MichiganCampers
Jun 24, 2018Explorer
Passport 2400bh or Apex 245bhs and tow question
First off, hello from a new joiner! My wife, 7yo son and I already enjoy camping in a Coachmen Apex Nano 193bhs. When we bought it a year and a half ago, it was the only camper that checked all of our must have boxes. A slide out, bunks, regular bed and mattress, very towable, full bath. We have had a lot of great experiences with it. But..... while searching for other related rv stuff, I came across the newly released Apex Nano 208bhs. The 208 offers everything we would have changed about our 193 and fixes some gripes, plus adds a couple other nice features with only a couple small drawbacks. I don't need to get into any of that however, as after towing my 193 around I feel I can handle a bigger camper than the 208 anyway. I think. So, my first question is, how reasonable is towing a 4700# dry weight camper with my 2016 Chevy Colorado? It has the gas V6 and is rated for 7000# towing and 1580# payload. Mine also has the 6 speed auto. The numbers support either of the campers I have in mind, but there is somewhat mixed feelings about its capability online. I would like to hear from real world users towing similarly sized rvs with my truck before I get into something that is a little more than I should. We would like to take a multiple hundred mile trip next year that I am mostly worried about. Normally we camp close to home and it won't be an issue if it's close to max for those times.
Part two is, after researching a lot of campers, I have narrowed my choices to the Keystone Passport 2400bh and the Apex 245bhs. If my truck is appropriate. I will not be changing my vehicle, regardless. I have ruled out all campers at or nearer to 5000#. If these are more than I should handle, I will consider the 208 or possibly staying with the 193. Of the two, which would you recommend? Especially if you have owned either. Both have a ton of positives over each other. Some negatives and some unknowns. I will list my feelings on each for those unfamiliar and to better understand my preferences.
Apex 245bhs.
Frameless window option. Very sharp looking.
Outdoor shower location at rear and near camp kitchen. (2400 backside)
Power jack.
Front bedroom has open shelf above head with power for stuff.
10' 2" height MIGHT fit in 10' tall door. (2400 10'8" no hope)
Bunks have shelves with power outlet near for electronics and stuff.
Has regular drawers in kitchen, not hidden in-cabinet drawers.
Slide out has small cabinets in corners for extra storage.
TV spins to bedroom or living area.
Sink is recessed for flat surface with cover. (2400bh raised sink)
90" wide may help for towing visibility and economy. (But less room)
Counter protrudes less into open area for more room. (2400 L-shape sticks out)
Passport 2400bh.
96" wide likely will feel roomier but create towing concerns.
Axles are further apart for help with controlling sway.
Camp kitchen has sink. (245 does not)
Under bunk storage. (245 does not)
Much larger counter space.
Bunk lights can be reached without crawling in.
Camp kitchen has slide out trays, really increasing utility.
Front bedroom has sliding doors. (245 has curtains)
Pantry shelves can be removed and has bar for hanging clothes.
I do not know if the 245 has an enclosed underbelly. The 2400 advertises it does.
245 slide out floor is raised as compared to flush on 2400. I do not know which is better.
2400 looks to have stove for camp kitchen. 245 has removable grill. I a can see both being beneficial.
I am assuming that they can be purchased for similar enough price that it will be irrelevant. If there is more than a $2500 difference, it will change considerations.
I am leaning toward one more than the other already, but don't want to bias responses that will affirm or dissuade based on my preference.
Anyone that read this whole post and/or replies, thank you so much for your time!
Part two is, after researching a lot of campers, I have narrowed my choices to the Keystone Passport 2400bh and the Apex 245bhs. If my truck is appropriate. I will not be changing my vehicle, regardless. I have ruled out all campers at or nearer to 5000#. If these are more than I should handle, I will consider the 208 or possibly staying with the 193. Of the two, which would you recommend? Especially if you have owned either. Both have a ton of positives over each other. Some negatives and some unknowns. I will list my feelings on each for those unfamiliar and to better understand my preferences.
Apex 245bhs.
Frameless window option. Very sharp looking.
Outdoor shower location at rear and near camp kitchen. (2400 backside)
Power jack.
Front bedroom has open shelf above head with power for stuff.
10' 2" height MIGHT fit in 10' tall door. (2400 10'8" no hope)
Bunks have shelves with power outlet near for electronics and stuff.
Has regular drawers in kitchen, not hidden in-cabinet drawers.
Slide out has small cabinets in corners for extra storage.
TV spins to bedroom or living area.
Sink is recessed for flat surface with cover. (2400bh raised sink)
90" wide may help for towing visibility and economy. (But less room)
Counter protrudes less into open area for more room. (2400 L-shape sticks out)
Passport 2400bh.
96" wide likely will feel roomier but create towing concerns.
Axles are further apart for help with controlling sway.
Camp kitchen has sink. (245 does not)
Under bunk storage. (245 does not)
Much larger counter space.
Bunk lights can be reached without crawling in.
Camp kitchen has slide out trays, really increasing utility.
Front bedroom has sliding doors. (245 has curtains)
Pantry shelves can be removed and has bar for hanging clothes.
I do not know if the 245 has an enclosed underbelly. The 2400 advertises it does.
245 slide out floor is raised as compared to flush on 2400. I do not know which is better.
2400 looks to have stove for camp kitchen. 245 has removable grill. I a can see both being beneficial.
I am assuming that they can be purchased for similar enough price that it will be irrelevant. If there is more than a $2500 difference, it will change considerations.
I am leaning toward one more than the other already, but don't want to bias responses that will affirm or dissuade based on my preference.
Anyone that read this whole post and/or replies, thank you so much for your time!