sunshinekad
Charlotte, NC
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Joined: 06/19/2012
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Hi! We are a tent camping family of five. We are currently shopping for our hybrid. We are hoping for the three pop outs. Can you share with me your opinions on the different models and brands?
Since we are new to the whole travel trailer world, we are sure where to start. We did see a Shamrock 233s and thought it was the cats meow.
Any recommendations?
Thanks ahead of time!
A day without laughter is a wasted day. 
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stevenicol
Portland, Oregon
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Joined: 06/10/2010
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Get the biggest truck you can to pull it!
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Joined: 08/10/2001
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Do lots of research, DO NOT take the word of either the RV or truck salesman as to what can be towed by what. Most of them do not have a clue, they just want to make a sale. And they might not even have bad intentions, they just do not know all they should. You can get a lot of good info here - just ask. And I will warn you ... it will get very confusing before you are done!!! When you think you have a good combination, run it by these guys before you commit. You can save a lot of money and heartache this way!!!
See ya' down the road!
Don-SCPO USN Ret.Corpsman
Joy-Ret.Off.Mgr.
Maggie-Chihuahua
Chrissie-Chihuahua
Lucy-Jack/Rat
'06 42' Allegro Bus DP
'06 Saturn Vue
LIFE ISN'T ABOUT HOW TO SURVIVE THE STORM BUT HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
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BERNIEPFAFF
MISSOURI
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HAVE A 233 ROO, TOW WITH A 1/2 TON 2WD SUBURBAN WITH TOW PACKAGE. A GOOD MATCH.
BERNIE
BERNIE PFAFF
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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nearly all brands have a 3-bed hybrid. they seem to be the best selling hybrid floorplan out there.
but not all have a slideout with the 3 beds. only a handful of brands.
the Roo/Shamrock 233S is probably the hottest selling hybrid out there, currently.
lots of happy 233S owners out there.
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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5ertime
NC
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Joined: 05/09/2012
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Get the biggest truck possible....8 ft bed.....you will want a fifth wheel one day.....plus you only have to experience sway one time to understand it.....and don t put a false sense of security in an equalizer hitch.....good luck with camping....it is safe and fun if your tow vehicle is the correct one.....don t exceed tire limits and speed ratings....your trailer tires will determine how fast you drive
fast habits are hard to break.....defensive driving a must....good luck, slow down and have fun....
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Padlin
W. Ma.
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What do you plan to tow this with? it makes a big difference. cars and mini vans are usually limit you to pop-ups or small HTT's. You need something along the lines of a 1/2 ton truck or suv. A small 3 bed HTT will be around 4500 lbs and a larger one about 5500 lbs. For 5 I like the larger of the 2. Check out the wen sites for Starcraft, Forest River, and Jayco for a start, there are more but that will get you started. I don't know of any bad brands out there, they are all pretty much identical in build quality. Check for what brands have dealers in driving distance and go se which you like, chances are you may not find the floorplan you want at the dealer but they can order it. There are a couple wholesale dealers where you get a good no haggle price if those work for you (rvwholesalers). When you look at them, try opening and closing up one of the units and think about how it'll be doing that in the rain. Different brands may have different ways of doing such, as this is one of folks biggest complaints I read about here it'd be worth researching before you decide. The biggest thing is to get a trailer that your vehicle can handle safely or plan on buying a new vehicle too. DO NOT believe an RV dealer about what you can and can't tow.
ALmost forgot, Welcome to the forum...
Happy Motoring
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
12 F150 HD SCAB EcoBoost LB 4x4
06 Starcraft 18SB
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ShamRockerBob
N. Georgia
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The 233S is nice. I should have bought that one. But it is a FR product so be prepared to be "afixins" little things quite often. Get a big truck.
2011 Shamrock 21SS
2010 F-150 Lariat
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miatared
Toronto, Ontario
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ShamRockerBob wrote:The 233S is nice. I should have bought that one. But it is a FR product so be prepared to be "afixins" little things quite often. Get a big truck.
Do take note that all trailers - from any manufacturer - will need some 'afixins' as you mention. FR is no worse than others. It's called 'maintenance'.
Friends with other brands all have issues with theirs. Maybe Airstream is a breed apart, but I doubt it.
Moving a huge box on wheels with no shock absorbers at highway speeds will rattle anything...
I have a Shamrock by Forest River and it's been great in every aspect.
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ShamRockerBob
N. Georgia
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These are the problems I had the first 18 months:
1.The cieling hook that holds the tent ridge pole was installed backwards.
2.The hot water sink handle flew off when I turned the city water on and flooded the trailer. Took it to the dealer, said he fixed it but it happened again so they gave me a new faucet system ($17 made in China, but it works well).
3. Shower head constantly leaked so I replaced it.
4. Microwave door will not open without wedging in a knife.
5. Pump connection was cracked and water leaked on to the carpet on two trips until I figured out where the leak was.
6. The folding dining table would not fold, the dealer fixed that.
7. The radio would not power on during one outing.
8. The cable TV connection was not properly wired.
But I think I've got everything in order for my beach trip next week. Maybe...
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