Lightweight trailer research/shopping

[Minor_Threat]

I've been researching trailers for a few months now and really like the dual slide option that leaves the center living area more open. Also, an outdoor kitchen was a big plus for us.

Initially I thought the Keystone Passport 2770RB checked all the boxes but had trouble locating one in Southern CA. Then I came across the Rockwood 2607A but found that it's been discontinued as of this year.

The more time my wife had to think about those two, the lack of permanent beds became a concern and it makes sense since we have a 7 & 13 year old that usually want to bring a friend camping.

I came across the Cruiser RV Shadow Cruiser 282BHS. This seems perfect for us with a GVWR of 7675lbs. I did notice there is a rebranded version offered by Heartland as Sundance XLT 292BH.

Are there other trailer recommendations with similar specs?

Our needs:
Well constructed
Under 8000 GVWR
2 bunks in addition to master bed
Dual opposite slides

Our wants:
Power tongue jack/stabilizers
Non-spinning entertainment center
Ladder w/roof access
Outdoor speakers/TV mount
Outdoor kitchen

Not ever owning a TT there are probably convenience items/necessities we are missing so please chime in. Thanks for any guidance folks.

[Minor_Threat]

We went to look at the Shadow Cruiser 282BHS and thought the construction was really cheesy. The shower pan wasn't even adhered to the framing or whatever was underneath it. The spaghetti of plumbing under the kitchen islands sink left no storage. The stoves hood vented right above the mount for the outdoor tv. Manual stabilizers and no roof ladder. Looked great on paper but not a winner.

We looked at some single slide units and I think that will work and open up a ton more brand options. I've watched quite a few trailer tour videos online and a Rockwood one has stuck with me. The way the guy was banging on the cabinets, walls, and roof, saying how sturdy they are. I'm looking for a good balance between light weight and construction quality.

Next weekend I think we'll hit the RV show in Pomona after doing some homework during the week.

http://www.thebestrvshow.com/

[temccarthy1]

Check out the Bullet line of Ultralight trailers from Keystone. We have had a 2014 Bullet 285 RLS for 2 years and ZERO problems. I have seen only positive comments from Bullet owners on this site! They are lightweight but have luxurious amenities and many floor plans Ours is only 6000 lbs and yet is 30 ft long! Has a single deep slide 11 ft long. Keep in mind multiple slides add more weight fast! Check out this brand on line!

[hvac]

Keep in mind wood in floors or ceiling should be considered potentially a weak spot. Particularly if you keep it a long time and store it outside.

[Minor_Threat]

Thanks for the feedback folks. I'm checking out the recommendations now.

[Huntindog]

Get the Lippert power stabilizers.
They operate under an equal pressure design. This makes it impossible to rack the frame.
As a newbie, you likely do not know about this yet,
Racking of the frame is easy to do unintentionally with standard jacks. Unequal pressure is the culprit. It is hard to judge the amount of pressure being applied to each jack as the effective gear ratio changes as the length of the jack is changed. At first each turn of the crank lowers the jack a LOT. with each turn the jack extension is less. This is known as quick to ground.
This is a desirable thing. The downside to it is that unless you happen to be camped so that all jacks are equal length, then it is hard to estimate equal pressure. Unequal pressure causes doors to stick and or not latch. It is also not good for the TT long term. The Lippert system eliminates this concern.

[TrailerTravele1]

Lance 2185 is missing the dual slides, but has alot of the features you mention. And Lance is manufactured in California. Here's a link:

Lance 2185

We really like our Lance 1685 - we've had it two years & almost 17,000 miles so far.

[oldnnew]

Check out the Jayco White Hawk 25 BHS. Has dual slides, outside kitchen, 2 full size bunks, queen bed, u-dinette that goes into another bed, seperate outside door to bathroom. Also utilizes a plywood floor unlike many (almost all) other lightweight trailers. I think advertised dry weight is 5,800 lbs. We have a Tracer that has the laminated floor and it SUCKS! Soft spots everywhere.

[2DHoop]

I would consider keeping the option of traveling a distance to get what you want/need versus limiting the effort to your local availability. Finding the right RV that you will be happy with requires "work" and part of the job might be experiencing some inconveniences that will soon be forgotten when you land the right trailer for you and the family.

[shfd739]

Look at the Coachman Apex 276BHSS, Crossroads Sunset Trail ST28BH.

I remember they're used to be more of that layout but it looks like most have been discontinued.

We bought a Shadow Cruiser 240BHS a few months ago and so far are happy with it. Ours is the newest interior style with the dark wood and stainless sink and it looks great. The dealer fixed a few minor things before delivery and it needs to go back for the cap lights being recalled and the outside kitchen cooktop doesn't work consistently. I fixed a couple small trim pieces myself. The fit/finish and initial quality has been better than the Jaycos, Heartlands and Grand Design Imagines we looked at.

[Minor_Threat]

mike-s wrote:

Minor Threat wrote:
Under 8000 GVWR

That shouldn't matter at all. Only the (real) dry weight, and how much you're going to put in it. What does it matter if the GVWR is 10000, if it weighs 6500 and you're going to load 1000? Although, if there's a lot of difference between your loaded weight and gross, it may ride a bit rougher. But given how manufacturer's tend to stretch weight ratings, that would be unusual.

I guess it doesn't matter. What I'm most interested in is like floor plans with like weights, good build quality, etc. I may have put too much information in the initial post as the responses thus far aren't really what I was looking for lol.

[mike-s]

Minor Threat wrote:
Under 8000 GVWR

That shouldn't matter at all. Only the (real) dry weight, and how much you're going to put in it. What does it matter if the GVWR is 10000, if it weighs 6500 and you're going to load 1000? Although, if there's a lot of difference between your loaded weight and gross, it may ride a bit rougher. But given how manufacturer's tend to stretch weight ratings, that would be unusual.

[Minor_Threat]

Dick_B wrote:
Do you really want an outdoor kitchen? Why? Some RV's are so small that they don't have room inside for a kitchen but, to me, an outside kitchen is only of use under perfect conditions; not too cold/hot, not buggy, not windy, etc.

Honestly, I could take it or leave it. If the floor plan is a fit and it happens to have it I see a win.

[Dick_B]

Do you really want an outdoor kitchen? Why? Some RV's are so small that they don't have room inside for a kitchen but, to me, an outside kitchen is only of use under perfect conditions; not too cold/hot, not buggy, not windy, etc.

[ulvik]

Check out the Rockwood 2304DS. Does not have an outdoor kitchen or bunks but the huge indoor kitchen makes up for it. We love ours!