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We have just completed a 14,000 mile, 10 month test of the new Trail Lite Model B Pus 211. The unit was picked up in Wisconsin at Campers Factory Outlet,(the best prices). At $45.000.00, it has every option available.
Traveling throughout the US, I had the opportunity to see, drive and talk to owners of units such as Rialta, Chinook, Born Free, Pleasure-way, Roadtrek, etc.(I do not mean to downgrade these units) but for the money, the design, roadability and interior space Trail Lite is THE UNIT to consider for purchase. With dual rear wheels the unit tracks very well and is
extremely stable in windy conditions (or when being passed).
The bathroom is large enough for showering (6" 4" headroom), has a skylight and is separate from the main cabin. It has 36 gallons of water and 33 gallons of waste.
Three large windows (plus rear door and passenger compartment windows) give an open and spacious interior and plenty of air. It has double sinks, three burner stove with light and outside vented hood and a large dinette for enjoying meals and a 72" x 50" comfortable bed (easy to make up).
Speaking of comfortable, the leather seats in the Chevy are like a living room chair, no fatigue on the long hauls. Elec. power locks, windows and lighted vanity mirrors add to the luxury of this unit. Because this unit was shown at major RV shows as a prototype of the units to come it is well built and has a lot of extras.
Best of all is the Chevrolet 8.1 L, 496 Cubic Inch, 340 hp engine, the largest motor in production today. I might add the mileage was a constant 12 mpg. I never drove over 65 miles per hour, but when climbing or descending(using the motor for braking) 7% grades were no problem as the power was there.
We had a few minor problems such as a water leak under the sink, which I fixed by tightening down the plastic collar around the sink drain. We also had a factory recall on a circuit board that caused the coach battery not to accept a charge. The parts were expressed from the factory and installed in California. Found one drawer bottom that fell out (had put to much heavy stuff in it) and one drawer rail that broke, however that was replaced at no charge by the dealer that fixed the circuit board. The fact that carpeting is used for the ceiling, the R factor for insulation is very good, and the Arizona heat was no problem for the airconditioner. I might also add, there is very little rattling or other sounds while traveling down the back roads that we used.
I would be most happy to go into greater detail if anyone is interested on the Trail-Lite class B. In our travels, we must of shown this unit to hundreds of people and the comments were always about the interior space, water, fuel and waste tankage, beautiful interior fabrics, and of course the price, which everyone could not believe. Captain Joseph L. Naselli (captnaselli@adelphia.net)
I am located in Jupiter, Florida and after a wonderful trip to California it is time to sell this unit. I have added a solar panel 5amps, with digital control, a 12v Maxx-Air ventilation system, Elec. hot water calrod unit, elec. A/C heat strip, and an undercounter PUR water filter. This comes with all the factory options plus an
800 watt inverter. The bed and dinette cushions are brand new along with the batteries which were replaced within the last two weeks under factory warrany. I had noticed that the original bed springs had lost there tension. A quick call to the factory and it was replaced.
There is over $1000.00 in extra's purchased from Camping World that are included. It still looks, smells and drives like a new car. This unit has been maintained with weekly washes, waxes and great care along with documented records of 3000 mile oil changes. Because of parking restrictions where I live I can either store or in this case choose to sell.
*This Message was edited on 27-May-02 09:36 AM by captnaselli*
*This Message was edited on 27-May-02 12:55 PM by captnaselli*
* This post was
edited 05/03/04 01:19pm by an administrator/moderator *
[red][b]Captain Joseph L. Naselli USCG[/b][/red]
US Coast Guard 500 Ton Licensed Ocean Going Operator
captnaselli@pocketmail.com[/email]
2002 Trail-Lite Class B Model 211
8.1 Chevy Vortex 340 hp
Note: Due to invalid formatting, all formatting has been ignored.
I have to add that for the price it's a great unit, but price alone isn't enough reason to buy for some of us. I'd rather work with a smaller space if it's design, interior and exterior, appeal to me. So far, just on looks, the B+ that catches my eye is the Gulfstream. I've read that there are some quality issues with it, which seems to be an across the board problem these days. Bottom line if you're happy with whatever you buy great! If it takes a bit more money to get what makes you happy, go for it! If you can find what you want used for half the price good for you! Just don't let price be the primary concern. When you're sitting with your family around a campfire in Montana the last thing you should be thinking is: "Wish I paid 52k instead of 58k!"
Wade
*This Message was edited on 28-Apr-02 12:11 PM by Wade K.*
Just from reading posts here some have expressed disappointment with the quality. Try a search for "gulfstream" on this forum only for the last 6 months, should turn up those comments. They certainly look nice in the pictures I've seen. I think some don't like the fiberglass body.
Wade
I know it's a little more expensive but we prefer the Phoenix Cruiser. It's more aerodynamic than the Gulfstream BT Cruiser, which looks very boxy. Also it has the side door which we prefer, because we are looking at adding an awning and patio room. The side door makes for easier access to the patio room.
Having looked at all three, I think the Phoenix is better built than the Gulfstream and the Trail-lite. Just my opinion, but if it's my dollars, that's what counts.
The reason we bought this unit was to travel from Florida to California and return. I am still activily employed by a major cruise ship line and after a 9 month forlough, am back on the bridge. There is also another reason, that being the fact that where we choose to live there is a restriction on this type of vehicle within the confinds of our property. We knew this when we bought and to store the unit is not economicaly feasible. I sincerely will miss the Trail-Lite, and am now spoiled to the "better life".
Mr. Kilpatrick, you have made over 130 comments to the GoodSam forum and that is very commendable, however I am wondering what kind of a motor home, travel trailer, class A, B, Etc. you own? I am sure that with your various experiences in owership this is what gives you great knowledge and profound wisdom?
I second MD's comments on the Phoenix. I drove all three (B+, BT Crusier and Phoeonix). It was the best bulit by far and semed to be smartly engineered, not rushed. I wish they built them on the GM chassis for more leg room and a quieter ride though. Kruegers RV in Idaho/Washington offers great prices on them (approx. $52K).
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