Raptor
What is the opinions for a 3612ds Raptor 2005-2009. I plan on pulling it with a 2012 2500HD Duramax with 5000lb firestone airbags.
Forum Discussion
I owned a 2006 Raptor 3612DS and currently own a 2009 Raptor 380LEV.
3612 Pros
- Tons of kitchen storage space (has a pantry w/easy access)
- Tons of storage space in the garage with the overhead cabinets
- Can access the fridge & kitchen cabinets without having to put the slides out
- Not so long that I could park it in most 35' RV space even though it is 39'overall.
- Storage under the kitchen table seats has easy access. (door)
- Water pump has easy access
- Can duct heat into the garage & it will be warmest room in toyhauler.
- Has stereo outside. Don't have to go inside to adjust volume, etc
- Ducted heat in the bathroom
- Has a light switch in the bathroom for shorter people
- Big master closet, large upright closet next to dresser
- Large Basement
- EZ Track for tie downs gives several options to secure toys
- Has bathtub which is great for young kids.
3612 Cons
- No bunk beds in garage
- The fuel station takes up garage floor space
- Less windows and smaller windows in the garage
- Stock unit comes with cheap flimsy ladder to access loft bed.
- Garage isn't as quiet as my 380LEV
- No TV or cable outlet in the garage
- Comes with 15" wheels. Not many choices for American tires
- Ugly rear flood lights
- Ladder to access top is only secured at the top
- Generator door was prone to overheating and warping could occur(known problem, replaced with better insulated door)
- Open shelves above the toilet
- Comes stock with small grab handle on 2nd door. Can add larger one
- Carpet in garage doesn't lay down flat due to EZ track
- Doesn't come stock with carpet.
- No shelves to put remote, drink, book etc next to master bed
380LEV pros
- Has bunk beds
- Garage feels more like living space than garage
- Larger and more windows in garage
- Has a fireplace that warms up the main living area on a cool day.
- Comes with a built in coffee pot. Didn't realize how much I'd like it
- Stereo comes w/subwoofer
- Remote control rear stabilizing jacks, awning, flood lights, and front jacks
- Kids can have a movie playing in the garage and don't hear it in the Rest of the toyhauler & vice versa.
- Comes stock with 16" wheels.
- Comes with a safe in the master closet.
- Flood lights on the back are better than the ugly ones on 3612
- Ladder to access the top is secured in 3 spots. top, bottom and 1/3 up
- Separate compartment with its own door next to the generator
- Cabinets above the toilet
- Corian solid surface counter tops
- Smaller opening to loft, makes it feels more isolated. Can have a movie playing and don't hear it in the rest of the toyhauler.
- Has large master closet
- Angled wall next to bathroom making access to bed easier
- Has 2nd fridge with access from garage or outside.
- Larger main TV above fireplace and better situated for viewing
- Large basement
- Comes with carpet for garage.
380LEV Cons
- Not as much storage kitchen, garage, but still adequate
- Have to remove cushions to access storage under dining table chairs
- Water pump is harder to access. A tad more difficult to winterize.
- Decals in 2009 are known to fade and peel.:M
- Noticeable difference. Can tell its longer with the 14' garage.
- No ducted heat in the bathroom
- No light switch on the wall in the bathroom. Lightswitch on ceiling
- Comes stock with small grab handle on 2nd door. Can add larger one
- If you have young kids there is no bath tub
- No shelves to put remote, drink, book etc next to master bed
2005, 2006 and 2007 most Raptors inside and out look the same. The biggest difference is in 2007 they put bunk beds in the garage and put the television above the entry door. 2008 they made a few other changes, but nothing significant. 2009 Keystone introduced the Velocity Raptor and had a few modern touches such as a fireplac and they installed several large windows in the garage. Graphics were very prone to fading and peeling in 2009.
We would still own our 2006 3612DS if it had bunk beds, but I'm kind of glad it didn't because I like our 2009 380LEV. I would buy another Raptor. Another Pro to those years is they are quite a bit lighter than the newer ones. Now if it only self leveling jacks. :)
3612 Pros
- Tons of kitchen storage space (has a pantry w/easy access)
- Tons of storage space in the garage with the overhead cabinets
- Can access the fridge & kitchen cabinets without having to put the slides out
- Not so long that I could park it in most 35' RV space even though it is 39'overall.
- Storage under the kitchen table seats has easy access. (door)
- Water pump has easy access
- Can duct heat into the garage & it will be warmest room in toyhauler.
- Has stereo outside. Don't have to go inside to adjust volume, etc
- Ducted heat in the bathroom
- Has a light switch in the bathroom for shorter people
- Big master closet, large upright closet next to dresser
- Large Basement
- EZ Track for tie downs gives several options to secure toys
- Has bathtub which is great for young kids.
3612 Cons
- No bunk beds in garage
- The fuel station takes up garage floor space
- Less windows and smaller windows in the garage
- Stock unit comes with cheap flimsy ladder to access loft bed.
- Garage isn't as quiet as my 380LEV
- No TV or cable outlet in the garage
- Comes with 15" wheels. Not many choices for American tires
- Ugly rear flood lights
- Ladder to access top is only secured at the top
- Generator door was prone to overheating and warping could occur(known problem, replaced with better insulated door)
- Open shelves above the toilet
- Comes stock with small grab handle on 2nd door. Can add larger one
- Carpet in garage doesn't lay down flat due to EZ track
- Doesn't come stock with carpet.
- No shelves to put remote, drink, book etc next to master bed
380LEV pros
- Has bunk beds
- Garage feels more like living space than garage
- Larger and more windows in garage
- Has a fireplace that warms up the main living area on a cool day.
- Comes with a built in coffee pot. Didn't realize how much I'd like it
- Stereo comes w/subwoofer
- Remote control rear stabilizing jacks, awning, flood lights, and front jacks
- Kids can have a movie playing in the garage and don't hear it in the Rest of the toyhauler & vice versa.
- Comes stock with 16" wheels.
- Comes with a safe in the master closet.
- Flood lights on the back are better than the ugly ones on 3612
- Ladder to access the top is secured in 3 spots. top, bottom and 1/3 up
- Separate compartment with its own door next to the generator
- Cabinets above the toilet
- Corian solid surface counter tops
- Smaller opening to loft, makes it feels more isolated. Can have a movie playing and don't hear it in the rest of the toyhauler.
- Has large master closet
- Angled wall next to bathroom making access to bed easier
- Has 2nd fridge with access from garage or outside.
- Larger main TV above fireplace and better situated for viewing
- Large basement
- Comes with carpet for garage.
380LEV Cons
- Not as much storage kitchen, garage, but still adequate
- Have to remove cushions to access storage under dining table chairs
- Water pump is harder to access. A tad more difficult to winterize.
- Decals in 2009 are known to fade and peel.:M
- Noticeable difference. Can tell its longer with the 14' garage.
- No ducted heat in the bathroom
- No light switch on the wall in the bathroom. Lightswitch on ceiling
- Comes stock with small grab handle on 2nd door. Can add larger one
- If you have young kids there is no bath tub
- No shelves to put remote, drink, book etc next to master bed
2005, 2006 and 2007 most Raptors inside and out look the same. The biggest difference is in 2007 they put bunk beds in the garage and put the television above the entry door. 2008 they made a few other changes, but nothing significant. 2009 Keystone introduced the Velocity Raptor and had a few modern touches such as a fireplac and they installed several large windows in the garage. Graphics were very prone to fading and peeling in 2009.
We would still own our 2006 3612DS if it had bunk beds, but I'm kind of glad it didn't because I like our 2009 380LEV. I would buy another Raptor. Another Pro to those years is they are quite a bit lighter than the newer ones. Now if it only self leveling jacks. :)
