Newbie here seeking opinions...We have a 2015 Dutchman Aerolite 204ES hybrid that we fell madly in love with and basically purchased at first sight. After camping in it (usually with friends along) for almost a year, we are considering a slightly larger floorplan that gives us bigger slide-out's and a larger kitchen/living area. We seem to be zeroing in on the 2015/16 Forest River Shamrock 23IKSS. My question is this: what are your opinions on build quality/value of the Forest River vs. the Dutchman? We have had ZERO issues with the Dutchman and feel the build quality is pretty good. Before we go look at the Forest River, I'd like to know what people think.Thank you!

Manufacturers aside, try to avoid floor plan that has slide-out kitchens with/or sink islands.The stove and fridge are heavy and put a lot of strain on the slide-outs, also they are a pain to fix.(my aunt had 3 different models from 3 manufacturers with slide-out kitchens and sink islands, and she can tell you horror stories...)When it come to manufacturers, in my opinion and experience Jayco is #1My current pop-up camper is by forest River and it's ok (but it is not a HTT so it is not fair comparison)I do know a lot of people in person that have the "Roo" by forest River and they are VERY happy.(and again to be fair, I know nothing about Aerolite.)

Can't compare but we have had a Forest River product for ten years and have been quite pleased. The thing to keep in mind is that all rv's require regular maintenance. Our is a ROO 236. Will have to replace the awning next year but do not consider eleven years of use bad at all.

We are on our 2nd hybrid. The first we bought in '03 and owned for 10 years, a Jayco Kiwi 17a. It was toss up between that one and a 16' Aerolite Cub. The Jayco had larger windows and felt more open with the end bunks closed. But I saw nothing about the Cub that indicated it was poorly made. I don't read much negative about Forest River either. That said, we're on our second Jayco hybrid and couldn't be more happy with our choice. As said above, keep it maintained and what ever you buy will give you many years of good service. Choice of manufacturer will boil down to desired floor plan and dealer.

Good advice Dream Girl! Hadn't considered the consequences of having the reefer and stove in the slide-out. The sink in the island I'm not so concerned about, but moving the stove and fridge every time has to put strain on them.@llowllms, we like the Roo, too, but don't seem to have any in inventory near us to look at...

If you want real world opinions of the Roo or Shamrock 23IKSS, go to Forest River Forums and check out the Roo/Shamrock section.lots of 23IKSS owners there to answer your questions or you can simply read all the threads about the 23IKSS.It is now the hottest selling FR hybrid.FRF is an owners forum and not associated with Forest River.By the way, we've owned our Roo 23SS for nearly 9 years and it's still goin strong. We love it.

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NCJeepMan
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
Good advice Dream Girl! Hadn't considered the consequences of having the reefer and stove in the slide-out. The sink in the island I'm not so concerned about, but moving the stove and fridge every time has to put strain on them.

@llowllms, we like the Roo, too, but don't seem to have any in inventory near us to look at...
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
We are on our 2nd hybrid. The first we bought in '03 and owned for 10 years, a Jayco Kiwi 17a. It was toss up between that one and a 16' Aerolite Cub. The Jayco had larger windows and felt more open with the end bunks closed. But I saw nothing about the Cub that indicated it was poorly made. I don't read much negative about Forest River either.

That said, we're on our second Jayco hybrid and couldn't be more happy with our choice. As said above, keep it maintained and what ever you buy will give you many years of good service. Choice of manufacturer will boil down to desired floor plan and dealer.
llowllms
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
Can't compare but we have had a Forest River product for ten years and have been quite pleased. The thing to keep in mind is that all rv's require regular maintenance. Our is a ROO 236. Will have to replace the awning next year but do not consider eleven years of use bad at all.
Dream_Girl
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
Manufacturers aside, try to avoid floor plan that has slide-out kitchens with/or sink islands.
The stove and fridge are heavy and put a lot of strain on the slide-outs, also they are a pain to fix.
(my aunt had 3 different models from 3 manufacturers with slide-out kitchens and sink islands, and she can tell you horror stories...)

When it come to manufacturers, in my opinion and experience Jayco is #1
My current pop-up camper is by forest River and it's ok (but it is not a HTT so it is not fair comparison)
I do know a lot of people in person that have the "Roo" by forest River and they are VERY happy.

(and again to be fair, I know nothing about Aerolite.)

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