Looking for an Expandable!

dnmb · 04-02-2011, 10:02 AM

I am looking to buy a new expandable. Weight is not an issue...I just want an expandable for the tent ends. I grew up with a pop-up and still want that feel. I am trying to figure out what is best in quality. I have three kids and thus want an expandable with three beds. I have looked at the Jayco X23F, the Rockwood Roo 233S, and the Palomino Stampede. I have visited a few other websites, but I am really looking for some direction. We are mainly fairweather campers and weekenders to short vactionors. I want something that is nice and will last like our pop-up did! Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

-Mary

Superslif · 04-02-2011, 11:45 AM

We were in the same boat back in 05'. We had a pop-up (Coleman) which we bought new in 99'. At the time we just thought about upgrading to a larger PUP, but once we stuck our heads into a hybrid we were hooked. I looked at every brand out there who made hybrids. Selected the Aerolite Cub, first because of the floorplan and second because of the fit-&-finish. They tended to run about a $1000 or two more, but I like the way things fit. We just completed our 6th season and about 320+ nights. It has held up very well....

Back in 05' Aerolite made 10 or 11 hybrid floorplans, since then your lucky to see 2-3 floorplans per year the last 4-5 years. So your looking for a 3 bunk bed model....Right now both Aerolite and Kodiak do not have any 3 bunk models. I think they were a hard sell. Those were always the last to sell on a dealers lot. Kodiak and Aerolite's are the same hybrid trailer, just different trim.

At the Cleveland RV show back in Jan., they (Aerolite) were coming out with a new floorplan (Aerolite 232E) that looked interesting. They are going to start building that model at the end of April, so it will be a few months before you will start to see that floorplan at the dealerships. The slide includes the kitchen and the couch. The dinette folds down into a full length bed. Which ever hybrid you get, one with a slide really opens up the aisleway. The Aerolite and Kodiak's are 8' wide. The really cheap hybrids are 7 or 7-1/2' wide.

First off Aerolite and Kodiak are a division of Dutchman who is a division of Thor. I believe the reason for not having that many floorplans is they also make Coleman and Freedom Spirit hybrids on the same production line. So with 4 hybrids lines, all made by Dutchman, in 4 different trims. So you might see the same floorplan in 4 different trailers. Yes, it's cheaper for them to make, but if a family doesn't like the floorplan they will go to a different brand...

Would think about getting a new one, only if the floorplan is good. I'll wait to see in person what this 232E is. We just love the large amount of counterspace and the 24 cabinet doors for storage. I have not seen another hybrid even come close to the inside storage space...in what we have now. 05' Aerolite Cub hybrid