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Gebrown's avatar
Gebrown
Explorer
May 25, 2014

Coachmen vs Hyper Lite?

We've narrowed it down to two, the Cachmen 301bdls or the Hyper Lite 27 HFS. They both have their pros and cons. I like the Hyper Lite mostly because its lighter but my wife likes the Coachmen.
She likes the sliding door to the garage area. When we travel we'll be taking our 5 small dogs, so the plan is to leave them in the garage area while we're out so having a garage we can close a door to is at the top of our list.
The Coachmn seems more luxury while the HL seems more outdoor.

So, family specs, 2 adults, 2kids, 5 small dogs, say 3-5 trips per year, mostly southern states, mostly summer trips.
Tow vehicle, 2008 Ram 1500, 5.7L, 3.92 gears, tow pkg. however, it has 35" tires with a 6" lift.
I'm also going to put a campershell on it so the dogs will have a place to ride.
Possibly taking along a 700lb 4 wheeler, not all the time but occasionally.

Does or has anyone had one or both these models? How do you like it? Any areas of concern?
  • Besides the aforementioned TH's what would y'all recommend? For us it has to have a door we can shut the garage. My wife likes the sliding door on the Coahmen, any other TH's have a sliding door inside?
    I ask y'all because I've looked and looked and that's the only one I can find.
  • Steve76eb wrote:
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    well the Coachmen has a rubber roof so I wouldn't want it myself.
    bumpy


    So you are saying the Hyper Lite doesn't have a rubber roof and that is the one you would choose?


    no, I couldn't quickly find out what type of roof hyper lite uses. those web ads, etc., don't seem to give a whole lot of information. just don't like care, upkeep, and feeding of EPDM roofs now that other materials are available.
    bumpy
  • they both have rubber roofs....

    IMO coachman all the way... forest rivers are junk........

    Plus the coachman's got

    heated and enclosed underbelly's...a 90" raised cargo interior roof line...ducted a/c...55 amp converter....Beavertail Ramp Transition... helmet storage.....Full Walk-on, Crowned, Aluminum Reinforced Roof w/ EPDM Membrane over 3/8" Roof Decking.....Double Wiper Seals on All Slideouts....etc....etc....etc...

    Geez man... compare....!!!!
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    well the Coachmen has a rubber roof so I wouldn't want it myself.
    bumpy


    So you are saying the Hyper Lite doesn't have a rubber roof and that is the one you would choose?
  • I think with the proper hitch setup the truck will be fine to carry this load. I won't win any races but should be able to haul and stop safely.
    I've read of people wih 1500's hauling more weight thanI listed above. I'll have a brake controller, WD hitch etc.
    If the concern is weigh then the HL is the better choice, correct?

    We're getting a toy hauler with a separate garage, if anyone knows of anything lighter I'd appreciate suggestions.
  • Do yourself a favor. Look on your drivers door specification sticker for payload and axle ratings. That trailer is 6500# empty, probably 8,000# loaded to camp without toys. Add in your family and stuff in truck. Make sure you have enough truck (BTW I would reduce the manufactures ratings by some significant percentage due to the lift kit, like 50%). Not about to try to tell you what to do but this is a significant hint.
  • well the Coachmen has a rubber roof so I wouldn't want it myself.
    bumpy
  • Personnel I would stay away from Coachmen if you plan on keeping the rig for more than just a couple of years. There construction, quality, and material lacks a lot. Look closely at the max weight and the axle weights since a lot of manufactures cut corners here Go over every inch of the roof and side walls since this seems to be an issue with Coachmen!