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Old 08-12-2015, 08:37 AM   #1
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5th Wheel Camper Suggestions

The missus and I are currently searching for 5th wheel camper, and so far can’t find what we want within the Forest River family. Thought I would put it out to the members to see if their particular camper meets our criteria so we can check that model out…..hopefully at the Hershey RV Show.

Needs:

Lightweight camper under 35’ long.

Able to use the camper with the slides in…….be able to open the fridge, easily get to the dinette to eat, use the bedroom for a nap during rest stops.

Comfortable chairs facing the TV……not a setup where we have to strain our necks to watch TV.

At least 2 windows in the bedroom for cross flow ventilation.

Plenty of wardrobe space, ideally across the front of the camper where a bed slide is used.


Wants:

On-board generator.

12 cu ft (or bigger) fridge.

Automatic leveling system would be nice.

Plenty of cabinets and storage, of course.


We have found an SOB that fits our criteria, but I want to make sure that we aren’t missing our “ideal unit”.
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:45 AM   #2
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Most units with slides are going to be some what tight with the slides in. I use to think I wouldn't like a 5er with a rear kitchen. But the one we have now has it and it's very convenient to access the fridge with the slides in.
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:47 AM   #3
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HMMM.. I dunno it sounds ideal to me...the light weight may be an issue unless 13-15K is light
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:48 AM   #4
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What's the SOB that you found?

The problem with getting to the dinette with the slides in is that most are flush floor slides and you're not supposed to be on them when the slide is retracted without fear of damage.
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:48 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Papa-t View Post
Most units with slides are going to be some what tight with the slides in. I use to think I wouldn't like a 5er with a rear kitchen. But the one we have now has it and it's very convenient to access the fridge with the slides in.
What camper do you have ??
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:54 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad View Post
What's the SOB that you found?
Doug, here is the floor plan.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad View Post
The problem with getting to the dinette with the slides in is that most are flush floor slides and you're not supposed to be on them when the slide is retracted without fear of damage.
I didn't know that !! I need to ask more questions before our final decision.
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:58 AM   #7
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I didn't know that !! I need to ask more questions before our final decision.

Yep. They "raise up" when the slide is in and there is an inch or so of space under the edge when the slide is in.

Nice looking floor plan. If you're looking at floor plans, if the master bed is in a slide out, there are often windows on either side of it by your head and then the room usually has a 3rd window in it.

I got a new appreciation for this after last week's campground power outage!
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Old 08-12-2015, 08:59 AM   #8
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WildCat 30rlbs
(seems to fit your requirements)

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Old 08-12-2015, 09:13 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Islander View Post
WildCat 30rlbs
(seems to fit your requirements)

Islander
Thanks, Islander. But it appears to no longer be manufactured.
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Old 08-12-2015, 09:18 AM   #10
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~ sorry ~

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Old 08-12-2015, 09:50 AM   #11
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Able to access sewer connections when slide are out........
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Old 08-12-2015, 12:12 PM   #12
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We looked for 5 years before deciding on the Sandpiper 30 RLS. It met everything we were looking for. The galley is in the middle....front bedroom is a slide out with three windows, the LR room is at the rear with two Lazy Boy recliners and couch that face the TV...that means you don't have to look through any area to watch TV. We have eaten at the table with the slides in, but it is tight. One could sleep with the slides in in the BR area. The bath is all enclosed...shower, basin, toilet...all in one room...no splits.
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Old 08-12-2015, 12:59 PM   #13
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Look at 313re from wildcat
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Old 08-12-2015, 01:04 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MtnGuy View Post
What camper do you have ??
Coachman Chaparral 24' we have owned several different 5ers. Have gone from a 36' three slide to a Scamp 19' and now back to a 24' which fits us well now.
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Old 08-12-2015, 01:41 PM   #15
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The one thing that is on my list for the next time I buy....Go sit on the commode for 5 mins with the door closed and see what you can wish for there. Mine is a better accommodation while on the throne! Enough said!
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Old 08-12-2015, 02:39 PM   #16
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Consider the V-Cross Platinum. Lots of room. Easy to walk through when slides are in. Easy to tow, easy to set up.
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Old 08-12-2015, 02:50 PM   #17
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We have a 2012 Blue Ridge 3125 that meets many of those requirements. Like you, we wanted something of medium size with comfortable chairs with a good view of the TV and an fridge that could be accessed without extending the slides. This unit has all that and, in fact, gives access to the entire kitchen, not just the fridge, without extending the slides.

The dining set is on the slide, however, so is not accessible while still in. And the unit is about 12,000 lbs so that may not meet your definition of light but we like ours a lot.

I think the current version floorplan is similar but slightly improved with an even better layout for the living room/TV area and an outdoor kitchen.

Good luck with your search.
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Old 08-12-2015, 05:15 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Genealdr View Post
We looked for 5 years before deciding on the Sandpiper 30 RLS.
That model is no longer listed on the Forest River website.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clarici l View Post
Look at 313re from wildcat
West coast only. That is a nice floorplan, but a little bigger than what we want.
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Old 08-12-2015, 05:30 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hobbit View Post
We have a 2012 Blue Ridge 3125 that meets many of those requirements.
That is a big trailer !!

Quote:
Originally Posted by NgaryH View Post
Consider the V-Cross Platinum. Lots of room. Easy to walk through when slides are in. Easy to tow, easy to set up.
I can't find a website. Can you post a link ??


Quote:
Originally Posted by Papa-t View Post
Coachman Chaparral 24' we have owned several different 5ers. Have gone from a 36' three slide to a Scamp 19' and now back to a 24' which fits us well now.
What model ??
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Old 08-12-2015, 05:31 PM   #20
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BTW, thanks for all of the suggestions !!
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