Are You Happy With It? Is It More Or Less Then You Expected? Are You Going To Do More Camping Or Less Camping
On edit by Larry the Moderator (not Larry the Cable Guy): I stuck this thread to the top. I thought newbies looking at advantages/disadvantages of hybrids would find this thread interesting.
I love mine... I love my own bathroom, shower, I like not having to pop it down, I love having access to the iside all the time. The only thing I'm not liking so far and I have to figure out what the deal is, is that the slide out (couch) leaks, but only after a couple of days, my thought is that after it's been sat on for awhile it shifts and needs to be repositioned. or That I'm just lame and not doing it right at all but then I would think it would leak right away..
found out we can't install a slide out topper but if all else fails I'll put a small regular awning there. I really don't think there is the perfect trailer out there.
So far we have used our Kiwi about 85 days and we both love it. Living in it for 62 days was easy and comfortable.
The only fault I can really find with the trailer is the water that gets around the sink because of the way the faucets are situated a couple of inches from the sink. Minor problem.
The versalality of turtling, opening one bunk or using two is great. We have camped using all three configurations.
Storage, we have more than we need. Some storage space is not used.
Set up and take down time is great. So much easier than our popups.
The freezer is a great plus. Actually able to take ice cream and other frozen foods. Keeps the meat a lot longer. This results in less shopping trips.
The U-Shaped dinette is great if we have company. Just put one chair in front of the table and there is plenty of seating room for four for playing cards or dinner.
One of the biggest plusses is that I am able to get out of Dw's way while she is cooking.
The bathrrom is terrific. No more long hikes to the bathrooms with the flashlight. Also, I have my own shower if the ones at the cg are not up to par.
Big awning is great. Easy to put a picnic table under it and still have room for some chairs.
Biggest downer, and it is a huge one, is my dealer. He just does not get customer service and what it means.
Are we going to do more camping? Definetly plan on that. Have 16 days planned already and working on another one to two month trip. We bought the trailer because DW and I both retired and plan on doing some travelling.
We love our camper, especially all the storage that we have. The slideout does not slide out a lot, but the amount that it slides is just perfect for walking room even when the couch is converted to a bed.
Our favorite part about the camper is the front privacy bunk, we have a sliding door that divides our front bunk from the rest of the camper and also have wardrobe closets.
Probably the only downfall is the prices of gasoline and the amount of fuel that I burn to pull the camper. I sure don't miss cranking the roof up and down, and I can get whatever I want out of the camper without having to crank the top up. [/b]
Well, mind you, we've only had ours a little under a week. We've only camped in the driveway so far, but already I like the idea of being able to get into my camper any time, dink around, do whatever without the hassle of popping it up. I love all the creature comforts, especially the bathroom and refrigerator/freezer. Our maiden voyage will be in a couple of weeks, followed by a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota this summer.
The only downer I can see is it is a little more difficult to hitch up, tow and back compared to my pop up which I could back into just about any where with little or no help. Hopefully though with a bit more practice this will become easier.
we love ours too, it is a lot easier for us now. my dh is a diabetic and now has heart and bp problems, so we stop often while driving. he how can relax in the hybrid instead of the car or sitting on a bench, if he needs to lie down he can, and we can eat a better meal , then what you find on the parkways. The big bonus is using our own bathroom. no waiting in lines and its clean!
Quote from: Dee4jI love mine... I love my own bathroom, shower, I like not having to pop it down, I love having access to the iside all the time. The only thing I'm not liking so far and I have to figure out what the deal is, is that the slide out (couch) leaks, but only after a couple of days, my thought is that after it's been sat on for awhile it shifts and needs to be repositioned. or That I'm just lame and not doing it right at all but then I would think it would leak right away..
found out we can't install a slide out topper but if all else fails I'll put a small regular awning there. I really don't think there is the perfect trailer out there.
Let's not mention the leaking thing to Kristi.......K?
Quote from: TheVikingLet's not mention the leaking thing to Kristi.......K?
Don't worry baby..by the time the weekend is over..I'll have her convinced..Btw if you make set-up extra effort it helps and anything else she hates..
as far as the leaking..haven't heard any ideas from anyone yet..as I said I think it's something I'M not doing right.
you seem handy building a patio and all..maybe you can come up with a nifty idea on how I can mount my DVD Player
deej
the leak you have where is it showing? ( dripping from the top? or puddling on the floor?)
have you tried putting news paper all round the top sides and down to the bottom, on the inside then extend the slide, and hit with a hose from the outside and see where the paper is getting wet on the inside? it might help locate the problem.
when the slide is out did you put all the lights on inside and walk around the outside to see if you see light around the edges?
did you check for loose or missing screws around the molding, were water can get in slowly and drip in side?
do you have a natural pitch to the roof , so the rain will run off ?
as far as your dvd player get an under the cabinet mount! or build one!
above our microwave we have a empty panel which you can remove and put a shelf in.
Quote from: Dee4jDon't worry baby..by the time the weekend is over..I'll have her convinced..Btw if you make set-up extra effort it helps and anything else she hates..
as far as the leaking..haven't heard any ideas from anyone yet..as I said I think it's something I'M not doing right.
you seem handy building a patio and all..maybe you can come up with a nifty idea on how I can mount my DVD Player
I'm sure I could......
Quote from: dee106deej
the leak you have where is it showing? ( dripping from the top? or puddling on the floor?)
have you tried putting news paper all round the top sides and down to the bottom, on the inside then extend the slide, and hit with a hose from the outside and see where the paper is getting wet on the inside? it might help locate the problem.
when the slide is out did you put all the lights on inside and walk around the outside to see if you see light around the edges?
it you check for loose or missing screws around the molding, were water can get in slowly and drip in side?
do you have a natural pitch to the roof , so the rain will run off ?
as far as your dvd player get an under the cabinet mount! or build one!
above our microwave we have a empty panel which you can remove and put a shelf in.
I'll take pictures next week, there is this little channel on the sides of the slide out and it's running down it under the couch..it's hard to explain and it leaks after we've been set up a day or two I think maybe I need to check and make sure its tight etc everyday. That's why I'm sure it's something I'm not doing not a manufacture thing it only leaks when slid out and not right away.
just one of those things I'll have to ask the great guru's of this sites to help fix :D
Love ours...had it almost 2 years now. Love not having to pop-up or down...love having an oven to make cookies, cake even a really nice dinner. Also love the FREEZER! Can have ice-cream, ice-cubes, steak, seafood etc and it won't spoil. Lots of room w/slide out couch and great to have a toilet, shower when needed. Love the bed cables instead of the under bunk poles on the pop-up.
DONT LIKE ~ Folding the mattresses and connecting the bungee cords when closing up the beds (takes two people to do it quickly and is just a pain in
the a--) Refrigerator runs only on propane while traveling (can't use the battery on the SUV), One of our bunks leaks (when closed up) which warped our paneling and caused mildew on canvas but it's still under warranty and will be fixed within the week...Would love a screen-room down the road....and a generator for emergency dry camping would be great since the cats and dogs need the AC when we leave them to go on hikes, bicycle rides etc. First trip will be to Estes Park (Rocky Mtn National Park) in May. Taking advantage of the free night stay at all KOA's.
The Proctors
03 Coyote
04 Durango
3 cats (chyna, hobbs, felix)
2 doxy's (Ollie, Moose)
Quote from: Proctorbc99Refrigerator runs only on propane while traveling (can't use the battery on the SUV),
You should have a place on the tongue or a storage compartment to mount a deep-cycle battery. That way you can run the fridge on the battery instead of propane. I hope you take the time to stop before you gas up your vehicle to turn off the propane, THEN pull into the gas station.
Oh...and Welcome to PUT! Hope to hear from you more!
Larry
Quote from: brainpauseYou should have a place on the tongue or a storage compartment to mount a deep-cycle battery. That way you can run the fridge on the battery instead of propane. I hope you take the time to stop before you gas up your vehicle to turn off the propane, THEN pull into the gas station.
Oh...and Welcome to PUT! Hope to hear from you more!
Larry
Actually we can't run it off any battery...that's the way Norcold designed it. It runs on Propane or the electricity at the campsites only....It sucks but we had no choice. I questioned it before we purchased the trailer even asked if we could somehow convert it but the dealer said it was impossible and even if we could change it DH is not a Mr Fix it by any means....
Thanks anyway!
Quote from: Proctorbc99Actually we can't run it off any battery...that's the way Norcold designed it. It runs on Propane or the electricity at the campsites only....It sucks but we had no choice. I questioned it before we purchased the trailer even asked if we could somehow convert it but the dealer said it was impossible and even if we could change it DH is not a Mr Fix it by any means....
Thanks anyway!
Oh. I sometimes forget about the non-3 way fridges. Don't even have a 2 or 3 way fridge myself (unless you count the 12V/110V Powerchill), so I was speaking a little out of turn. :)
Larry
I think one of the reasons why hybrids don't let you run off of the battery is the size.
Hybrid refrigerators are about twice the size of a popups plus they have a freezer.
I Love My Freezer :d
Quote from: Dee4jI Love My Freezer :d
I love your frezzer too--espeically when it means we can have ice cream with our DO cobbler! :D
Quote from: Dee4jI'll take pictures next week, there is this little channel on the sides of the slide out and it's running down it under the couch..it's hard to explain and it leaks after we've been set up a day or two I think maybe I need to check and make sure its tight etc everyday. That's why I'm sure it's something I'm not doing not a manufacture thing it only leaks when slid out and not right away.
just one of those things I'll have to ask the great guru's of this sites to help fix :D
We will all take a look at it in OHIO. You are coming, right?
We like ours an awful lot. We didn't dislike our popup and we have plenty of memories but we dropped something that could only add tension, setting up and taking down......at night......in the rain.....when it was hotter than heck.
The other times were OK.
I like being able to walk into my camper anytime I want. I'll bet I went in it a MINIMUM of twice/week this winter. We find it more comfortable to "live" in when we are camping. I am the first to agree that it isn't "real" camping but I rarely tent camp anymore. It is only a crank handle away from popupping and I knew that wasn't "real" camping either.
I like the freezer, I like the couch, I like the built-in stereo, I like the storage, I like the bathroom facilities, I like not having to setup and takedown just to load it with supplies and I would like the shower more if they made it bigger (of course if I was smaller it would be OK too).
I LIKE MY HYBRID!!!
Quote from: chasd60We like ours an awful lot. We didn't dislike our popup and we have plenty of memories but we dropped something that could only add tension, setting up and taking down......at night......in the rain.....when it was hotter than heck.
The other times were OK.
I like being able to walk into my camper anytime I want. I'll bet I went in it a MINIMUM of twice/week this winter. We find it more comfortable to "live" in when we are camping. I am the first to agree that it isn't "real" camping but I rarely tent camp anymore. It is only a crank handle away from popupping and I knew that wasn't "real" camping either.
I like the freezer, I like the couch, I like the built-in stereo, I like the storage, I like the bathroom facilities, I like not having to setup and takedown just to load it with supplies and I would like the shower more if they made it bigger (of course if I was smaller it would be OK too).
I LIKE MY HYBRID!!!
Right Chas but you forgot one more important point.
You now have another toy to tinker with and modify. :) Can't wait to hear how you will get more hp out of the hybrid.
We went directly to a Hybrid - no popup. Tried the tent camping thing ONCE and couldn't deal with sleeping on the ground and having no room to change, etc. Loved the rest of the camping experience, though, so DH and I went looking for a popup but found our Kiwi used for a price we couldn't pass up.
I love having my own bathroom, fridge/freezer, and the ability to still be able to camp with the bunks left up -- came in very handy our first weekend out this year when it POURED. When the bunks are open, there's tons of room and a very open feeling. Have plenty of storage and can get to the fridge/bathroom on stops so we can have a nice meal (no fast food!) and use the potty and know it's clean.
We'll defintely be using it more -- three trips already planned and one in the works.
Quote from: dmmsquaredWe went directly to a Hybrid - no popup. Tried the tent camping thing ONCE and couldn't deal with sleeping on the ground and having no room to change, etc. Loved the rest of the camping experience, though, so DH and I went looking for a popup but found our Kiwi used for a price we couldn't pass up.
I love having my own bathroom, fridge/freezer, and the ability to still be able to camp with the bunks left up -- came in very handy our first weekend out this year when it POURED. When the bunks are open, there's tons of room and a very open feeling. Have plenty of storage and can get to the fridge/bathroom on stops so we can have a nice meal (no fast food!) and use the potty and know it's clean.
We'll defintely be using it more -- three trips already planned and one in the works.
thats great! where in nj are ya?
We are interested in the hybrids but the COST is TOO HIGH here in Mobile, AL/Pensacola, FL. The smallest start at $17,000 to $18,000!!!!!! Any suggestions to look at on-line????? We really would like to find one in GOOD condition without the NEW PRICE.
Quote from: JAL&JKLWe are interested in the hybrids but the COST is TOO HIGH here in Mobile, AL/Pensacola, FL. The smallest start at $17,000 to $18,000!!!!!! Any suggestions to look at on-line????? We really would like to find one in GOOD condition without the NEW PRICE.
Rv shows usually have good deals. or try to find and RV place that has several maufacturers
I am shocked they are so much down south! When my hubby and I bought our 25ft '03 Coyote brand new it was only $12,500 and that was in Dayton Ohio. If you want to head up that way and contact Pat's Coleman Camper's I can give you the phone# and address as well as the owner. Or you can go to //www.kz-rv.com and check out the Coyotes there and request a brochure...Of course the style we bought doesn't exist anymore but we did get a slide-out couch which is a much need feature for extra room...Hope this helps! Keep us posted on what you find...you can also check on Ebay
try ebay! sometimes you can get a good one! or //www.rvtrader.com,
We bought ours used and got a good deal from a local dealer. He offered a 30 day warranty and said he would also split costs for major repairs if they arose for the first summer season.
We've never bought a new rv, but we're on our third used. Don't buy the first used unit you see, but I would say if the dealer is good with a good reputation, then you shouldn't have any problems.
1 - 1992 Jayco 8' pop-up (too small)
2 - 1996 Viking 10' pop-up (nice but too much work)
3 - 1999 Trail Lite Bantam B21 (our family of 4 loves it)
Steve :canada:
Sold our 2002 Niagara last week...
Yesterday, picked up our 2006 Jayco JayFeather 23B :)
Have not done anything except tow it home - in the dark, with an absolute downpour. Backing it into our RV slip was an extreme challenge since my McKesh mirrors won't arrive until tomorrow, a car was across the street -- and, the cement strips in the grass (Hollywood strips) were designed for my old camper, so I have under 2" of clearance on either side before the camper falls off onto the grass!!!
Quote from: zamboniSold our 2002 Niagara last week...
Yesterday, picked up our 2006 Jayco JayFeather 23B :)
Have not done anything except tow it home - in the dark, with an absolute downpour. Backing it into our RV slip was an extreme challenge since my McKesh mirrors won't arrive until tomorrow, a car was across the street -- and, the cement strips in the grass (Hollywood strips) were designed for my old camper, so I have under 2" of clearance on either side before the camper falls off onto the grass!!!
well widen your tracks, you will love it! congrats, welcome to the group, if you want you name on the hybrid list, please visit how many hybrids are we up too!
We just purcased ours last Thursday and took it directly to the campground. We stayed til Monday and we love it. No more long set up and DH sweating and getting upset. No more struggling with the awning, it is so simple now. We don't have to load and unload the tv or the camper to the screen room. Everything is stored away and still have storage space left over. We have lots of counter space to set the coffee pot, paper towels, dish rack and still room for the crock pot when needed or to prep food. Love the ref/frzr and not running out to the cooler for ice. Frig doesn't freeze things not intended for freezing. The bathroom is small but wonderful. I love the cozy feeling of our new little home on wheels and we plan to keep it for a long time. We want to do some traveling and think this is just the best way to go. It is also easy to tow and DH loves that.
We camped in a Sturry and then a Jayco for about 15 years before moving up to a Trail Lite, 17 B with double bunkouts. We left the pop-up because we do a lot of distance traveling, across the U.S. or to Pensacola to see our children and grandchilren, from Philadelphia, Pa. The last time we crossed the country in the pop-up it just took too much time to put everything away and close down the unit before taking off for a 12 or so hour drive, we have crossed the country in 5 days with the Trail lite, it took us 6 days with the pop-up, that is an extra day that we can spend with our grandchildren in Berkeley, Calif where my daughter goes to school. We were reluctant to leave the world of pop-ups since they are so much easier to tow, and less expensive on the petrol. I guess you could say that we are not so much campers as we are travelers, but we do love the trail lite.
We have taken out the microwave and put in a small chest of drawers for our clothing, the fridge is so much bigger than our Jayco, sometimes we have to pinch ourselves, and the airconditioning is just great when it is warm and humid, of course we don't need it in the Bay Area when we get there, we have to stay in the camper, about 10 miles from their little tiny student-family apartment.
Than's our story of why we left the world of pop-ups and purchased the Trail lite.
John and Cathy Poynton
Trail lite
79 MG Midget (not a tow vehicle!)
Quote from: dee106Are You Happy With It? Is It More Or Less Then You Expected? Are You Going To Do More Camping Or Less Camping
On edit by Larry the Moderator (not Larry the Cable Guy): I stuck this thread to the top. I thought newbies looking at advantages/disadvantages of hybrids would find this thread interesting.
:D For the most part,very happy.After going to the RV show last week ,I see they have fixed the one thing I thought was a bad feature;that being the kitchen faucet is much nicer this year.Also have an outside cook center for my model which was not availible last year.
The camper pulls very well,and camps well too;so it is what I expected.The biggest trip will be coming up for daughters college tour to
AZ.So maybe I edit post or make a separate post with highlights(hopefully no lowlights).
Hi, I am new to this site but have lurked here for the last six months or so. I love camping and have most of my life. I camped for many years in a tent (my family had always tent camped) and loved it but as I got older decided I liked being comfortable more than camping. So I started to stay in hotels when I traveled (I travel mostly durign the summer because I am a teacher) but I discovered most hotels wouldn't take dogs. Well it was out of the question that I would leave my beloved dog behind and went back to camping. I stayed at Disney's Ft. Wilderness one Christmas when it was pouring rain and was a bit miserable in the tent and the people next to me had a WAY cool pop-up and so I thought what is the harm in "looking"? I started looking the moment I got back and fell in love with this tiny little Coleman Taos. Well, the Taos was a handy little pop-up and I spent many weekends on short trips. Then my father passed away and my mom started to vacation with me. Well while the pop-up was wonderful for me and a dog it was not for two adults and two dogs. That started the search for the travel trailer.
When searching I found the prices to be more than I had expected but I kept searching. In the mean time, my retired from her job and we decided to move to near Orlando. My house sold much faster than anticipated and my new house had not even been started yet. So the search became even more urgent. Finally, in desperation (I had a place I could live while I finished the school year but no where for mom to live while the house was being finished) we bought a Keystone Cabana. It is a cute little hybrid and I like it but it doesn't have as much space as I would like. However, it has been to Denver, and every place in between Florida and Denver. Several trips to Tennessee as well. This summer it is going to Las Vegas and we are returning through Kansas to go back home. The hybrid sleeps 5, has a refrig/freezer (tiny though,) microwave, we even have a screen room that we added to the awning. While I like it I am not in love with the way I loved my Pop-up. But it will do for now.
Do any of you have any suggestions to help with fuel economy on my summer trip? The price of gas seems to be my biggest bugger right now. Also, I know this is a stupid question but how much should one pay to have a transmission coller added to their tow vehicle. By the way, I am pulling with an '03 Dodge Durango.
To save a little gas, try towing at about 60. Above that, gas mileage seems to take a drop. Price of gas is one reason we have cut back on our trips this summer.
Also, check that your tires on the Durango and HTT are inflated properly. Underinflated tires can wear and get lower gas mileage plus the safety factor.
Before you invest in the trannie cooler, have you checked if the Druango might already have one? If it has a towing package, there is a good chance that it already has one installed.
To be totally honest, the only thing I ever really wanted was a PU. But after owning 3 of them, I came to the conclusion that I wanted an easier set-up. So in late 2002 I started looking at what was out there, and by early 2003 had pretty much narrowed my search down to a pair of Hybrids.
You see, I wanted the very largest thing my poor little old Jeep Grand Cherokee could possibly tow, with the expressed intention of getting a more capable two vehicle at a later date. My choices were down to the Rockwood Roo 21 or the Trail Cruiser C23B. As much as I wanted a unit with a slide-out, it wasn't in the cards as they were just a bit too heavy for the Jeep.
Prices seemed about the same, weight was about the same, and amenities were very compatable, and the Roo was priced locally while the TC was priced from RV Wholesalers in Ohio. In April of 2003 I made my decision and went with the Trail Cruiser from RVW...cost was a little less, size was a couple feet longer, weight was also less than the 21' Roo, and I like the fit-n-finish better. Took 11 hours to drive out to Columbus to get it, and took my time coming home stopping two nights so I could play with my new toy. To my surprise the trailer was actually a 2004 model year, even though it was early June 2003 when I got it.
I'm now on my third year with this trailer, I only financed it for 5 years so only a couple years left on the note. It has held up extremely well, I've been full timing in it for the last 16 months! I am in the process of building a MH out of a 34' Diesel Pusher Bus...that's going to be my next unit!!
I recently got a brand new Starcraft Travelstar 21SB. It's my very first brand new trailer. Previous to this I had two other trailers, the first was used Starcraft Meteor 8" pop up, a one sided to boot. I used that for about 4 years and then last year, I bought a used Starcraft Travelstar 17CK.
This new one is by far the best of course and it even comes complete with that new trailer smell. It's got all the amenities. A new feature I like are the outside speakers. You can use the fader to balance the sound between the indoor speakers and outdoor ones. The radio even comes with an auxiliary input for other audio sources, such as an iPod.
The trailer tows very nicely. I think the dual axles handle the load very well and it rides smoothly. Unlike the previous trailer, all the doors to the cabinets feel solid. Having a good size bathroom is totally plush. The latches that secure the bunk doors are far heavier duty than the previous ones and you can lock them. The window by the dinette is large, allowing ample light and visibility. Above all, the interior design is pleasant and done in predominantly earth tone colors.
All in all, I'm very happy with everything, no complaints at all. I've only owned Starcraft trailers and it's not by design. I happen to come upon a Starcraft the first time I bought the pop up. The second one came because a fellow PUT, NNC member had it for sale. And this third one came at a good price at the RV lot and they took the old one as a trade in at a very fair price. I guess all the planets just lined up.
However, because of my excellent experiences with the previous Starcraft trailers, I had no hesitation in getting another Starcraft. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the brand to anyone either.
Above all, I'm glad to have moved to the hybrid genre. There's less set up and take down at the campground, but the feel of the canvas bunks still maintains the outdoor experience quite nicely. And having this new trailer raises camping to a premium experience. I'll be camping in this for a long time.
As I sit here and read this thread, I'm feeling less anxiety about our purchase yesterday of a Jayco Jayfeather 232. The unit has 3 bunk ends and seems to have lots of storage. It came fully loaded, except for that RVQ thing. The dealer is letting us keep our outdoor stove from the Coleman and Blaise will have to modify the hookup.
With our work schedules getting tighter, both Blaise and I were dreading the setup of the Coleman more and more. Health reasons have forced me into major dietary changes and I'm hoping the larger frige will help me to be able to travel with the foods I now need to have. Taking 3 coolers and dealing with melting ice and produce going bad got really old this summer.
I know I'm going to miss the openess of the Coleman. Even this week in Letchworth, people would ask to see it and comment on the space that we have (had) with the slide out. However, I myself was a bit miffed at the temperature of the shower water in the bath houses (and did fill out a comment card), so I can say I'm looking forward to a bathroom. We were using a PaHaQue and a Coleman hot water set up, but putting the tent up and down was a pain.
Since my Dad passed away last year my Mom has been wanting to travel with us, along with her chocolate lab. I'm hoping this new Jayco can accomodate all of us so I can take her on some trips.
Ohoooooooooooooo, I'm so jealous we want a hybrid and one of these days just might go out and buy one........Kinda hard to spend the money right now when our pup is only a few years old and paid for......Except we are not getting younger and that cranking up the top is getting harder and harder for my DH...Would love to have a inside bathroom and a real refrig and built in microwave,and storage not under a couch with cushions to move and replace everytime.............! Guess for now it'll just be on our someday list......
Hi,
Like a few others, we have a Kiwi 23B. It is a new-to-us 2001, and we have had it for only 2 weeks. So far, we have only been on one weekend "maiden voyage" trip with it. We absolutely love the space of the Kiwi! We were used to an 8' popup, so having a 23' HTT with a slide out and a queen bunk is wonderful. And when it's time to sleep, you still get that popup openness we like. And having AC and a 2-door fridge/freezer, it's like we bring a little bit of home with us. And the huge awning, and our own bathroom...I could go on and on!
We tow with a '95 F150, which had no idea when it was pulling the popup. However, it struggles with the almost 5000# Kiwi, well, struggles a little anyway. As soon as I can, I am planning to swap the 3.08 differential with a 3.73, so all will be fine. A few pictures are in our photo album, linked below.
Let's Camp!
NCC
We traded our '05 fleetwood evolution in on a '07 Starcraft 18RB a couple weeks ago and went camping last weekend in it.There is just the 2 of us and our ferocious 12lb puppy,so it is just the right size for us.I think it will keep us happy for many years to come and yes we do plan on doing more camping.
Hey all,
I have been reading the threads about folks favorite hybrids..
We are looking for a hybrid ourselves since elderly parent with health issues came to live with us. We have a 8 cylinder '02 Toyota land cruiser for a tow vehicle and haven't decided on a trailer yet. Trying to keep it light , about 4500 loaded. We Will be towing in Mountains and would rather do it with some power to spare!! We have to look for a unit that also is somewhat handicapped adapted. Grab bars at outside doors, roomy-er bathroom, higher toilet...etc..Also has to fit 3 adults and a 70# dog without climbing over each other. Mom will have to sleep on the couch or dinette area as she can't climb into the wing areas to sleep. In an ideal world mom's area would have a privacy curtain. I think we'll be looking a long time...
Any suggestions out there on hybrids that may work for us???
We have a 1997 Coleman Bayport pop-up in excellent shape that we love but won't work at all with mom along. I love the Roomy lay out. The add-a- room is great. It feels like a giant pop-up. If we can only find a hybrid with lay out just like it!!! SIGH!!
pupeyemom
97 Coleman Bayport
Toyota Sienna Van 03
Toyota Land cruiser '02 (the beast)
Pupeyemom
Have you done a search on the net for handicapped rigged trailers?
Looks like a lot of companies will modify a trailer.
Wish I could remember where I saw the article but it was about a trailer that was geared to a handicapped person.
Light switches were at the correct level, shower was wheel chair accessable.
Perhaps someone else has seen the article and can help out.
Quote from: GeneFPupeyemom
Have you done a search on the net for handicapped rigged trailers?
Looks like a lot of companies will modify a trailer.
Wish I could remember where I saw the article but it was about a trailer that was geared to a handicapped person.
Light switches were at the correct level, shower was wheel chair accessable.
Perhaps someone else has seen the article and can help out.
Hi gene,
thanks for the suggestion. we don't need wheelchair access. At least not in the trailer. Just stuff to help getting in and out and the higher toilet. The trailer is small enough she has things to hang on to for balance. I will check the net for the Handicapped adapted RV. -Pupeyemom
Quote from: Jofabietz:D For the most part,very happy.After going to the RV show last week ,I see they have fixed the one thing I thought was a bad feature;that being the kitchen faucet is much nicer this year.Also have an outside cook center for my model which was not availible last year.
The camper pulls very well,and camps well too;so it is what I expected.The biggest trip will be coming up for daughters college tour to AZ.So maybe I edit post or make a separate post with highlights(hopefully no lowlights).
Well, if you don't mind me asking since you have had your KZ for a couple years now, how do you like it. We just purchased one and I didn't know if you had found anything with them that I should keep an eye out for. I am modifying the tongue already to accomadate a second battery. Thank in advance for any feedback.
Hello to fellow campers!
I can't really say whether we like it or not, because it won't be delivered to our home until Wednesday. Sooooo excited! My DH and I just purchased our first hybrid and are anxiously awaiting for the spring! We had a Palomino Pony bare-bones pop up, but with two kids who are growing every minute (we've got to stop feeding them!!!), we decided to get something a bit bigger, and I mean a bit. We purchased a 2007 Starcraft 17FK. Love, and I mean LOVE, the bathroom and air conditioner. No more traipsing through the torrential rain at 2:00 in the AM because I just can't wait any longer! Whoo Hoo!!
Love to camp, and make a yearly pilgrimage to Finger Lakes region in New York.
I look forward to getting to know y'all!
-Melanie (38)
DH (38)
DS (8)
DD (5)
Honda Odyssey (yes, I know)
07 Starcraft 17FK
We have an 04 Coyote from KZ RV - love it although even though it is light weight (3400 lbs) our V8 Durango still has difficulty pulling it through the CO mountains or on flat roads with wind - otherwise we love it. The fact that the roof is aluminum and doesn't need sealing like other RV's is a definate plus!
The Proctors
No kids just pets!
Carol (42)
Bernard (39)
Adolf (b&t dachshund 7yr)
Ollie (dachsie/jack russell mix 7yr)
Moose (chocolate dapple dachshund 3yr)
Felix (cat 17yr)
Chyna (siamese 11yr)
Quote from: coyote04We have an 04 Coyote from KZ RV - love it although even though it is light weight (3400 lbs) our V8 Durango still has difficulty pulling it through the CO mountains or on flat roads with wind - otherwise we love it. The fact that the roof is aluminum and doesn't need sealing like other RV's is a definate plus!
Thanks. We have used our KZ twice now and so far are loving it. Found a couple little things that needed to be tightened but other then that, it seems like a pretty sound unit.
Currently own a 2003 Coleman Bayside. Have had extensive problems with my front trunk leaking so I've begun drooling over a Surveyor by Forest River SV 233T and a Palomino Stampede S-238. Drive a Nissan XTerra which can tow 5,000 lbs. But my problem is my budget tells me I can only drool for another year or so. But I still love camping in my Coleman
FINALLY, we found & purchased a hybrid (2001 Jayco Kiwi 21C) trailer. This one is in immaculate condition and sold for a reasonable price. Sold originally from the local Jayco Dealer & serviced there.
The grandchildren slept in it over the Easter weekend, in the driveway. Unfortunately, we have already taken our spring camping trip. We looked for almost 2 years to find a GOOD used hybrid. We can only camp twice a year (spring & fall).
Also updated tow vehicle to a 2003 Toyota Tundra .
Quote from: JAL&JKLFINALLY, we found & purchased a hybrid (2001 Jayco Kiwi 21C) trailer. This one is in immaculate condition and sold for a reasonable price. Sold originally from the local Jayco Dealer & serviced there.
The grandchildren slept in it over the Easter weekend, in the driveway. Unfortunately, we have already taken our spring camping trip. We looked for almost 2 years to find a GOOD used hybrid. We can only camp twice a year (spring & fall).
Also updated tow vehicle to a 2003 Toyota Tundra .
Chunk o' change for just two trips a year.
I don't know your situation. However, you just have to put 2 night trips into your "to do list". They don't just accidentally happen. It has to be on your DayTimer, just like church or a birthday party, to be able to go on them.
I bet you'll enjoy that chunk of money that you just spent if you use the trailer more!
Larry
Well we took it out for our first real trip this weekend. Thursday through Sunday. Worked out great. I was really giving my wife some greif over pushing us out of pop up world with the list of amenities she required. I take it all back. Other than some tongue jack issues upon arrival it was an easy setup & take down. We used pretty much everything in the camper except the water tank & pump. Looks like the previous owner neglected the battery. It was nearly bone dry when I checked the cells. Doesn't read more than 3/4 on the simple camper guage. I won't be doing any dry camping on this battery. I did appreciate the extra box lenght over the 12' pops we were looking at. We had enough fun to extend our stay another day on our first outing. I'm pretty sure we are hooked. lloking foward tothe next trip.
Just bought a shamrock 21ss DH picks it up next week. I know we will do more camping. I loved my popup as a matter of fact we still have it and will probably do some dry camping with it. I just need the space and the conviencences of the new htt.
Happycamping!
I am hoping we qualify. After the RV show last month we purchased a 2008 Outback 25RSS. I guess some folks might call it a hybrid with hard slides??? Can someone let me know? The queen bed slides out the back (stores over dinette), couch slides out the side, and over-sized bunk beds on the end. Runs 25'10" long and is awesome.
Camped along the San Marcos River the first weekend. Temperatures hit the 30's at night and we really enjoyed having a heater. There is a side door to load bikes into the camper (lower bunk raises out of the way) and a outside kitchen with a sink. Loved having a shower in the camper and a full kitchen. But best of all - not having to crank that top up. Especially when we packed up in a downpour.
Bad back and knees drove us to sell our 2000 Coleman Westlake . The Coleman sold on Craig's List in 8 days and at the price I wanted. We are a little obsessive about keeping things up and it paid off at the time of sale.
With plans and reservations made for Fort Wilderness at DisneyWorld this June, we will be going in a new camper! :-()
We plan to camp more with the ease of set-up and everything being loaded and ready to go any moment. See you around the campfire.
Hi everyone,
I haven't been on this forum in along time. We just bought a 2001 Jayco Kiwi 23B. We have owned 3 pup's over the years. We just gave our 95 Rockwood Freedom 12 ft box to our youngerst son. We are looking forward to usuing our Kiwi for five days next week on Lake Texhoma in north Texas. We have 4 Grand children ages 3 to 10. They love to camp with us just like their mother and fathers did. I hope to become more active on the forum again. Theres alot of stuff I don't know about bigger trailers. Our trailer is in great shape. It is a one owner that was kepted under a carport since new.
Hope you enjoy your Kiwi as much as we have ours. Purchased our 2001 21C Kiwi a year ago this past April. Wanted a 23B but found a "one owner" 21C here in our local area after looking for almost 2 yrs. for a "used" one. New was out our $$$ range. High cost of gasoline will limit the distances we can travel but we will still camp.
Larry,
Just for your info, we did our first "two night/3 day" trip over July 4th. It was easier than the popup but still took some loading & unloading. Plan to try to do more "2 nighters" in the future. However, DH's job limits us -- his days off are split. Actually, we paid less than what a new Fleetwood popup, Highlander series would have cost us.
Hey all, have had a new Trailer Cruiser TC21RBH 2007.... traded our 2003 Bayside for it... it is so much more convenient than the pop up as far as bathroom, fridge, freezer etc... being able. to get in and out anytime.... so far we love it, our second trip starts tomorrow for a couple nights
We upgraded to our hybrid from a Viking PUP which was an upgrade from an old coleman pup. Big difference. Very easy to pack and travel with. Ours is a 21ft when closed and no slides. Like the slides idea, as it adds a bit more room.
Hi, its been a while since we had our popup. loved the roomieness of it though! our backs just can't handle the cranking anymore.
so i have been looking at small used hybrids. i found an '03 wilderness 19' for approx $6000 and an '02 coyote 20' for approx $5000. the coyote has holes in the screens though from a darn mouse.
anyways, my tow vehicle is a Buick Roadmaster wagon, V8 with the tow package. it can haul 5000 lbs. but i just don't know if it can haul one of these? they looks so big next to it.
maybe i should look for a 17 footer?
any thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks
joan
Quote from: jthiel;206923Hi, its been a while since we had our popup. loved the roomieness of it though! our backs just can't handle the cranking anymore.
so i have been looking at small used hybrids. i found an '03 wilderness 19' for approx $6000 and an '02 coyote 20' for approx $5000. the coyote has holes in the screens though from a darn mouse.
anyways, my tow vehicle is a Buick Roadmaster wagon, V8 with the tow package. it can haul 5000 lbs. but i just don't know if it can haul one of these? they looks so big next to it.
maybe i should look for a 17 footer?
any thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks
joan
By the time you get the hybrid and the Roadmaster loaded with people and gear, you may be very close or over the GCVWR of the Buick. Check your owners manual for that number.
Larry
thanks the info.
i was also looking at a 22ft Hi-Lo camper which weighs about 4200.
i think it would probable be too heavy too.
they look so easy to tow..............
I have a 2010 Jayco Ex-Port 17Z. I have only camped in it a few nights, but I love it. I looked at small htt and tt for almost a year before buying this trailer. The floor plan has what I want. I especially love the dinette with the sofa across from it. Dining, chatting, or playing games it is a good set up. I also like the light gross weight 3500 pounds.:D
Just picked up the "new to us" hybrid yesterday. It's an '05 Flagstaff Wildwood 19EX. We did Camp Driveway last night and loved it. The pop-up got a bath today, in preparation to be sold (hopefully!). Still need to transfer a bunch of stuff to the hybrid. First planned trip is the end of March. I can't wait!
Quote from: cyclone;215491Just picked up the "new to us" hybrid yesterday. It's an '05 Flagstaff Wildwood 19EX. We did Camp Driveway last night and loved it. The pop-up got a bath today, in preparation to be sold (hopefully!). Still need to transfer a bunch of stuff to the hybrid. First planned trip is the end of March. I can't wait!
Jan congratulations on the new camper!:D
Replaced our Pop-up a few years ago now with a 2019 Jayco Jay Feather X17Z. We enjoy the ability to access the camper when we are getting ready to go without having to crank the top up first. I do miss the open feeling of our old pop-up.
We are running with a 2017 K-Z RV ESCAPE 160RBT for the last four years. We are considering something bigger now.