Which Brand Light Weight TT to buy?

elsique wrote:
We decided to hold for a bit on upgrade because we have not found the right fit for us yet but I do love this 2017 Rockwood 2906:
https://www.chesacorv.com/2017-forest-river-rockwood-2906ws-new-travel-trailer-md-i2141420

Interesting on the stats as the GVWR is listed as 8608 on dealer site, which outwardly looks like our truck could handle it but the rest of stats from the Rockwood brochure show dry weight of 7183 and hitch of 808. We have not gone to see it yet but for this one, we would have to consider upgrading our truck to a 3/4 ton because of the dry weight and we would max with 808 hitch wt.
All that said, does it seem off to have a TT where the dry weight and the GVWR is only a difference of 1400 LBS? While we typically travel light, it just seems like the manufacturer has not built this model for the buyer to load much stuff in the TT. Other similar weight models typically have GVWR of more like 9400 lbs. Point here is before we consider upgrading our 1/2 ton truck (just paid off) to buy this specific TT, would others be concerned that the GVWR of 8608 is low for a TT with a dry weight of 7200 lbs? Just doesn't sound quite right so wanted to see if anyone has any feedback.

I haul our 2906WS back and forth to the dealer (over an hour away) without a problem in my 2015 F-150 Ecoboost with 12.5k towing package. But I'd rather not use it for going up and down mountains, so we use a 2014 F-350 diesel, which hauls the trailer as though it's not even back there.

I posted a long review at Rockwood 2906WS

Ultimately, we decided we're not trailer people, so we'll be selling it. Very nice trailer, though.

ppine wrote:
Nash and Arctic Fox are hard to beat. I had a Nash 22 but it was heavy so I sold it. Now I miss it a lot. They have gone to aluminum frame and fiberglass and lightened them up somewhat.

Nash are still wood framed.

Nash and Arctic Fox are hard to beat. I had a Nash 22 but it was heavy so I sold it. Now I miss it a lot. They have gone to aluminum frame and fiberglass and lightened them up somewhat.

I agree on the Bullit Ultralite - we had a 2013 and pulled it over 12000 miles per year with no problems. We had one with a rear bath which was ideal for our use, The only reason we sold it was the DW wanted an Airstream - which of course would be another good choice if you you can find a late model used one.

elsique wrote:

temccarthy1 wrote:
My vote if you want a quality Ultralight is Bullet! I have owned one since 2014 and it has not had a single malfunction of ANY component or appliance! I have also never seen a bad review on this site or Keystone owner sites! I know Keystone makes many brand names but Bullet seems to have better quality control. Check them out!

We looked very hard at the Bullet 29RKPR as the rear kitchen model with sofa and chairs is exactly what we want in our "perfect" layout. Weights fit well within the max for our current TV. They have a 2017 new model with a very nice price on the lot right now.
Issues - as we did a walk around, the hatch seal on the outside kitchen had already fallen half way off. Sure, that's an easy fix but it did not give us a good first impression for quality.
2nd, my DH felt the axel/suspension looked very weak and as it sits, the wheels on this specific unit seemed almost out of alignment with the wheel wells on the body. These together were a turn off for DH.
For me, being a larger person, the shower was just too small as I always use my own shower when we camp. If the shower had been a little larger, I may have pushed for this one.

You are smart to try to find a new "leftover" 2017 right now-- you will save 1000's over a 2018! That's what we did in Nov 2014 on a leftover 2014. The axles and springs on Bullets are fine . I have never seen a negative review on them and ours is great! Bullets feature spread axles which give you a smoother ride and better weight distribution! We have a 285 RLS which is a rear living design, 30 ft long. Bullet makes many models, some have small bathrooms, some have much bigger pass through ones that have large tub/showers. Ours is a small bathroom which when we were looking concerned me, but my DW reminded me we spend the least time there of any room in the TT which is true and the living area was much more important!. Our shower is a corner shower but is plenty big and I am 6 ft tall. because of your TV weight limits, Bullets are a good choice for you to still give you the space without too much weight. Go on line, check all their floor plans ad then try to find the one you like! Good luck Happy hunting!

We will buy from either Chesaco or Leo's. We bought our last TT from Chesaco but Leo's has the open range 2804RK coming in January, which we are anxious to see.

I went to chesaco RV (joppa) last month too. I want to buy from a local dealer with a good reputation. I talked briefly to a salesperson and she seemed nice enough. However, we don't plan to buy for some months so i didn't want to take up her time and prevent her from selling to other customers there. I left with some jayco brochures but all in all, nothing that was there at the time really sold me. I'm looking forward to going to the RV show in VA next month and PA in February, to get a look at many different brands/floor plans. I still won't be buying that soon but I can at least see what's out there in 1 place at the same time.

http://www.washingtonrvexpo.com/

My perfect TT is the Rockwood 2906WS. The hitch weight is the limiting factor. Since we decided we do not want to risk forcing ourselves into a new 5 yr loan for a bigger truck, I have to walk away from this one:( Open Range may be our best next option

temccarthy1 wrote:
My vote if you want a quality Ultralight is Bullet! I have owned one since 2014 and it has not had a single malfunction of ANY component or appliance! I have also never seen a bad review on this site or Keystone owner sites! I know Keystone makes many brand names but Bullet seems to have better quality control. Check them out!

We looked very hard at the Bullet 29RKPR as the rear kitchen model with sofa and chairs is exactly what we want in our "perfect" layout. Weights fit well within the max for our current TV. They have a 2017 new model with a very nice price on the lot right now.
Issues - as we did a walk around, the hatch seal on the outside kitchen had already fallen half way off. Sure, that's an easy fix but it did not give us a good first impression for quality.
2nd, my DH felt the axel/suspension looked very weak and as it sits, the wheels on this specific unit seemed almost out of alignment with the wheel wells on the body. These together were a turn off for DH.
For me, being a larger person, the shower was just too small as I always use my own shower when we camp. If the shower had been a little larger, I may have pushed for this one.

Know that being an "ultralite" means it's built using the thinnest, lightest, least substantial and cheapest materials & components from the frame up and usually with workmanship to match. We once had an ultralite TT replaced under warranty due to problems. Choose wisely and may the good lord be with you...

If you were out west, I'd say consider OutdoorsRV products for decent quality.

Oh, and dealer "quality" can also be a factor. A poor one (and there are plenty) can turn an otherwise great RV into a nightmare. BTDT too. Check BBB and research the internet.