New Models

[Dutch_man39]

Our nearest dealer, Tri-Am in Ocala sent us info on 2 new models: 33TKE and 33SKE. The 33TKE is a scaled down version of the 36TKE with the rear entertainment center and the 33SKE seems to be a new floorplan with rear LR, door side kitchen.

We're wannabe full-timers who just sold our motorhome in preperation of buying our first 5th wheel. We still have to sell our condo in Naples, FL which is no easy task in the current down market.

We may take a drive to Ocala to look at the 33TKE which they are getting in soon. Our preference is to stay under 35' in length and I guess the 33TKE will be like the other 33 models at 34'-11". However the GVWR of 17,500 scares us as we don't want to get a TV larger than a 1 ton DRW diesel.

We also like the 33RKE which has a rear door for the kitchen. Anyone out there have this model and if so how do you like it?

Whichever Excel we decide on it will be a Classic to keep the weight and cost down.

We should be OK is we can keep the overall loaded trailer weight at no more than 16,000 lbs. Is this possible or am I being unrealistic?

Thanks!

Bill

[Dutch_man39]

Our nearest dealer, Tri-Am in Ocala sent us info on 2 new models: 33TKE and 33SKE. The 33TKE is a scaled down version of the 36TKE with the rear entertainment center and the 33SKE seems to be a new floorplan with rear LR, door side kitchen.

We're wannabe full-timers who just sold our motorhome in preperation of buying our first 5th wheel. We still have to sell our condo in Naples, FL which is no easy task in the current down market.

We may take a drive to Ocala to look at the 33TKE which they are getting in soon. Our preference is to stay under 35' in length and I guess the 33TKE will be like the other 33 models at 34'-11". However the GVWR of 17,500 scares us as we don't want to get a TV larger than a 1 ton DRW diesel.

We also like the 33RKE which has a rear door for the kitchen. Anyone out there have this model and if so how do you like it?

Whichever Excel we decide on it will be a Classic to keep the weight and cost down.

We should be OK is we can keep the overall loaded trailer weight at no more than 16,000 lbs. Is this possible or am I being unrealistic?

Thanks!

Bill

[L44SPD]

When I had my 33RSE weighted it had all of our gear and two full propane tanks but no water on board and it weighted in at 13200 lbs, figure in about 800 lbs for water if full and still be under that 16000 lbs. But we're not fulltimimg so I have no idea how much more weight would be added. I was a real stickler at first about weight and used the bathroom scale to aid me in figuring the weight of everything until I finally decided to have the unit weighted, I'm pulling with a 1-ton DRW gas and I'm stopping ok and get 8 - 9 mpg average.

[rockintom]

Bill,
This is interesting as the Excel website is not showing the models you describe. I like the TKE floorplan and it would be nice to see it in a 33 ft.

Was the info you got from your dealer in a email you could pass on or was it in paper form? Interested minds wants to know! Thanks, Tom

[Dutch_man39]

I can try e-mailing the floorplans to you.

Bill

[KramalotInn]

We were in Smith Center two weeks ago and ordered a 2008 33TKE Limited. You can see the floor plan in the Price Calculator section. Choose Limited then 33TKE and the floor plan will be displayed.

Peterson reduces the length down from the 36TKE in three areas: no king-size bed slide, smaller kitchen pantry, and no side window at the rear of the coach.

Rick

[sfischer]

Here's some pics on a Limited 33TKE from a dealer in Oregon.

[rockintom]

Thanks Bill. The pdf file came thru just fine. I just wonder if the entertainment center has a computer area?! Anyone know? Tom

[D and J]

Bill, do you already have a tow vehicle? We choose an F350 dually, with tow boss (4.30 gears) and short bed. The short bed drops the wieght of the truck. After taking our truck over the scales with it loaded up, I know I can tow 18,200 (Ford's manual says 19,200 but I guess that number comes from a standard cab, I have a crew cab)

We haven't "moved into" our trailer yet, but it is loaded to about 15K now, and tows just fine. We have only towed about 2200 miles so far, but from what I have felt so far, I'm sure we will be fine when fully loaded.

[Dutch_man39]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rockintom:
Thanks Bill. The pdf file came thru just fine. I just wonder if the entertainment center has a computer area?! Anyone know? Tom </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes Tom there is a computer station to the right of the entertainment center as you face it.

Bill

[Dutch_man39]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by D and J:
Bill, do you already have a tow vehicle? We choose an F350 dually, with tow boss (4.30 gears) and short bed. The short bed drops the wieght of the truck. After taking our truck over the scales with it loaded up, I know I can tow 18,200 (Ford's manual says 19,200 but I guess that number comes from a standard cab, I have a crew cab)

We haven't "moved into" our trailer yet, but it is loaded to about 15K now, and tows just fine. We have only towed about 2200 miles so far, but from what I have felt so far, I'm sure we will be fine when fully loaded. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, don't have the truck yet. I'll have to test drive the Ford as I know they can handle a little more weight than the Chevy/GMC truck. However, I really like the 6 speed Allison transmission that GM uses.

Bill

[rockintom]

OMG....We are just gettin' the bugs out of the FLR and now I'm looking at a new one!!!!! What's up with that? My loverly bride says she gonna put me on a leash!
No matter what......we are always looking for something better. I think that is what we called "continuous improvement" in the work world....where does it stop? Ha. Tom

[KU9L]

When I wasn't looking P.I. snuck in the 2008 Excel Catalog for downloading ... and I was checking most every day! It's like getting the new Christmas Wish Book months and months too early!!!

Dave

[rockintom]

Dave,

Thanks for the update....May have to nose around a bit! Tom