MattyL
Pennsyltuckey
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Joined: 04/22/2006
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Ive been lurking on the FW forum for awhile and ive been looking at some differnt models online alot lately. I really like the floorplan of the Keystone Springdale 249FWBHSSR. whats the quality like on Keystones? What about their warrenty and their willingness to stand behind repairs? Why does keystone have so many different "subcompanies"?
i am looking for a smallish FW with a queen bed, decent bathroom space (as im a bigger guy...6'3" 250lbs). all around working floorplan for CAMPING use. and probably bunks as one day im expecting to have kids. i dont want anything bigger than 27' as i only camp in state parks and some of them get pretty tight. this 249BH model seems to fit my bill. i also like a model by Cougar but it has no bunks so id have to employ use of the sofa and dinette for extra sleeping space which isnt that big of a deal to me. i have to do that now with my TT but id rather have bunks.
my last question is how a 5er measures. do they measure from pin to rear bumper or some other way? the only reason i dont want anything larger than a 27' is due to camp site sizes. but as i type this im thinking that roughly 3'-4' will be over the truck bed, thus making a 27' 5er the same legnth as my 24'TT, yes?
im going to the hershey pa rv show next week and would like some suggestions as to what makes/models to check out for 5er's.
thanks in advance
Matt
* This post was
edited 09/07/08 11:21pm by an administrator/moderator *
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tartan camper
Canandaigua, New York
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Joined: 04/25/2008
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Hi MattyL...Greetings from western New York,
We have a Sprinter Copper Canyon - Sprinter is the first line that Keystone started with and we are pleased with it. We have a 2008 model and had a few minor issues that were taken care of promptly by the dealer (Wilkins RV in Bath, N.Y.). Keystone is the #1 RV manufacturer in the country and I guess that says something for them. We would buy another Keystone product without hesitation. I'm sure that many other RV companies are good and I'm sure that you will hear from other members of this forum regarding that. We happen to like Sprinter/Keystone and I'm sure that others like their brand as well. We had a Dutchmen TT previously and we will never buy another. Quality was our issue and the dealer did absolutely nothing to help us (we didn't buy our 5er from that dealer). You will need to look at some and choose what you like and fits your needs. I do recommend Keystone as we've been really happy with the service and quality, but there may be others out there with different opinions as per their experiences. Best of luck in choosing what you like/need and happy camping!!!
Backpack to fiver...and everything in between. What a life!
2008 Sprinter Copper Canyon 293FWSLS Rear Kitchen 5th Wheel
2006 GMC 2500 HD, etc.etc.
18k Superglide
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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I have the 2006 model and it has been a great value. Very few minor problems to fix under warranty. Dealer Mike Thompson was very good about all warranty work.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
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Miles Away
Lebanon, TN
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Joined: 04/01/2008
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MATT:
I think you will like the Keystone line. As others have told you, they are low on non-routine maintenance and high on customer satisfation. With regard to your question as to why they have so many sub companys, I don't think they are sub companies, just different lines in differing price ranges, similer to GM's Chevy, Caddi, Buick & Pontiac. Regarding the length of the trailer, the first two numbers of the model can be misleading. We have a RK29 that is almost 32 feet, so check with the dealer and if he isn't sure, and there is a good chance he isn't, take a tape measure with you. Happy Hunting!
M & M  On the road again!
2007 GMC 3500-SRW-Duramax-longbed-4X4
2005 COUGAR 5th wheel
2002 SUNDOWNER gooseneck horse trailer
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countryrose
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 11/14/2005
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I will try to address several of the issues.
1) measure the trailer yourself, both the manufacturer and the dealers will tell you what they think you want to hear. My 3400RL measures 37'9".
2) Being rated #1 means they are #1 in sales, not in quality and serves as some one here has tried to indicate. Keystone is a Thor company and the largest RV manufacturer, you build more you sell more. Keystone has a vast line of lower end lower priced RVs, that also helps boost there sales numbers. That's not to say they don't build some very nice trailers. Now be prepared to see my comments attacked by Keystone owners as that is the nature of people, to defend there own. I owned a Cougar at one time and I was fortunate to own a good one, however; I have 2 friend and a brother-in law that were not as fortunate with thier Keystones. And keystone support was none existent.
3) Your dealer is very important as he will interface between you and
the manufacturer. If you read Trailer Life help column you will see that Keystone and Forest River are not a very co-operative company until a major RV publication Like TL is ask to intervene.
4) In my opinion Forest River build very attractive RVs, as for quality, well lets just say look beyond the cover. Open the cabinets and check out the inside, climb in the basement/storage area and check out the quality. Then I'll let you be the judge. Check out the Appliances ( TV,MW,range,stereo, etc.) are they brands you are familiar with?
5) take your time, there is no rush and this is a lot of money. Due your research, become an expert on what you really want in an RV, and what quality is really all about. Don't totally drop the idea of a used 5er as there are some really good deals out there and once you have done your research you will be able to tell the good from the bad and the BS from quality.
Good hunting G.I. and Good luck.
Gary
2008 Bighorn 3400RL
2008 Chevy 3500HD GRW
DuraMax w/allison
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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We have been very pleased with our Keystone Copper Canyon. Seems good quality. The few issues we have had have been from normal over the road travel issues. The dealer is the key ingredient to after the sale service. As long as the manufacturing quality is there, Keystone (as others) depend on their dealers to keep you happy.
As stated above, Keystone has many models from the lower priced range to the higher priced range. There is a difference in the amenities depending on the price point. Example, my neighbor has a Springdale model. One small step down from my Copper Canyon. His overhange is not enclosed. Mine is enclosed. His roof is not recommended to walk on. Mine is. Ours also seems to be a bit higher trim level inside. Ours came with bigger tanks as STD. His Springdale has been just as reliable as mine. So I think his manufactured quality is pretty similar. Just maybe built to a slightly different standard.
I have been told the model number may be the dimension of the inside living space. While the overall length is measured from front of kingpin to the furthest point to the rear, (ladder). But I think different manufacturers have a different way of numbering their models. Our model is 32, but over all is nearly 34 feet.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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Zeppi-Popette
Dayton, OH
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Joined: 08/25/2005
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We have a 05 Keystone Laredo. We have found it to have held up very well. No major problems at all. We feel it is great quality and a good buy for our money. Ours is a 30 ft. rear kitchen with two slides. We wish we had gotten a bedroom slide though. Other then that it meeds our needs very well. My husband is 6ft, 4 inches and about your weight and he has no problems moving around in it. The bathroom is a decent size and ours has a garden tub/shower with a sky light for added head room.
This is our second Keystone, we had a 05 Hybrid Zepplin before the fiver and we thought Keystone had good quality with that also.
Happy Camping
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SH
Lynden, WA
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Joined: 09/27/2006
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We are pleased with our Springdale. It has been a great investment and a lot of fun!
We have never had any major issues with our Springdale but I have had occasion to email Keystone with various questions. They always reply usually with the information I need. They also have sent me free manuals etc.
2003 Springdale 279
2007 Chev 2500 LMM Duramax/Allison
1993 Heritage
1989 Sporty
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MudChucker
Winnipeg Manitoba
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Joined: 03/07/2008
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Our springdale is mostly problem free... I recognize its more an entry level unit but its 30 feet of the floor plan we wanted and have had no problems in near 5000 miles of hauling.
My door fitment is not the greatest, Im guessing its the body of the TT flexing and moving causing the door to go off kilter but otherwise, all brand name parts inside and reasonably well built for an entry level 30 footer.
2006 Springdale 292BHLS
2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLT 6.0
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Earl E
Klamath Falls, Oregon
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Joined: 04/16/2007
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We've been very happy with our Keystone. One of the best built units for the price available. If you look closely at contstruction, you'll see they are very well made.
2008 Keystone Springdale 252
2004 Chevy Silverado, 5.3 L V8
Prodigy brake control and Equal-i-zer
Retired and traveling all we can!
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