TT Choices!?!

[SemperFi1991]

In my last post I was hoping to find more information on the quality and reliability of a couple of different TT's. The topic quickly turned to my TV. As this is my first TT I am willing to upgrade my TV, but was hoping for more information on our TT choices. We have narrowed the choice down to two models. With what we have determined two models fulfill all of the needs and most of the wants that we have and remain in our price range. The Palomino SolAire 318TSBHK and the Venture Sport Trek 320VIK are what we are wondering about. Any information on the quality, reliability, or issues would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for any help you can give,
Ben

[Glendale_290]

Congrats on your choice ! We bought a Solaire 269BHDSK Eclipse Model this past May and love it. Palomino knows how to build a great light weight travel trailer in this price range. Just one word of advice when you pick it in the spring , do a thorough PDI with your dealer. Inspect the entire trailer over inside and out with your dealer noting any deficiencies. Unfortunately in this day and age you and the dealer are the final part of the quality control process. That was our experience.
All little issues were resolved at pick up or on a return trip a few weeks later. We bought locally too from a reputable and experienced dealer, makes all the difference in your total satisfaction.

Lou

[desiphil]

Congrats on the purchase. The two brands you narrowed to offer very similar construction, so really no bad decision to be made. Going with the closest dealer was a good move.

[SemperFi1991]

Some of the amenities. A physical door on the bunkhouse vs curtains, power jacks, third slide, 21' awning with lighting, trundle under the couch in the bh, etc. Also the price, we got a very good deal and the solaire dealer is only 15-20 minutes from our house. The price and weight were huge factors. Also the looks with the optional front cap. We spent 2 months and many hours looking at brands, options, weights, and locations of dealers (including a couple of multi hour drives to look at other brands). The Solaire turned out to meet all of our needs, and most of our "wants" in one package while still meeting our budget. We are excited to get out this spring.

[texasclarks]

So what pushed you toward the SolAire?

[SemperFi1991]

Thanks for the help. We went with the SolAire 318TSBHK. It is on order and we will be taking it out this spring. Can't wait!!

[Vapor_Trails]

PenMan wrote:
Sorry I can't help with the specific models you are looking at but you are doing it in the correct order. Find the TT that is right for your family and then upgrade the TV if necessary. Welcome to the forum.

x2

[Blazing_Zippers]

Check out possible winter RV shows that might be upcoming in your area. They're a super way to shop & compare when the snows falling.
What was written earlier about tank heaters----some of them are 12 volt heated, so you could figure on having your batteries down in one night if its cold out there.
As far as a rig to settle on, everything is a compromise. If you see something that fits your lifestyle, learn the construction, can you afford it, and decide. THEN, do not look back.. You'll "what if" yourself crazy. Case in point; I wasn't really to hip on our last trailer purchase. It wasn't as cool or as well made as our previous rig, but after 3 years and many thousands of miles, it has treated us very well and I'm happy!

[SemperFi1991]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do know that for $150 the SolAire comes with an extended warranty that covers the second year.

[handye9]

You probably won't find a lot of difference in build quality. Reliability, depends on how you maintain it. Both, Venture and Palomino are fairly new at building large travel trailers. Their parent companies (KZ and Forest River) have both been around for quite some time.

When you drag these things down the road, things are going to come apart, doesn't matter who put them together. Some roads are worse than others.

Looking at the floor plans, I would choose the Palomino. Looks like there is more room in master bedroom, and, you don't have a wall at foot of the bed. Palomino specs show a full size queen mattress. The Venture has that wall in the way for making the bed, and, specs don't say whether it is an RV (short) queen or full size queen mattress.

Specs for holding tank sizes are pretty much the same.

Weights are pretty much the same.

Appliances - Probably the same manufactures for water heater, furnace, refridgerator, air conditioner, etc.

I would do more research on warrantees (what is covered, and how long), insulation ("R" values in floor, walls, and ceiling), tank heat (if they say heated, how are they heated?), bypasses for winterizing (do they have them?), water filters (do they have them?), options, etc.

I had a trailer with an RV queen size bed and a wall at the foot. I could not sleep with my head touching a wall at one end, and feet touching a wall at the other. I'm only 5'8".

[PenMan]

Sorry I can't help with the specific models you are looking at but you are doing it in the correct order. Find the TT that is right for your family and then upgrade the TV if necessary. Welcome to the forum.

[rav]

check out the Forest River Forums for info on the Palomino