Passport 2300BH vs Salem Cruise Lite 261BH

Question

Hello all, first post here. My wife and I in the market for a TT (likely used), and found 2 we are interested in, noth with similar used pricing. We are considering a 2013 Keystone Passport 2300BH Grand touring model, and also a 2014 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite 261BH. Our TV (2002 4wd Suburban) limits our towing weight. This is our first TT, and we have 2 daughters (10 and 12). Looking to do some local (within 2-3 hours) exploring, as well as an "out west trip" in the next year or so. We live in Eastern PA.

I'm looking for constructive input on these 2 models so we can make a smart purchase. The 2300BH is appx 4300 lbs unladen vs the Salem at appx 4600 lbs. The 2300 BH has a slide vs no slide with the Salem, and the 2300 has the larger axle spread which is meant to create more stability. The Salem has a larger bottom bunk.

Input requested....go! Thanks in advance!!

pathwacker · Answer

Hi I live in eastern PA. Pocono region.   The Salem cruise lite rides low to the ground and would bottom out on many of the sloped driveways in my region.   Construction wise from what I've seen is the cruise lites is rather poor.

bobndot · Answer

After owning both slide and non slide units,I prefer the non slide TT, one less thing to go wrong while away from home.
I like the sofa idea in the Salem . I think you will actually have more spread out space in the Salem because you have the bed, the sofa and the dinette, opposed to just a dinette in the slide-out , which offers more floor space. (which you might like if you are all Merengue dancers)

Buying any used RV all depends on condition and how well it was maintained. IMO, that is more important than how it's made. They are all made well enough to holdup if they are maintained and not abused.
You are out of warranty now so you will probably not have too much involvement with the mgf., therefore I don't think it matters if you choose FR or Keystone . I would buy the floor plan that works best for you , think comfort and ease of use.

jagtec1 · Answer

I took the wife to see both today.  We are likely going with the Passport.  It seems to be better built, and we saw a few areas of concern with the Salem.  I like the AL frame construction of the Passport, and it is lighter.  Once we get through the impending snow storm, we will likely be pulling the trigger.

oldracer · Answer

YouTube search the Passport. There are some absolutely great videos that go into detail about how theyre constructed and the materials they use vs. some of the cheaper **** you see on other TT's.

We just purchased a 2016 Passport 2770 w/dual slides from the RV Show in ATL 2 weeks ago. Ive been through this thing with a fine toothed comb (this is our 4th RV), and it REALLY IS built better than either of the two Jayco's or Thor we had in years past.

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Passport 2300BH vs Salem Cruise Lite 261BH

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