Newbie needs feedback on Fleetwood Cobalt

[DoubleD]

Hi all, new poster. I caught the bug! Being almost 50, it is time to get off the ground and stop loading and unloading so much gear. Got real interested in PU's at the Sportsman's show last week and found myself and my g/f in the local Fleetwood store yesterday, drooling over the new Cobalt.
Here's what I like about it:
1) I have a '94 S-10 Blazer with the most powerful V-6 available back then. I am concerned about towing weight. This baby weighs 1245# empty and I figure I don't pack 500# worth of gear, keeping us well under 2000#. I love my S-10 and haven't found a newer 4WD vehicle that I would rather have. It is getting up there in miles, and I don't want to ruin it pulling a PU up 7% grades at altitude.
2) I am not going to take it up really rough 4WD trails, but will be pulling it up and down those unimproved back roads to find a little seclusion. Seems this isn't as heavy duty as their Evolution line, but more rugged looking than some others I see. The local dealer's stock has more units with the lift kit than std clearance, and I like that, although I realize the axle is the lowest point, I won't be crunching as many corners.
3) Switching from tenting for 35 years means I don't need a lot of creature comforts, but I do like the LP stove, comfy bench seats, table, and the furnace. I can even buy a porta potty, and the g/f has no problems with that so I don't need a fancier model with a built in bath/toilet.
I started out thinking I could go get a used one and save thousands, but I take my recreation seriously, and I don't see any used Cobalts availabe, so new is my current leaning. I am considering getting a add a room and BBQ, solar battery charger, 110V deep cycle charger and either astro turf or indoor outdoor carpeting for the add-a-room. Including taxes and license, I will probably be looking at 7K.
Tell me if I am crazy, why I shouldn't get this model, what other brands make a comparable unit for what I want, what options I need, etc before I go out and bite the bullet on this, please and thank you!

[brainpause]

Go for it! You'll LOVE being off the ground, plus we love having most of our camping stuff already packed and ready to go in the trailer.

Larry

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.  Go for it.  The only thing I would change that you listed was that instead of buying a rug for the AAR, I would get a plastic woven patio mat.

[DoubleD]

I am considering adding larger wheels for better clearance.  Any feedback?
I have also been told to check into shocks, I wonder if I should have the dealer install them (I like turnkey packages and if they do it, they get to stand behind their work!)
Should I buy a class 3 hitch and install it myself? I have heard that isn't a big job, but once again, I like turnkey (I have a full set of tools but no desire to crawl under my TV and have dirt falling in my eyeballs) Or, do you suggest I check out U-Haul or someone like that?
Do you know of other makes with the more "rugged" style like the Fleetwood Element I can compare them to?
What is your recommendation on dickering? They are offering the $500 for my used tent and 10% on any uninstalled accessories. How much more should I ask for? I have until March 15 for the $500 + 10% on accessories.

[tlhdoc]

Is there clearance on the trailer to add larger wheels?  You might have to flip the axel or add a lift kit to make room for larger tires.  You would have to look at the camper to decide.  You could ask the dealer if they would install shocks, but Fleetwood may say that you made a change to the PU that is outside of their warranty, although the dealer should stand by their work.  If your frame has predrilled holes in it for a receiver the job is easy.  If you have to drill holes in the frame it is more work.  Only you know what you can/want to do, and it doesn't sound like you want to do it.  What price are they offering you?  You can get 25% off of list price on a PU, sometimes more.  If you post a price others can give their opinion.

[SpeakEasy]

I had my class III hitch installed by a hitch place. From what I can gather about the job, it is the wiring that is the biggest hassle. Especially if you want a good-looking job (no wires where you can see them). You should definitely shop around for price before you decide to go with U-haul. I saved about $150 under their price. And, when you shop around, give them a completely detailed list of what you want done. Some places itemize the prices, and it is in the details that they make their big money. If you don't mention a detail like, "I want a hot wire," they may not include one in the price they quote. Then, when they find out you want it, it is an extra $35 or $50 or some such thing.

[DoubleD]

Price for the camper, with furnace, $5295.  Add $220 for awning, (definitely) and AAR $350 (maybe).  Another $200 for the BBQ.  Close to $6K out the door, complete with what I want on it.
$300 for the Class 3 hitch with installation.
They are now coming from the factory lifted so the dealer has both lifted and not lifted, there is about 3 inches of added clearance from the body to the tire in the lifted unit (I saw both std and lifted on the lot)  No extra charge for the lift kit.
Yes, you are right about the wiring.   That seems to  be the part that gets ugly looking with a DIY installation.

[abbear]

You asked about another option besides Fleetwood?  Check this link out:

http://www.kamparoo.com/

[wavery]

Check with your local Chevy dealer but I believe that your Blazer is already wired for a trailer pkg. You may only have to buy the attaching harness from them and plug it in. There may even be a pre-wired plug, under the dash for the trailer brakes.

If you buy the factory hitch, it's a bolt on. The holes are already in the frame.

What area are you in?

[fritz_monroe]

Personally, I like this one.

Jumping Jack Trailers

I wonder if you can actuall travel with the ATV on it like on the web site.

[wavery]

Personally, I like this one.

Jumping Jack Trailers

I wonder if you can actuall travel with the ATV on it like on the web site.

Someone was just asking, the other day, what the difference was between a Pop-up and a tent trailer.........Now THAT is a tent trailer .

[DoubleD]

I have looked at the Kamparoo, but just can't bring myself to like it.

Same with the Jumping Jack.  Thanks for the links, though.

[DoubleD]

Check with your local Chevy dealer but I believe that your Blazer is already wired for a trailer pkg. You may only have to buy the attaching harness from them and plug it in. There may even be a pre-wired plug, under the dash for the trailer brakes.

If you buy the factory hitch, it's a bolt on. The holes are already in the frame.

What area are you in?

Thanks, good points.  Betcha the dealer wouldn't tell me and charge less if the trailer package is already there.
I may get dirty and set that stuff up myself.  Too bad that hitch will probably take 3" of ground clearance away from the rear bumper.

BTW, I am in the Denver area.

[SpeakEasy]

For what it's worth: My Highlander's owner's manual informed me that the vehicle came pre-wired for trailer lights. It even showed an illustration of where to find the wires. When I did bring it in to the hitch guy, I showed him the page from the owner's manual so that he knew that I knew ... etc.

This, however, didn't help with the brake-controller wiring or the hot wire that I wanted. Those had to be installed from scratch.

Maybe GM does a more complete job and installs all the wiring a trailer would need/want. In any event, I'd want to research it before I took it in to whoever is going to do the work. It's best to show them that you know what you're talkin' 'bout.

[DoubleD]

It has been my experience that letting them know what I know up front keeps 'em honest plus they know up front that I will be looking in the right places for the right workmanship, etc.

I went and looked at an '03 Taos (rental unit).  $3800 versus $5500 for a new one equipped exactly the same.  I think I would rather pay the extra to get new.