Forum Discussion

johnshenry's avatar
johnshenry
Explorer
Oct 26, 2015

Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB vs 218MB

Maybe I missing something or finding some bad spec data online. I am planning on buying a trailer next spring and the Ameri-lite 21's have everything I want... and I can't find a single other trailer that comes close.

So it looks like the 218MB replaced the 21MB, perhaps with some overlap in production. The 218MB is basically the same layout, with some modifications in the bathroom primarily, but other than that, the same thing.... except somehow it gained 700+ lbs!!??

I will tow with a V8 Dodge Durango, and keeping the dry weight down is very important. I find online that the Gulf Stream AMERILITE 21MB is Dry Weight 3,215 lbs., and the AMERILITE 218MB Dry Weight 3,927 lbs.!?

Anyone have either of these, or have info and can comment? I cannot imagine how they could have added 700lbs to a trailer that size unless they put a full NASCAR roll cage in it....


TIA

3 Replies

  • I did see after I posted last night that the overall shell on 218 was a big redesign, but didn't realize that it had gotten wider.

    I plan on using the WD hitch set up and keeping my laden weight about 1000lbs below the towing capacity of the truck.
  • The 218MB is 8 inches wider than the 21MB was, that's a portion of the extra weight. I have noticed they are not quite as plain as when we looked a few years back. We really liked the 21MB but they sold the last two on the lot while we were deciding. We ended up taking a 25bh and it has been flawless ever since.
  • I HAD a 2005 21 mb.... nice little trailer... I pulled it with a 2004 Ram 1500 with a V6 and a 5 speed manual... and 3:55 gears... do not go by DRY WEIGHT... most trailers weight more than posted.

    Needed to use the weight distribution hitch setup.. and still got pushed around by semi's.

    the V8 and automatic will help.. some.

    my current Coachman 29 footer.. posted dry is 7,500.. on the cat scales its 8,300 dry and empty....