Quote:
Originally Posted by TXiceman
It looks like a typical entry level travel trailer. Ken
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Perhaps, but their website does say "high quality construction".
But then, in the same sentence it says "all at an affordable price."
I've never heard of them either, but if you read what they say about themselves on their website, they don't sound bad at all. Smaller company, have been around for 15 years, work only with small to medium size dealers, and can provide customized orders for customers. Sounds good, but then manufacturers say all kinds of things to get sales....
If you've seen one in person, spend as much time as needed to examine everything you can think of inside and out. Look at fit and finish, functionality, frame & suspension and what standard features are provided. Sit in the sofa and see if you can actually see the TV screen and from a comfortable angle. You'd be surprised how many manufacturers get this all wrong and then you don't find out until you own it. Sometimes it's not the obvious things that are not good.
I see that they have a "lite" and DS models. I would be very wary when buying any "ultra-lite" type TT because "lite" means they are going to compromise a lot on quality and durability in order to make the unit lighter. I would go with their DS model line.
If you look at their 26TBS, it has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs with a dry weight of just 6,000 lbs. That's pretty good for that length (28'-8") and tell me that they probably have 4400 lb axles and must have a fairly susbstantial frame. Our 29' TT only has 3500 lb axles in comparison. If there's one potentially major weak spot in travel trailers, it's the frame and can hapen in any brand or model. I would recommend that you look closely at the frame on any TT you want to buy. Some frames are better than others and if you happen to find the type made from 3 pieces of sheet steel welded together to look like an I-beam, stay away from it. (Ask me how I know) I would try and find out who makes their frame. If it's a BAL, you're laughin'.
DS line has 2" thick walls which is really good. Has a heated and enclosed underbelly which I would recommend. You can also get a fiberglass exterior, which I would also recommend. The aluminum exterior just looks "cheap" these days. They just don't give you much overall info. on their website though.
They don't mention warranty so I assume it'e the standard 1 year warranty. Some have a 2 year warranty like Jayco and KZ which is something to think about.
I would put the Echo Bay on my short list, but probably only the DS line. A DS model could possibly force you up into a 3/4 ton truck though. Don't go by their dry weights. I'd be especially wary when the list a dry weight at 6,000 lbs and the GVWR is 10,000 lbs. Always use the GVWR for determining your towability unless you have taken it to a scale. If you use the normal 10-15% range for tongue wt., you could have a tongue weight approaching 1500 lbs. That's too much for a lot of 1/2 tons.
I would otherwise search the internet for anything you can on owner comments and quality. The only other point I would have is to also be careful of dealer quality. Some dealers are great, and some are really bad. You can have the best TT out there, but a bad dealer can create a nightmare for you.
You don't say how much these cost. If you have some extra $$, take a look at the Outdoors RV Wind River models. Even if you don't have the few extra bucks, it will give you a really good reference point for quality, good design and features.
My 2 cents for what it's worth...
Anybody familiar with Echo North Bay Trailers?
Welcome and glad to meet you!
Jim Kathy & Robert ~ NE. OH.
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