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wiiman3893's avatar
wiiman3893
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015

Freedom Express 248RBS & recommendations

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking at buying a 2016 Coachmen Freedom Express 248 RBS to full time in with my wife and dog, and I wanted to see if I could get some input. Have you heard anything about the Freedom Express line?

Also, do you know of any alternatives from other companies with very similar floor plans? That's our number 1 concern, we love this floor plan but I have heard some horror stories from Coachmen.

2 Replies

  • wiiman3893 wrote:
    I'm looking at buying a 2016 Coachmen Freedom Express 248 RBS to full time in with my wife and dog, and I wanted to see if I could get some input. Have you heard anything about the Freedom Express line?


    In 2013 we downsized from a triple bunk bed KZ Spree to our current 2014 192RBS Freedom Express couple's trailer so it's now seen 3 seasons with no particularly worrisome problems, just the usual minor failures that any trailer can exhibit. I wouldn't say that Coachmen FE trailers are particularly any better or any worse than other light weight brands and while Azdel walls certainly are an advantage don't kid yourself - only the two side walls are Azdel, both the front and rear are still luan covered with fiberglass, just as they are with most trailers of this type. Two improvements most if not all current FE models have over ours is a full length 80" bed vs the short queen 74" in ours and the addition of a vent over the main cabin area vs none in ours. The Freedom Express 248RBS is way too long and heavier than I would prefer for our simple needs but one feature I do like in these models is the floor flush dinette slide vs a raised platform slide in many competing models from other manufacturers that would make me feel like I'm a mannequin on display anytime we'd be seated at the dinette. My only concern would be whether the slide when in the travel position would still allow full access to the fridge and bathroom ... looks like it would but I'd check that beforehand to be sure. We also wouldn't be happy at all with the lack of galley counter space in this particular model - virtually none compared to the galley in our 192RBS. I think if we were looking at upsizing a bit and wanted to stay with a Freedom Express we'd consider the Freedom Express 231RBDS ... no sofa, but we're most often outside anyway and that 88" long dinette would be a lot more practical for our university aged son to sleep on rather than is the short sofa in our current 192RBS.
  • We have a 2014 Coachmen Catalina 253rks that we bought new in 2013. We really like our camper and have never had a problem with it.
    There are horror stories for every brand out there. That is a very nice looking camper, and that azdel is good stuff, much better than luan. Just do a very thorough inspection and get everything corrected on the spot and you should be good to go.
    One caveat though - half ton towable, while doable, isn't very pleasant. You'll want a 3/4 ton to pull that one.