Forum Discussion

retiredtravele1's avatar
Sep 23, 2013

Difference between Flagstaff and Rockwood?

I'm all over the place looking at trading my Jayco in for another tent trailer. If I do, I'm looking for some extra amenities that I might get in a high wall.
When looking at Forest River, they have a Flagstaff and Rockwood line of trailers. What is the difference? I would assume some quality difference(?).

I've not looked directly at them in person, yet.
  • exactly the same other then decor. Quality,options even. Manufactures create 2 product lines sometimes so they can have 2 dealers in the same area.
  • With Viking and Coachmen popups they are absolutely identical except for colors and finishes.
    Some Forest River RV's have differing levels of quality (e.g. Forester vs. Sunseeker), but I have never heard of any difference(s) between Flagstaff and Rockwood. I actually have always wondered myself.
    I think it may only be a geographical/sales territory thing. For example, Vikings are hard to find on the West coast, but Coachmen is everywhere.
    I can't wait to hear from someone who knows 100% for sure. Flagstaff/Rockwood seem to be better made than other FR popups.
    Have you checked out Starcrafts? Used Coleman/Fleetwood H/Ws?
  • Flagstaff and Rockwood brands are twins, different colors and different decals. A dealer will get a franchise for one or the other depending on nearest dealer of either brand. Two brands allows for overlapping "exclusive" territories. If you don't like the tent color on a Rockwood, finding a Flagstaff dealer gives you the other color choice.

    F-R may do this also with some other brands, in towables, I've not looked closely for the pairs.

    Fleetwood did it at a number of market levels, towables and motorhomes alike. I've seen the phenomenon in Thor product lines, Fouwinds and Dutchmen twinned all the way up and down the brand, and twinning across some of Keystone's brands.

    The Winnebago - Itasca pairs arose from the need to work around an exclusive contract with a chassis supplier (now defunct), they continue as sort-of twins but not for market exclusivity, most dealers can get you either brand if you trim color preferences are that important.
  • BigBaron wrote:
    Have you checked out Starcrafts? Used Coleman/Fleetwood H/Ws?

    Thanks. I'm checking all manufacturers, online, first. I have a specific set of 'demands', similar to what I have now which are:
    12 foot box, dinette slide (not a 'u' dinette), pop-up bathroom, a/c, and instead of a gaucho, a storage area (which I saw on a Rockwood), and front storage box.
    I have not figured if I want to go highwall yet or not, but leaning that way.
  • Agreed that Flagstaff & Rockwood are identical. We visited the factory where their TTs are built and everything was exactly the same. The decals which give each trailer its brand name get put on at the end, shortly before the unit leaves the factory. :) Quality for lightweight trailers seemed to us to be pretty good, in general. (BTW, we visited a year after buying our TT. :) )
  • What factory are the Flagstaff/Rockwood trailers built at? I can't figure that one out...
    To the OP - be cautious about front storage boxes that are attached to the trailer. I've seen too many posts about ones that leaked and caused significant water damage! Also, what are you towing with? A highwall is over 3,500 lbs. GVWR, so a WDH is usually required.
    I prefer a used Coleman/Fleetwood highwall to a newer unit. They are a lot of them out there, and they are much better made. (No wood in the walls, etc.)
    Have fun shopping! A lot of folks like the HW296(?) and HW277, so they must be nice!
  • BigBaron wrote:

    To the OP - be cautious about front storage boxes that are attached to the trailer.

    I've read those postings too, but I have front storage box now and no problems. I don't know if there is some design issue with some manufacturers, or it is as simple as ensuring that the weatherstripping is on properly. I power wash my pup, and I don't get leaks anywhere.
  • I was referring to the multitude of postings on another forum dedicated to pop-up trailers.
    The fault is usually a warping lid or poor weatherstripping. I haven't seen any posts here, but I'm new.
  • You may be new, here BB, but not to the world of PUPing.

    I've seen a goodly number of front storage box rebuilds or even cutting off the rotting box and turning it into a cargo deck due to lid and weatherproofing failures leading to water damage. It would be nice to have one but I would take steps to ensure it stays dry, just as I did with my roof.