Hello all,I am new to this forum. I presently own a 1993 Coleman Williamsburg popup camper. I have owned it about 3-4 years and my wife and I renovated the interior as well as some axle/wheel modifications. Overall it is solid and dependable mechanically. No leaks, no mechanical faults, and the shell and roof are in good shape.I would like to research Hybrid campers in the $7500-9000 range, which will likely be 2006-2010. We saw a Rockwood Roo 19 beside us recently, so this style would be what we would look for. Also under 6500 towing capacity for a 2015 v6 Toyota Tacoma.To be as brief as possible, I want to eliminate manufacturers or years that were known to have massive defects for this period. Not preferences based upon like/dislike, but known lemons. Example, after 1993, Coleman popup campers had some years of slow sales. By 1996 they changed their popup roofs to using recycled bits bonded with epoxy. Around 1996 roofs began to fail as a result of this, followed by lawsuits, and then the company was sold. For this reason, I avoided looking at any Coleman campers from 1996 - 2000 to be safe. I have read lots of posts from various people with various campers and of course some folks have leaks, some don't. Some dealers were good, some were not. Some fiberglass delaminated, some did not.In sum, I am not looking for this. I am looking to know if there are any manufacturers or hybrid models from 2006-2010 to absolutely avoid because of well-know manufacturing defects or shoddy work?Thanks!Jamie(Sorry for the length)

other than directing you to various Hybrid forums, there is no place to "direct" you to.every brand has had some issues with their hybrids, at one time or another. for example, Jayco had a number of years of issues with felt-back roof materials and loose a/c bolts.Roo/Shamrock had a few years with bad bunk seals. Cub/Kodiak had big issues with the Thermarest tent ends and bad futon-style mattresses.this is to name a few. what it comes down to with a used unit, just finding ANY brand that's in good shape/condition, will be a victory.there is no massive defect issues with any hybrid ever made, that i've ever seen in the 11 years i've been on Hybrid forums.

Many thanks. This idea came to mind after some years ago I read this page: Coleman Camper and Roof IssuesThis was a good background on a specific maker and problem.

I spent several evenings searching the archives prior to our purchase. Ours has held up much better than I thought it would. The archives will tell you the stories of defects as well as how they were fixed.

bikendanthere wrote: there is no massive defect issues with any hybrid ever made, that i've ever seen in the 11 years i've been on Hybrid forums.x2All brands have their issues, or issue with years, different models, special components etc. This is not limited to just HTT's either. At the end of the day it's a roll of the dice what you can end up with.

This is encouraging. I started researching the Rockwood Roo and after 20 minutes of scanning a few forums, folks were saying so many bad things about Rockwood that I was scared away. Folks were saying better things about 2-3 other names, but I soon became weary of all the models. So, overall I am disappointed that 99% of campers can't be bullet proof with no leaks or issues. Guess since I am shopping used, I hopefully can see proof of one that's held up well over time. Thanks!

Can someone point me in the direction for research please?

14 Replies

PAThwacker
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015

Here is another oldie but goodie combo bunkhouse hybrid made by Trailsport/Trail Cruiser.
Trail Sport T21RBH Expandable

Summer camping in the front, bunk beds in the rear (twin over full) with side bath.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015

Here is the Roo 21BH bunkhouse hybrid. They are no longer produced as well. ChooChooman74 has one, I'm the only one with starcraft 21rbh. Username Busdriver75 has a Palomino 23BH which offered a bunkbed across from a superslide with bunk ends on the front and back.

Rare birds indeed!

another sleeper model: North Trail T22 Tent EXP
PAThwacker
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015
Last produced hybrid bunkhouse combo

Roo 21BH
jamieb
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015
PAThwacker wrote:

I have a 2008 starcraft travel star spor 21rbh. A bunkhouse hybrid that sleeps 6 adults easily. Tent ends attached and no poles to support bed ends. I can turtle camp in my unit and have a complete insulated offseason 21ft non slide travel trailer with perpendicular bunks in the back. Full access/function
to kitchen, bath, dinette, and front bench. Not too many hybrids that can turtle with similarly. You would have to sleep on the floor, dinette, and/or couch.

Thanks! Also, thanks for sharing your camper. I like the option you describe with the bunks.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
Roos are fine. What you need to look for are carrying capacity, bunk end leaks, soft floors, and roof leaks.

All campers can leak, will leak, and may be currently leaking.

Bunk end leaks are often caused by operator error. If you have any tent material stuck in the bed door seal it will leak. Left stored could destroy door and front of camper.

I have a 2008 starcraft travel star spor 21rbh. A bunkhouse hybrid that sleeps 6 adults easily. Tent ends attached and no poles to support bed ends. I can turtle camp in my unit and have a complete insulated offseason 21ft non slide travel trailer with perpendicular bunks in the back. Full access/function
to kitchen, bath, dinette, and front bench. Not too many hybrids that can turtle with similarly. You would have to sleep on the floor, dinette, and/or couch.
jamieb
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
Just remember, most people come to RV forums because of a problem.
so what you're reading, is skewed to some point.
you rarely see people post about how trouble free their RV is.

By the way, we've had our Roo for over 8 years, with no bunk leaks and still going strong.
just got back from a 6 week camping trip that was over 3000 miles.
but you won't see me starting a post bragging about how great the Roo did.

Very good point. I was considering that as well. Also good to hear about the Roo. Because my popup is a 1993, I am not as familiar with more recent models. Also, it seems a constant theme is for RV builders to make them as cheaply as possible.

The more I read here, the more confidence I regain in campers.
shum02
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
The ROO was/is one of the better units IMHO.

I had two StarCraft Antiqua's, loved both units and had very few issues with either.

YMMV
bikendan
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
jamieb wrote:
This is encouraging. I started researching the Rockwood Roo and after 20 minutes of scanning a few forums, folks were saying so many bad things about Rockwood that I was scared away. Folks were saying better things about 2-3 other names, but I soon became weary of all the models. So, overall I am disappointed that 99% of campers can't be bullet proof with no leaks or issues. Guess since I am shopping used, I hopefully can see proof of one that's held up well over time. Thanks!

Just remember, most people come to RV forums because of a problem.
so what you're reading, is skewed to some point.
you rarely see people post about how trouble free their RV is.

By the way, we've had our Roo for over 8 years, with no bunk leaks and still going strong.
just got back from a 6 week camping trip that was over 3000 miles.
but you won't see me starting a post bragging about how great the Roo did.
mbutts
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
Not saying these were problems with the entire production of Thor, but here's a few things you can check for when shopping.

My bunkend doors warped, so much they had 1.5" gaps at the top. Front storage compartment leaked the entire time I had it & started to cause delamination. Seal around entry door failed in first two years and the floor near the door rotted. Hidden leak in rear of camper ruined the bathroom floor.

Fixed the bathroom floor and entry way for about $800. I sold it instead of replacing all three bunkends for $800/each.

I really liked my hybrid. Had a great floorplan, could tow with a smaller vehicle, and had tons of storage. My particular unit just started dissolving on me so I had to get rid of it.
jamieb
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
This is encouraging. I started researching the Rockwood Roo and after 20 minutes of scanning a few forums, folks were saying so many bad things about Rockwood that I was scared away. Folks were saying better things about 2-3 other names, but I soon became weary of all the models. So, overall I am disappointed that 99% of campers can't be bullet proof with no leaks or issues. Guess since I am shopping used, I hopefully can see proof of one that's held up well over time. Thanks!