Community Forums

Funhaus · 07-17-2016, 08:09 AM

My wife has been looking at toy haulers for a while now and has kind of narrowed it down to 3 different units, these are all 2016 units.

#1 Jayco Seismic Wave 310w

#2 Forest River Vengeance 3062v

#3 Keystone Impact 311 or 351

I know the Jayco has vacuum bonded construction, auto levelers and 3 a/c units.
2 year warranty

I think the Vengeance has laminated construction which kind of scares me, 2 a/c units
NO auto levelers, but does have patio system, and fireplace which she loves.
1 year warranty

The Impact 311 has auto levelers, 1 a/c, unit I believe the 351 has auto levelers and 2 a/c units. 1 year warranty

I guess I'm more interested in peoples input into the quality of any of these units, construction, customer service and such.
Are auto levelers a make or break deal? I know I can always add an a/c to the 311 myself, but auto levelers might be another story.

Does anybody have any expeirence with any of these?
Any help would be appreciated.

plasma800 · 07-17-2016, 11:14 AM

You had me at 3 a/c units... decision made.

The keystone would come off my list immediately.

Even though I'm a believer in Forest River products, the advantages of the Jayco are clear. You'll use the 3 a/c's and the auto levelers EVERY trip.... you'll use the fireplace once... and no one will be keen to turn on the fireplace when it's 80 degrees inside with 2 a/c's going full blast.... you'll be very thankful for the third.

Funhaus · 07-17-2016, 02:13 PM

Thanks plasma800,

3 a/c seems a little over kill, I was told you can only run 2 at a time anyway.
2 is pretty much a must.
auto levelers would be nice but not sure necessary.
we do a lot of fall and early spring camping so the fireplace would get plenty of use, we haul a portable fireplace/space heater in the class a most of the time.

plasma800 · 07-17-2016, 02:17 PM

It's 50 amp... I don't see where the limit on all three would come in... but maybe something is different about it.

In that case, I say take the fireplace

Funhaus · 07-17-2016, 02:27 PM

Dealer said that you could run all 3 at once if nothing else is running, fridge on propane, no microwave, hot water on propane.
Of course the dealers word is not always correct.

vsheetz · 07-17-2016, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funhaus

Dealer said that you could run all 3 at once if nothing else is running, fridge on propane, no microwave, hot water on propane.

Of course the dealers word is not always correct.

The last sentence is the only correct sentence.

Scarab0088 · 07-17-2016, 03:10 PM

Three AirCon on 50amp works fine along with other normal loads in an RV. We have two 13,000BTU rooftops for the cabin and a separate unit for the garage (obviously used less, with the ramp-door set-up as a deck).

We LOVE having the ramp/deck set-up. If a Toy Hauler is not set-up to have this option...it is well worth adding the cables and hardware...with or without fencing, it is great

There are new offerings from Heartland and GrandDesign (Momentum) that have side patio deck...wow, beautiful!

Vacuum bonded and Laminate walls are pretty much the same structure. The makers either use pressure or vacuum, or both to bond the layers of the structure together to form a laminate. The odd ball fiberglass wall covering is "hung wall". That forms voids between the frame rails under the exterior when the surface is glued to the frame with adhesives. The voids can, but might not get filled with insulation (worth checking). Either system is time tested and work well as long as caulking is maintained around all wall openings...avoid moisture intrusion at all costs

For us...auto levelers are now a MUST. We've lived in and loved our old Class C, and several Towables that did not have auto levelers. Auto level makes set-up and breakdown SO MUCH nicer than tire blocks and stabilizers.

We added an electric fireplace to our Class A toy hauler after seeing it in a 5er...we use it EVERY trip. The heater is wonderful to augment the furnace like to take the chill off an early morning (and to use a campground's juice v. our propane

). And, the "glow" of the embers is a very nice nightlight.

All 3 brands listed are good from our experience. Keystone owners we know are very happy with their RV's.

Best luck

Steve Ownby · 07-17-2016, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funhaus

Dealer said that you could run all 3 at once if nothing else is running, fridge on propane, no microwave, hot water on propane.

Of course the dealers word is not always correct.

3 A/C units, even if 15,000 btu, should use no more that 15-16 amps each. Two will be on one leg which can limit what else can run on that leg. It's certainly no real problem. Many times one of the airs will turn off if another high draw item is running.

jtlich · 07-17-2016, 09:01 PM

We have a 2016 Grand Design Momentum 399th side patio and really love the patio set up. Look at the 3 season door option in the garage it's wonderful. LOVE the auto levelers and a fireplace is a must!! We have camped in 35 degree weather at night and only used the fireplace for heat. Your toy hauler furnace will use a lot of LP when its cold. We have 3 air conditioners and yes you can run all 3 depending how they are hooked up. We really like the ac in the garage so it is worth adding. Good luck in your search!!