Need RV advice for purchasing a new one

[mwodek12]

We recently sold our 2004 Forest River Hybrid to upgrade to a fully enclosed TT or Fifth Wheel. Now the questions is what to get. I don't need a new one, but it is an option. We have 2 boys that are 4 & 7...so we have many years of camping ahead.

Our wish list includes the following:

Smooth Side
Bunks (At least 2, but more if possible)
Booth Dinette
Light to middle weight (I have a 2005 2500 HD Chevy with a gas 6.0L)
Outside kitchen
Decent storage (hybrid had very little)
Budget..........up to $20k out the door w/ a hitch

I have been looking for months now, but I just don't know the brands enough to know what is good quality & what is not. There are SOOOOO MANY different brands. We live in Michigan so we would be looking to use this RV 2-3 seasons.....May-October.

I was looking at a 2013 Shadow Cruiser 280QBS recently & love what I see as far as layout & overall looks, but after reading some topics on here, I just don't know if that is the right trailer for me with the issues people have had.

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE IN ADVANCE!

[jondrew]

Re recently sold our 23 ft hybrid and bought the Shasta Freeport 28BHS. You can see a nice video tour of this model here: http://youtu.be/LKIdeDCXdjw

It was pretty well maintained and in decent shape. I've had to do some repairs, bought new tires and there are some overall workmanship issues that are probably common to the industry. I like the front bedroom with a "short" queen mattress (I'm 5'9" and my feet touch the wall) and the rear bunks are good for 1 or 2 kids. A fair amount of storage for a TT including the bunk side door and pass through under bed storage. 15k BTU ducted AC and a slide out bicycle/cargo shelf at the rear bumper. The bathroom is adequate, but I find the shower a bit confining. Again, this is probably commonplace in this level of RV. We looked at several used models and some ( like the Kodiak posted in this thread) look like they have slightly nicer floor plans. But this is the one that was available while we were looking, and we don't regret our choice so far. All I can say is that no matter how closely you examine an RV (new or used) there are some issues you won't find until you drive it home and use it, so keep some emergency budget on the side.

This unit was supposedly $34k new and we paid $19k and the seller threw in the WD hitch. Another $600 into it so far (new tires + misc) and we seem to be off and running.

Good luck in your search

[GrandpaKip]

Crawfordville wrote:
I don't have advice on brand and here is why. From my experience and from reading on these forms it is painfully apparent that the RV industry has a quality problem - across the board. They don't have the standards that the auto industry has in place.

So, my only advice is this:
1. Buy what you really like and think you'll get a lot of use out of over the years.
2. If you're not handy, learn to become handy.
3. Expect some issues that will need to be fixed (even if brand new).

Absolutely. However, you can get a feel for how well a particular unit is built by carefully looking at the fit and finish, inside and out. This can vary between 2 identical models sitting side by side on a dealer lot.
Good luck.

[APT]

I think my North Trail 28BRS is a similar floorplan as the Shadow Cruiser. We love it and paid right at $21k OTD (TTL, WDH, and slide topper) brand new custom order.

[mwodek12]

Just so you all know, I am not ignoring your comments. I am just taking it all in. The more comments the better!

Thanks again! I just hope we can find the "right one" by May! We are looking forward to another year sitting around the campfire.

[Goldstalker]

Another.

http://www.kodiak-rv.com/floorplan/kodiak-express/283bhsl/

[Goldstalker]

You will have a hard time beating the bang for the buck on the 280 but I agree they have quality issues. Check out the Sunset line.

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/sunset-trail/super-lite/floorplans/item/2014-sf270bh?category_id=103

[the_bear_II]

Buying used is a good idea. Most of the time with a used unit all of the initial manufacturing quality issues have been taken care of...the bugs have been worked out. Unless you feel confident in your ability to discover possible problems, I would have a unit you are interested in buying inspected by an independant RV inspector/mechanic.

You might want to consider a toy hauler....with the boys as they grow you'll need more room for them and their toys. Great thing about the toy haulers, once you empty out the garage you end up with a flexible space. It can be used as a living area, workshop, gameroom, mancave and the boys bedroom. Some of the toyhaulers even come with a toilet and sink room (1/2 bath) in the garage area.

In the RV Parks we stay in, I see a lot of families now using toyhaulers instead of plain TT or 5th wheels.

[Crawfordville]

I don't have advice on brand and here is why. From my experience and from reading on these forms it is painfully apparent that the RV industry has a quality problem - across the board. They don't have the standards that the auto industry has in place.

So, my only advice is this:
1. Buy what you really like and think you'll get a lot of use out of over the years.
2. If you're not handy, learn to become handy.
3. Expect some issues that will need to be fixed (even if brand new).

[Artum_Snowbird]

Snowriver

Check out these guys. Made from an excellent manufacturer.