TT Choices ?!?! Coleman vs Solaire vs Venture

[SemperFi1991]

My wife and I have now looked at close to 100 different TT's. We have brought our choices down to 3. The Coleman CTU313BH, the SolAire Eclipse 317BHSK and the Venture Sport Trek 320VIK. All seem to be decent build quality, and about equal in size, weight and amenities. Is there anyone who owns any of these models that could help with any shortcomings or raves for the models that we are looking at. We have three children ranging from 8-12 and each having there own bunk is a plus (just so we don't have any issues with sharing. LOL). Thanks for any input you can provide.

Ben

[APT]

SemperFi1991 wrote:
The Coleman is 7264 dry, Solaire is 6825 dry and the Venture is 7260 dry.

I think those are all too much for your truck. That will end up close to 8500 pounds loaded, 1000-1200 pounds of TW. Few half tons have the payload to handle that much TW plus a family, a bed full of camping gear.

[johninedmonton]

Hi SemperFi1991,

I'll bring this conversation BACK to the TT, which is what you were asking about. Sounds like you know your TV well.

I own a 2013 SportTrek 320vik, and we really like it. It tows nicely behind our 2009 Expedition EL; we hardly know it's there.

I do have a few complaints; but nothing major. I would have liked more luxury and convenience; such as slam-latch locks on the pass through. A nicer stereo (this one doesn't have bluetooth, which I miss). Silly stuff like that. A power tongue jack should be standard on all heavy trailers in my opinion, but on the SportTrek it's a dealer installed option. Not an expensive option, but still an option.

But let me tell you; that island kitchen ROCKS. So much room! The outside kitchen ROCKS. The bunkhouse ROCKS.

We have 4 kids, ages 4-10. We were concerned with the idea of a curtain instead of a door to the bunkhouse. But on rainy days, we love that it's so open and spacious. We don't feel very cramped in.

The build quality has seemed solid, and we have no complaints at all. It's solidly sound proofed, and comfortable. Loads of storage.

At first, I thought the 13,500 A/C would be too weak. It does a perfectly fine job. And it runs on a 15 amp connection; which really surprised me!

It's a good trailer. We've been happy with it.

[allen8106]

SemperFi1991 wrote:
My wife and I have now looked at close to 100 different TT's. We have brought our choices down to 3. The Coleman CTU313BH, the SolAire Eclipse 317BHSK and the Venture Sport Trek 320VIK. All seem to be decent build quality, and about equal in size, weight and amenities. Is there anyone who owns any of these models that could help with any shortcomings or raves for the models that we are looking at. We have three children ranging from 8-12 and each having there own bunk is a plus (just so we don't have any issues with sharing. LOL). Thanks for any input you can provide.

Ben

Back in 2007 we bought a 2007 Puma that was about 6200 dry weight. We towed it from Walcott, IA to Wichita, Ks, roughly 500 miles with a 2000 dodge Ram 1/2 ton. It was the worst 500 miles I have ever driven. I vowed never to make a trip like that again and never towed the rig more than 30 minutes to an hour after that except to trade it in. When folks tell you your truck likely won't handle the rig all that well they usually are saying it from experience. Just say'in.

[dadmomh]

Noticing you're in OH and wondering if you've checked RVWholesalers in Lakeview. They carry a large selection and the prices are generally hard to beat. We bought both our HTT and our new TT and saved a bundle even after expenses from TN....$4000+ on the HTT and about twice that much or more on the TT.

Took a look at the model you are thinking about and the weight. The outside kitchen is very nice, but I would bet it adds a lot of weight. Personal suggestions just based on needs vs wants.....the separate bedroom for sure, a bunkhouse but maybe with less in the way of cabinets which add weight, the u-shaped dinette would be a definite plus as would the sofa. The kitchen layout you are thinking about is similar to ours and, while not as much counterspace as our HTT had, still very functional. So if you could find something shorter, less weight, eliminate the outdoor kitchen I think you'd be in better shape.

If for no other reason, suggest you spend some time online with RVW just looking at floorplans and they generally have complete pictures, give you the MSRP and you can figure close to 30% off, and most often they have the specs listed. They do not post prices but you can request a quote and they will email it to you. No games, the price is the price. Lets you do a lot of "shopping" without driving all over the place. Our new TT was better than 30% off. If you prefer a local dealer, print out some of the RVW info and pricing and it makes a good bargaining tool.

[djsamuel]

aarond76 wrote:

2) Look at lighter bunk houses. They exist with very similar layouts to what you are considering. Look at Passport as an example. Considerably lighter and available in very similar floor plans. Main difference is curtains in leiu of doors. While this is still going to leave you close to payload capacity, the overall reduction in TT weight pushing this truck around is significant.

With the size trailer you're looking at, you may not be interested because this would be too small, but we have the Camplite 21BHS, with a queen size bed, two bunks and a dinette/bed. Easily sleeps 5. It has a dry weight of 3500 pounds, GVWR of 5000. Tows great with my Ram 1500 (4.7L). You can see in the picture via my link below, the truck sits nice and level when attached to the camper. There is no weight distribution hitch. Otherwise, I agree, consider a larger truck.

You can see info on the 21BHS by CLICKING HERE.

[aarond76]

Coleman is made by Dutchmen which is in turn owned by Thor. None of this would make me nervous about Coleman.

I'm with everyone else in the firm belief that these trailers are too much for a 1/2 ton pick-up. It has nothing to do with power, if you are satisfied with the towing performance and characteristics of a gas motor (of which I am) the 5.3 with the 6spd will be plenty adequate. The underpinnings of a 1/2 ton vehicle are the issue. Its the tail wagging the dog. Most any dealer is going to tell you it will be fine. Many have come before you and gone down this same road, you see many people on here commenting that they have been there and done that. I have not seen anyone post yet "we have been towing a similarly spec'd travel trailer for 3 yrs with a similar 1/2 ton truck and are happy with the way it tows". You seem to justify this with keeping your trips in the beginning to between 1 and 4 hrs. I tow a similar spec'd TT with an E350 van, I do not consider anything over an hour a short trip. I consider 4 hrs a very long trip. A light weight vehicle designed for no-load comfort will constantly leave you feeling as though the travel trailer is in control of the truck vs the other way around.

My suggestions in no particular order.

1) Upgrade to a 3/4 or 1-ton vehicle before you get the camper. This may be cost prohibitive. It would be for me.

2) Look at lighter bunk houses. They exist with very similar layouts to what you are considering. Look at Passport as an example. Considerably lighter and available in very similar floor plans. Main difference is curtains in leiu of doors. While this is still going to leave you close to payload capacity, the overall reduction in TT weight pushing this truck around is significant.

3) My favorite option, buy an older 3/4 or 1 ton vehicle dedicated for towing and then get the camper you want instead of the camper the current towing limitations dictate. E350 vans go for cheap as they have a low demand. (3) growing kids are not (3) wide across the back seat of a truck. Going used on the trailer or perhaps to stick and tin new, you could get both a tow vehicle and camper for near the cost of what you are currently considering. When your tow vehicle is also your daily driver, you compromise every day to be able to tow properly a very small percentage of time.

Good luck, with the oldest being (12) already I would not wait any longer to make this happen. The family memories are great.

[allen8106]

SemperFi1991 wrote:
My wife and I have now looked at close to 100 different TT's. We have brought our choices down to 3. The Coleman CTU313BH, the SolAire Eclipse 317BHSK and the Venture Sport Trek 320VIK. All seem to be decent build quality, and about equal in size, weight and amenities. Is there anyone who owns any of these models that could help with any shortcomings or raves for the models that we are looking at. We have three children ranging from 8-12 and each having there own bunk is a plus (just so we don't have any issues with sharing. LOL). Thanks for any input you can provide.

Ben

Just remember one thing. The Coleman IS NOT built by Coleman. It is built by some RV manufacturer who has paid a fee to build RV's with the Coleman name, that's all it is. Just a reminder..

[Winterwolf227]

I also think a 31 foot TT weighing that much is too much for your truck. I have a 31 foot Komfort and a Diesel, and there is no way I would tow her without the Diesel. . .

[dadmomh]

With all things acceptable on any of the three, I'd choose the Solaire, which had the lowest weight. You are going to have to be the weight police with what you take with you. You need to set strict limits, especially for the kids, that only x amount can go. In our case, with the arrangement of our HTT, DH and I had a laundry basket that fit on the shelf of the wardrobe - wardrobe itself was turned into 1/2 pantry and 1/2 pillow storage, etc. The rule was that if it fit in the basket it could go, otherwise, forget it. Only exception was a heavy jacket. For a weekend or long weekend, we were perfectly fine. For a longer trip, we did laundry. Minimize. You're camping....you can wear the same pair of jeans or shorts a couple of days and no one cares. When we decided to move to a TT and unloaded the ROO, we were surprised to see how much "stuff" had migrated in there. No clue why we needed 5 tablecloths. DH had 1 cabinet designated for tools, spare parts, etc. When he started going through it, he wondered why in the world was THIS in here? We swore that Rocky is going to be on a lifetime strict diet. When we got everything into Rocky, it was a pleasant surprise to find that the cabinet above our bed that runs the full width across the front was empty! Of course, then we found that we hadn't packed a set of pillows for the sofa bed. If you have to take a bathroom scale and weigh everything before it goes in, so be it. You're going to be really tight on weight and safety needs to come before "stuff". Enjoy, happy camping and be safe.

[jenoble99]

Our TT is 5300 lbs as shipped, 7500 GVWR. It's actual weight is in the neighborhood of 6400. I tow with an '09 silverado. I had an '05 silverado when we got the trailer. It really struggled with the 4 speed. We needed a crew cab as the extended cab was getting snug, so we ended up with the '09. The 6 speed was night and day with the same 3.42 ratio. The truck handles the trailer very well. Now with that being said, I don't think I would put the weight you are considering behind my truck. We looked at the Colemans, and really liked them, but they are heavy. Find something smaller/lighter, you'll enjoy the ride much more.

[2012Coleman]

I almost bought a 3/4 ton with the 6.0L and 3.73 gears and found out that the Max Conventional Trailering for that was 9,500lbs

Focus on payload more than capacity. I'm betting the 3/4 ton had a lot more payload.

[SemperFi1991]

Also to note. The first year or two we probably won't be traveling any more than 1 to 4 hours from our house. After that I may upgrade to a diesel. :B

[camp-n-family]

I agree with the above. You're going to be pushing the limits, and most likely over some, with any of those trailers and your truck. I speak from experience, I tow a Bullet 31BHPR with a 5.7l Tundra. My trailer weighs 6400lbs delivered (with options) and 7600lbs loaded to camp (no water). My tongue weight including a heavy Hensley Arrow hitch is 1040lbs.

As with most 1/2 ton trucks your limit will be your trucks payload, not the tow rating. What is the payload of your truck? (see drivers door sticker) Subtract the weight of all passengers and cargo you will put in the truck. Subtract another 75lbs minimum for the hitch and what's left is what you can afford for the trailers tongue weight.

The trailers you are looking at will all be in excess of 8000lbs when loaded. Figure the average 13% of loaded trailer weight to be on the tongue will put you at a minimum of 1k lbs. Does your truck have the payload to handle the weight of all passengers, gear and tongue weight? Likely not or very close.

The 3.42 gears are also not ideal for towing that weight, especially if you're in the hills. You may have plenty of power but it will be sluggish with those gears.

[SemperFi1991]

I am going off of the weight sticker on the trailer.



As for my Truck:

Curb Weight (lbs.) 5,206

Max Payload (lbs.) 1,794

Max Conventional Trailering,
3.42 Rear Axle (lbs.) 9,600

GCWR, 3.42 Rear Axle (lbs.) 15,000

I almost bought a 3/4 ton with the 6.0L and 3.73 gears and found out that the Max Conventional Trailering for that was 9,500lbs

I was also thinking about getting a tongue weight scale for packing properly.

Thanks,
Ben