My wife and I attended an RV show here in Denver this past weekend. We are thinking about purchasing a travel trailer - the show was a bit overwhelming and everything started blurring together. The 4 models we looked and liked that we think would fit our needs are: Shasta Oasis 310KHeartland North Trail 26DBSSKZ Sport Trek ST270VBHCoachmen Apex Ultra-Lite 276BHSSCan anyone offer any pros/cons, thoughts in general on any of these brands (doesn't need to be model specific) -- having a hard time finding any review sites that might help us get a little less foggy on what we might want to buy. Any ideas/thoughts on other models we aren't thinking about also would be appreciated -- ideally we're looking for a bunkhouse floor plan that might be good through hunting season here in Colorado. Thanks in advance -- there is so much to sort out I feel like and we're just looking for honest opinions...

Remember, those designated as "lite" or "ultralite" are that for a reason. Generally less insulation, thinner lighter materials are at least part of the equasion. For a decent TT that will keep you comfortable into hunting season, look at the offerings from Northwood Mfg or their sister co Outdoors RV. Both out of LaGrande,OR.

What ever you do, don't get anything made by Forest River.Advice from someone who just recently bought a new 2016 because of the great floor plan layout and who is now going through much anguish trying to get one warrantee item after another done.Jack L

And before you put the cart before the horse - what do you plan to tow it with?

"the show was a bit overwhelming and everything started blurring together"I respectfully say you aren't ready to buy just yet. Wait until you see a TT you love without any blurring.

TT recommendations | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 13, 2017
Dutchman, that is some analysis! Wow!
SpeakEasy
Explorer
Jan 12, 2017
Having just walked that road a year ago I will add my piece of advice. Expect your idea of the best model to evolve as you go through the process. The more you learn, and the more models you see, the more your priorities will chrystalize and clarify. The things you thought were MOST important when you first started out may become a bit less important as you realize new options. There may be times when you think you'll never be able to sort all of this out, but eventually your tastes and priorities will stabilize. Then you'll be able to see clearly which particular floorplan or model you want to invest in. And even then, you may need to tell yourself that you are not marrying this thing. You can always sell or trade it in a couple years if it turns out to be less than the best.

-Speak
trsky
Explorer
Jan 12, 2017
Go for the floor plan you like the best when open because that's how you use it. As far as needing to have the slide out to move around is up to you. For us it is no issue at all and would have never thought it an issue if I had not read about it here. We have a KZ an love it. Buy what suites your needs and lifestyle.
racecitypat
Explorer
Jan 11, 2017
The biggest thing is buy the one that your comfortable with while the slides are OUT. You will be living in it for short periods of time, and you want the inside to have that comfortable "homey" feel. You wont always be out while camping, and you do not want to have that "confined" feeling.
djsamuel
Nomad
Jan 10, 2017
bid_time wrote:
"Schwintek recommends that you run the slide out fully each time you use it. By running it our only a short distance you cause the motors to get out of sync."

Schwintek recommends you run the slide out all the way, but it is not really a necessity. I have run mine out many times only part way with no issues. What is really important is that you hold the button for several seconds after running fully out or fully in. This is what keeps the motors in sync.

Exactly. Each motor runs independently until they meet resistance to motion. then the controller shuts each motor down. as stated, holding the button in after running full out or in is what synchronizes them.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
As I often do, I take a slightly different look at things. While there have been some good points made about the various models, I look at the dealer before making any choice. Granted, travel trailers are pretty trouble free, but when they aren't, I want Steve and his brother Bob on my side. They are in Athens, Illinois if anyone cares.

I no longer purchase models with slides, but I would not have one that kept me from using all the facilities with the slides in.
bid_time
Nomad II
Jan 10, 2017
"Schwintek recommends that you run the slide out fully each time you use it. By running it our only a short distance you cause the motors to get out of sync."

Schwintek recommends you run the slide out all the way, but it is not really a necessity. I have run mine out many times only part way with no issues. What is really important is that you hold the button for several seconds after running fully out or fully in. This is what keeps the motors in sync.
bailer6334
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
I agree with the above. Especially the comment about the Schwitek slide systems. While we have RV'd over 30 years had I known about the slide operation, I would have bought a different TT.
goducks10
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
Nice write up DutchmanSport. So many newbs, and we were all one at some point, get caught up in marketing.
To the OP, when you get sorta serious and actually look on the dealer lot, have them run the slides in on any unit you're interested in. Then you can get a good feel for what the trailer will be like when on the road. We have a 5th wheel, but the same rules apply. We do have full acess to the bathroom, fridge, sink and pantry. Makes for a nice convenience when traveling. You can pull off anywhere, use the toilet, grab a bit to eat and be on the road in no time.
Now it wouldn't be much of a problem to run a slide out 6-12" if needed to gain access, but the problem with that is some trailers use Schwitek slide systems. Schwintek recommends that you run the slide out fully each time you use it. By running it our only a short distance you cause the motors to get out of sync.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
DutchmenSport wrote:
I think 2 of the most important features of a camper is the bathroom and the kitchen. And when "traveling" to have access to both, without having to pull slides out. Also, when in storage, or if parked at home, you may want the slides in and need to access everything. You won't be able to. All 4 of these campers greatly restrict access to the 2 most important "luxuries" of dragging your own house with you down the road ... bathroom and kitchen.

Agree completely. :) I've argued this point before and have been soundly trashed by those who say it's no big deal to open the slides if necessary. Sorry, I disagree ... during the season I keep our camper here at the house with the sofa slide in the stored position so it won't intrude on the narrow space between my driveway and my neighbour's. No worries, I have complete access to everything in the trailer whether the slide is deployed or not. :B When traveling we often stop for lunch time stops or bathroom breaks and the last thing I want to do, especially if it's pouring cats 'n dogs outside, is deploy a slide just so I can open the fridge or the bathroom door. :M No thanks, regardless that some don't see this as an issue. ;)