sorry!

 

Don't worry...your question is def. allowed... you just have to wait until someone that has one of these models to answer your question. another way is to Google it and look at any reviews that may pop up.

 

Yes, Great question, just hang in there, someone that has owned forest river products will likely chime in soon.

Sometimes the best option is to list what you want or must have in a 5th wheel, then go about finding one with the configuration you like.

As you said, you have the truck that will pull even the largest 5th wheels out there.

For us, If it doesn't have two bathrooms and a heated underbelly set of winter camping, I am not wasting my time to even open a door.

 

Go here.

Forest River Forums - Forest River Owners Community

 

 

If you are looking for a manufacturer or model that is better than others, good luck. Having worked on them for decades all I can say is quality control is a crap shoot. My two cents worth.

 

quality control ???? WTH is THAT ! QC and RV is like oil and water.

 

Watch this Took my 3 5w to find just what I wanted. This is excellent info for someone looking.

 

I think that video is a good overview if you are just starting out. The most important point the video makes is RVs are sold based on appearance, not construction. There are some points the speaker makes I would challenge, but those are simply from the perspective of someone who works on them. I would strongly encourage anyone buying to consider each unit as an individual rather than attempt to purchase by manufacturer, price point, or single component. There is simply no consistent quality control until you get into stuff that is priced nosebleed high.

The other thing I would suggest is relying on what you see. If something looks wrong or poorly done there is a very good chance it is. If you are new to all of this take someone along with you who is not.

 

 

When I was looking for a bumper pull toy hauler two years ago the Forest River Work & Play line was in my top five. At that time, Forest River had a good reputation. Now? Maybe not that great at quality from what I'm hearing.

Service after the sale seems to differentiate one brand from another. I've heard some extraordinarily positive feedback about the customer service from Grand Design. Yeah, you pay for that up front, but getting issues resolved and resolved quickly can make a huge difference. Based on one user's experience documented here on the forum there is no way I would look at the Montana line of trailers. Bad quality and ever worse customer service.

The trailer I ended up with is a 2006 so warranty isn't available. Fleetwood went bankrupt and completely abandoned their trailer line. They won't even talk to you on the phone if you have a trailer. If you aren't handy then a used trailer may not be a good fit.

 

I think floor plan first, then look at fit and finish. Can I get to the fidge with slides in? Can I get to the bathroom? Can I get in the bedroom with out having to open up like I'm in a camp site? You never know when the wife or kids need a quick pit stop or sandwich. Like looking at homes, quality shows, dove tail drawers, ball bearing drawer slides, wood not press board, LED lights, better appliances. Closed floors to hold heat, even heater floors, ducted A/C, like There is a definite difference in entry level and better made. You won't see staples, nails, better joint fitting etc. Like RV_Tech said take someone with RV experience they learned from mistakes you don't have to make. Took me 3 o find one I really liked and I learned from each.