Columbus by Palomino-- anybody own one?

We have settled on the 385 bh,spent 2 hours plus talking to the factory rep in tampa this january, plan on taking a tour this fall.at the factory, we have spent many years looking .

We have a 340 RK and love it. The shower is bigger than in most FW we saw. We spend this past winter when it got in the 30s and have no problems. Anyone who knows something about RVs know that there are some lemons in all brands. I read a comment from someone who spent over a million dollars in a motorhome and has a long list of issues.

My grandparents have one (295rl), and absolutely love it. Have spent lots of time in and around the trailer and i would definitely recommend it.

Today Patty and i just bought a (barely) used 2013 Columbus 295RL that was on consignment at CW in Burlington, WA. Same old story, owner had health issues, not able to use it. It had been always stored under cover and looks like new inside and out. This is a MAJOR upgrade in every respect from our Northwood Fox Mountain 265RLS. Only time will tell how we will feel in a couple of years, and we are buying the extended coverage from CW, but right now we are tickled pink! BTW, I also notice the small propane tanks, and thought, wow, these will be a LOT easier to handle than the big heavy tanks on the FM!

Guess I will have to change my signature once the new rig is home!

FYI, The 7K axle was not on the "options" list for our 320 when I ordered. In fact when I asked, my dealer stated it was not available on the 320. I asked him to please check with Palomino & I later got a positive response. I followed the Columbus reviews for 2 yrs before ordering (that's how I knew about the 7k axles) & when we got serious about looking; I found that I knew much more about them than the sales staff at any dealer. I have also been in million $$ motor homes that had loose trim or a bad corner & unfortunately in RV's, more money does not always equate to better QC. The vast majority of CC owners that I have met love their RV, but I also have a friend that bought a 2014 that was terrible. Every new RV purchase of any brand seems like a******shoot & that is sad for the money we pay.

When this neighbor was telling us at happy hour the problems they were having I had to think he was just talking. Going inside I could see he had to be very sad to own this rv. No heat in the rear so I told him to see if the heat was going to the rear from the furnace. Simple fix but CW could not fix that problem where they bought it. It flooded 2 times here and once soon after they bought it new so 3 floods in the first season. Slide torn the trim off a cabinet and slide trim. Pocket door that we fixed so yes it was a poor experience. I can't remember but he was fixing some of them that he could.

chevman

I have an early production Columbus 320RS. It had some problems, being early production. They have all been repaired and we really love it. The 7,000# axles weren't an option at the time but I wish I had them for added peace of mind. For the money, you can't beat the features. As mentioned, the newest models have many upgrades, worth checking out.

Might want to check out the FROG forums "Forest River Owners Group"

It does have small propane tanks. There are three 20 lb tanks instead of the average two 30 lb tanks. They are lighter and easier to deal with and both have the same 60 lb of propane. I have had ours out in the 20s (really cold in Louisiana). It was really toasty inside. We normally keep it at 67 or 68. No problem. It even has tank heaters, which we really don't need in Louisiana, but might come in handy when we are in Colorado.

I am sure not everybody loves their Columbus, or any other brand to be fair, so I don't doubt that Larry's neighbor doesn't. Three actual owners on this thread and all love theirs.

Not saying it's better or worse than any other brand. There can be lemons in all brands. I agree you can get information overload, even when you have already purchased several in the past and know what you like. I still suggest you get the floorplan and decor you want at an acceptable price point. Look the units over very closely and see what you think. Look at the wiring and plumbing where you can see it in the storage compartments. Look at fit and finish. Take a few hours and go very slowly. You judge, because you do get a lot of differing opinions on forums and from salesmen. Good luck.

The Columbus across the street has not been a good rv for them since it was new .

I see it has very small propane tanks and they are not warm in just cool nights. He is not a happy camper.

chevman