Differences between models with same floorplan?

Some floor plans are popular across several manufacturers and brands within manufacturers, but will be different in weight and quality depending on the marketing goals. The goals that vary might be intended price point, what seasons the RV will be usable, and weight targets. The differences in the trailers can be type of construction, capacity of frames, weights of materials, quality of materials, choice and quality of fittings. For example, an "ultralite" might have 1-inch walls instead of 2-inch walls, and every other material in the construction is thinner or lighter weight, even though construction method is the same.

Then, there is the case where 2 or 3 brands or model lines are just non-identical twins, done with different names and decals.

The best source of where the manufacturer tries to place a product, how it is built, why it might be special, is probably the sales materials (brochures and web sites) although some manufacturers are better about this than others.

With a full-size SUV which tends to limit tongue weights, you are probably looking for lighter weights, and manufacturers will definitely advertise that.

audiodane wrote:

bikendan wrote:

first, finding a used Northwood or Outdoors RV product east of the Rockies will not be easy.
second, Riverstone has only been around for 2-3 years and never made a TT, just 5th wheels.
third, doubt if Cedar Creek ever made TT's. if they did, it's been many years ago.
fourth, PrimeTime is owned by FR also. i own one and love it. it offered a lot of things found on more expensive TTs.

have you actually looked at any of the brands in your list?

out of your list, i would put Grand Design at the top.

Thnks @bikendan,

Thanks for your feedback! To answer your question, I have been researching for the better part of several of the last few months. We have walked trhough a few dozen models (none listed above), and have looked online at well over 200 (and seeing the similarities now).

This thread started when I started learning the general consensus that "the best TT's are marginally less crummy than the worst." That was somewhat (okay, a lot) discouraging. We don't really care about new vs used, so my current thinking is if there are better quality brands out there, then we have no problem waiting for an older-model but higher quality TT. That's what my list above of about 4-5 models is all about... Identifying the floorplans that work for us across several higher quality (hopefully) brands.

How has your PrimeTIme been quality-wise? Better, worse, or on-par with the the fix-or-repair-every-trip that I hear about with some other FR brands?

cheers,
..dane

well, the PT is my second FR product and both were very good quality.
since both were ultralights, you have to accept that some stuff will be less sturdy.
both had issues but were fixed during the warranty. i sold my Rockwood Roo after 10 years of ownership. the buyer thought the interior looked almost brand new.
All brands of RVs have good and bad ones, not just FR. and remember Thor Ind. and FR are the two biggest RV corporations and have many divisions. they have a multitude of factories in different areas of the country.
i go by my own opinion of which brand has good quality or not, NOT by internet opinions.

Some builders will have 2 fit out levels of the same floorplan. We have owned both from one, the now defunct Western RV, former builders of Alpenlite.

First we had a 34RLR Ltd, lost in a blowover, replaced with a 34RLR.

The Ltd. had all of the goodies such as 6X6V batterys with an auto filling system, a 2000W inverter charger, solar panel, ceiling fan, mood lighting, remote control heaters, fireplace, convection microwave, high quality stove, really nice rocker recliners etc. etc.

The 34RLR, or the blue collar version as I call it, does not have any of the upgrades however the important stuff like tankage is the same.

bikendan wrote:

first, finding a used Northwood or Outdoors RV product east of the Rockies will not be easy.
second, Riverstone has only been around for 2-3 years and never made a TT, just 5th wheels.
third, doubt if Cedar Creek ever made TT's. if they did, it's been many years ago.
fourth, PrimeTime is owned by FR also. i own one and love it. it offered a lot of things found on more expensive TTs.

have you actually looked at any of the brands in your list?

out of your list, i would put Grand Design at the top.

Thnks @bikendan,

Thanks for your feedback! To answer your question, I have been researching for the better part of several of the last few months. We have walked trhough a few dozen models (none listed above), and have looked online at well over 200 (and seeing the similarities now).

This thread started when I started learning the general consensus that "the best TT's are marginally less crummy than the worst." That was somewhat (okay, a lot) discouraging. We don't really care about new vs used, so my current thinking is if there are better quality brands out there, then we have no problem waiting for an older-model but higher quality TT. That's what my list above of about 4-5 models is all about... Identifying the floorplans that work for us across several higher quality (hopefully) brands.

How has your PrimeTIme been quality-wise? Better, worse, or on-par with the the fix-or-repair-every-trip that I hear about with some other FR brands?

cheers,
..dane

audiodane wrote:

Possibles:
- Northwood Nash 29S: really great floorplan! but 32.5' (getting kinda long)
- OutdoorsRV Black Rock 23BKS: great length! but no couch
- ~2010'ish KZ Spree 289KS: wow, quad bunkhouse under 31'!
- Grand Designs Imagine 2800BH: serious axle ratings, deep slideout

Nope:
- Riverstone Legacy: turns out this is a F.R. brand; unless they were independant early on (couldn't find any news whether or not they were aquired though)
- DRV: no bumper pull models available
- Cedar Creek (also F.R. owned... or at least is now?)
- New Horizons: no bumper pull models available
- Camplite: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)
- Casita: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)
- Oliver: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)
- Lance: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)

Dunno?
- Keystone: any good?
- PrimeTime: any good? (Tracer 274BH)


cheers,
..dane

first, finding a used Northwood or Outdoors RV product east of the Rockies will not be easy.
second, Riverstone has only been around for 2-3 years and never made a TT, just 5th wheels.
third, doubt if Cedar Creek ever made TT's. if they did, it's been many years ago.
fourth, PrimeTime is owned by FR also. i own one and love it. it offered a lot of things found on more expensive TTs.

have you actually looked at any of the brands in your list?

out of your list, i would put Grand Design at the top.

Thanks for the continued feedback, everyone.

I watched the Jayco video... WOW those guys are running around like headless chickens. No wonder things aren't held together well.. In comparison I watched either a Northwood or OutdoorsRV video. They were certainly taking time to align things and screw them in .. way to go!

We are absolutely happy buying used... I think I even prefer it. Even up to 8-10yrs old is fine, if the quality is there!

What kind of other older models should we be looking at? Looking for bumper-pull, GTWR around 8500lbs, looking to stay under 7000lbs unloaded..

Here's what I've found so far based on recommendations:

Possibles:
- Northwood Nash 29S: really great floorplan! but 32.5' (getting kinda long)
- OutdoorsRV Black Rock 23BKS: great length! but no couch
- OutdoorsRV Timber Ridge 27BHS: similar to Nash
- ~2010'ish KZ Spree 289KS: wow, quad bunkhouse under 31'!
- Grand Designs Imagine 2800BH: serious axle ratings, deep slideout

Nope:
- Riverstone Legacy: turns out this is a F.R. brand; unless they were independant early on (couldn't find any news whether or not they were aquired though)
- DRV: no bumper pull models available
- Cedar Creek (also F.R. owned... or at least is now?)
- New Horizons: no bumper pull models available
- Camplite: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)
- Casita: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)
- Oliver: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)
- Lance: too small (need to sleep ~6-8)

Dunno?
- Keystone: any good?
- PrimeTime: any good? (Tracer 274BH)


cheers,
..dane

Stick and tin is wooden frame with aluminum siding. It's your traditional travel trailer construction method. Roofs are all rubber these days.

You're looking at entry level RVs so you won't find any fiberglass. The roof will be rubber. For info: booth dinette's can be very uncomfortable for long sitting such as watching t.v.

Just look at Outdoors RV or Northwood MFG. No guessing games. Both sites have videos showing construction. In house built frames. Built in the PNW for the PNW climate.

mobeewan wrote:
Looking at the trailers on Forrest Rivers web site it looks like the Alpha Wolf is a higher end level of trailer. One of the features mentioned is an extreme weather package meaning it is probably a 4 season trailer with a winter package of some sort.

Forest River doesn't make any true "4 season" trailers. 3 season at best.
very few RV manufacturers make true 4 season RVs. Northwood Mfg., makers of Arctic Fox, being one of them.