Rockwood Ultra Lite

[Bob___Mary]

Hello all - been awhile since last post.

Mostly out of curiosity but would appreciate any feed back on Rockwood Ultra Lite in general and model 8289WS in particular.
Wondering where it fits on the Fiver "food chain"?

Thanks - any input appreciated.

Bob

[NMWHITIS]

While it seems any unit can be hit or miss, I owned a Rockwood Sig 8289ws 5er and I would say it was very well built, and overall very solid. No
Major issues in 2 years and for the money it’s extremely difficult to find something that comes close to the features/options they put on them. Rockwood is now making larger units (37’) with all new floor plans. I wouldn’t hesitate to own another one.

[Hammerboy]

ScottG wrote:


Me too, I open it right next to a semi. There's enough room that I never have to go over the line between us and I've never had one tell me they were scared..

Same here. I would never let a floor plan we didn't like come ahead of having an accessible fridge or pantry with the slides closed, bottom of the priority list for us. Sure it would be nice but we can't have everything.

Dan

[ScottG]

bid_time wrote:
I've opened mine many times for lunch etc. in rest areas. What's the issue?

Me too, I open it right next to a semi. There's enough room that I never have to go over the line between us and I've never had one tell me they were scared..

[mtofell1]

Super_Dave wrote:
Off topic but it’s just a sad day when 30 seconds to partially open a slide is a make or break deal.

Lots more reasons than making lunch that opening slides is a deal breaker. Many people park their RVs in places that the slides can't be opened. Not being able to access a fridge or pantry while setting up is a PITA.

[bid_time]

I've opened mine many times for lunch etc. in rest areas. What's the issue?

[B_O__Plenty]

ScottG wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
Off topic but it’s just a sad day when 30 seconds to partially open a slide is a make or break deal.

I've never understood that either. It just doesn't take any effort to push a button for a few seconds. We do it all the time when we stop for lunch or what ever.

Don't try that in a crowded rest stop or truck stop

B.O.

[ScottG]

Super_Dave wrote:
Off topic but it’s just a sad day when 30 seconds to partially open a slide is a make or break deal.

I've never understood that either. It just doesn't take any effort to push a button for a few seconds. We do it all the time when we stop for lunch or what ever.

[Bob___Mary]

Thanks all. This is the feedback I was looking for. Currently have a NU-WA Hitchhiker II LS - 2007 model. This is a well made trailer, was just exploring the possibility of going newer or doing some normal maintenance due to age (roof?).
Think you have answered my question.

Bob

[Super_Dave]

Off topic but it’s just a sad day when 30 seconds to partially open a slide is a make or break deal.

[CaLBaR]

We had a 2007 Rockwood that gave us 11 good years before we traded it in. It did have a roof leak at the back corner that caused some delamination but that could just as easily been maintenance or lack of it on my part. Did have some initial warranty issues but Rockwood stood behind it when the selling dealer would/could not fix it. In general a very good trailer and the family had lots of good times in it.

As for not getting access to the fridge while traveling, our new Grand Design Reflection has that same issue but we have an outdoor kitchen so we use that fridge while traveling for food.

[camp-n-family]

Don't know if the quality has changed in the last few years but my parents have a 2012 that has been nothing but a nightmare. Major quality issues from the start requiring months and months of down time for repair including a trip back to the factory.

The entire roof was replaced after it rotted from leaks in the first year. It leaked around the AC and shower skylight plus the luan panels used to make the roof were sharp around the edges and poked holes through the roof membrane. The axles and tires were replaced as they were undersized from the factory and bent. Front cap was replaced twice from warping. Water heater was replaced. Skirting around pin had stress cracks. Radio never worked and the wiring for the antenna was laid across the slide roof under the rubber membrane so that the weather stripping rubbed a hole through it. The slides were so crooked that you could see daylight and the floor got wet any time it rained. The uneven slide also wore a hole in the vinyl flooring.

The list is much longer but I can't remember it all. Thank god they had an extended warranty but it wasn't worth the stress and hassle. It took a lawsuit to get it sorted to a point that the TT was useable. If you consider the Rockwood, get a thorough inspection, an extended warranty and a competent service manager.

[jkwilson]

I liked that one a lot, but went with the similar Grand Design 303RLS.

[mtofell1]

I researched this brand/line of trailers pretty extensively prior to buying my Keystone Hideout. Like my Hideout, the Rockwood is a pretty mid/low end product. To me a lot depends on how often I plan to use it. I'm still working so it's just a few weekends a year and a few weeks in the summer. For that, these lower end RVs are great and I feel I'd be throwing money away in depreciation on a more expensive unit. If/when I have more time to be out camping there's no way I'd expect one of these "weekend warrior" units to hold up.

[downtheroad]

No experience with Rockwood so I can't comment on the quality....but
Our friends have a very similar floor plan trailer. What they don't like about it is that when the slides are in, they can't access the frig or pantry. The slides pretty much block the back half of the trailer ..makes it harder for a quick on the road stop for lunch or such.

Don't know if that matters to you?? Otherwise it looks like a great unit. You will really like the rear lounge plan. Good luck with you search and choice.