looking for new 5er, what model???

[PHS79]

My parents are going to be buying a new 5th wheel. They just sold their 34' Jayco Designer series and they also currently have a 2007 Lexington 283 that they bought since they wanted to try having a MH. I told them they were nuts and it turned out that I was right, dad misses they power and fuel mileage of his F350 7.3L diesel (which he still has) vs. the V10 in the MH and they also miss all the storage of a 5er. So after only 2 months the MH is going up for sale tomorrow.

Since Forest River makes so many brands, and each different brand seems to have different available options I figured maybe I would try this and see if someone can maybe pin point the correct model/models for them to look at more. Here are some of the things that are MUST HAVES for the new 5er:
-auto self leveling system
-max length 30'
-must have a slide out in the bed room, either the closet or prefer the bed (top of moms list)
-2 recliners, and located in a spot were the recliners don't have to be moved in order to operate the slide
- power awning

Any help would be great!

[TURBS]

I'm pretty partial to the palomino sabre line.
Only thing I'm not sure on is the auto level.
Pm sabreSam with your (want) list .

[Earth Station]

I am partial to the Columbus line!!! it has all that and more. Check them out!

[1jeb289]

X 2

[rjshiflet]

Columbus...great RVs.

[Rugged Brown]

Just to add some balance to the discussion, this recent thread may be a worthwhile read.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...son-29183.html

[Cflmom]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

Just to add some balance to the discussion, this recent thread may be a worthwhile read.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...son-29183.html

Love my Columbus! No problems to report!

[AquaMan]

While every model will have it's "lemons", those will be the ones you hear about the most. You'll most likely never hear anything from the XX% that are happy because the are busy using them. Although I haven't seen all the models, and I own a Sierra, the Blue Ridge line made an impression on me at a show, and I believe they have auto-level as an option.

[Dave_Monica]

I suggest that you look at the Forest River site for 5th wheel floorplans...there's about 6-7 distinct plans, the rest are a variation of them. Once you pick the floorplan you like, rear living, rear kitchen, bunkhouse, look at the various manufacturers and their product lines for the sutle differences that make that model a 'best fit' for you.

Dave

[Cflmom]

When we were looking I narrowed my search down to:

Columbus 385
Cedar Creek 36B4
Brookstone Ruby 340LS
Sabre 36QBOK
Komfort 3530FBH

I wanted a big shower, a King size bed, and a bunkhouse. The kids and I live in the trailer for three months of the year and I wanted to be comfy.
My husband already had a Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel so I had options.

So make a list of your must-haves, your would-be-nices and hit the websites. Once you do that figure out what you can tow and then hit the forums.

For us, the Columbus had issues posted on here but most seemed to be worked out by the time we ordered...and so far, so good.

I wish you luck in your search (mine took 3 months) and hope you are happy with your final choice.

Janet