Forum Discussion

NightOwl42500's avatar
Sep 01, 2016

Thoughts on a 2017 Springdale summer land

Looking at my first camper purchase, TV is a 2015 Seirra 1500 5.3 v8 3.73 rear end. Just wondering where the Springdale fits in as for quality, trying to find out what are the decent brands and what to stay away from.
  • NightOwl42500 wrote:
    My manual states with the figures I put in my first post for my TV the payload is 7200lbs


    NO pickup, even 1 ton, has a payload of 7200lbs!:h

    maybe you meant 1200lbs or 1700lbs.
  • I am currently selling my 2008 Summerland - not because of quality, but because I am downsizing out of a bunkhouse. I've had no issues towing this 29.1' trailer with my current tow vehicle. I don't think you'll have any problems.
  • My manual states with the figures I put in my first post for my TV the payload is 7200lbs and the towing is 9100lbs. The Springdale 2820 weights are 6439 for shipping weight and 2100 carrying capacity. Also plan on getting the weight distributing hitch as well. Have looked at many different models, I just don't want to purchase a cheaply made camper, looking for something in the middle class. I have also looked at the 2017 forest river wildwood 28Dbud which is about the same price. Thanks for the help
  • Well said, DutchmanSport.

    NightOwl, there are no brands that are known for exceptional quality, with perhaps one exception, and within each manufacturer and even most brands are different levels of price (and therefore amenities). That one exception is Airstream, which is hardly classed in the "affordable" ranks, though some of their smaller models might be considered affordable by most people, if they were willing to forego size and living space for the name & quality.
  • Summerland (Click here) is a beginner, or first time affordable camper, that does not have high-end features or a high-end cost. BUT, don't let that discourage you. They are nice campers for their price, affordable for almost anyone wanting to get started with their first camper, or if they want to upscale to a larger camper at an affordable price.

    The cabinets will be made of particle board and will probably be covered with a vynal wall paper that simulates wood. The appliances inside will be pretty much the standard appliances that every Thor Industry camper has, Suburban water heater and furnace, RV refrigerator, gas stove-oven, even the trailer frame, tires, and so on. Toilet will most likely be a plastic model, not ceramic, but nothing wrong with that. The drawers probably have plastic slides, instead of metal ones, and hinges and cabinet doors may not be as robust as a higher end camper. But over all, it's a decent camper if not abused.

    Having owned a Springdale, which is pretty comparable to the Summerland, with attention to detail and good maintenance, it should serve you well for many, many years. Every camper needs attention, and fixing problems immediately is the secret to keeping a camper nice. Don't let the kids jump around, kick the wall, punch out the screens, go off-roading or 4 wheel driving with it over back-woods routes and it will hold up well.

    If you are purchasing new, you'll get the 1 year bumper-to-bumper warranty. And if you find any issues, it will most likely turn up in your first or second camping trip. And most of the little things that turn up, you'll be able to fix yourself. After that, it will just be normal wear and tear.

    The trick to keeping a camper for longevity sake, is to continually maintain them. They are not a buy-once-and-forget item. Just like your family car, they are a vehicle that is transported on public roads. They will need routine maintenance, cleaning, and inspections often. If you can accept this, then a Summerland will serve you well for a long time.
  • What research have you done on the subject.
    Where are you shopping?
    What is the weight of the trailer and what is the placard GVWR on your truck
  • Do you have the tow package and what are the pay load and tow weights, listed on the the truck sickers?