We are looking at buying our first TT and the passport 280bh is the one we keep coming back too. This being our first TT I have some questions, I hope you could help answer.
How well do they tow?. I know it is a big trailer but any common issues?. I have a 2006 GMC 1500 Crew cab 4x4 with the 5.3 and towing pkg. Is this to much trailer for my truck?. I know the #'s are ok but actual experience says more.
I am buying form across the boarder and will be picking it up at the boarder. Are there any common problems on a first look?. or things to beware of?
The hitch that the dealer is trying to sell me with it is the Equalizer 10,000lbs. Does anyone have any experience with these .. or Is there a better option for this setup?..
Sorry for all the questions but i would really appreciate some guidance.. Thank you Rob
* This post was
edited 05/23/08 05:25am by Rob T_passport *
Rob,
First, welcome to the forum. Lots of great information here.
We have a Passport 285RL. Love it. Tows great. Keystone spaced the axles further apart on Keystones and, in my opinion, this makes towing much smoother and more stable.
What is the wheelbase of your GMC? If I recall correctly, it is about 150 inches. If so, the 280BH should be a good match. . . especially with the 1,000/10,000 Equal-i-er that the dealer is recommending.
About the Passport line. Do a search and you will find most owners are pleased with their trailers. There are a few members here that have had some quality issues. Our only problems have been little QC items. Nothing that required taking unit back to dealer.
Good luck and happy camping.
Bryan
Free and easy down the road I go . . .
Bryan & Keiko
Max the RVing Basenji
2005 Dodge Ram 1500
2007 Keystone Passport 285RL
Thanks Bryan. Does anyone know if the 2009's come with the milestone tires? or have they changed to a different brand. they don't seem to be well recieved form what I have read so far.
it a good set up i have a 29 bh passport tow with subra 5.3 end 3.73 i did add a tranny cooler. the equilizer dose great no sway the only other opt is a rease dual cam but the equilizer is esaser set up fill up the frwsh water tank and trun the punp on when you first get their and keep it no when they show you how ever thing work then last thing look for water. they some time do not tighten the fitting all the way. their a pdi check list that will give you everthing i think it under new to rving forum .
The dealer should be able to tell you which tires are on the trailer. If it is transit and the dealer doesn't know, get the VIN and call Keystone. They will know exactly which tires were put on that unit.
We bought our Passport last summer. Within days of picking it up, Keystone notified certain owners that Milestar (not Milestone) tires had been recalled. That info was much discussed here and in other forums. I called Keystone. They checked the VIN and assured me our Milestars were not involved in the recall. Keystone's tire person also told me that if we had any problems with the tires, they would take care of us. That was somewhat comforting.
Now, a year later, and with about 5,000 miles on the tires, I see no unusual wear or cracking on the tires.
I would hope that now, 2 model years later, the tire issues have been resolved.
We don't own the Passport, but we have an ultralite Rockwood 2701SS - it's virtually the same floorplan, size, weight, and length. So although I can't comment on the Passport quality, you shouldn't have any problem towing, and the equalizer brand hitch is a great choice. Congratulations!
I purchased the 280BH in September 2007. I got a 2008 model and have yet to have any problems that required it to go back to the dealer. Tows like a dream. I have towed with a Dodge 2500 Van, and a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer. The only issue I had with the Trailblazer was I had purchase the addon extended mirror. We were just out last weekend in it for the first trip of the season. Has a great time, stormed one night and had no issues. The Keystone 280BH is recommended by me.
2008 Keystone Passport 280BH
____________________________
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LT1 1500 3.73 gears
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Van
Prodigy Brake Controller
Honda EU3000is Generator
Nights Currently Camped In 2008: 27
Well, I have continued my search and i think we have changed course alittle. With the minimal price difference I think we are going to go with the 279 Freedom lite. my understanding it they are exactly the same with the exception of the alum wheels, slide out table, wood cupboards and hitch on the rear. Am I misssing anything or are these as good as the passports? The wife and I are heading to Syracuse in the morning to see one in person. Ofcourse they don't sell them in Canada.lol.. that would be easy.. just checking to see if there is anything I should be award of that differs from the passport?.. And thank you for the replys they are much appreciated and help relieve alot of stress form a rv rookie. (first trailer of our own)
Thanks again
Rob
* This post was
edited 05/30/08 06:26pm by Rob T_passport *
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