Forum Discussion

twodogs603's avatar
twodogs603
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015

Getting ready to buy

I probably already know the answer I'm gonna get but want to hear opinions anyway. Word of mouth goes a long way. I'm getting ready to purchase a travel trailer (after many pop ups). I have been doing tons of research, visited many many dealers and hit up 3 RV shows in the last 2 months. I've read lots of comparisons in these forums. Based on my research and comments I've been reading here I'm pretty much sold on a Jayco. However my second choice is a Keystone Bullet 272BHS. It appears to be a decent built unit from what I have seen. However, I have a good friend telling me to stay away from Keystone as he had one and it was a continual problem.
Anyone else have a Bullet that would like to give their thoughts? I hate to rule something out on one persons opinion. Or any opinions on the Keystone brand in general.
Now that I think about it, I have another friend with a brand new Keystone 5th wheel that has been sitting at the dealer for 4 of the 6 months he has owned it, trying to get an awning issue fixed. Keystone has been giving him and the dealer the run around. Four months to get an awning fixed speaks volumes about Keystones warranty claims.
Thanks for any comments..
  • Kevin_O_'s avatar
    Kevin_O_
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2015
    I've owned my Keystone Outback since 2012. The only issue i have had is a small leak in the shower that a little silicone took care of. It has been a great trailer!!
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2015
    I had a Keystone Springdale for 8 years. Other than normal maintenance and care, I had no problems with this camper. I've now had a Keystone Outback for about a year and a half. I had one minor warranty fix and it's been a great camper with absolutely no issues. We just returned from our 3rd trip to Florida with it since we've owned it. Tows marvelous!

    The only problem I've heard about with the "Bullet" is after a while, they are traded for something different because the floor plan simply does not work for the owner any more.

    Before buying anything, regardless of brand.... spend time in the camper with the slides in and the slides out. If you are uncomfortable with slides IN or cannot access everything within reason, chances are in a year, you'll not like it any more. Check the floor plan carefully based upon your needs and wants ... with slides IN and OUT!
  • pira114's avatar
    pira114
    Explorer II
    Mar 20, 2015
    Any manufacturing process will have it's lemons. Certain years or models will be awesome or horrible within the same manufacturer.

    I'd be willing to bet that there are more problem free Keystones than not. People who have trouble free products tend not to be so vocal about it.

    I've never owned a Keystone, just speaking in generalities.

    And 4 months at a dealership for repair? I'd be upset with the dealer also, not just Keystone.

    And one last thought. I can remember when Jayco was generally thought of as entry level cheap junk. Not anymore. Things change
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2015
    Maybe your friend had one that was built on a Friday afternoon of a long weekend. All brands seem to have their issues these days, sadly it has become the norm.

    That being said, we are very happy with our Bullet. It's a '13 Premier 31BHPR. Build quality is good and we have had no issues or complaints.

    We've towed it 10k over the last 2 summers and spent about 40 nights in it each year. It is holding up well.
  • wincrasher65's avatar
    wincrasher65
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2015
    Generally, the higher production volume, the more difficult it is to ensure consistent quality control.

    I had a Keystone Vantage at one point, and it was a fairly decent trailer with few problems. But it cam out of a dedicated plant that only put out a few hundred units.

    Jayco has a fairly good reputation, but all makers are putting out alot of trailers these days to meet the increased demand. So temper your expectations for perfection out of the gate. They all have warranties, and if you have a good dealer, he will take care of any problems promptly.

    The advice I usually dole out is that it's more important to pick a good dealer above everything else - brand, layout, price, etc. It will make all the difference whether your purchase is a good experience or a nightmare.

    To ensure you get a good one, be sure to do a thorough inspection and get all problems corrected before you take delivery. Once you are out the door, especially during the busy spring buying season, you will most likely have to stand in line to get any issues addressed. Search thru these forums and you will see what I'm saying.

    Good luck!
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Mar 20, 2015
    A sales man once told me that there are more Keystone complaints than any other brand...He also said that is because they out sell ALL other brands hands down...so basically more trailers on the road equals more known issues...
    Take it for what it's worth... I have not owned one but my best friend has had one and it's been a money pit almost from the day the warranty ended..

About Travel Trailer Group

44,026 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 24, 2025