Feedback on XLR and Fuzion

[Riddler6_7]

The wife and I are looking to upgrade from our current tahoe transport to a new, bigger unit. We have pretty much narrowed it down to 2 models...

2017 XLR thunder 380amp which now has a king bed and a residential shower with a seat vs last year's model.

Pros over Fuzion

1. I like the opposing couches layout better. But not as good of viewing angle of the tv...

2. Felt more spacious in the "living room"

3. Haven't heard many bad things about the XLR brand.

4. Has a higher GVWR be 2k lbs.

5. All of the holding tanks have a much greater capacity.

2017 Fuzion 423.

Pros over the XLR

1. TV position

2. Garage Tie downs look to be VERY SOLID. They are welded to the frame from what I understand. (This is big deal to me from past bad experiences)


I really like both units, but I am leaning towards the XLR. I will be carrying a XP1K rzr so I want to know the tie down anchors are STOUT. I have had some let go in the past.

The XLR claims to rate the tie downs at 5k lbs just like the Fuzion, but the Fuzion tie downs definitely look more stout.

I would love to hear feedback from owners of both brands about everything. Especially about the tie down anchors in the garage of the XLR. I have no concerns about the Fuzion anchors.

Thanks

[d-mac1]

1jeep wrote:
I have to open my slide about 4 inches to open the fridge to clear the island when stopped, not a big issue.

Cool! Can ya sit down in it too with the slides in? My point of this is...if you don't hafta open the slides, you won't get em wiped out by a big rig backing in next to you while you eat dinner or relax...or in the middle of the night.

Sure...you can close em back up after you eat dinner or whatever, but I don't hafta worry about it and I think that aspect is an advantage of our trailer. Not everyone will agree.

[1jeep]

I have to open my slide about 4 inches to open the fridge to clear the island when stopped, not a big issue.

[tinner12002]

d-mac1 wrote:
How much do your toys weigh and how much does your current load of toys, gear, etc weigh? What is it after adjusting for increased fresh water in the new rigs?

A feature of ours that we like is we can walk through our entire trailer with the slides in, can open the fridge and sit on the couch (we don't have an island in kitchen). This is nice at truck stops when parked with the big rigs. It looks like with the Fuzion you could at least open the fridge.

Good luck on finding very many like that anymore!! I have an 06 that I can do that with but with many of the new ones, no more!

[linnemj]

We have a XLR Travel Trailer Toy hauler that we bought in 2010. We really like the trailer but have had several things that had to be corrected after purchase. We have attended the FROG - Forest River Owner's Group Rally held in August in Elkhart, IN. In the past, Forest River has offered free service to fix up to 3 things on your unit. In our case, the factory manager was involved in correcting issues. It is a nice rally, you get those nagging things fixed, and you develop a relationship with the people who built your unit. You also meet other XLR owners to share ideas with and build friendships.

We haul BMW motorcycles and have no issues with the tie downs in our garage.

Good luck with your decision.

[Riddler6_7]

I figure the rzr around 1900lbs to be safe. The kids little 4wheeler, 200lbs and just a guess of 600lbs worth of gear, food, clothes etc etc. No problem for the XLR but would probably be close on the GVWR of the Fuzion with water.

[d-mac1]

How much do your toys weigh and how much does your current load of toys, gear, etc weigh? What is it after adjusting for increased fresh water in the new rigs?

A feature of ours that we like is we can walk through our entire trailer with the slides in, can open the fridge and sit on the couch (we don't have an island in kitchen). This is nice at truck stops when parked with the big rigs. It looks like with the Fuzion you could at least open the fridge.

[Riddler6_7]

Good feedback guys. The XLR does say that the tie down points are steel reinforced. Just doesn't state exactly what they mean.

The axle placement is definitely a good point. Looking at pics, it does appear they are a bit more forward on the XLR. They look better on the Fuzion. Also, the listed pin weight of the XLR is quite a bit less. A heavier pin weight is of no concern to me with my truck, but a light pin is something to think about.

As far as the fridge placement. I live out in the country so I don't have to worry about putting the slides out when loading up.

The Fuzion does have a large pantry where it looks like the XLR does not.

One thing my wife really likes about the XLR is how the stove open. She says that with the Fuzion, the way it opens, it blocks you into the kitchen. I see what she is saying but personally don't think it's that big of a deal.

I wish there was a more definitive way to know build quality as that is huge obviously.

I will have to look into the factory tours and locarions. I'm in Arkansas and probably wouldn't get a chance to go to far just for a tour, although it would be a good idea.

I wish I could find a 380amp close by to check out in person. We got to see the Fuzion model in person last week. We liked it but the wife said it felt more cramped then she expected...

[1jeep]

I think your going to find they all have good tie downs and residential showers, even my cheap carbon has this.

[tinner12002]

Personally I like the Fuzion better as I prefer the frig on the curb side so It can be loaded without slide going into the street. Looks like a roomier bathroom too. You might also check on cabinet space in the kitchen area...seems they all lack severely in that aspect. Fuzion has bigger wardrobe too. Just my opinion. If you have time, take a visit to both factories...I believe they are pretty close together so you could take in both in one day. Of course then, you may not want either one...lol.

[d-mac1]

We own a 2012 XLR 300X10. Its pretty well made (had just a few things to fix after delivery) but as far as I know, all of em cut corners on stuff. We haul dirtbikes via EZtrack that I installed in the back, but when I had the underbelly down to fix something, I noticed that the tie downs they installed in the back were bolted into the frame of the rig. Seemed pretty secure to me...but mines a 2012 so who knows what they're doing now.

Heres something that annoys me on mine...I have 2 fuel tanks. An 18 gallon one for the generator and a 30 gallon one for toys. Of course, there is a fuel pump on the 30 gallon tank, so I can pump out of it, into the 18 gallon tank and keep my genny running. BUT, I have NO WAY to get fuel out of the generator tank.

I'd be interested to know, if the trailers you're looking at have 2 fuel tanks, can you move fuel both directions or only one like mine. Even if I put some sort of drain on the fuel line to the genny, I think I've got to pump it out as if I were priming my genny cuz the fuel line isn't gravity feed.

Heres another thing....compare pin weight. On mine, I think the axles are just a tad too far forward. The result of this is my pin weight is a little on the light side, so I load it front heavy and its ok even with bikes in it until I totally fill the water and the fuel. Thats when I wish the axles were further back cuz it likes to weave unless I tow it super straight...which gets tiring and is pretty much impossible to do all the time.

NOTE: My fuel tanks are both in the back beginning just in front of the spare which is under the floor of the trailer and in the very back. In front of the fuel tanks is my 100 gallon fresh water tank. As such, it is about 80% behind the rear axle. Once it all gets to sloshing, it wants to wag the rear of the trailer. (mines a 2 axle rig...didn't want a 3rd cuz it drags too bad on turns)

[Riddler6_7]

lawnspecialties wrote:
I own neither one. When we were shopping this past winter, it came down to the Fuzion, XLR, and Vengeance. We went with Vengeance. Not because its any better but it had some things the other two didn't regarding the floorplan we wanted. But we loved all three.

I'm a big Forest River fan. Been very happy with their campers. I love XLRs; especially with the full body paint. FR also will give you a second year of warranty for $250.

But the shop of the big toy hauler dealer we usually work with recommends the Fuzions when it comes to service. They said they're easier to work with on warranty stuff. Also, I assume all Fuzions typically come with G rated Sailun tires. A nice addition.

Thanks for the input.

I am probably leaning XLR 60%... the Fuzion sure is nice though.

[lawnspecialties]

I own neither one. When we were shopping this past winter, it came down to the Fuzion, XLR, and Vengeance. We went with Vengeance. Not because its any better but it had some things the other two didn't regarding the floorplan we wanted. But we loved all three.

I'm a big Forest River fan. Been very happy with their campers. I love XLRs; especially with the full body paint. FR also will give you a second year of warranty for $250.

But the shop of the big toy hauler dealer we usually work with recommends the Fuzions when it comes to service. They said they're easier to work with on warranty stuff. Also, I assume all Fuzions typically come with G rated Sailun tires. A nice addition.