TH search (Rubicon, Octane, Wolf Pack, Sport Trek)

[sideskraft]

I've been researching toy haulers in the 6000-6500lb range for awhile, and have come up with these potentials:
1. Dutchmen Rubicon 2100
2. FR Cherokee Wolf Pack 24PACK14
3. Jayco Octane 273 Super Lite
4. Venture Sport Trek 302VTH

I'm hoping that some forum members can shed light on their own recent experiences with any of these. Unfortunately there are no 2100 Rubicons near me and that's the only one I haven't looked at in person. Each of them has their advantages, and in the end I expect it will come down to the small stuff, dealer and price.

Thanks for any suggestions you can provide.

[atwowheelguy]

Well, just a heads up. A 5025# (empty) toy hauler loaded my F150 to the rear axle capacity, with no water in the camper. I had 700# of people and gear in the truck. What does your payload sticker say?

[sideskraft]

F150 taking short trips with pretty flat terrain (Michigan).

[atwowheelguy]

sideskraft wrote:
I've been researching toy haulers in the 6000-6500lb range for awhile

Will you be towing with a 2500?

I am curious about the tow vehicle you are targeting with this camper. I also looked for a long time for a toy hauler with a front bed that my truck could handle. I was looking for a used unit, so it took me a year to find it. My toy hauler was 5025# out of the factory. It weighs 6740# with two dirt bikes and no water. My truck has a 1607# payload. Loaded with two people and riding gear and with the loaded camper attached, the rear truck axle carries just 50# under the axle weight limit.

[sideskraft]

Yes, the Sport Trek is 96" wide, something to consider. If it were full width, it would be 500+ lbs heavier and out of my weight capacity. Surprisingly the folding foam mattress used on that murphy bed is quite comfortable, at least for us, because we prefer firm over soft. The separate garage with bathroom between the living area is a neat idea, and all of that space is open (the Rubicon and Octane have wall-mounted folding sofas that take up almost a foot of space on either side). Because the Wolf Pack has the sofas and bed on the electric rails, it really opens up the toy area when they are both raised, and the WP has a really long open area through the kitchen (14ft). The Rubicon has huge windows for natural light to come in (which we like) and tons of overhead storage, but not the walk around bed. Frankly the WP and Octane are pretty close (except for how the folding sofas are stored), with the WP having 8cf refer (wife really likes) and the Octane having great counter space (wife really likes). The Sport Trek has decent counter space too, with a u-dinette slide out and huge windows on the slide out. Lots to consider when spending $25K for something we don't "need" but will definitely enjoy using.

[Y-Guy]

Until now I've never heard of the Venture Sport, be aware it's a 96" unit not the normal 102" wide like the FR and Jayco. Personally I don't care of the the couch setup in the Venture, give me a real bed.