Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-21-2011, 02:42 AM   #1
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34
Hello,

Well this is my first post after a weeks worth of searching the forum and visiting several area RV/Trailer dealers. Barring my missing something on the market that I could not discover, the below trailers seem to offer the ballpark of what we will need. I'd really appreciate those interested, read and comment in helping us choose a quality model that would serve us well over the next 3-4 years. We are a family of 5 (currently) with a 7,6, and 2 y/o. We will be taking a 2 week trip to the <?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><ST1:CITY><ST1:PLACE>Monterey</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY> area this late April, and a 4-6 week trip to the PAC NW this June-July. Normally we will not have this much travel time, and will use the trailer on long weekends and possibly up to 3 weeks for trips/year. With respect to the selections I have some concerns that you may shed some light on as well as state your general expereinces:

<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><O:P></O:P>

1. Length: I imagine that we will be staying in a combination of private, state, and national campgrounds. I do not want to severely limit our options by purchasing a TT that is to long (say over 30 feet). Can someone tell me if they State and National Parks will look at the box length or the hitch-bumper length? Take the Slingshot GT32QB- can this be backed into a 30 foot spot without violating the campgrounds access rules? What is the ideal length for maximal availability?

<O:P></O:P>

2. Quality: From your experience please rule out any of the below (or highlight the good ones) based on quality control issues. One of the dealers scared us a bit about FR/Rockwoods based on build quality, though they seem to have some of the better floor plans for our needs.

<O:P></O:P>

3. Floor Plan: I've read some posts that suggest we go with the best floor plan for the rainy day. If some of you family travelers could comment here, that would be great. Value of supper slides, 2 doors, U-shaped dinette, Murphy Bed, and the like)

<O:P></O:P>

4. Towing: let's keep the post to the above for now, I've selected the below TT's mostly because they tend-lighter and may provide an advantage in the MPG realm. Trying to stay below 7K packed and loaded.

-Thank You Very Much-

<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Crossroads Slingshot GT32QB (32 Long, Quad Bunk, Light, short slides)*<O:P></O:P>

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/slingshot/floorplan_detail.asp?fp=GT32QB&amp;type=tt<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Crossroads Slingshot GT29BH (less than 30 long, short slides, light) *<O:P></O:P>

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/slingshot/floorplan_detail.asp?fp=GT29BH&amp;type=tt<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Crossroads Sunset Trail ST26BH* (Larger Slide than Slingshot, Heavier 30ft)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/sunsettrail/floorplan_detail.asp?fp=ST26BH_2010&amp;type=tt<O: P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

KZ Spree 240BHS (W/ Fold Up Sofa Option, 3 Bunks, Small Bathroom)<O:P></O:P>

http://kz-rv.com/spree/2011_240BHS.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

KZ Spree 261RKS (Adult on Couch, Good Living Area, Large BR, Poss Mod QB into Quad Bunks)<O:P></O:P>

http://kz-rv.com/spree/2011_261RKS.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

KZ Coyote Lite CL32SS (Very Spacious, Light, Concerned about Storage)<O:P></O:P>

http://kz-rv.com/coyote_lite/2011_CL232SS.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

KZ Sportsman S242SBH (Smooth Side Option, Slide looks larger than <ST1:PLACE>Spree</ST1:PLACE> 240)*<O:P></O:P>

http://kz-rv.com/sportsmen/2011_S242SBH.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Lance 2185 (Concerned About Food Storage)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.lancecamper.com/travel-trailers/2185/index.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Viewfinder V-28BHSS (32 Long, Nice Exterior, Cannot Find For <ST1:CITY><ST1:PLACE>Sale</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY>, 2 Double Bunk)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.cruiserrv.com/viewfinder/v_28bhss/specifications.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Shadow Cruiser S-280QBS (Exterior is Ugly, Light, 32 Long, Quality?)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.cruiserrv.com/shadow-cruiser/s_280qbs/specifications.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Shadow Cruiser S-260BHS (Exterior is Ugly, 29 Long, Light, Quality?)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.cruiserrv.com/shadow-cruiser/s_260bhs/specifications.html<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Kodiak 250BHSL (Slide is in Bunk area, good wt. good 28 feet, Quality?)<O:P></O:P>

http://kodiak-rv.com/index.php?p=floorplans&amp;model=250BHSL<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Rockwood Ultra Lite 2601S (Quad Bunk, Under 30 Ft, M. Bed, H20 Ht Under Bunk-CO2 Concern?)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?location=rv&amp;unittype=&amp;page=f loorviewertt&amp;model=2601S&amp;choice=rk&amp;nav =rec&amp;name=3987&amp;series=7WideTT<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Rockwood Ultra Lite 2501S (Huge Slides, M. Bed, Under 28 Ft)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?location=rv&amp;unittype=&amp;page=f loorviewertt&amp;model=2501SS&amp;choice=rk&amp;na v=rec&amp;name=2946&amp;series=7WideTT<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

Rockwood Windjammer 2609W w/ Rear Quad Bunk (Great Couch &amp; Windows, Air bed)<O:P></O:P>

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?location=rv&amp;unittype=&amp;page=f loorviewertt&amp;model=2609W&amp;choice=rk&amp;nav =rec&amp;name=2964&amp;series=WJseries<O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

***End of the list- for now***<O:P></O:P>Edited by: jgourley
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 09:15 AM   #2
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 39
Hi,

I am also new to the RV world, so my comments may not be worth as much as the wonderfully helpful experienced RVers on this forum.

My recent purchasing experience is pretty similar to yours. I have a family of 4 (plus 2 small dogs) that plans to travel for many weekend trips and maybe 1 long trip per year. We based our selection on 2 primary factors: 1) floor plan and 2) weight.

In our case we wanted bunk beds for the kids and a separate queen bed (one that did not need to be assembled from the couch or kitchen every night). A slideout was ideal, but the kicker was we needed something in the low 4000 lbs range in order to leave room for our gear (given the weight rating of my TV).

After trips to many dealers and attending an RV show we ended up purchasing a Slingshot 29BHS. We have not had an opportunity to use it, but it towed very nicely on the trip home (~30 miles) from the dealer. We are thrilled to have something those so closely matches our requirements.

Good luck with your search!


scottw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 09:22 AM   #3
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34
Thank you for the reply Scott. Curious what did you compare the 29BH to on the lot? It does seem like a very good option. What did you tow with?

Thank You
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 09:42 AM   #4
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 39
I was surprised that being this close to northern Indiana (where many RVs are made) there were very few options available on the lots or at the RV show that fit my requirements. For now I will be towing with a Dodge Dakota, until I can squeeze another year or two out of it before purchasing a much bigger TV.

The closest I found to my floorplan/weight requirements locally were the two models below, both of which are smaller, heavier, and poorly furnished as compared to the Slingshot I purchased.

KZ Sportsmen S242SBH
http://www.kz-rv.com/sportsmen/2011_S242SBH.html

Jayco Jay FLight 26BH
http://www.jayco.com/php/products/fl...mp;mod_id=1255



scottw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 09:47 AM   #5
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34
Thanks for the post. I find that with a solid set of matter between your ears and some patients, many TV's can get the job done.



I am intrested in the S242 you mentioned above. I liked the sofa/QB option and the very deep dinnette slide. Did youhave any major reservations on that model?



Also, have you seen one of these:

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/sunsettr...BH&amp;type=tt

Thank You,

JeffEdited by: jgourley
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 10:01 AM   #6
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 39
The S242SBH was actually at the top of our list for most of our search. We really liked the deep slide (as you mentioned) and the generous amount of floor space - which would help keep us from tripping over each other and the dogs constantly. Our only reservations on that unit (besides being just slightly heavier than we were looking for) were that it did not have a sofa and that there was nothing really separating the queen bed from the living area.

We were almost to the point were we were either going to purchase the above unit or give up looking until we could afford to get both an RV AND a new TV (we stubbornly refused to settle for anything less than the requirements

I listed above). When then stumbled across the Slingshot. We knew the minute we stepped into that this was the unit for us. Ample floor space, sofa, queen bed somewhat separated from he main living area, etc.

Time will tell if it holds up, but from everything I have read about this it will be no worse (but will probably be better than) than the other units we compared it to.



scottw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 10:38 AM   #7
Full Time Camper
 
salda01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SE Wi.
Posts: 704
It's good that your looking at a lot of different units. Just a suggestion to narrow down your group is create a check list for "must haves" filter hopefully your list goes down to about 5 then re filter for haves, wants, price. Then you should have about 3, then go for gut feeling with the unit itself, dealer and price.

__________________
https://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...1/rally5-1.jpg

'07 F250 Diesel Crew Cab 4x4

'08 CF30QB

Reese Signature Slider 18k Hitch
salda01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 11:03 AM   #8
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34
Good tips. My sense from looking online is that the price will be within about 5k for each of those units, so that should not be a big deal. The Rockwood's are at one dealer locally and it may be worth buying out-of-state and have shipped as I see that prices vary greatly. At least I'll start with the advertised prices I see in terms of negotiating. The KZ's and Slingshot are at the same dealer, and they seem to have very nice service. I'm not sure how pricing will work if we need to special order, and I'm not sure how to narrow the field. I'm hoping someone or several people will help me narrow by elimination based on Cust. service and reliabliity.

Jeff
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-21-2011, 12:54 PM   #9
Full Time Camper
 
salda01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SE Wi.
Posts: 704
One way to start is do the companies offer forums such as this one? When we started looking I started by phoning the mfg's. The companies that made it difficult to reach them or that didn't return my calls lost my consideration. I had questions, that I figured the mfg could answer better on the construction, frame, etc. I went under the assumption that if the mfg is tuff to communicate prior to a sale how will they be after the sale?



I don't feel that CR builds the best product, but I do feel they build a good product for the money. I have had service / part issues during the warranty period and after the warranty and CR was more than accomidating in helping me.



Also, CR sells a lot units nationally and yet their name doesn't come up much on the forums like RV.net. Doubt it's because of lack of sales, but more because peopleare content with their purchase.



Good luck in your searches.
__________________
https://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...1/rally5-1.jpg

'07 F250 Diesel Crew Cab 4x4

'08 CF30QB

Reese Signature Slider 18k Hitch
salda01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 01:21 AM   #10
Family Vacation Member
 
we-canoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Cloud,MN
Posts: 227
I know we all have bugets but don't buy on price alone. Last year when we were shopping the Cruiser we bought WASN'T the cheapest but you could tell buy the fit,finish,&amp; feel that the unit was solidly built. All trailers are NOT as solid as your house so just remind the kids that the trailer wont take the jumping,pulling on that can go on at home.Your list was to long for me to look at so like was mentioned above make a spread sheet like comparison chart for likes/dislikes and just keep narowing it down.Good luck.
__________________
Steve & Sandy

2006 GMC Duramax-Edge Evolution

2011 CT29RLX

Bikes,Canoe,toys,toys,toyz
we-canoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 01:24 AM   #11
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34


we-canoe, so have you been pleased with your CT29? Any trouble getting into the State/NP's you want to stay at due to length?

I've narrowed it down to the Slingshot 29 &amp; 32 and the KZ Sportsman S242SBH and Spree 261



Thanks,
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 01:42 AM   #12
Family Vacation Member
 
we-canoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Cloud,MN
Posts: 227
VERY! We do the State park thing mainly and no problem.The trailer is labled as "1/2 ton seris" but I think it is a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton (6400 of the asssemble line).We're down to just the 2 of us but each kid and there significant other has spent weekend with us also my parents spent a 3 day (rainy) weekend inside.
__________________
Steve & Sandy

2006 GMC Duramax-Edge Evolution

2011 CT29RLX

Bikes,Canoe,toys,toys,toyz
we-canoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 01:49 AM   #13
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34
Thanks, this is a place we are considering staying this summer:

http://idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/Farragut_State_Park/r/campsiteDetails.do?contractCode=ID&amp;siteId=4637 &amp;parkId=311015

They say the Drive is 45 ft, but limit the TT length to 28, both Slingshots are over this, so do you think they would say that the trailer is 2 feet too long for the site? Even thought the box is less than 28?

Thanks
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 02:00 AM   #14
Family Vacation Member
 
we-canoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Cloud,MN
Posts: 227
Should fit no problem. We stayed up in Priest Lake year before last,beutiful. Also went down to Riggins rafting then to Lowman to a National Forest Service park with a natural hot spring. What TV do you have?
__________________
Steve & Sandy

2006 GMC Duramax-Edge Evolution

2011 CT29RLX

Bikes,Canoe,toys,toys,toyz
we-canoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 02:04 AM   #15
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location:
Posts: 34


We have a 3500 Series Sprinter Van, rated at up to 7,500, we are trying to stay below 6,000 loaded with stuff. The payload on the 3500 is close to 3,500 lb's , which we will not even touch, but we are trying to keep the hitch wt. below 750Lbs. We are also going to bring a Canoe and a 2HP honda, we have not purchased the canoe yet- any suggestions?

So, will an attendant at the campground be brining out a tape meassure?

Thanks
jgourley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 02:41 AM   #16
Family Vacation Member
 
we-canoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Cloud,MN
Posts: 227
No tape measure. We have a Wenona Spirit 2 in "Royalex" a plastic laminite not the plastic like a kayak. We mainly lake conoe (BWCA in Minnesota) and portaging the 65lb'er is getting tuffer want to get a kevlar (35 lbs). Some canoe stores or outfitters have trial days were you can test drive and most people will let you borrow theirs if you seem compitant.In the Wenona cataloge they say "aluminum for non-owners(renters&amp;camps),wood for looks,plastics for economy and efficiantcy,kevlar for faster,lighter,most efficiant". An aluminum camoe is 2 same sides rivited together were as the others are widest BEHIND the midway point making them more efficant (less effort) to padle.Now if river paddling a more blunt nose for the occational rock bump is needed.
__________________
Steve & Sandy

2006 GMC Duramax-Edge Evolution

2011 CT29RLX

Bikes,Canoe,toys,toys,toyz
we-canoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 07:10 AM   #17
Full Time Camper
 
coastn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Breckenridge,CO
Posts: 975


jgourley-

Scouted this park last October. They have many loops with longer spaces, for instance take a look at the Snowberry Loop which has sites to accomodate equipment 60' in length. Also look at the Gilmore Loop..same kinda story. You'll find a site where you'll fit. We saw many big rigs when we drove through. Were camped down in Cour d' Alene and didn't feel like moving although we could have with our ST30BH, almost 32'.
__________________
CAMPGROUND "DRIVEWAY"

Breckenridge, CO
'08 Crossroads Sunset Trail ST30BH Traded
'21 Grand Design Reflection 31MB 5er
'22 Cougar 29RLI 5er
'23 RAM 2500 4X4 CTD
coastn is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Crossroads RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:41 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×