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

102 Replies

SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
mountainkowboy wrote:
WOW are the Lance units EXPENSIVE!!!! For us and what we will use it for there not worth the 20K more.

Ralph Cramden wrote:
And despite the higher price tag, not immune to ISSUES the same as all of them.

Every trailer will have "issues", just some more than others, ultimately depending more on luck (or lack thereof) than anything else. :D Having been at this for a few years now I view this matter of "issues" more as the ability of the owner to deal with it rather than the issue itself. My own current trailer is no different than any other, with minor issues coming up once in awhile, but it's also presented me with a few serious issues - initially leaking, a blown tire, and now a cracked frame. On the forums I've noticed a definite "Chicken Little" reaction anytime this happens - it's the manufacturer's fault, the dealer doesn't know what he's doing, they're all out to "get me", woe is me, etc, ad nauseam. :R Seems to me the better approach is to simply realize the RV industry is what it is, they're mass producing a reasonably adequate product at the lowest cost possible, and simply throwing a lot more $$$$ at it isn't any guarantee at all that it will be any better. Believe it, Airstream and Lance owners have "issues" too. :W
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
mountainkowboy wrote:
... and learned that we don't need a big RV since most of the time we're outdoors...camping.

The same lesson we learned years ago when long distance traveling with our boys in a 10' popup. :B To each his / her own but I'm still amazed by those who just can't "camp" without a 30'+ TT or 5th with multiple slides, then struggle to park it on a campsite :@ ... makes no sense to me but I guess that's the difference between "camping" and "glamping". ;) Unfortunately here in the east we don't have the opportunities as those in the west to camp in isolated areas but we do nonetheless enjoy relatively spacious campsites in our Ontario provincial park system where it's often still possible to camp and barely see your neighbour. In the US we've found state parks, COEs, etc to generally be less spacious but nonetheless still enjoy the experience when we're looking to get away camping and for that I'd agree - a 19' couple's trailer has everything we need in a relatively light weight, easy to tow trailer that can be parked on pretty well any campsite we may choose or be assigned. :B It's all a matter of perspective - we've just returned from Down Under where the vast majority of trailers, or "caravans", would be in the 19' to 23' range max, almost always with no slide(s), yet they're really modern and well equipped, often including a washer plus all the other usual amenities one could want or need. We've learned that "Go big or go home" really doesn't need to apply when it comes to selecting that "just right" couple's trailer. :)
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2017
mountainkowboy wrote:
WOW are the Lance units EXPENSIVE!!!! For us and what we will use it for there not worth the 20K more.

And despite the higher price tag, not immune to ISSUES the same as all of them.

I had a Lance owner look me right in the eye and tell me how his Lance was twice the trailer as my Rockwood at the campground. Three weeks later at the same campground he was at the fill station on Friday when I came in, laying under his Lance trying to find out why water was running out the bottom faster than it was going in.
mountainkowboy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
We started in a 1986 12' Weekender Cab-over camper then upgraded to an Arctic Fox 1140 with a slide. Then a 5er, a Moho, then a Cab-over and a 5er. We ended up using the Camper more than anything else though. We did a 4.5 week 3,250 mile in it, and learned that we don't need a big RV since most of the time we're outdoors...camping. We like solitude and tend to boondock or rural camp for a base camp and go from there. So the 192 is almost perfect for our needs. This was our last rig about mid way into the big trip.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
babock wrote:
Yep definitely trade offs. We were willing to go 2.5' longer to get a little bigger area inside. What is nice though is that it's still a smidge shorter than 25' which was our limit and the size of most of the smallest camp sites.

Our previous K-Z Spree 240BH-LX was 26' 9" coupler to bumper which I always felt was just a touch too long so although I never had any issues parking it wherever we went a couple of feet shorter would have been just about perfect. :) In the Freedom Express series we also really like the 231RBS except it's just as long as our Spree was :( ... had it been about the length of your of your 233RBS we'd have been really tempted to move up. Coachmen now has the new non-slide 204RD model in the lineup that's under 25' but I fear we've been spoiled by the slide in our 192RBS which really opens up the floor space even though it's just a shallow sofa slide. As it is, we think we'll stick with the 192RBS as it's proven to be "almost perfect" for us. ;)

Coachmen Freedom Express Models
babock
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
Yep definitely trade offs. We were willing to go 2.5' longer to get a little bigger area inside. What is nice though is that it's still a smidge shorter than 25' which was our limit and the size of most of the smallest camp sites.

I saw your new mount for the fresh water tank. The 233 has a couple crossbars which I think need to be changed out to thicker metal bars.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
Hornnumb2 wrote:
I have the 233 but with the only outside accessible storage being the front pass through, it can get tongue heavy real quick. Just something to keep in mind if tow vehicle is marginal.

babock wrote:
I have the 233 as well. We were looking at the 192 but decided on the 233 as it has way more room with both slides out. Disadvantage is that it is also quite heavy.

Along with really limited interior access with both slides in ... perhaps not an issue for some but a definite non-starter for us as we often use our trailer without the slide deployed but insist on full interior access.

babock wrote:
One thing that the 192 and 233 share is having the converter in the back of the trailer about as far away from the batteries that is possible. One of my first mods is yanking the converter and mounting a new one in the front pass through storage area. Keep voltage drops to a minimum to allow batteries to charge as fast as possible.

Yeah I did the same with our 192RBS, 'though I left the stock WFCO where it is, simply turned it off, and mounted a CTEK charger in the front pass through storage compartment.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2017
TheHound wrote:
I just saw a new model from Palomino that is intriguing as well. Very similar to the 192rbs as it also has the full size queen but I like the bigger tank capacity among a few other features. It has been added to my short list for further research.
http://www.palominorv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=372&Image=15371&ModelID=3926#Main

JMO, but downsides to the Palomino are a low GVWR and high UVW which leads to a rather slim CCC, the awning is only 12' and is a Carefree of Colorado, and the coupler to bumper length is 2' longer than the FE 192RBS. For those looking for an alternative to the 192RBS another model might be the Starcraft Launch 21FBS ... friends of ours have one that they're quite happy with, 'though it too has a pretty short Carefree awning and a CCC similar to the Palomino.
babock
Explorer
Dec 01, 2017
Hornnumb2 wrote:
I have the 233 but with the only outside accessible storage being the front pass through, it can get tongue heavy real quick. Just something to keep in mind if tow vehicle is marginal.
I have the 233 as well. We were looking at the 192 but decided on the 233 as it has way more room with both slides out. Disadvantage is that it is also quite heavy.

Not sure if you knew this but 2018 is the last year for the 233.

One thing that the 192 and 233 share is having the converter in the back of the trailer about as far away from the batteries that is possible. One of my first mods is yanking the converter and mounting a new one in the front pass through storage area. Keep voltage drops to a minimum to allow batteries to charge as fast as possible.
TheHound
Explorer
Dec 01, 2017
mountainkowboy wrote:
WOW are the Lance units EXPENSIVE!!!! For us and what we will use it for there not worth the 20K more.

Yeah, I noticed that too. A little too rich for this guy. I just saw a new model from Palomino that is intriguing as well. Very similar to the 192rbs as it also has the full size queen but I like the bigger tank capacity among a few other features. It has been added to my short list for further research.
http://www.palominorv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=372&Image=15371&ModelID=3926#Main

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coachmen freedom express 192rbs

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