Forum Discussion

samsontdog's avatar
samsontdog
Explorer
Apr 09, 2016

Keystone 26 M RLS 2015

Anyone have a Keystone TT ? I looked at a 1 year old 2015 with large
slide out today. It has everything that the elderly couple could order on it. Used 4 times for a total of 9 days. I have never had a Keystone so I was wondering if they are a good TT or not. The Guy died of cancer 4 months ago so she sold the GMC Truck with 41K miles and she is asking $23K for the TT . She still owes $24,000 plus on the TT
  • This is based purely on a very bad experience we had with a previous TT. Not being negative, just cautious.

    Check the GVWR against the tire load capacity rating and the axle rating. If I have the correct specs for that model, it is 31' with 7840 lbs GVWR. It has a 1244 lb cargo carrying capacity which is on the low side so it you may find it not that hard to load it to GVWR or even exceed it (ex., with 1 or more full holding tanks). Deducting an average tongue weight of 12-13 percent, the weight of the trailer on the tires and axles will be approx. 6800 lbs.

    *If* the axles are rated 3500 lbs which I'm guessing it does, (look at sticker on axles), they are loaded to near capacity which *can* increase the chance of bent/damaged axles. Specs say the tires are 14" with a 1760 lb load rating and it appears the tires are loaded to very near capacity. If the trailer is not loaded equally on all 4 wheels, and they often aren't, one or more of the tires may be overloaded. Since there is a long slideout on one side, I would also guess that the tires are overloaded on one side. You want at least 10 percent reserve load capacity and more like 20 percent is better.

    Some Keystone trailers have spread axles and they put additional stress on tires & axles in sharp turns (turning corners & backing into sites). Some also have 3-piece I-beams in the frames which flex more and can lead to problems. All of the above 4 items can lead to premature tire failure or blowouts and also axle problems.

    If you don't know much about RVs, I'd suggest paying an independent RV tech to inspect the TT. There are just so many things that can go wrong and you might avoid some grief down the road.
  • I've had mine over a year now. Took one 6000 mile trip and numerous short trips. we like it a lot and have had only minor issue that were easily remedied. Good luck! I hope it works out for you!
  • Thanks to all who replied. Helps a lot . We are on our way to look at the TT again as the DW has not seen it. I think I will buy it if the DW approves of the floor plan
  • Once we got past the initial quality issues, ours has been fine for almost 8 years now. As others have said, check it CLOSELY for water intrusion and delamination, and do it often. Probably not a bad idea to Eterna Bond the roof.
  • Keystone makes trailers that iare as good as most others and better than some. Inspect it thoroughly for water intrusion.
  • I bought a new Keystone Springdale 26rls in 2010 and I have not put .10 cents into it yet..Much better than I thought it would be and every bit as good as any other RV I have owned.A very sound trailer and most all of my travels are on wash boardy mountain roads.

    Very roomy floor plan!
  • Keystone makes OK trailers. Typically aluminum frame.
    There's a Keystone specific forum online - you're likely to get more info about that model there.
    I'd budget the cost of new tires (typically OEM tires are very bad) - blown tires do a lot of damage.
  • I can't comment on that particular model. I had a Keystone TH and it held up well. My daughter purchased a 32ft Passport bunk house in 2015 and has had zero issues with it. Like any unit some have more issues that others and you have to look them over very well. As far as value you will have to do some research. How much is a new one (with warranty) verses this one? Can you get a new leftover for the same price?