Has anyone had any experience or seen any reviews on this trailer. i went to the dealership the otherday and was looking at it versus the starcraft 10rt. The Salesguy said the fleetwood was a better product hands down. We also were looking at the jayco baja series, but I am leaning towards the fleetwood.
What year is the trailer?
We've owned ours for 3 months now. We have 4 trips under our belts with the Evolution to date (3-4 days each). So far its been great. Pulls easily with our pickup (especially considering it weighs more than most PUs due to the heavier frame and running gear) . We camp with 2 adults and 2 teenagers and with proper packing and storage techniques, and equipment, everything works out OK. We also take 3 Saint Bernards and 2 Irish Wolfhounds in our truck when the entire family goes camping. They ride (and sleep) inside the truck topper, but do add quite a lot of weight that we have to drag around. So far it has been pretty cold at night for our trips (Spring time in Colorado at 9000') and we do most our camping where there are no hookups, so we added a second battery and carry a Honda EU2000i generator for recharging the batteries and occasional general usage. The furnace, fridge, and hotwater heater are all nice options, but take up much of the internal storage space. The front storage deck has also been handy for some bulkier (or flamable) items. We also use a Coleman catlytic heater in the PU every cold night to limit the amount of time the furnace needs to run. It really helps a lot.
I think its a great PU so far. We will test it on mild off-roads trips this summer when the high-country opens up.
I was looking at the 2005.
For the most part it will just be me, the wife, and our 2 dogs(Akita, and a Chow)....
We do llike mostly our Moab trips and tend to go way back into the slickrock campground. We pulled a friends PU out there one year, but it barely had enough clearance to get to our favorite spot.
What are you using for a tow vehicle? I just came into a new to me 95 Dodge Ram... High miles but great shape. It has the 5.2l
Quote from: CUL8RWe've owned ours for 3 months now. We have 4 trips under our belts with the Evolution to date (3-4 days each). So far its been great. Pulls easily with our pickup (especially considering it weighs more than most PUs due to the heavier frame and running gear) . We camp with 2 adults and 2 teenagers and with proper packing and storage techniques, and equipment, everything works out OK. We also take 3 Saint Bernards and 2 Irish Wolfhounds in our truck when the entire family goes camping. They ride (and sleep) inside the truck topper, but do add quite a lot of weight that we have to drag around. So far it has been pretty cold at night for our trips (Spring time in Colorado at 9000') and we do most our camping where there are no hookups, so we added a second battery and carry a Honda EU2000i generator for recharging the batteries and occasional general usage. The furnace, fridge, and hotwater heater are all nice options, but take up much of the internal storage space. The front storage deck has also been handy for some bulkier (or flamable) items. We also use a Coleman catlytic heater in the PU every cold night to limit the amount of time the furnace needs to run. It really helps a lot.
I think its a great PU so far. We will test it on mild off-roads trips this summer when the high-country opens up.
We have a 2002 Dodge Ram extended cab 1500 4WD. This was the first year of the new generation of RAMS and the last year without the Hemi (we have the 5.9L). I'm also running 35" tires with a 2" lift, so our gas milage is down some, but we get back into more places with the increased clearance.
Your Ram should be an excellent tow vehicle for the evolution.
Jim
My 2005 Fleetwood brochure doesn't have a trailer called "Evolution" in it. Is it not listed in the brochure? What is the floor plan like?
Fleetwood originally named it the Off Road Mohave, but then found there was a conflict and renamed them the Evolution. Mine has Off Road Mohave Decals.
Here is a link to Fleetwood and the Evolution: http://www.americancampersandtrailers.com/fleetwood_folding_trailers.htm#evolution
Jim
So what made you decide to go with the Fleetwood over the starcraft10rt or the jayco baja.....
What kind of price did you get, and with what ioptions if you don't mind me asking?
Quote from: CUL8RWe've owned ours for 3 months now. We have 4 trips under our belts with the Evolution to date (3-4 days each). So far its been great. Pulls easily with our pickup (especially considering it weighs more than most PUs due to the heavier frame and running gear) . We camp with 2 adults and 2 teenagers and with proper packing and storage techniques, and equipment, everything works out OK. We also take 3 Saint Bernards and 2 Irish Wolfhounds in our truck when the entire family goes camping. They ride (and sleep) inside the truck topper, but do add quite a lot of weight that we have to drag around. So far it has been pretty cold at night for our trips (Spring time in Colorado at 9000') and we do most our camping where there are no hookups, so we added a second battery and carry a Honda EU2000i generator for recharging the batteries and occasional general usage. The furnace, fridge, and hotwater heater are all nice options, but take up much of the internal storage space. The front storage deck has also been handy for some bulkier (or flamable) items. We also use a Coleman catlytic heater in the PU every cold night to limit the amount of time the furnace needs to run. It really helps a lot.
I think its a great PU so far. We will test it on mild off-roads trips this summer when the high-country opens up.
Quote from: bnrevergreenSo what made you decide to go with the Fleetwood over the starcraft10rt or the jayco baja.....
What kind of price did you get, and with what ioptions if you don't mind me asking?
We didn't find a Jayco to look at except on-line. I did look at the Starcraft and didn't think it was quite as well put together. I did like the Evolution right off. The two I looked at seemed well put together. The only complaint I have is that the "dinette" area needs to be about 4" bigger (back to front of trailer). It is tight when you have 4 good sized people squeezing in.
The Evolutions we looked at had all the options except AC. That is what we got: Hot water heater, furnace, fridge, outside gas grill, 15" wheels with 29" tires. Of course the large fresh water tank, electric brakes, and 2 propane tanks are standard. AC is not needed where/when we camp. I found prices in this region to be considerably higher then in Florida (Tampa/St Pete area), which is the only other place I priced them. All I'll say is, we payed a fair price for this region, but I could have added AC and still have gotten it for about the same price or slighty lower in Florida.
Jim
Quote from: CUL8RFleetwood originally named it the Off Road Mohave, but then found there was a conflict and renamed them the Evolution. Mine has Off Road Mohave Decals.
Here is a link to Fleetwood and the Evolution: http://www.americancampersandtrailers.com/fleetwood_folding_trailers.htm#evolution
Jim
CUL8R,
I like your link! That is my dealer, the one in Stanton! They are great and have just as good, if not better pricing than the famous PECO Campers, and they are about as far West of the Mississippi as you can go.
For you guys looking at offroad PUPs. If your'e not aware of it, many people were lifting and taking their PUPs off-road in the High Sierras for decades. Specifically Fleetwood/Coleman 8-10' trailers due to the heavy frames, and the leaf spring suspension that can easily be lifted almost as high as your imagination.
Last year I had been mulling over how to get my relatively new family into camping and an off-road mod caught my attention and sealed my fate!
I saw a 2003.5 Coleman/Fleetwood Niagara, (which is a big 12' PU), with a flipped axle, larger leaf springs, large knobby tires, shock absorbers set up in a parking area in Bodie California. If you don't know the significance of this, well I'll explain. Bodie is an old abandoned "ghost town" mining town in the High Sierras. You have to take an unimproved 13 mile road to get to it. Every year the definition of "unimproved" changes, based on the ammount of rainfall and the type of vehicles traveling up the road. Last year the road was a rocky, muddy, rutty mess for five to six miles at a stretch. Only open to 4x4s. Deep-V Ruts three feet deep. Big rocks hidden under puddles of mud.
At the parking area were nothing but 4x4s, and one cool PopUp!
If your'e VERY serious about 4x4 off-roading it might be more prudent to purchase a used 8-10' and lift it, just in case you experience ununplaned tumble during your journey. Or, just go slow and steady with your new Evolution!
FYI (for what it's worth...)
I haven't gotten a chance to look at the Evolution "in person", only seen it online and in brochures. I have however looked at both the Jayco Baja and the Starcraft RT. When I first read about the RT, I thought it would the way to go, but by far I like the quality and construction of the Baja much more ... the 10RT doesn't seem to have the ruggedness. Yes, it's lifted higher and has the larger tires, but the overall construction didn't seem as tight. And to be honest, the "new" RT models they've come out with don't seem at all practical.
Having been a prior Coleman/Fleetwood owner and now a Jayco owner, I do like and trust the construction of both. We still have our older '83 Coleman Jamestown (little 7' box with a single bedwing) and I'm seriously considering modifying it for offroad instead of selling it. It's light enough to pull almost anywhere, so all I should need to do is lift the suspension and put on bigger tires (see how easy I make it sound? LOL).
Does the wife like the fancy interior?
Quote from: JohnowolfFYI (for what it's worth...)
I haven't gotten a chance to look at the Evolution "in person", only seen it online and in brochures. I have however looked at both the Jayco Baja and the Starcraft RT. When I first read about the RT, I thought it would the way to go, but by far I like the quality and construction of the Baja much more ... the 10RT doesn't seem to have the ruggedness. Yes, it's lifted higher and has the larger tires, but the overall construction didn't seem as tight. And to be honest, the "new" RT models they've come out with don't seem at all practical.
Having been a prior Coleman/Fleetwood owner and now a Jayco owner, I do like and trust the construction of both. We still have our older '83 Coleman Jamestown (little 7' box with a single bedwing) and I'm seriously considering modifying it for offroad instead of selling it. It's light enough to pull almost anywhere, so all I should need to do is lift the suspension and put on bigger tires (see how easy I make it sound? LOL).
Well, this weekend is our weekend to hopefully haggle our way into either a new evolution or a 10rt.........
Quote from: bnrevergreenDoes the wife like the fancy interior?
After much debate.... lots of homework.....talking to you guys........the purchase has been made!!!!!
I did purchase the fleetwood evolution..yellow!!!! I pick it up Thursday!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to all for their input!!!!!!!!!
See you on the road!!!!!!
bnrevergreen,
Congratulations, I think you made the right choice. Now you need to do an easy 1st trip. Too bad you can't camp at the "Three Sisters". Maybe Wellington Lake would be a good choice. It's pretty close to you. No hookups, but very pretty.
Jim
Picked up a new 06 E2 in September of 07. Priced at $10,500 which included AC. Added a diamond plate tool box to front deck to carry hoses, fuel, tools, etc...
Only used it 2 days in October 07 in Cloudcroft NM. Most of the campsites were already closed for the year. Towed with a 2004 Lincoln Navigator, pulled it with ease.
Traded the Navigator in for an 05 Hummer H2SUT, Will post findings when we go out on our next trip.
http://www.cnqwst.net/cnqwst-85_1.JPG
http://www.cnqwst.net/cnqwst-58_1.JPG
http://www.cnqwst.net/cnqwst-60_1.JPG
Bob
Quote from: CnqwstPicked up a new 06 E2 in September of 07. Priced at $10,500 which included AC. Added a diamond plate tool box to front deck to carry hoses, fuel, tools, etc...
Only used it 2 days in October 07 in Cloudcroft NM. Most of the campsites were already closed for the year. Towed with a 2004 Lincoln Navigator, pulled it with ease.
Traded the Navigator in for an 05 Hummer H2SUT, Will post findings when we go out on our next trip.
http://www.cnqwst.net/cnqwst-85_1.JPG
http://www.cnqwst.net/cnqwst-58_1.JPG
http://www.cnqwst.net/cnqwst-60_1.JPG
Bob
I have had my E3 for almost 2 1/2 weeks now. Camp Driveway 2nd night, and state park on Labor Day weekend.
Great popup. It's nice having a hot shower instead of going to the shower house/bathroom.
Later,
Bob
Quote from: bnrevergreenAfter much debate.... lots of homework.....talking to you guys........the purchase has been made!!!!!
I did purchase the fleetwood evolution..yellow!!!! I pick it up Thursday!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to all for their input!!!!!!!!!
See you on the road!!!!!!
Congratulations on your purchase and I know you will love the Evolution. If you would like to see some pictures of both an E2 and E3 you might want to look around my
photo gallery ... plus there are lots of mods to think about as well as some instructional stuff.
Hope this helps.
Ruide
Quote from: He RuideCongratulations on your purchase and I know you will love the Evolution. If you would like to see some pictures of both an E2 and E3 you might want to look around my photo gallery ... plus there are lots of mods to think about as well as some instructional stuff.
Hope this helps.
Ruide
I've already looked at some of your pictures. And have already completed the under trailer sewer connections. :)
Going out this weekend to another state park. I think I've already spent $700 on goodies for the trailer. I've already swapped out the overhead 1141/1156 lights with two types of LEDs. Wired in a 12 volt receptacle in the interior. Tapped into the radio wire and ran over to the hot water cabinet. Will only use this to charge the cell phone and maybe run a small 150 watt invertor for charging the kids DVD player when dry camping.
Question. My E3 came with a Group 24 battery. Thinking of going to dual Group 27s. I want to be able to dry camp for approx 5 nights without using a generator. If need be, I will charge with my TV.
Later,
Bob
Quote from: jeepmaniowaI've already looked at some of your pictures. And have already completed the under trailer sewer connections. :)
Going out this weekend to another state park. I think I've already spent $700 on goodies for the trailer. I've already swapped out the overhead 1141/1156 lights with two types of LEDs. Wired in a 12 volt receptacle in the interior. Tapped into the radio wire and ran over to the hot water cabinet. Will only use this to charge the cell phone and maybe run a small 150 watt invertor for charging the kids DVD player when dry camping.
Question. My E3 came with a Group 24 battery. Thinking of going to dual Group 27s. I want to be able to dry camp for approx 5 nights without using a generator. If need be, I will charge with my TV.
Later,
Bob
Bob, here's a suggestion for charging the batteries with the TV.
TV charging can be problematic, especially when boon-docking.
Here are your obstacles, then a suggestion:
1. You will get very minimal charging through your TV trailer harness.
Because of the length and size of your charging cable, the voltage drop from the alternator will hinder charging up to capacity.
2. What charge you do receive will take awhile and won't get you to any higher than 13V.
3. Running your TV at idle for long periods of time exposes you to the possible risk of over-heating and engine failure.....not a good thing when boon-docking.
4. You will be exposing your trailer and campsite to high levels of carbon monoxide.
It's better to use a long set of jumper cables from the TV battery to the camper batteries. Maybe even take the batteries out of the camper and place the TV in a breeze, away from the campsite somewhat.
You may want to look into getting an inverter that you hook-up directly to the TV battery. Then run a 12g extension cord back to the trailer. That way you can use a 110V - 25A battery charger to charge the batteries. You will receive a faster, better quality charge. It will also allow you to move the TV exhaust away from the camper and campsite and possibly into a breeze. You can also use a large 110V fan to blow into the TV radiator for added cooling system protection.
The better remedy might be investing in a couple of 80A solar panels. The only problem is, you could have cloudy days that will limit or prevent charging.
Quote from: waveryBob, here's a suggestion for charging the batteries with the TV.
TV charging can be problematic, especially when boon-docking.
Here are your obstacles, then a suggestion:
1. You will get very minimal charging through your TV trailer harness.
Because of the length and size of your charging cable, the voltage drop from the alternator will hinder charging up to capacity.
2. What charge you do receive will take awhile and won't get you to any higher than 13V.
3. Running your TV at idle for long periods of time exposes you to the possible risk of over-heating and engine failure.....not a good thing when boon-docking.
4. You will be exposing your trailer and campsite to high levels of carbon monoxide.
It's better to use a long set of jumper cables from the TV battery to the camper batteries. Maybe even take the batteries out of the camper and place the TV in a breeze, away from the campsite somewhat.
You may want to look into getting an inverter that you hook-up directly to the TV battery. Then run a 12g extension cord back to the trailer. That way you can use a 110V - 25A battery charger to charge the batteries. You will receive a faster, better quality charge. It will also allow you to move the TV exhaust away from the camper and campsite and possibly into a breeze. You can also use a large 110V fan to blow into the TV radiator for added cooling system protection.
The better remedy might be investing in a couple of 80A solar panels. The only problem is, you could have cloudy days that will limit or prevent charging.
I'd probably use battery cables. And see how that goes.
I am thinking of getting 2/0 gauge wire and run off of one of my truck's batteries. (Dodge Ram with 2 Group 65 - 136amp alternator).
It is a diesel and it has the high idle fixture. I would probably only charge for about 15-20 minutes. And that would be around the noisy (lunch time period), so as not to disturb other campers in the area.
I'm also researching the solar panels, and most likely will buy some next year after I know what I'm doing. :)
I'm also researching info about a larger capacity generator for the truck.
It's only time and money. Right? :)