the camper we really love is a travel trailer--could it work for us anyway? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

suse1023 · RV-Dreams Family Member

the camper we really love is a travel trailer--could it work for us anyway?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I did some looking. I'm slightly concerned that they only made it for two years, but then, Howard and Linda's Cambridge was only made for one year. The air conditioner is forward and I could see the loft area getting pretty warm because of warmer air rising, so that might be something to consider if you will be in warm climate areas.

Here is a link to a review of the Outback Loft. Below the review and the floorplan diagram is a series of comments by others.

Keystone Outback Loft Toy Hauler

A second review, but no owner comments with this one.

Keystone RV Outback Loft Toy Hauler

Trailer Life Magazine review of the Loft

Keystone Outback Loft

Roadtrip's Review is not so positive with regard to accessing the loft area nor cargo carrying capacity.

Roadtrip Review of Keystone Outback Loft

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 15th of June 2013 07:35:41 AM

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

When this trailer came out, we looked at it out of curiosity. It didn't feel like something that would stand up to fulltime use. I found the stairs to the loft to be rather rickety. I agree with Terry that the loft area is hot. We looked at this unit on a warm day & it was toasty up there.

From one of the links Terry provided, the cargo carrying capacity is another concern. I think it is a very unique & interesting design, but more for weekend camping in a cool climate. I can imagine weekend camping in the mountains, where the nights are cool, it would feel like sleeping in a treehouse.

-- Edited by Cindy T on Saturday 15th of June 2013 07:02:50 AM

suse1023 · RV-Dreams Family Member

let's assume we like the floor plan and storage well enough, and dh can get the upstairs air conditioned.(if anyone can he can)
how big a difference is there between a fiver and a tt when actually traveling?
I guess that is the real question we're asking ourselves.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Susan,

There can be a world of difference, depending on how much towing experience one has. Even though I have extensive towing experience with farm trucks and trailers and a few different campers, even I believe that I would prefer the fifth wheel trailer over the travel trailer.

The travel trailer may need to have an equalizing hitch and an anti-sway bar. An equalizing hitch is to help compensate for a heavy tongue weight that would tend to lower the back of ones tow vehicle. Remember that a bumper or receiver tow is at the very back of the tow vehicle. The anti sway bar is beneficial in that it prevents the trailer from swaying side-to-side on uneven roads or in crosswinds, either from natural wind or from gusts when meeting large rigs like 18-wheelers.

By contrast, the weight of the front of a fifth wheel is up over the axle of the truck, so while there may be some "squat" in the springs of the truck, some of the weight is even distributed to the front axle. Normally, a fifth wheel hitch is installed with the "pin jaws" slightly forward of the rear axle itself. When towing, there is practically no side-to-side swaying with a fifth wheel, so the rig combination just seems to be a lot more stable.

Also, when backing, it seems (at least to me) that the fifth wheel just backs easier than a travel trailer because one can usually turn a fifth wheel more without hitting the back of the cab.

Also, I think a lot of the fifth wheel trailers sit a bit higher from the ground so going over uneven ground is easier when pulling into service stations or campgrounds. There is a thread somewhere on the forums about various folks' "oops" moments. Mine involved catching the rear steps on a travel trailer because I just wasn't thinking.

Terry

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Two main differences in towing a 5th wheel vs. a TT.

One is when maneuvering- the 5th wheel is a little easier especially in some tight spots. But it's not that much of a difference

Two when on the highway and trucks pass there is less waggle with a 5th wheel but that may be due more to weight than anything else. I'm betting an equal weight TT & 5th wheel would react the same.

However, after having both I would choose a 5th wheel....no real reason, it just seems to me the better choice...maybe looks, safety, storage.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

People are going to recommend what they have in most cases. This is normal, they went through the decision process for themselves and that is what they decided. Since most who tow here have 5th wheels, they are going to say they are better. But I have known people who are very happy fulltiming in travel trailers. Take other people's advice with a grain of salt, only you can make the decision for your own needs and desires.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you really like it you will make it work.............

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

some will see our Great country......

with a backpack & sleeping bag
on a motorcycle
in a car....adding a tent
pop up camper
cab over pickup

travel trailer
5vers
Class A
class b
class c

and nothing at all

Each will tell you its the best and would not have it, any other way!!!!!!!
you have to make a decision based on your personal needs,comfort and duration.....I started out at the top of the list 24 years ago and have yet after trying all of them considered one being better than the other......the view was just as beautiful no matter how I got there the only difference was the money I spent doing it!!!!

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

I second what Lucky Mike and the others have said. If you find a "home" that works for you, no matter what style it is, you can make it work. In fact, I recently met a man who is full-timing.... on a bicycle! He's been on the road for years and years, pulls a small cart behind the bike that holds his tent, food, clothing etc.

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had a 24' travel trailer and pulled it using an Equalizer hitch and we did not have a sway problem. I would say nearly everyone will recommend a 5th wheel but I have also noticed that some of the quality 5th wheel producer, like Petersen, have started producing TTs again. I know many have problems with the stairs in the 5th wheels. I read through some comments about the unit you are considering and one issue that came up on two separate units was that there was a soft spot in the floor vent by the bathroom and they suspected it was a lack of a brace and not a water/moisture problem so you might want to pay particular attention to that. We have a problem with the floor in the 24' travel trailer by the bathroom because of the traffic to/from hitting a particular spot so that would make sense.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have a Class C that when you walk on the floor it tends to move about 1/4th to 3/8th of an inch in places. Underneath the camper body above the chassis frame is 3/8th inch galvanized sheet metal above it and between the braces is filled with hardboard then over that is a sheet of thin luan. then they have about a 2" foam which is kinda flat now as the unit is 25 yrs. old, then there is my well-worn which was a plush carpet. Tried to sell it and 2004 and every one that looked said the floor was weak, well I have been using it since 2005 and the floor don't move any worse. But; If there are soft spots in a new one I would tend to want to research what the floor is made from.
As some have said; you will be happier with what makes you comfortable; but storage areas are a must...which i don't have much of.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

or just wait.......I heard the 2016 models are rolling out with personal elevators , a rooftop glass solarium complete with a 6 person spa tub and staffed wet bar.....and the stair option has been replaced with an escalator!!!! and octo-Slides...

Glamour Camping at its Best!!!.....isnt Extreme RV wonderful!!!

(I gotta stop taking these pills!!)

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 18th of June 2013 07:21:14 AM

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 18th of June 2013 07:22:54 AM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just as a comment, based on Cathy's comment about stairs, if one does have trouble with stairs, keep in mind that it requires using "stairs" just to get into most every RV. If stairs are a problem, one might want to consider a Class A that can have the air ride suspension "lowered" to make entry easier.

Otherwise, on a number of fifth wheel trailers, one can get them with 4 steps instead of 3, thus making each step up just a wee bit shorter. Not much, but a wee bit.

Terry

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

The stairs in a 5'r are an issue for me with my bad knees and ankle, 2 steps getting in and out of the TT isn't as much of a problem since I don't do that as often as I have to climb stairs to get to the bathroom.

And Mike isn't kidding about an elevator, I put a small handicap lift on my last TT for my SO who had muscular dystrophy. It didn't lift his wheelchair, just him. When I took my young (6 and under) grand kids camping they loved it, called it the elevator LOL

(I think Mike's pulling your leg abut the solarium and 6-person spa though, the largest spa I've seen is only a 4 person LOL)

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike - here's the glamour camping rig for you!! That is if you have 3M to spend for extreme luxury!!

http://www.carscoops.com/2013/06/3-million-elemment-palazzo-rv-is-super.html

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 01:52:03 PM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Nikki Started panting and whining when I showed her the Giant Dog bed in the Back with marble floors and pillars!!!......LOL

For that kind of money tho....I hope the rooms are sound proof.....listening to those dam Squeaky toys drive me Nuts!!!

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

The concept is really cool, but that has to be the ugliest vehicle I've ever seen!!! smile

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

For that kind of money , it has to be ugly.....its the only way to keep theft down!!

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's a cheaper option to the Palazzo: http://www.ibtimes.com/motor-coach-or-yacht-terra-winds-luxurious-amphibious-vehicle-photos-708383. Only $850,000!!!

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 20th of June 2013 06:17:43 PM

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you are worried about TT sway I suggest a Hensley Arrow, Pro-pride (or other) anti-sway hitch. Yes, they aren't cheap, but neither is a high quality 5th wheel hitch. These hitches are guaranteed to eliminate sway completely, not just reduce sway like a traditional hitch does.

I agree about the low CCC of the loft making it unsuitable for full-time use.

Chip

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

HHHHhhhhhmmmmmm......I wonder if Nikki gets Sea-sick........LOL

suse1023 · RV-Dreams Family Member

TA-DA!!!!!!
yesterday we found a 2001 carriage cameo in nearly new condition at our local dealer. the floor plan isn't my favorite, but everything else is pretty darn wonderful, so we left a deposit.
we are pretty happy and will take pics when we take delivery next week.
YAY!!!! now we can PARTY ON,lol!

thanks everyone, that loft is a sweet space, makes me know that someday when we build a tiny house at camp that my bedroom has to be in the treetops.
but for now we're happy with our choice.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

YaY!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Sue!!!!..............We will Definitely See you out here Soon!!!!!!