Anyone have one? What do you like and dislike? Would you buy it again? How do you use it and what do you tow it with?I think we've narrowed it down to this unit...it's big enough for the 2 of us and has a good CCC, 2 axles so it should tow well, the layout and floorplan is pretty smartly done, you can use it with the slide in. It seems to be checking all the boxes as far as we can see.

We purchased a new 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS in July 2013 and have used it extensively since then. This generation had a short queen bed but I improved that significantly by extending the bed platform. The inexpensive stock mattress was rock hard but adding a 3" gel memory foam topper turned it into a soft pillow top. Mine doesn't have a vent over the main cabin so I instead use a window mounted fan, current models do have a vent in which you could mount a powered vent fan. In later model years (2016 ?) Coachmen changed the profile of the front wall so although the trailer is still 22' 6" coupler to bumper the bed is now an 80" full length queen bed. :BThe bathroom is about as small as it could be and although I'd prefer a bit more space it serves the purpose just fine. I did invent a shower curtain shaper so the shower curtain won't stick to us when showering. The toilet is angled so there's plenty of clearance between it and the bathroom door when sitting on the throne.I love the massive front pass through storage compartment where I have plenty of space for our needs - even carry my spare tire in there rather than under the A frame.Current models have a useless ommi directional OTA antenna, mine came with a Winegard Sensar III which I upgraded to a Sensar IV, adding a Winegard SignalPro as well so performance is about as good as it gets in an RV antenna. The current antenna I'd probably replace, but with what I'm not sure.A trailer this size isn't going to have both a dinette and sofa but our reasoning is we'd be better served with a sofa as we often eat outdoors anyway. The trailer does come with a stand alone table but it's awfully big so we instead use a couple of lightweight TV tables anytime we may want to eat inside. Unlike many trailers this one offers a reasonable amount of kitchen counter work space which can be further improved by placing a cutting board atop the stove. Interior cabinet space is generous and we've never been able to use it all, though I did add a third door to the cabinet next to the entry door.At 22' 6" this trailer is not only easy to tow but can be parked on pretty well any campsite, an important factor for us as we often go camping last minute, without a reservation, which during the busy summer months means we often don't have much choice in which site we get. With a trailer this size I know we'll always fit and I must admit I do enjoy watching those with 30 footers trying to squeeze on to their campsite. :W CCC is far more generous than with many similar models from other manufacturers, in excess of 2000 lbs. I typically run ~ 4800 lbs loaded & ready to camp with an average gross tongue weight of ~ 625 lbs. I do use a trunnion bar Reese WD system but no sway control.This trailer comes stock with off shore Chinese tires (Trail Express in my case) and not surprisingly one them failed earlier this summer - simply split, exposing the steel belt inside. Further inspection showed a large, oval shaped bubble where the interior ply had separated from the rest. I replaced all four with the new US made Goodyear Endurance and expect I won't have any further tire issues. I understand Jayco is now fitting Endurance tires to many of it's new models so if I were buying another Freedom Express I'd want to consider this as well.Mine has an open underbelly, which I prefer, but I believe current models have an enclosed underbelly. That may be a drawback as it would be difficult to ascertain whether new models suffer the same issue as mine did - a sagging fresh water tank. I solved that on my own trailer but I'd bet there are plenty of these trailers running around with the owner not realizing just how poorly these tanks are installed. As far as I know Coachmen has done little to improve this situation so it's one I'd look at carefully myself should I ever want to buy another Freedom Express.The only major failure I've had is the frame cracking on both sides, just aft of the rear tires. Turns out this is a pressed together Lippert frame and although Coachmen was forced to issue a recall for some models to install missing frame stiffeners my particular unit isn't on the list and therefore isn't covered for repair. My dealer is nonetheless going to repair this damage anyway but I'd caution anyone buying a used model to be aware of this issue. Newer models have a different frame and shouldn't have this issue.Coachmen has really stepped up the game by improving the look of the Freedom Express series with a profiled front wall. Personally I don't care for some of the current interior colours and the exterior white trim but others of course may disagree.Overall this trailer serves our needs really well, tows well behind our Silverado, and I have no plans to replace it. Forum member Last Train tows his own 192RBS with a Honda RIDGELINE but I personally wouldn't want to tow any trailer this size with anything less than a 1/2 ton truck. JMO.Anytime we camp with others they have their own camper so accommodating other couples isn't an issue for us. For those for whom this is an issue I'd instead suggest the somewhat larger Coachmen Freedom Express 231RBDS which has an especially large dinette that can be converted to a full size queen bed for night time use by a visiting couple.Further details are illustrated in my gallery. :)

Tagging in here as this trailer is on our short list of couples campers as well. Great info Soundguy. Just curious, with the sofa, is it comfortable sitting down to eat or do you end up leaning back? My layout choices are down to a murphy bed with dinette or this style where you are using the sofa at meals. PS I'm in your neck of the woods, so if you have any intel on a good dealer it would be appreciated :)

TheHound wrote:Tagging in here as this trailer is on our short list of couples campers as well. Great info Soundguy. Just curious, with the sofa, is it comfortable sitting down to eat or do you end up leaning back? My layout choices are down to a murphy bed with dinette or this style where you are using the sofa at meals. PS I'm in your neck of the woods, so if you have any intel on a good dealer it would be appreciated :)No issues with the sofa, your question has never even crossed our minds. Personally I'd steer clear of any Murphy bed models as you'll lose a significant amount of front pass through cargo compartment space which isn't even close to the space offered by the 192RBS.You'll also have additional storage space under the bed itself, not so with a Murphy bed.FWIW, my dealer is the second largest Coachmen dealer by volume and the 192RBS is his most popular model. For sure, larger models still sell but there's a definite trend toward the 19' - 23' class, at least in this neck of the woods. I'll PM you with dealer details.

SoundGuy wrote:TheHound wrote:Tagging in here as this trailer is on our short list of couples campers as well. Great info Soundguy. Just curious, with the sofa, is it comfortable sitting down to eat or do you end up leaning back? My layout choices are down to a murphy bed with dinette or this style where you are using the sofa at meals. PS I'm in your neck of the woods, so if you have any intel on a good dealer it would be appreciated :)No issues with the sofa, your question has never even crossed our minds. Personally I'd steer clear of any Murphy bed models as you'll lose a significant amount of front pass through cargo compartment space which isn't even close to the space offered by the 192RBS.You'll also have additional storage space under the bed itself, not so with a Murphy bed.FWIW, my dealer is the second largest Coachmen dealer by volume and the 192RBS is his most popular model. For sure, larger models still sell but there's a definite trend toward the 19' - 23' class, at least in this neck of the woods. I'll PM you with dealer details.Very helpful. Thanks!

SoundGuy is an awesome person to answer for those of us with this model. If you decide to get one, visit his site and look through the many mods he has made.I absolutely love mine. It is easy to tow, easy to set up, and very spacious for a couple. I am usually by myself, but my wife joins me occasionally and we are very comfortable in it.I like that it is high off the ground, so speed bumps and hilly ramps into gas stations, etc. aren't a threat. Like SoundGuy said, the bathroom is small. But, it does what it is supposed to. I can close the door when sitting on the pot. The shower is tight for a big guy, but I manage.I was trying to think of something I don't like about the trailer. I can't think of anything.

coachmen freedom express 192rbs | Good Sam Community

Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Dec 10, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:

The dealer is sold out of 2018 192RBS models and is awaiting more to be delivered so in the 2018 year I took a look at other models in the lineup. A 2018 204RD had a enclosed underbelly but did not have any external fresh water tank support ... not sure why as a 2018 257BHS beside it which also had an enclosed underbelly did have 2 external fresh water tank supports. The 2017 192RBS also had an enclosed underbelly and also did have external fresh water tank support braces, as shown is these two pics ...

However, as can be seen these tank support braces are made of really thin metal and are bowed noticeably, no doubt because the trailer has gone through PDI and has had water added to the tank. The 2018 257BHS tank support braces were the same thickness steel but were not bowed so I'd presume this unit had not yet had water in the tank. The other thing I noticed is that while the fresh water tank on my 2014 192RBS is mounted above the axles these tank supports are well forward of the axles so I'd presume the fresh water tank is now mounted further forward on this model than it used to be. This tank support is an improvement but if I were buying one of these units I'd immediately replace those tank supports with much heavier steel, ones that won't bend when the tank is full of water. As for the enclosed underbelly I personally didn't care for it as it means you can't see anything. Whether the water pump connects to the bottom of the fresh water tank as it should or still connects to the tank sidewall I can't say because it's hidden by that darned underbelly.

Do you think it may of made more sense if they would of turned those C channels in your pics 90 degrees to use their strength axis? Those pieces look to be what Lippert calls a floater, and made for hanging black and gray tanks. What does Coachmen think will eventually happen to those cheapass Tek screws after a few miles of the tank above the coroplast bouncing up and down. Can you say shear? Sure...... I knew you could LOL.

When it comes to fresh water tank supports, Forest River gets an A+. Not for how great they are installed but for consistency in installing them so chances are at some point they'll fall out.

These following 3 pictures are from a 2017 Rockwood Roo. This happened on the way home from the dealer after the PDI with the tank 3/4 full. I did not drain it as I wanted to see how it towed with water in the tank. The tank is 39 gallons, 28"X7"X53 or 325 lbs full.

Those channels that had already started to deflect are a standard Lippert part, PART # 251695.

If you look closely you'll see that the smaller braces under the tank just have a tab that fits in slots punched through the longer angles that span from frame rail to frame rail. One angle was welded in place, the other attached with Tek screws. Not only were the angles themselves too light for the application, but Lippert in their ultimate wisdom, and using their fabrication and engineering expertise, also punched slots in the vertical leg of the main angles. Why do you suppose they bend at that location seen it the pics above. What happens is once they deflect like shown, eventually the cross ties at bottom pop out, and hopefully do not end up in your tire or one of your other tanks. When they are gone the main angles can spread. When the main angles spread pop goes the weasel.....er the water tank.

Here is the fix. Rolled 1-3/4" X 1-3/4" X 3/16" angle for mains and 1" X 1" X 1/8" angles for cross ties with bolted connections everywhere.

Another thing that contributes to the condition are the cheaply constructed tanks they use. In the pic above notice how the tank from Rockwood (on right) is deflecting all over the place when empty while the one on the left (added by me) does not. Its made by Alpha Systems and is also 39 gallons. In the pic below what looks like the stronger, better constructed tank? The one in front is the tank I added, the one in the rear is the Forest River tank.

That all took place in April of 2016. They still are using this s##t to this day. If you have an enclosed underbelly it may behoove you to take a look. I will not get into posting up about the fight I took on with Forest River and Lippert over this foolishness, as I don't want to get my blood pressure up.
TheHound
Explorer
Dec 09, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:

So I installed my cover today and as promised took a look at 2017 / 2018 Coachmen Freedom Express models while at the dealership. Exterior graphics are a bit different, exterior trim & skirting is traditional dark brown / black on the 2017s but a startling white on the 2018s, both have LED lighting on the front nose cap. A 2017 Freedom Express can be seen on the right is this pic, 2018s have blue added to the graphics.

Dealer has two 2017 192RBS units, one was being prepped in the shop as it had been sold, the other was still on the lot and is this one.

The dealer is sold out of 2018 192RBS models and is awaiting more to be delivered so in the 2018 year I took a look at other models in the lineup. A 2018 204RD had a enclosed underbelly but did not have any external fresh water tank support ... not sure why as a 2018 257BHS beside it which also had an enclosed underbelly did have 2 external fresh water tank supports. The 2017 192RBS also had an enclosed underbelly and also did have external fresh water tank support braces, as shown is these two pics ...

However, as can be seen these tank support braces are made of really thin metal and are bowed noticeably, no doubt because the trailer has gone through PDI and has had water added to the tank. The 2018 257BHS tank support braces were the same thickness steel but were not bowed so I'd presume this unit had not yet had water in the tank. The other thing I noticed is that while the fresh water tank on my 2014 192RBS is mounted above the axles these tank supports are well forward of the axles so I'd presume the fresh water tank is now mounted further forward on this model than it used to be. This tank support is an improvement but if I were buying one of these units I'd immediately replace those tank supports with much heavier steel, ones that won't bend when the tank is full of water. As for the enclosed underbelly I personally didn't care for it as it means you can't see anything except the gas lines which interestingly run along the underside of the Coroplast. Whether the water pump connects to the bottom of the fresh water tank as it should or still connects to the tank sidewall I can't say because it's hidden by that darned underbelly. Overall my 2014 holds up well against the new ones but I do like the 2017 because it has a full length queen bed, a vent over the main cabin (both of which my '14 doesn't have), the molded front cap, and the dark brown / black exterior trim & skirting which is the same on my '14. Sure don't care for the change to white trim & skirting on the 2018s but of course that's personal taste.

Really appreciate the update. I guess some bracing is better than none lol
FrankShore
Explorer
Dec 09, 2017
mountainkowboy wrote:
Bols2DawaLL wrote:
mountainkowboy wrote:
the 192 seems to be the winner. Today we looked at a 2018 Lance 1995...an impressive unit and a possibility.

Ha , those are our 2 finalists too although if I go with Lance i'll be buying a gently used one

You and me both, there pretty proud of them, and I didn't see 20K worth of difference.

It's what you CAN'T see that makes Lance better!
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 09, 2017
TheHound wrote:
Curious, where would the changes from 2017 to 2018 be posted or would you need to contact a dealer? Wondering if they made some tweaks on those items you highlighted.

SoundGuy wrote:
I suspect any changes between '17 and '18 models are cosmetic - interior colours but more notably the use of white skirting & trim on the exterior rather than the traditional dark brown / black. Personally I'd rather see manufacturers put more effort into improvements that actually matter, such as proper tank support or upgrading the tires to Goodyear Endurance such as Jayco is now doing, and not just window dressing that they believe will increase sales. In any case, I'll be tossing a cover on mine on Sat so I'll try to remember to ask about any differences.

TheHound wrote:
OK, if you find out please let me know. And I completely agree about making changes that will improve safety and reliability vs adding some pretty colours.

So I installed my cover today and as promised took a look at 2017 / 2018 Coachmen Freedom Express models while at the dealership. Exterior graphics are a bit different, exterior trim & skirting is traditional dark brown / black on the 2017s but a startling white on the 2018s, both have LED lighting on the front nose cap. A 2017 Freedom Express can be seen on the right is this pic, 2018s have blue added to the graphics.

Dealer has two 2017 192RBS units, one was being prepped in the shop as it had been sold, the other was still on the lot and is this one.

The dealer is sold out of 2018 192RBS models and is awaiting more to be delivered so in the 2018 year I took a look at other models in the lineup. A 2018 204RD had a enclosed underbelly but did not have any external fresh water tank support ... not sure why as a 2018 257BHS beside it which also had an enclosed underbelly did have 2 external fresh water tank supports. The 2017 192RBS also had an enclosed underbelly and also did have external fresh water tank support braces, as shown is these two pics ...

However, as can be seen these tank support braces are made of really thin metal and are bowed noticeably, no doubt because the trailer has gone through PDI and has had water added to the tank. The 2018 257BHS tank support braces were the same thickness steel but were not bowed so I'd presume this unit had not yet had water in the tank. The other thing I noticed is that while the fresh water tank on my 2014 192RBS is mounted above the axles these tank supports are well forward of the axles so I'd presume the fresh water tank is now mounted further forward on this model than it used to be. This tank support is an improvement but if I were buying one of these units I'd immediately replace those tank supports with much heavier steel, ones that won't bend when the tank is full of water. As for the enclosed underbelly I personally didn't care for it as it means you can't see anything except the gas lines which interestingly run along the underside of the Coroplast. Whether the water pump connects to the bottom of the fresh water tank as it should or still connects to the tank sidewall I can't say because it's hidden by that darned underbelly. Overall my 2014 holds up well against the new ones but I do like the 2017 because it has a full length queen bed, a vent over the main cabin (both of which my '14 doesn't have), the molded front cap, and the dark brown / black exterior trim & skirting which is the same on my '14. Sure don't care for the change to white trim & skirting on the 2018s but of course that's personal taste.
mountainkowboy
Explorer
Dec 08, 2017
drsteve wrote:

Nobody has told you your Ranger will only tow a popup, but several have offered their opinion that, based on their actual towing experience, you'll be pushing the Ranger's capabilities with that much trailer.

Don't be so defensive. People are offering their honest opinions and experiences. Isn't that what the forum is for?

There actual experience was with a vehicle that was almost a foot shorter wheelbase and a much more compliant suspension. Then got snarky when I didn't agree with them. But it is what it is, gotta take the good with the bad and learn to ignore what doesn't pertain to me. I've been towing with vehicles at the edge of the abilities all my life. I get that people aren't comfortable tow to there vehicles limits, but I've been doing it all my life for work and pleasure. I don't have ANY issues with it and I never said that the Ranger won't be working its arse off pulling that TT.
drsteve
Explorer
Dec 08, 2017
mountainkowboy wrote:
Bols2DawaLL wrote:
Soundguy , just following along here but you've mentioned to me in the past that my 2011 6 cyl. (290 h.p V6 ) Grand Cherokee would not be a good tow vehicle for this TT . Just curious but what would make the Ridgeline a better choice ? Thanks

He is a doom and gloomer that believes you need twice the towing capacity to tow a TT. Not sure what your Jeep is rated to tow but 80% of towing ability seems to be the formula that most use. The 192 was designed to be towed by SUV's and midsize trucks and is within there towing abilities...PERIOD. There will be other D&G'rs that will also say that your jeep is only rated for a popup also as they have told me with my Ranger.

Nobody has told you your Ranger will only tow a popup, but several have offered their opinion that, based on their actual towing experience, you'll be pushing the Ranger's capabilities with that much trailer.

Don't be so defensive. People are offering their honest opinions and experiences. Isn't that what the forum is for?
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
Bols2DawaLL wrote:
Soundguy , just following along here but you've mentioned to me in the past that my 2011 6 cyl. (290 h.p V6 ) Grand Cherokee would not be a good tow vehicle for this TT . Just curious but what would make the Ridgeline a better choice ?

mountainkowboy wrote:
He is a doom and gloomer that believes you need twice the towing capacity to tow a TT.

Clearly you have no idea what you're talking about as I've never made any claim that says "you need twice the towing capacity to tow a TT". This is a discussion forum - just because you may not agree with someone else's view doesn't grant you the right to attack and mis-characterize their intentions in posting. Read on, who knows, you may actually learn something. :W
mountainkowboy
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
Bols2DawaLL wrote:
Soundguy , just following along here but you've mentioned to me in the past that my 2011 6 cyl. (290 h.p V6 ) Grand Cherokee would not be a good tow vehicle for this TT . Just curious but what would make the Ridgeline a better choice ? Thanks

He is a doom and gloomer that believes you need twice the towing capacity to tow a TT. Not sure what your Jeep is rated to tow but 80% of towing ability seems to be the formula that most use. The 192 was designed to be towed by SUV's and midsize trucks and is within there towing abilities...PERIOD. There will be other D&G'rs that will also say that your jeep is only rated for a popup also as they have told me with my Ranger.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
Last Train wrote:
Guys, we are dangerously close to hijacking the OP's thread, so Mods - perhaps if you want - maybe move this over to Tow Vehicles . . .

Sorry LT, but I disagree completely. Yes, the OP asked about what we like / don't like about the Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS but he also asked about towing it ... and as we all know there's no point in buying any trailer if it can't be safely towed. From the OP's original post ...

"Anyone have one? What do you like and dislike? Would you buy it again? How do you use it and what do you tow it with?"

This discussion is IMO right on the money and should not be moved. ;)
Bols2DawaLL
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:
When speaking with various dealers not one of them saw the need for anything larger, such as a 1/2 ton V8 truck, for towing any of these trailers on their lots. Clearly there must be a reason it works for them, I just haven't figured it out yet.

Well then , we'll just take our Jeep GC and move to Australia :B
I have heard that Auto/Truck manufacturers in North America keep vehicle caps and limits artificially low so people feel the need to buy more expensive trucks etc. as tow vehicles . That and our increasingly sue happy society sure answers some questions as to why we are different from the rest of the world .