Looking to buy!

We were looking at that same unit about a year ago. Ended up going with a larger unit that can still be pulled with a half-ton pickup and paid less than the one you're looking at. I thought the Viking was a nice trailer, but the tanks are pretty small, the fridge is pretty small, etc...

Depending on your style of camping, the Viking may be a good fit, but we're glad we went with something larger (with larger tanks, larger fridge and more storage.)

Good luck

You can look at KZ RV also. Their basic Sportsmen Classic line starts at about $10k. I had a KZ Spree Escape for about 3 years and liked it pretty well; the worst problem wasn't much of a problem, a couple of the decorative things over the windows (valances? not sure of the name) loosened and came down after a few thousand miles of road pounding. Oh, and the roof needed resealing service (Dicor caulk around seams) after 3 years, but any TT should have regular roof inspection and maintenance.

I had a Rockwood before that and it was fine, no issues. You'll find lemons in any batch of products built by humans.

TomG2 wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:


The only problem with those brand specific forums is they're chock full of people who drink that specific manufacturers koolaid. The Forest River Forum is the worst one out there for koolaid drinkers.

Having been a member of Forest River, Heartland, and now Jayco owner's forums, I find plenty of people eager to point out problems with their purchases.

As it should be. Buyers with problems should be eager to point out the problems to others IMO. Then they are promptly chastised by the Koolaid drinkers. Its actually hilarious.

http://www.rvt.com/Coachmen-Viking-17BH-2018-Manheim-PA-ID7590953-UX191574
check it out 8,999 for a 2018 in pa

find a friend who own,s a rv have then guide you along.

When you find a design you like based on floorplan and size, take to the web, RV trader, RVT will have listings nationwide for the same units. It's natural to go to the ones that have a model listed the cheapest, but when you get in there you will often find that they charge high destination/delivery fees, large prep fees etc. Most dealers have websites, and if they dont charge all the BS fees they are quick to point it out, note their pricing and then use that to compare to the ones that do. $1000 sales price more from a no fee dealer beats heck out of the guy thats $1000 cheaper but then charges $450 administrative fee, $2000 dealer prep, and $1700 delivery, and yes there are some that will tack all that on a small TT.
Search everywhere you can till you find what you like, and then use the power of the web to visit all the dealers sites to get the true best deal for you.

Like others have said, first time buyer, and at your price point, consider used.

But!, the market is busy this year, so sometimes you can deal a new one just about as well. I have a short list of brands that stick out to me due to quality of construction, the rest seem to be a blur of "the same" with different names and graphics, made by what now seems to be a handful of large conglomerates with a ton of sub-brands.

Oh, you wanted recommendations...my definition of the traditional travel trailer build will have wood stud wall/roof frames with aluminum siding. Been built that way forever, so you are left with manufacturer quality, support, and a good dealer.

Riverside RV, makes a Retro model that seems to have a good following and reviews. Alabama jim on the forum toured their factory, bought one, and often touts the attention to detail, quality control, and his like for the brand.
2017 Riverside Retro 181B Bunkhouse

If bunkhouse isn't needed, this particular dealer has a used Retro 177.
2016 Riverside Retro 177

Here's a writeup on the 177:
Retro 177 review

Now these may look too old school for you, but they've done a good job with them, and I think owning one will make you smile when you arrive back to your campground after a hike. (Sort of like you do with your truck after you park it and walk away...the quick glance back. C'mon, if you don't take a look back at it from time to time, you bought the wrong truck)

Used, in your area, for your price range, check out this bad boy:
2011 Sunnybrook Harmony 28BHS

All aluminum superstructure, gel coat fiberglass exterior, hardwood faces on cabinets, residential hidden hinges, all metal plumbing fixtures, porcelain toilet, pocket jig screwed cabinetry, trail air suspension with shock absorbers, heated and insulated tanks, etc.

2011 Sunnybrook Harmony Brochure

Doubt you'll find a higher quality, better built trailer than one of these, especially the new Viking you like. Even with the size, it doesn't appear too heavy for your truck.

Edit: speaking of Sunnybrook, here's a used Remington, which gave way to the new Winnebago Micro Minnie. Maybe a deal since so few know about the Remington name?
2014 Sunnybrook Remington 2100DS (by Winnebago)


Best of Luck!

Ralph Cramden wrote:


The only problem with those brand specific forums is they're chock full of people who drink that specific manufacturers koolaid. The Forest River Forum is the worst one out there for koolaid drinkers.

Having been a member of Forest River, Heartland, and now Jayco owner's forums, I find plenty of people eager to point out problems with their purchases.

To the OP, be aware that some items, such as the absence of DSI on water heaters are not always apparent at first glimpse. I looked at some models that only had 120 volt refrigerators which made them worthless for boondocking compared to ones with a propane option. Be careful out there, but welcome to the party.

2017 prices will fall as the 2018's come out. It's costing the dealers money to have 17's sitting on their lot.
I would buy from a dealer with a reputation of helping their customers as well as being able to communicate with the mfg.
Brand is less important than both of you being happy with the floor plan.
What we like in an rv floor plan is having an island bed, sofa and a dinette.
The island bed allows full walk around room to make the bed. We have found that sofas are more comfortable than sitting in dinettes for long periods of time.

Make sure the trailer tires as well as the axle(s) have enough gross weight rating to carry the load. Full real load...not a useless dry weight. If you choose a single axle trailer double check those numbers so your capacities are in line. Lower priced or lightweight rv's sometimes can cheap-out on things that are important.

As a current and previous owner of Forest River products, which the Viking is, my advice is to steer clear of anything associated with Forest River. We like our Rockwood enough, but spent the first year finishing building it, fixing multitudes of factory defects, and correcting bad engineering issues such as undersized water tank mountings that fail allowing tanks to fall out. Also attempting any resolution relating to the warranty or communicating with Forest Rivers support is an exercise in frustration. Caveat Emptor.

TomG2 wrote:
Take your time. They make new ones every day. That is another of many advantages of buying new. Most brands have online forums and actual owners will have better information than the typical Internet expert.

The only problem with those brand specific forums is they're chock full of people who drink that specific manufacturers koolaid. The Forest River Forum is the worst one out there for koolaid drinkers.