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Old 08-27-2014, 03:19 PM   #1
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Rank FR fiver brands on quality

I am considering moving up to a fiver, as my TT is short on storage space. How would you rank the FR fivers on quality? I don't mean as a whole but comparing the models against each other? I am not necessarily looking for the most luxurious one but am interested in build quality, quality of materials, R value, etc.
Somewhere in the 30-35' range.

My wish list is:
1. adequate insulation for summers in Texas
2. sharp turn radius cap and/or extended hitch pin as I have a 6.5' bed
3. Power front jacks
4. full size queen
5. linen closet in bathroom
5. washer/dryer prep
6. clear view of the TV- I don't want to have to look over or around a kitchen island or have to turn my head sideways to watch tv
7. Large holding tanks as I dry camp some.
8. Lot's of inside storage (or double bunks so I can store suitcases, etc on one of the bunks)

So far I have looked at Wildcats, Cedar Creeks, Sierra's, Wildwood, Blue Ridge and Heritage Glen.

If you have one of these how do you like it? How would you rank the above listed for quality?
Any other FR fiver's that I should take a look at?
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Old 08-27-2014, 03:21 PM   #2
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Palomino sabre.

BTW there's 7 new floor plans coming out this fall!

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Old 09-13-2014, 05:58 PM   #3
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Coachmen Brookstone would have everything on your list including the best turning radius of any fifth wheel made.
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Old 09-13-2014, 06:21 PM   #4
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Of the brands you mentioned I’ll list them in order of quality.

Cedar Creeks (hung wall construction and a frame on 16” centers or less.)
Blue Ridge
Wildcat
Sierra/Sandpiper
Heritage Glen
Wildwood

My opinion of course.
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Old 09-13-2014, 09:19 PM   #5
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We have a Wildcat 327ck and it has most of your wish list wants. I took a plant tour in august and saw how they were made.

They start with a new design drop frame with a Mor Ryde suspension system and Load range E 16" tires.

The walls are vacuum bonded foam and 16" spaced ribs with fiberglass insulation in the roof.

The layout is great a large TV and fireplace on the end wall with a great view.

50 amp service prep'd for a second A/C, washer/dryer hook up, and solar power hook up.

Large FW, gray & black water tanks with a 10 gal. hot water heater.

Lots of storage and a wrap around kitchen with tons of counter space.

The PDI was great with a few minor problems due to shipping from the plant.


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Old 09-13-2014, 10:18 PM   #6
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Hey lucky dog...which brookstone do you have? We just got our 361LS two weeks ago and absolutely agree with you...we love our new trailerClick image for larger version

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Old 09-14-2014, 06:10 AM   #7
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I don't have any experience with any of those RVs but with all the issues from water damage and delamination I would look for (or order) one with the Azdel siding. No luan in the siding and water will not harm it.
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Old 09-14-2014, 06:24 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by harderd View Post
I don't have any experience with any of those RVs but with all the issues from water damage and delamination I would look for (or order) one with the Azdel siding. No luan in the siding and water will not harm it.
What is the (Wall makeup) that this (Azdel) siding you refer to made of? Youroo!!
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Old 09-14-2014, 06:30 AM   #9
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You can google it. It is a plastic composit that was first used in the auto industry. The plastic takes the place of the luan. A freind of mine just purchased a class C with it in the walls and the floor. No wood in any of it.
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Old 09-14-2014, 07:12 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harderd View Post
You can google it. It is a plastic composit that was first used in the auto industry. The plastic takes the place of the luan. A freind of mine just purchased a class C with it in the walls and the floor. No wood in any of it.
Sure wish they offered an option like that on a pop up. It amazes me how the entire pop up (same with TT's) is built in such a way that if the wooden subfloor gets compromised there is basically no way to fix it other than to rebuild the whole thing. Not very good planning by FR in my eyes. Even having all the walls resistant to water would be a great thing.
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Old 09-14-2014, 07:30 AM   #11
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You can google it. It is a plastic composit that was first used in the auto industry. The plastic takes the place of the luan. A freind of mine just purchased a class C with it in the walls and the floor. No wood in any of it.
So Adzel replaces the Luan,you stated it to be the (Siding) that was misleading. Youroo!!
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Old 09-14-2014, 08:08 AM   #12
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That is the way it is stated by the manufacture. They even put a sticker on the RV that says "Azdel Siding".
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Old 09-14-2014, 08:15 AM   #13
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Most of the Coachmen products use Azdel.
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Old 09-14-2014, 08:23 AM   #14
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My personal opinion only, I do not think you will find a whole lot of difference in unit quality between lines. Yes there will be some changes where one does something a little different then the other but the nuts and bolts will mostly be the same. The sandpiper we just purchased may have the best fit and finish of any rv we have ever bought or even looked at. I do think that is due mostly in part to a real good dealer who took his PDI of the rig seriously before any potential customers looked at it.
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