189fbs question- try #2

[Kfalls189fbs]

No one responded to my question, so I thought I’d try again! Do any Fun Finder 189fbs owners ( or anyone else) know why my 2009 189fbs weighs 3368 lbs and is 8ft 9 in tall as opposed to 3018 lbs and 8’2” for the 2007-2008 units I was originally looking for? What changes occurred between 2008 and 2009? More ground clearance? Heavier construction? More equipment included in calculating dry weight? Then the 2010 unit is listed at 3100+ lbs. Why is the 2009 the heaviest 189fbs, or is it? Inquiring minds need to know!!

[profdant139]

I don't remember if I posted this answer last time, so here goes. The manufacturing technique used by Cruiser changed a lot during that time period -- they went from wood frames to aluminum in many models, and went from loose pink fiberglass insulation to thick solid styrofoam laminated panels. And they added lots of insulation in the ceiling, so that could affect height as well as weight.

Also, they changed from aluminum exteriors to fiberglass, which is heavier.

I don't know if these are the factors that answer your question, but I saw all of these changes with my own eyes on the 139 models. So maybe these same factors affect the 189??

[Kfalls189fbs]

After a little research, I see that the 2008 189fbs has a flat roof and the 2009 model has a curved roof that adds 3.5 inches. Also the 2008 has a single step entry and the 2009 has a double step entry. Did the manufacturer raise the ground clearance between 2008 and 2009?

[profdant139]

Kfalls, that would be tough to answer -- someone would had to have owned or measured both units, which is pretty unlikely. And unless the company switched from torsion bars to leaf springs, it is unlikely that the overall ground clearance changed much, if at all.

The only exception would be if they re-routed the black and gray valves -- on our old T-139, the valves were at the very back of the trailer, causing them to bottom out once in a while.

On our new X-139, a 2013 model, the valves are closer to the axle and are much less likely to bottom out.

[Kfalls189fbs]

Thanks, profdant139. Just figured that since there is a 7” height difference between the 2008 and 2009 189fbs and the curved roof only accounts for 3.5 “ that the change to a 2 step entry might mean the frame was lifted somehow. I know in the rpod trailers they have a Hood River version that has more ground clearance. Thought some 189fbs owners might know. Looks like only you and a few others are active on this site! I appreciate your posts!