sorry, I cant give you manufacturers names, but last year we were staying at the Berwick show grounds - south/east Melbourne.

A local couple had ordered a custom made 5 wheeler from a small company somewhere out that way. The company delivered it to the show grounds and in hope of drumming up some business, showed a few of us through. It had been custom made to the size and fitout of the customer and it looked great.

The owners picked it up about a week later and took it away for about a week to test it out before coming back to Berwick (where their house was - not enough room to park their RV though).

They were experienced nomads and given it a good work out in that week and couldn't fault it.

Seems there are a quite a few small, family operated, RV makers on the East coast ( a few in QLD to), that will make 5 wheelers to your specs and you get a quality made RV

Pray tell me, why is CMCA a dirty word on this site? Is it because they promote self containment?

Hi Lou, do your homework on weight. I have a 27ft 5th wheeler and have to be very careful with how much "stuff" I can carry. If you are going to do large trips look at larger vehicles. I have a Holden Colorado single cab and when I upgrade I will be looking at an Iveco Daily.

chrisanddiannesultimaadventure.wordpress.com/2016/02/15/interesting-vehicles-and-concepts/

Weight is the biggest issue you will have to deal with so spend some time and get it right first time and not have to upgrade your tow vehicle later.

chrisanddiannesultimaadventure.wordpress.com/educational-links/weights-explained/

Check out the rest of my blog and there are plenty of 5th Wheelers.

What sort of 5th wheeler are you looking at or are you looking at everything.

One word of warning, do not believe sales people when they tell you weights, check them out for yourself. Weigh them before you part with your hard earned dollars.

Until recently they seemed to be only for Motorhomes and quite a few on here are tug and Van people.

Thanks for that advice. Cmca have quite a few, one of which we are actually viewing on Sunday 

Yes I know weight is a big issue with them. Sticking to 25 ft and getting a vehicle that tows 3500 is a safer starting point I think

Hi Lou64, I did a fair bit of home work on 5th wheelers with the idea of purchasing one, and amongst the 5 wheelers you can divide them into two groups, those that use the goose neck hitch, and those that use the ball. The biggest problem with the goose neck hitch is the height the front of the trailer goes to, and usually the bed is put up there. There are quite a few steps to climb to get to the bed, and all of those I spoke to who were selling were because they had knee, hip or back problems and couldn't manage the steps.
The other type which uses a ball and socket type hitch, the difference in the height of the chassis off set is about half, and only two steps and you are in the bedroom (or lounge in some). The steps can be easily managed by sore and or older persons.
Storage is an issue with 5 wheelers, as you don't have the back of the vehicle to use. So its important that the unit you choose has plenty of extra storage if you are going on extended trips.
As said above be careful of the vehicle you buy, and I have fallen into that trap. A fellow I met is on his third prime mover after buying his rig, to get it right.
Of the latter type of 5 wheelers Southern cross 5 wheelers was one manufacturer, but the owner retired. I heard a rumor his son was going to start making them again. They are an open type of van with the bedroom about center, ensuite at the end, and the lounge up at the front.
A company in Melbourne also is making them called Trulux, I suggest you have a look at their site to get an idea of the different layouts available, these people also have a large storage area under the floor. Many different layouts available.

PS I've forgotten the correct names of the two different hitches so no need to correct me, cause I'm admitting that I have not used the correct names.