Prowler vs Shadow Cruiser Build Quality

What I can tell you is that we have owned a FunFinder Toyhauler since 2007. FunFinder is a brand of DoubleTree which also makes the Shadow Cruiser. We have enjoyed our unit and continually find quality of construction. Good materials, solid construction and top of the line appliances. Cannot attest to the Prowler. Don't remember seeing many on the road.

Don't know about Prowler. Had 2004 Funfinder T189FBR, good little trailer and now have a 2013 Radiance R22RBDS and the build quality seems still quite good. Better than we have seen in most! We spent 2 yrs looking. But, we saw the 2014's and do not like the new wood look they are using. Looks like cheap finishes from the 70's.

Thank you both for your replies. I too was a little taken aback by the wood in the interior. But, it seems to be contagious among the companies.
I think, no matter which one I go with, I will be purchasing the extended warranty.
Thanks again.

Good thinking.

I called the dealer again this morning to ask a few more specific questions. And I know, you shouldn't always/ever trust the dealer :) I will get to that in a minute.

He put my mind at ease about both models. Both are full framed (one in wood and one in aluminum) and he has good "relationships" with both the companies. So as far as build quality goes, he made it sound as if they were both very similar. Then he proceeded to go into the benefits and drawbacks of each model. At the end of our 40 minute conversation, I am not further along in my decision making process, but I am assured that I would be happy with both models.

In terms of the Dealership, I'm working with a small place called New Generation RV in Burlington Wisconsin. They have been amazing through this process. There was no pressure to buy, no trying to up-sell us, and tons of good information. The owner even took us into the service area to show us some of the differences in models. I'm almost afraid to say it, but I think I might actually trust this place... From the moment you walk in, you can tell they LOVE camping and love what they do.

Aluminum frame is lighter than 'stick & tin' built. Also consider the type of outside covering. A smooth fiberglass/gel coat exterior is easier to maintain and clean. You will find this on the Aluminum frame trailers.

facory wrote:
Aluminum frame is lighter than 'stick & tin' built. Also consider the type of outside covering. A smooth fiberglass/gel coat exterior is easier to maintain and clean. You will find this on the Aluminum frame trailers.

*not always 100% true*

Lots of tin skinned trailers have aluminum framed walls.

The wall construction also has a lot to do with the weight. Fiberglass can weigh more than Adzel etc. Just depends.

Also, the chassis can contribute to the weight. Is the frame a 4 inch frame or a 6 inch? C channel or tube construction... Axles etc. There is more to weight than sticks vs aluminum.

Also, the slides can weigh a lot. Just depends on how they are constructed.

I had a 31 ft long 8 ft wide sticks and tin TT that weight about 6500 lbs loaded.

No slides though ;)

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Thank you for the additional information. I have not decided for or against the "tin and stick" or the laminated with aluminum studs. I'm trying to keep my options open as much as possible. We went and looked at them again yesterday and we are leaning a little more toward the Shadow Cruiser. They seemed to have the little things we like. (Ability to rotate the TV to be watched in the bedroom etc...) I sat down with the dealer yesterday to discuss my trade in and they came in with a number that was quite a bit lower than NADA guides and about $6,000 less than what the same model is listed for at other locations. I understand that they need to make money but... Now the negotiations start. I will also do a little more shopping around.

Sell it yourself.

Personally I would at least go for a fiberglass sided camper. I have the corrugated aluminum siding on my 5er and i HATE cleaning it, been kicking myself for buying it since the first time i washed it. It's a very painful and time consuming process since it is not easily waxed to help with cleaning. My parents have a fiberglass sided one and i've helped clean and wax it before and it isn't so bad.