Carriage Cameo

[Blackcell]

Just traded our 2010 Keystone Outback fiver for '09 Carriage Cameo 35SB3. Went from low-end to high class in one leap. One owner, looks barely used, roof was excellent, no signs of water damage, common wear & tear was next to zero including the carpet. Immaculate condition inside and out. Everyone (non sales folks) I spoke with said its a dreamboat and few can compare to it. I'll spend months just learning all the new features I've never had before.

We looked over Mobile Suites, Montana, Lifestyle, Heartland, Landmark, Hitchhiker and came right back to Carriage. The layout, quality, features, and overall solid built package just seemed to us a step above the rest while considering price factor.

We do the walk-thru and pick it up next Saturday along with upgraded hitch. I can barely sleep :B.

Well, I've obviously already made the decision but just curious if any current or former Carriage owners are/were happy with their fiver unit? If were not satisfied I'd be interested in hearing.

Thanks!

[Larry_1190]

We have owned Carriage RV's since the early 90's and I wouldn't buy anything else. We have a lot in So. Maryland on the Potomac river and I lived in our Carriage for two years and never froze, our neighbors moved out twice and lived with their kids, they said they couldn't afford the cost to keep worm.

Congratulations on your Cameo and Happy Trails.. You'll love it!!!!

[Cummins12V98]

larry barnhart wrote:
Trim screws work out on any brand. Chevman

That they do!

[duramaxdelight]

I can tell your so excited about this new unit to you.

Congrats with your Cameo!!

We have had so much enjoyment with ours, and its extremely comfortable

for any kind a season or weather. We had a cool winter in AZ and this

unit was exceptional with its comfort and warmth.

YOu made a good choice and I wish you lots of fun and safe travels.

[Blackcell]

Wow, didn't expect such a warm welcome and great advice/info & links! Many thanks!! Yes, tires/wheels are at the top of my list. Hopefully, the current ones (I can't remember what tires are on it) will get me through the summer as I've already spent a small fortune which includes our summer trip plans.

Should I expect the dealer to have inspected the brakes and grease the axles before driving off the lot? I plan to ask but last fiver we bought new and brakes, axles, tires were not even a thought as first timers. This one being used but much heavier and I'm alittle more wiser, I'd like to have some reassurance I will get home safely. I'm sure I'll have a big grin ear-to-ear but white knuckles towing it home the first time.

Thanks again for all the great replies!

[luvglass]

I think you will love it. We have been living and traveling in ours for over 7 years and if anything happened to it I would search for a used Carriage to replace it. Check out the Yahoo Carriage group with any questions. There are over 2000 members of that group and it is very active.
Good luck,

[kennethwooster]

Our 2011 Cameo is the very best unit weve ever had. I would look at Lifestyle if buying new. They bought the Carriage designs.

[FiverBob]

You should love your Carriage. They made an extremely good unit. Here is another link to the largest Carriage forum. Great people on board that will give some great tips and help. Good information in their files section.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Carriage_RV/

Bob

[broark01]

We looked for years before buying a 2008 Cameo 34ck3 last year. Working through the standard stuff, tires, brakes, caulk and trim screws breaking due to galvanic corrosion (aluminum screws in steel). Have been to many RV shows since buying it and still have not experienced anything we both like better.

[SDcampowneroper]

I have no regrets on our '09 35 fd3 unit that Carriage built. Duro tires were poor, overrated. get better tires. I went to Hercules 'F' rated at 95psi and see perfect wear. We did upgrade the axles to 8k electric dexters for stronger braking and stiffer for alingment. I think Carriage did cut corners on running gear.
some underbelly and side trim screws have worked out or broken off, an issue with any camper, not just Carriage.
Our regret is that we did not wait another year for an '10 35 fws.

[larry_barnhart]

Trim screws work out on any brand. Chevman

[Cummins12V98]

Good quality rigs. Keep an eye on your springs, friends had to replace all 4. They were so bad the axle tubes beat a radiuses dents in the bottom of the frame.

For sure spend the money right now and contact trailertiresandwheels.com and get 17.5" Alcoa wheels and GY H rated tires with a steel wheel and cheap tire for a spare.

I did the above on out MS and sold the 5 tires and wheels on CL for $1,000 and the new tires and wheels sent to me were $3,200 total. They were balanced with steel valve stems and new lug nuts.

[pcm1959]

Congrats on the "new" Carriage. We love our 2011 and it has been a great rig. Like any of them, keep a check on everything including the "pop-out" screws that of which have not been a problem on ours. The Vinyl roof is easy to keep clean and the slide design eliminating the need for slide-out toppers is great and one of a kind. Enjoy, and safe travels. Phillip

[samandtheduck]

I agree with Me Again. If you want your trailer to stay looking new get some 17.5" rims and tires. I also agree with scouser about the trim screws coming out. What's with that?
Brian

[noteven]

We have had good results buying various "higher end" rv's second hand. Our Carriage looks like the trend continues.