Opinions on Keystone Passport Elite 23RB

[LetsGeaux]

I am new to this forum, so apologies up front if this subject has already been discussed!

I am about to enter retirement and looking for a good couples coach to spend some time seeing the National Parks across the U.S. (Two to four weeks at a time.) My wife and I have spent some time at the dealerships and like the layout in the Passport Elite 23RB. We have a Yukon XL with the 6.0 liter engine and think the weight would be a good match. So...we spent 15 minutes in the trailer and would like to hear some wisdom from those who own one to see if they would make the same choice, different choice and why?

I am also interested in hearing feedback from those who considered this layout, but made a different choice.

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

[Dand2k]

LetsGeaux, thanks for sharing the info you found out on the 2017. I was curious what might be different as well. We just picked ours up and I have to say that I really like the wooden blinds. The windows by the bed are the standard blinds in ours (2016), but all other windows are the wooden blinds. I like the warmth they add to the interior appearance and it was one of the features that set the Passport Elite apart from other similar models for me.

Regarding other comments asking about the space available when the slide out is in, there is ample room to move around inside and no difficulty at all getting around the end of the counter. Though the space from counter to floor to couch may only be 8 inches, it's quite easy to walk by with just a very slight sidestep. Not an issue for me or my husband at all and he's a big guy, 6'4", 280.

[LetsGeaux]

Just received another email from one of the salesmen. He says that this information came from their Keystone Representative:

"More from my other Passport rep. See below and please let me know if you have any questions.

Good am Nick! At Open House(Sept) we introduced the redesigned Elite, we added the new front cap, LEDs throughout and awning, power tongue jack, arched ceilings. The Elite has always had the solid surface countertops, frameless windows, upgraded graphics and aluminum wheels. YOU guys crushed it with this floor plan 2 yrs ago without all these upgrades! To answer your question, early 2016 23RBs there was a big difference(see above), the late 23RBs and now 2017s there are no differences ! Call me anytime! Thanks and good luck!"

So...looks like late 2016 will be the same as the 2017s.

[LetsGeaux]

Thank you Zeelet50 for the information. I'll need to see what else(if anything) is different for the 2017, but might lean toward the 2016.

[ZeeLet50]

I like our wooden blinds and we usually just keep them in up position when traveling. No damage to walls yet after 3 years. There are those hold down brackets available also.I thought I saw in the 2016 specs that fresh is 43 gals and grey/black are 38. That is larger than my '13 which has 32 gal all around. we did get dealer to throw in electric jack and someday I will install LED light strip. Front cap would be nice to aid in wind resistance and also deflect some of the heat you feel on those hot sunny mornings when sun is on the front of camper.

[LetsGeaux]

I heard back from a salesman who spoke to a Keystone rep yesterday. He said the front cap, electric jack and LED lights on the awning would be standard features for the 2017 Passport Elite 23RB. (I think many 2016s had these features also.) He also stated that the 2017 would not have wooden blinds. I was really interested in hearing if the holding tanks were changing size or other significant items. I plan to talk to Keystone this week to see if very much got lost in translation from the company rep through the dealership and back to me. Will post here what I find.

My wife liked the look of the wooden blinds, but I am thinking they will beat up the trailer when moving unless raised all the way up. Those who have the wooden blinds, would you choose blinds again or opt for shades?

[Bumpyroad]

ZeeLet50 wrote:
Bumpy, you always look at the negative...the top counter if I were to draw a line to the floor is 8" clearance. that is waist high and only 2" thick and typically where you bend so yeah my 220lb body can easily slide by .Most of the space is 15".

Of course I point out negative things that I see in a RVs design. are you just looking for "yes men"?
bumpy

[LetsGeaux]

Dand2K - We still plan to purchase that floor plan. This floor plan, trailer weight and length seem to be the best for us. Timing will depend on my retirement date. Could be as early as June or late as December 2016. I also found out that Keystone will start shipping the 2017 models in early May, so will probably wait another month or so before purchasing. I asked the dealer what is new or different with the 2017s. He did not know but was contacting the Keystone rep today to find out. I will post when I know.

[ZeeLet50]

Bumpy, you always look at the negative...the top counter if I were to draw a line to the floor is 8" clearance. that is waist high and only 2" thick and typically where you bend so yeah my 220lb body can easily slide by .Most of the space is 15".

[Bumpyroad]

ZeeLet50 wrote:
That detail was one of my criteria when looking at camper and after purchasing the 23rb i can say you can access everything with the slide in. there is at least 15" at base and 8" at top of counter to slide by to bed.

you can squeeze thru 8 inches???
bumpy

[ZeeLet50]

That detail was one of my criteria when looking at camper and after purchasing the 23rb i can say you can access everything with the slide in. there is at least 15" at base and 8" at top of counter to slide by to bed.

[Dand2k]

LetsGeaux, did you stick with this camper? We're looking at the same unit and I'm curious what you decided! And if you purchased it, are you happy with it?

[LetsGeaux]

Thank you for the information Stephen.

[Steven68502]

Access to the bed is tight but doable with the slide in. The entire kitchen is accessible as well as the bathroom with the slide in.

[Bumpyroad]

LetsGeaux wrote:
Lynnmor makes a good point about being able to get through the trailer with the slide in. I have not seen the 23RB with the slide in. For those that own one, how is it?

the floor plan looks like access is limited to some kitchen stuff.
bumpy