Keystone Outback

[Kach]

While looking at other rigs, I came across a couple of these on the dealer's lot. It looks like a really functional floorplan and felt very roomy with the rear slide king bed.

Is the Outback considered a durable trailer? Fit and finish seemed like a step up from my Jayflight (it should because it costs more).

We're looking to do more dry camping and looking for a shorter rig with better clearances (the model I looked at seemed to fit the bill with both).

Are the rear slides problematic? Are they cold/drafty at all?

[W_E_BGood]

We've had a 2011 Outback 250RS since new. First off, we love the rear slide design as it allows us 25 feet of "living and moving" space inside as opposed to losing 8 feet in length to a dedicated bedroom. The tall ceiling is a big plus too.
The downside compared to many models is limited storage space for things like clothes and "stuff", but it's just the wife and I and an 18 pound sheltie and we minimize and organize things pretty well. Overall build quality is on-par or slightly better than many manufacturers I've examined, IMO.
The rear bunk can get chilly, but we've slept without heat (ran out of propane one evening:E) in 29 degrees overnight and did just fine with an extra fleece blanket (and I'm not warm-blooded).

The ceiling slide support rails/weight on the bed while drawn in-question CAN be problematical. I reinforced/slightly restructured the forward rail ends (not a big deal) and made a removeable, adjustable bunk support for underneath that we use anytime when traveling on the road for any distance...they've solved any problems. Found a lot of advice and ideas on outbackers.com and keystonerv.org.

One more thing, there's room for only one battery on the tongue frame.

[Opie431]

We store things on our bed while pulled in. I knew a family who slept on theirs when pulled in and just stopping for a night. Have not tried it ourselves as we always stop for several days.

[Opie431]

No cold air getting in or drafts in our pull out. No leaks either.

[WWH]

We have a 2007 outback double slide Sydney fiver and camp in it twice a month.

Other than converting it to 50 amp service to add the second AC for the Texas heat I have been VERY happy with it.

[Kach]

Thanks for the info! Does anyone have any info on the current durability of the rear-slide models? There are some horror stories out there of the rails being ripped out etc. I do plan to take the trailer down forest service roads etc for several miles, so I need something somewhat durable. Nothing too crazy, but it's a consideration.

I've also heard you have to stay off the bed when retracted - does that mean you can't store anything on it while traveling? Seems like a lot of wasted space.

[JeninIndy]

We have a Outback 250rs and have had a some issues that were covered under warranty.

The issues I have had were the refrigerator, which was replaced under warranty just after purchase, a leak at the fitting for the fresh water tank, some minor cosmetic interior issues and rear wall delamination, which was replaced poorly by the dealer, but they will be fixing it properly after the season is over. Many of the issues we had were the result of poor quality control issues in the service department of the dealer.

I enjoy the space in the camper, the front bunks for the kids work very well and the 13.5 ac has been sufficient to cool the camper even in the warmest weather.

Would I buy another keystone product? I am on the fence about that. I realize there are no perfect campers and have owned a Rockwood Hybrid that had to go back to the factory for bunk replacements, but feel as if we had less issues with our Forest River and did have a much better customer service experience with Forest River. Again, I think our issue is with the dealer vs. Keystone, but that has jaded my opinion of their product.

Good Luck with whatever you decide!

[aclay]

We've had our Sprinter (a Keystone product) for about 9 months now and have about 20 nights in it. We had a Jayco Jayflight 26BH prior. We feel that the Jayco had a slightly better build quality. We like our Sprinter, but I don't think it's built as solid as the Jayco was. The Keystones usually have a sleeker look and more conveniences.

[ktmrfs]

our outback 295RE is three years old. Have traveled almost 15K miles with it. Have camped in it close to 90 days/year (270 days total), about 1/2 have been dry camping, 1/4 in state parks, 1/4 in RV parks.

Warranty issues: ONE, clear coat on aluminum wheels showed small pits at 1 year, Resolution: Keystone replaced all 4 wheels with new wheels, paid for mounting and balancing the tires.
Wear and tear: Everything is still in excellent shape, even after many trips with grandkids.

so, yes we are very happy with ours, Love the floorplan and and layout. IMHO it is a mid range trailer, perfect for our use. No it doesn't have corian counters, etc. but we don't care.

One downside is it really is only a three season trailer, regardless of "artic pack" claims. We've found it fine as long as daytime temps are above freezing and nights don't get below about 20F. Anything colder, and I suspect it would be marginal. Same for high temps, above about 90F only one 13.5K BTU AC is marginal, although newer ones have a 15K option.

Would we buy another one? In a heartbeat, assuming there is a floorplan we liked.

[2manytoyz]

My brother-in-law owns an Outback. Looks nice, but has had significant leaking issues.

It went back to the dealer twice for a roof leak in the front bedroom. The second time, they had to replace an interior wall, carpet, and the mattress.

On a trip back in February, I noticed his right tail light wasn't working. We removed the light fixture, and pulled some of the cable out of the rear wall. Wet hardboard came crumbling out the hole.

Long story short... State Farm paid $10,000 to the local Camping World to replace the entire rear wall of the camper, and the roof. His cost was about $500.

He's had factory authorized repairs and maintenance done on his camper, yet it still leaked to this extent. Because the last PM to the roof was done less than a year prior, the insurance paid for the work. Can't blame it on lack of maintenance. There was apparently little or no sealant between the roof skin, and the sidewalls. This isn't an exposed seam that needs periodic inspection and repair.

Because of these ongoing issues since he bought it new in 2008, I wouldn't recommend this brand.

[2012Coleman]

CKNSLS wrote:

Beachums wrote:
I do not own an Outback. But I have been in my fair share of Travel trailers, pop ups, and toy haulers. With exceptions to some of the uber nice brands out there (none of which you have mentioned) all TT out there pretty much have the same quality mark.....not very good.

I just love the optimism on this board. It warms my heart.

Hey - he's pulling a Coleman - I can relate...

[RoyB]

My kids in-laws have one and camped alot in it when they first got it. Kinda neat with the LOFT and all. Then a short happened on some wiring that got pinched under the floor and actually burned a hole thru the flooring. Scared the heck out them as they was camping in it when it happened. That all got fixed but for some reason the LOFT is sort of parked now out in a big field on their farm??? They got a small size older class C now... Never asked why they sort of parked the LOFT... Its probably a mommabear thing "I ain't gonna camp in that anymore after what happened" hehe...

I love that LOFt idea but alot of places we go to alot around here my OFF-ROAD POPUP has trouble squeezing down the trails sometimes......

Roy Ken

[Bob_Landry]

One thing that seems to be an issue, but is probably an issue with all trailers is caulking around windows and doors. They don't seem to want to spend enough to insure good seals. I had to redo several of my access covers and when I took the frame off, I found a minimal amount of sealant.

[chuggs]

Decals peel off...other than that --- no problems. Just keep up on checking roof seams...and other routine maintenance...water heater anode, bearings, tires, battery levels, clean the camper and awning from time to time. Air filters, replace old monitors (smoke alarm, lp gas detector, carbon monoxide detector, check for gas leaks, keep your tires at the correct pressure, clean your holding tanks, flush fresh water tanks.

Ours is only three years old...and we love camping in it.

[Dog_Folks]

Buy whatever suits you.

That being said: We have lived and traveled full time in an Outback for 7 years. We have had a few problems but it was with things supplied by others, like the refrigerator and microwave.

In our travels, I have asked literally hundreds of Outback owners if they liked the unit. I have NEVER had an owner say they didn't like their unit.