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Still Shopping- have new "must haves" and need advice

thegabrielles
Explorer
Explorer
Hi again! I posted a few months ago on the toy hauler section as we were leaning in that direction at the time, but as I looked more into weights and our needs we realized that the garage really wasn't needed. So now we are looking at TT and 5th Wheels. We have come up with a few "must haves" that we really want in an RV and we will be spending 1-2 months in it at times and maybe longer depending on where the road takes us. It will be just me and the wife so it just needs to have sleep for the two of us, although maybe someday have room for new family to tag along.

I have not bought the truck yet as I want to ensure it will go with the trailer but I am looking at a 2015 F350 SRW Diesel so towing shouldnt be an issue.
So here you go:
weight- under 11,500
Length- preferably shorter than 35' but willing to go slightly higher if needed
Outdoor Kitchen- Refrigerator, stove top, and a sink... but we have seen some with a microwave and a TV also.
Large shower- preference... ๐Ÿ™‚
Bedroom storage- we want a slide out for the bed so we have the large closet at the very front of the camper, but layout isn't as important as the storage space
Kitchen- big enough to store what we need
Living space- TV across from the recliners.

A good example of what we are looking for is the Keystone Loredo 325RL. We aren't as worried about pricing as we are about getting what we want. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Also, I have been in the Loredo and it is quite nice looking. We are leaning that way but am open to all options at this point. We are patient and don't have to buy yet but are ready when we have the right camper/ truck combo lined up.

Thanks!!!
Kim and David
Andrew 17yrs old, had been to all 50 states at 8 yrs old plus several countries and the Carribean Islands
He has grown up and we are getting ready to retire and see more of this great country!

2004 Winnebago Journey WKP39K, purchased 31May18!
22 REPLIES 22

thegabrielles
Explorer
Explorer
We absolutely loved the GD Solitude... but between the weight and the price, it was more then we wanted to go. I know I said the price was not the priority but its hard to justify $30k more on an RV.... or is it? Is the GD that much of a higher end camper to justify the difference?
Kim and David
Andrew 17yrs old, had been to all 50 states at 8 yrs old plus several countries and the Carribean Islands
He has grown up and we are getting ready to retire and see more of this great country!

2004 Winnebago Journey WKP39K, purchased 31May18!

greende
Explorer
Explorer
The Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R is on our short list. I think it has all or most of what you want.
2011 Chevy 3500 HD LTZ Duramax/Allison Crew Cab Long Box DRW
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2012 Keystone Cougar 293 SAB 5er

USAF 1968 - 1972 Viet Nam '71 - '72

Veebyes
Explorer II
Explorer II
What is the big issue with it being fully usable with slides in. With slides in we are in transit from one place to another. As long as the bathroom is accessible & we can get to the fridge we are good to go. Everyday the DW packs a small day cooler that goes in the truck containing drinks, snacks & sandwiches.

So many layouts have TVs off to the side. Why? Our 5er is unusual in that the TV is in a slide mounted at a 45deg angle across from the galley. From this location the TV is easily viewable no matter where you are. The only location where it is not viewable is the dining chair with its back to the TV.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
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2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

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thegabrielles
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for the replies. We ruled out the Outback because of the LR set-up, and the bedroom doesn't have enough storage for our needs. I like the fact that it has all the windows and makes for a much more open inside. Thanks for the idea.

The fridge is the biggest issue for access. With the outdoor kitchen, we would eliminate the need to get to the inside fridge during trips. Definitely, a great addition, and certainly a must. Bathrooms don't seem to be a major issue and unless it's front living the bedrooms seem accessible as well.
Kim and David
Andrew 17yrs old, had been to all 50 states at 8 yrs old plus several countries and the Carribean Islands
He has grown up and we are getting ready to retire and see more of this great country!

2004 Winnebago Journey WKP39K, purchased 31May18!

downtheroad
Explorer
Explorer
Add this thought to your, "must haves,"

Make sure you can access the bathroom, firg, and other major areas with the slides in.

Good luck with your search...
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."

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DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
Me_Again .. actually it does if you get it with all free standing furniture instead of the built in dinette. We removed the original 2 rocker chairs and the free standing table and replaced with a sofa, put wheels on it. When parked, flip it around and there it is. Fantastic view out the back window and good view of the television when you want it. I'll take the windows over a wall any day!


The few times we've had company, we leave the couch in the slide and pull out our outside camping chairs and put them in the middle. We've had as many as 11 people inside the living room. Stand alone furniture is the way to go!


Me_Again
Explorer II
Explorer II
DutchmenSport wrote:
If you like the Keystone Loredo (rear living room), take a minute and consider the Outback 298RE. The biggest difference you will find is the rear living room has windows on all sides. It provides an almost 360 degree view of the outside, opposed to having the entertainment center blocking one entire wall in the slide out. All those windows is fantastic, especially if staying in the camper for longer durations. It REALLY eliminates the claustrophobic feeling from having walls with no windows. It's a great "couples trailer" and layout similar to your Loredo. It has a small outside drop down 2 burner stove and sink on the outside, but not the full blown kitchen outside. Still, take a look at one, if you haven't already.

FYI, you'll have no problems towing any travel trailer with that truck.



Yep, like so many other RE units it provides a great TV view angle, NOT!

2021 F150 2.7 Ecoboost - Summer Home 2017 Bighorn 3575el. Can Am Spyder RT-L Chrome, Kawasaki KRX1000. Retired and enjoying it! RIP DW 07-05-2021

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
If you like the Keystone Loredo (rear living room), take a minute and consider the Outback 298RE. The biggest difference you will find is the rear living room has windows on all sides. It provides an almost 360 degree view of the outside, opposed to having the entertainment center blocking one entire wall in the slide out. All those windows is fantastic, especially if staying in the camper for longer durations. It REALLY eliminates the claustrophobic feeling from having walls with no windows. It's a great "couples trailer" and layout similar to your Loredo. It has a small outside drop down 2 burner stove and sink on the outside, but not the full blown kitchen outside. Still, take a look at one, if you haven't already.

FYI, you'll have no problems towing any travel trailer with that truck.