We are about to pull the trigger on a 08 Passport 280BH. I have tried to read as much as I could about these trailers on this site.
I might be looking at things the wrong way, but it appears that 07 was the first year these campers came out. I also get the impression that they had issues with them and Keystone hopefully has corrected these on the 08 models.
This is quite the investment for us and we want to make sure we are not making a mistake. I also understand that every model out there has issues with them and I am taking that into account.
We currently have a Keystone that I purchased very cheap because of water damage, I rebuilt it and it has not leaked anymore and has been a great little camper. I generally feel Keystone has a good product. Perfect no, but average.
It appears that I need to look under the wheel wells for exposed side walls and make sure they are sealed properly, is that correct?
I am interested in hearing from people that own a 08 model and what experience they have had with them, good or bad.
Also if anyone is pulling with F150 5.4 w/3.73 gears how well it does pull.
There are some people who haven't had good luck with their Passports. It may be a fluke in the 07's. Check the 280BH you are looking atreally well to make sure there is no possibility of leaking. Good luck!
2006 Hornet 28BHDS-Bunk House, Dual Slides
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
Reese Brake Controller, WD Hitch and Sway Bar
When you get one owner who is unhappy it may be a lemon, when you get a handful of posts about exposed walls in the wheel wells, slide leaks, poor fit, etc. you should take notice.
The 2009's are out and dealers are slow and so are the manuf. - perhaps they are slowing and taking a look at their quality. If you find a 2009 perhaps after 3 model years they have worked out the issues....?
Michael 2 DD's and my DW 6 Acre's of Maine 2009 Crossroads Cruiser CF31SB 2008 Chevy 2500HD Ext. Cab LT 4X4 Champion lil' yellow Chinese genset, 4000W Camping Pictures
We've had our Keystone FreedomLite 285RL (same as Passport 281RL) since last November and love it! We just completed a 5,000 mile trip out West and apart from a blown tire the TT towed perfectly and we had absolutely no other issues. As the OP stated, it's about average in quality, but what isn't in that price range?
We tow with the vehicle in my signature (5.3 engine with 3.73 rear end), and have absolutely no trouble ... sometimes have to drop down into 2nd gear on bigger grades, but it's for a very short period of time.
We've been on 2 vacations with ours so far. Both times with major rainstorms and no signs of slide leaks. Found a dripping water line that caused some water, but that was all. No doubt you get what you pay for, but this unit (2009) tows very well and is a nice layout for our ever growing group. Try to have a good relationship with the dealer as they will make the repairs for Keystone as needed, important to keep them in your court. Don't take delivery until all your PDI issues are cleared up. Maybe they'll let you spray water on it with the slide out to check for possible leaks. Look under the refer vent, thats where we found our water leak. Make them hook everything up to check water line leaks, a/c issues, furnace, etc.
Twin Boys-4, baby girl-2, and Husky
2009 Passport 290BH
Me and DW
2006 Suburban
Thank you for the responses. We went and looked at the unit again last night. We really like the layout of the unit. I am concerned about the slide leaking and other issues as well. I inspected under the wheel wells and they seem to be sealed up quite well. That did not bother me after I saw it. I guess right now I do not have a warm fuzzy feeling yet about the overall quality of the trailer yet.
We tried to look at everything and also at some other units with different names and it is really hard to tell if all the seals in any unit will hold up or not.
Water lines leaking in a new trailer really would not surprise me in any new unit. We looked a so many units this past weekend we noticed something in every unit that could some sort of attention.
I think right now we are still going to keep thinking and researching for a while, I believe when the right one comes along we will know it.
If anyone who owns a newer Passport wants to put their 2cents worth into this thread please do.
Thank you all again.
I too am considering buying a 2009 Freedomlite 279TB which is the same as a Passport 280BH. I intend to pull it with a Toyota Tacoma which is rated to pull up to 6,500 lbs. Anyone know of any issues I need to be aware of? What about tow vehicle?
I have been quoted $18,450. I thought that was a pretty good deal considering they had it on sale for $25,499. Does anyone know any better?
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