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Coachmen Freedom Express 246RKS

hppytrls
Explorer
Explorer
I've been shopping for a new TT and like the Coachmen Freedom Express 246RKS. Anyone have any experience with this model, any comments about it? Thanks.
49 REPLIES 49

Flatfoot-Rogue
Explorer
Explorer
hvac wrote:
My advice is to find a rig with a metal floor,roof and of course sidewall construction. They all leak so this keeps bad things to a minimum. I can't believe they still use wood framing!!


As far as I can tell the only manufacturer that boasts using no wood products in any thing (interior included) is Livin' Lite RV. Not all their models are like this tho. I have not seen one in person but sounds like it could be the way to go.
2004 f-150
2005 Fleetwood Wilderness 18T6 (heavily modified)

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
hvac wrote:
My advice is to find a rig with a metal floor,roof and of course sidewall construction. They all leak so this keeps bad things to a minimum. I can't believe they still use wood framing!!


Wood "framing" is probably an incorrect description as many if not almost all trailers built with a metal cage still use wood in several locations as the outer front & rear skins, inner skin, roof structure, etc, all have to be secured to something, that "something" being wood. In those rear wall pics I posted earlier all those wood studs aren't there so much to serve as wall support but to provide contact points to which the outside rear wall panel and inside wall panel can be affixed. Fiberglass side walls are a different matter as they're constructed as a self contained composite wall which is later installed on the trailer as one piece. Nonetheless, wood is still often used inside those walls in specific locations in order to provide something for screws to bite into when installing interior cabinets, etc. Could Coachmen choose to change the rear wall so it too is also a composite assembly with an inner sheet of Azdel, as are the side walls? ... sure, but to date I've not yet seen the inside of a 2017 Freedom to know that this has been done, nor has the tech I know. One thing is certain though - Azdel doesn't bend and is unsuitable for use on a trailer's front wall unless the manufacturer can figure out a way to preform the panels, at an acceptable cost. To date that doesn't seem to be the case so AFAIK those Freedom front walls are still composite sheets of fiberglass and luan wood which are stapled & glued to wood backers. Rare would be the case when any trailer contained no wood at all.
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

hvac
Explorer
Explorer
My advice is to find a rig with a metal floor,roof and of course sidewall construction. They all leak so this keeps bad things to a minimum. I can't believe they still use wood framing!!

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
Flatfoot-Rogue wrote:
I quote Coachman's web site about Aluminum framing for the 2016/17 line up and you show a pic and talk about an older model.. Hmmmmmm That like saying that a 2015 F150 is the same as a 2016 F150 because they both are made by FORD and say F150 and will have all the same body issues. We all know that that is not true as the 2015 is steel construction and the 2016 Aluminum so they can't and will not have the same body issues. The OP asked about a NEW 2016 Coachman. Coachman is saying that their NEW trailers starting in 2016 and moving forward have an Aluminum Cage construction so who cares about the problems that their wood cage construction had. If you don't like this explanation take it up with Coachman, They are the ones stating that they are changing their manufacturing process.


My 2014 Freedom Express does have a full aluminum cage frame so where you're getting the idea it doesn't or that that new 2017s are significantly different construction that earlier models is a mystery. :h I just returned from a visit to "my computer guy" for an issue I was having with my MacBook Pro and since I was passing right by my Coachmen dealer on the way home I dropped in and spoke to the same tech who had pulled the original wall off a 2014 Freedom shown in the pic I posted yesterday. As luck would have it that trailer was still in the shop as the tech had since installed the new replacement wall and allowed it to sit overnight for the adhesive to dry before reinstalling all the trim today. I examined the original wall and can tell you it definitely was luan wood with a fiberglass bonded to it ... AND the new replacement wall which was shipped from 2017 stock just last week was exactly the same. You can disagree all you want but I saw both these 2014 and 2017 walls with my own eyes and they are not Azdel and the framing to which the wall panel is affixed are wood studs. Logically it would make sense that Azdel could be an improvement Coachmen could make with the rear wall but the tech said there's no way it could be used on the front wall as Azdel just won't bend that much without cracking. FWIW, this same tech replaced an Azdel side wall last summer on a Freedom and unlike the end or front walls the side walls are a complete assembly - outer fiberglass skin bonded to Azdel, that composite panel is affixed to the aluminum sidewall frame assembly with insulation between the framing (of which there is very little), and the interior wall paneling affixed to the framing. The entire assembly goes in as one piece - a major job, unlike replacing the rear or front walls which are just a composite skin of fiberglass and wood glued to wood framing. Before I left I asked the tech to let me know when he might pull the rear (or front) wall off a 2017 Freedom and let me know if he notes any significant differences, which as of now he says he has no reason to believe there is.
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

Community Alumni
Not applicable
According to Coachmen, my 2016 has a fully welded aluminum structure. Openings are framed out in aluminum as well. I believe the only significant source of wood in the frame structure is in the roof. It's aluminum framed, but there's a mix of aluminum and wood trusses.

Flatfoot-Rogue
Explorer
Explorer
SoundGuy wrote:
mikakuja wrote:
What impressed me most was that Coachmen is that unlike most other FG walled trailers they use Azdel in their walls. Azdel is not wood based and won't take on water which leads to delamination...


SoundGuy wrote:
An overstatement of fact that I'm sure Coachmen would love to have you believe and to propagate. :R In point of fact only the sidewalls are Azdel, the end panels are luan laminated with fiberglass.


mikakuja wrote:
The OP was looking at a Freedom Express, not an Apex, the two are actually quite different.


SoundGuy wrote:
FWIW, here's that pic I referred to earlier of that Coachmen Apex rear wall that was being replaced by my dealer. The original end panel that had been removed was sitting against the wall and although I didn't bother taking a pic of it I did carefully examine it and can confirm it was indeed luan bonded to fiberglass, no Azdel at all. The original panel was secured to the trailer around the edges with staples, when the tech installed the new replacement panel he applied adhesive to all the frame members and used screws around the edges, later covering those edge corners with trim. When I questioned the tech he confirmed that my Freedom Express is exactly the same.



Flatfoot-Rogue wrote:
Once again you are comparing two different items. Since your trailer and the apex that you have commented on were built Coachman has changed construction practices. The 2016/17 Freadom Express no longer uses wood in the outer frame (sides, Front or back) It is Aluminum Cage construction...check their website.....No one is arguing the fact that the endcaps are not Azdal just that there is no wood...


Just yesterday I was at my local Coachmen dealer on another matter and asked the tech I had spoken to previously about the differences, if any, between the interior construction of the Apex and Freedom Express series of trailers which are manufactured in the same facility. The answer was that other than minor detail differences the construction is essentially the same - Azdel side walls but luan front and back. As it would happen this tech is currently replacing the rear wall on a Freedom Express so he just sent me this pic ... as you can see it's no different than the Apex - lots of wood and luan, filled in with fiberglass bat insulation. FWIW. :W


I quote Coachman's web site about Aluminum framing for the 2016/17 line up and you show a pic and talk about an older model.. Hmmmmmm That like saying that a 2015 F150 is the same as a 2016 F150 because they both are made by FORD and say F150 and will have all the same body issues. We all know that that is not true as the 2015 is steel construction and the 2016 Aluminum so they can't and will not have the same body issues. The OP asked about a NEW 2016 Coachman. Coachman is saying that their NEW trailers starting in 2016 and moving forward have an Aluminum Cage construction so who cares about the problems that their wood cage construction had. If you don't like this explanation take it up with Coachman, They are the ones stating that they are changing their manufacturing process.
2004 f-150
2005 Fleetwood Wilderness 18T6 (heavily modified)

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
mikakuja wrote:
What impressed me most was that Coachmen is that unlike most other FG walled trailers they use Azdel in their walls. Azdel is not wood based and won't take on water which leads to delamination...


SoundGuy wrote:
An overstatement of fact that I'm sure Coachmen would love to have you believe and to propagate. :R In point of fact only the sidewalls are Azdel, the end panels are luan laminated with fiberglass.


mikakuja wrote:
The OP was looking at a Freedom Express, not an Apex, the two are actually quite different.


SoundGuy wrote:
FWIW, here's that pic I referred to earlier of that Coachmen Apex rear wall that was being replaced by my dealer. The original end panel that had been removed was sitting against the wall and although I didn't bother taking a pic of it I did carefully examine it and can confirm it was indeed luan bonded to fiberglass, no Azdel at all. The original panel was secured to the trailer around the edges with staples, when the tech installed the new replacement panel he applied adhesive to all the frame members and used screws around the edges, later covering those edge corners with trim. When I questioned the tech he confirmed that my Freedom Express is exactly the same.



Flatfoot-Rogue wrote:
Once again you are comparing two different items. Since your trailer and the apex that you have commented on were built Coachman has changed construction practices. The 2016/17 Freadom Express no longer uses wood in the outer frame (sides, Front or back) It is Aluminum Cage construction...check their website.....No one is arguing the fact that the endcaps are not Azdal just that there is no wood...


Just yesterday I was at my local Coachmen dealer on another matter and asked the tech I had spoken to previously about the differences, if any, between the interior construction of the Apex and Freedom Express series of trailers which are manufactured in the same facility. The answer was that other than minor detail differences the construction is essentially the same - Azdel side walls but luan front and back. As it would happen this tech is currently replacing the rear wall on a Freedom Express so he just sent me this pic ... as you can see it's no different than the Apex - lots of wood and luan, filled in with fiberglass bat insulation. FWIW. :W

2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

hppytrls
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for the information. I will be sure to check with you in the spring for tips on sealing the holes to block the mice. Steve

Paul_D_
Explorer
Explorer
We got a 2016 248RBS in June. LOVE IT!!!!!! Planted it on a seasonal site so I can't comment on towing. The outdoor kitchen is an awesome feature but wish the awning covered it. Many positives, roomy bathroom, great layout, plenty of storage, ducted air. Furnace and air are away from the sleeping area so it is quiet.
I will list the down sides and minor issues we had just for you to be aware of.
Tight walk around the bed , but we knew that when purchasing
Minor leak in outdoor kitchen drain
No indoor counter space (get a stove cover)
CATV connections were all loose
Needed to foam in all openings in the floor to keep rodents out ( I can help you with that next spring) some spots are not easily accessible.
The shower head is mounted way to low (we are short under 5'5") so for a taller person this could be an issue. installed a mount up higher.
There seems to be a drainage issue with the black tank, doesn't dump all the paper/ solids and clogs sometimes. May be a level issue as the rig is perfectly level . In the spring we plan to inspect the drain fitting with a camera. Got around it by using a mascerator when it fails to completely drain.
Not trying to steer you away from this model as it has a lot a great features and a layout. I would purchase this model again and highly recommend it. Just making you aware of some minor issues we had. Great choice, enjoy it.

hppytrls
Explorer
Explorer
There are many choices, something to fill most needs.

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
hppytrls wrote:
After several visits to the Coachmem Freedom express 246RKS the wife and I decided access to the facilities was too cumbersome when the slide was closed. We travel alot and frequent stops for food and bathroom are the norm. So now we have decided the Freedom Express 248RBS will suit us nicely.


Nice choice! Interior access while traveling (or otherwise) without having to deploy the slide was at the top of our requirements when we selected our 192RBS. If we were to upgrade we'd choose the 231RBDS as we rarely entertain others inside our camper but rather around the campfire and therefore don't have need for both a dinette and a sofa. Both great choices though in a reasonably sized trailer. :B
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

hppytrls
Explorer
Explorer
After several visits to the Coachmem Freedom express 246RKS the wife and I decided access to the facilities was too cumbersome when the slide was closed. We travel alot and frequent stops for food and bathroom are the norm. So now we have decided the Freedom Express 248RBS will suit us nicely. Steve

myredracer
Explorer II
Explorer II
hppytrls wrote:
I've been shopping for a new TT and like the Coachmen Freedom Express 246RKS. Anyone have any experience with this model, any comments about it? Thanks.


The floor plan in that Coachmen is great and makes for an efficient use of floor space and if it's the floor plan that you like, I highly recommend it (we have the KZ equivalent). There are a number of other manufacturers out there that make a TT with the same basic floor plan with about the same weight and o/a length - Keystone, Jayco, Forest River, Venture RV, KZ as below and a few others, I think.

The other brands have different variations on the layout such as the fridge in the slide and more counter space, wall & door between bedroom and living/kitchen area, larger shower (KZ) and exterior door in bedroom for ex. Exterior wall construction method varies. Which ones are better quality? Who knows, they all have issues of some sort and even in the same brand and model can be good and bad. Also, some manufacturers and dealers are better for warranty work and some are worse.

Flatfoot-Rogue
Explorer
Explorer
SoundGuy wrote:
mikakuja wrote:
What impressed me most was that Coachmen is that unlike most other FG walled trailers they use Azdel in their walls. Azdel is not wood based and won't take on water which leads to delamination...


SoundGuy wrote:
An overstatement of fact that I'm sure Coachmen would love to have you believe and to propagate. :R In point of fact only the sidewalls are Azdel, the end panels are luan laminated with fiberglass.


mikakuja wrote:
The OP was looking at a Freedom Express, not an Apex, the two are actually quite different.

Set aside from the fact that you are just biased against everything and very seldom have anything positive to say, I am voicing my opinion, you don't have to agree. So how about offering the OP some useful advise instead of picking apart comments and trolling for arguments
.


Boon Docker wrote:
X2

It does get a bit old after a while doesn't it.



The OP said in his first post that started this thread -

"I've been shopping for a new TT and like the Coachmen Freedom Express 246RKS. Anyone have any experience with this model, any comments about it?"

Since when is providing correct information "trolling"? Stating that the walls in that 246RKS the OP is interested in are Azdel is in fact a misstatement of fact, not an opinion, as only the side walls are Azdel, the end panels are luan. Go to the Coachmen Freedom Express Webpage, click on features, and right at the top you'll note it says Azdel composite sidewalls.

FWIW, here's that pic I referred to earlier of that Coachmen Apex rear wall that was being replaced by my dealer. The original end panel that had been removed was sitting against the wall and although I didn't bother taking a pic of it I did carefully examine it and can confirm it was indeed luan bonded to fiberglass, no Azdel at all. The original panel was secured to the trailer around the edges with staples, when the tech installed the new replacement panel he applied adhesive to all the frame members and used screws around the edges, later covering those edge corners with trim. When I questioned the tech he confirmed that my Freedom Express is exactly the same.



Once again you are comparing two different items. Since your trailer and the apex that you have commented on were built Coachman has changed construction practices. The 2016/17 Freadom Express no longer uses wood in the outer frame (sides, Front or back) It is Aluminum Cage construction...check their website.....No one is arguing the fact that the endcaps are not Azdal just that there is no wood... The OP stated that they were looking for a NEW TT not one that is a couple years old.

In my opinion the APEX would be a Chev Cavalier and the Freedom Express would be a GMC Sierra...same manufacturer, Same construction plant... different entry point and intended target purchaser..that's my opinion...
2004 f-150
2005 Fleetwood Wilderness 18T6 (heavily modified)

gmw_photos
Explorer
Explorer
On this forum, there is an often repeated belief stated that buying used means the original owner fixed all the bugs and problems the RV had from new. The idea they really fixed this stuff may be just wishful thinking. The fact is, they "may" be selling the rig, because they don't want to deal with the issues.

It's just my preference, but I buy things ( trucks, travel trailer, horse trailer, equipment trailer, etc ) new, because I keep them a long time and I prefer to know the history from new. I fix the things I can myself, so I know the fixes are done right, and not just some band-aid approach.
My two cents on the matter.