Comparisons Made While Shopping For Our Travel Trailer

[harryshoe]

We have just made the decision to purchase a 2016 Shadow Cruiser 195WBS. Our final decision involved the SC and a very similar model from another manufacturer. At first glance, we thought the only difference was price ($1000). Length, weight and floor plans were the same. We came very close to buying the cheaper TT.

Then we started looking closer and asking questions. We learned that these two TT's were not really alike. We found on the Shadow Cruiser:

almost 1000 lbs. more cargo capacity
fresh, grey and black tanks were significantly bigger
gas capacity was 2x30 vs. 2x20
slide (sofa) depth was 18" deeper creating a lot of open space
awning was significantly bigger
insulation R value was higher
barreled roof/ceiling
window openings were larger
more storage space
exterior grill
aerodynamic, fiberglass front cap

It is not my intention to claim Cruiser RV products are of higher quality than the competition. I just want to share our experience. We fell in love with a TT at a show. We almost made a mistake and bought it. We took a step back, did a little research and found a camper which much better fit our needs.

 

[WSKinVA]

Those were many of the same reasons we wound up choosing the FunFinder. Many little things add up to being very much worth the extra price.

I am guessing the competing model was one from the Berkshire Hathaway Conglomerate fleet?

 

[harryshoe]

I am not sure which campers are from BH. I am sure if we asked an owner of the brand we did not choose, they might provide a list of reasons for their choice. Simply saving $1000 could be the only reason. I am sure many people look at the similar floor plans and buy the less expensive option.

We were surprised at how many folks buy at the shows. I have to feel there is a lot of impulse shopping following the sheer RV overdose at the show.

We picked up our TT today and love it. Hopefully, I'll feel the same in 6 months!

 

[WSKinVA]

I completely understand.

Picked ours up today. Just closed it up for the night. Heading out for the weekend shakedown trip. Will report more later!

http://1drv.ms/1HpkeHy

 

[sewerrat]

harryshoe, congrats on your new trailer, we have one like it but it is a 2010, This is the best trailer we had so far, we had Fleedwood products and Forest river.

The only negative we have is the couch in the slide, it is the most uncomfortable piece I've ever sat on.

But when we camp we live mostly outside, it is just on a rainy night that we might use it.

 

[michellep]

http://1drv.ms/1HpkeHy

Beautiful! Here's wishing a million happy and safe miles!

 

[harryshoe]

We just completed our maiden voyage. We set up in the rain. Then the weather got bad. The high for two days was 47. And it was very windy.

It was perfect for the shake out cruise. No leaks, everything worked. Especially the heater. The 2016 couch was very comfortable. I spent a lot of time on it!

The only problem involved the glass shower doors. We forgot to latch the door handles. One sliding door completely detached and fell into the stall. Two of the little wheels which ran in the slide groove fell off. Nothing was actually broken, just the screws twisted out. It turned out all of the screws were loose. I was able to fix it.

We love our new camper.

Harry

 

[Travels with Yoly]

Don't trust the little black rubber strap they provide to secure the shower doors. Even when it's attached properly, it doesn't hold on some roads. We had the same issue only our little wheel sets were actually broken. I use a small bungee cord (in addition to the strap) wrapped around the knobs and then clip the hooks together nice and tight.