Question: Rear Kitchen or not?

[Dmrad]

We are brand new newbies here and to RVs and we're looking for our first RV. We're considering a new KZ Spree S261RKC. The length is 28'9", GVWR is 6800, and the FWC is 40 gal., and has a rear kitchen. We have a 2016 Ford F150 Eco Boost, rated to pull 10,700.

We've read several books about rving and one of them said to beware of rvs with the kitchen in the rear because of so much weight in the rear.

My question.....is the weight of a rear kitchen really something to worry about or stay away from?

We welcome everyone's opinions.

[wingnut60]

Haven't had one, but only complaints I have heard about the rear kitchen is the bouncing at the rear causing havoc with the glassware. Have not heard of any handling problems with that floorplan.
If you get one, just wrap the glassware in glasswrap and use non-slip lining on the cabinet floors, til you get used to what is happening as you tow. May find it to be no problem.

[MtCamper]

We have had 3 fifth wheels with rear kitchens. Obviously we like that floor plan. We think they tend to have more counter space. We learned how to pack the first two (Terry and Cardinal) to minimize the travel upset. On occasion, the upset was substantial. Currently have an AF 27-5 and have had minimal upset. Guess it's the way they do the chassis. At a minimum, I would recommend shocks and any rear kitchen. Pack cupboards tight and make sure your door and drawer latches close solidly.

[lynnmor]

I have a Spree 261RKS. Yes the rear will bounce more, the shelves in the pantry broke down when the dealer abused the trailer. I installed shocks and it tows OK. If you make an effort to keep the weight down in the kitchen, weight won't be a problem.

What I don't like is the fridge in the slide as it requires side venting. A fan needs to run in hot weather and that wastes battery power when dry camping.

If KZ is still using that 3 piece frame, I would look elsewhere. Look closely to see if the main I-beams are welded together from 3 pieces of thin steel.

[MSHappyCampers]

We pulled a 5er for 11 years before getting the MH. Ours was a Cedar Creek with the large window in the rear. We had two swivel recliners there. We loved backing into a site on a lake or river, turning the recliners around, and enjoying the beautiful view out the back.

No rear kitchen for us!

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

We pulled a 5er for 11 years before getting the MH. Ours was a Cedar Creek with the large window in the rear. We had two swivel recliners there. We loved backing into a site on a lake or river, turning the recliners around, and enjoying the beautiful view out the back.

No rear kitchen for us!

Same here. Plus, as stated earlier, it's a rough ride back there.

[1ciderdog]

On the King of the Road we had the entire rear wall was entertainment center. The "kitchen" was just inside the door so refrigerator, stove, sinks & table were accessible without having to extend a slide.

[dexters]

Originally Posted by Dmrad

We've read several books about rving and one of them said to beware of rvs with the kitchen in the rear because of so much weight in the rear.

Think about that for a minute:
Is it better to have the kitchen weight over one side of the the trailer - putting it out of balance?????????

With the kitchen in the back you have two sides with large windows - more options for light and views if you want it.

Pack a rear kitchen the way you would a side kitchen - no difference.

[emuller1]

Originally Posted by dexters

Think about that for a minute:
Is it better to have the kitchen weight over one side of the the trailer - putting it out of balance?????????

With the kitchen in the back you have two sides with large windows - more options for light and views if you want it.

Pack a rear kitchen the way you would a side kitchen - no difference.

We have our kitchen in the centre and like it the best, friends have theirs in rear and nothing but a hassle to load and access easy when camping. Also the bouncing around is a big concern.
Love the view from our back windows when you have the fireplace running
Finally weight distribution is not a concern as fridge on opposite side of sink, stove and cabinets.

[dexters]

Originally Posted by emuller1

friends have theirs in rear and nothing but a hassle to load and access easy when camping.

Where is the door on your friend's unit?

My door is right at the kitchen and loading in can't be easier.

[geocacher]

We have a Blackstone with a rear kitchen and love it. It is the only model that gives you lots of kitchen counter space. We only had to make a few adjustments to the cabinet doors to keep things from coming out. Like someone else said, we put non-slip liner in the cabinets and haven't had any more problems. If you have cabinets without much in them, you can always find things to add to it like a pillow, towels to keep things from moving around.

Choose the model you like best and you can always find ways to make adjustments to help with any minor problems.

[dexters]

Originally Posted by geocacher

We have a Blackstone with a rear kitchen and love it. It is the only model that gives you lots of kitchen counter space. We only had to make a few adjustments to the cabinet doors to keep things from coming out. Like someone else said, we put non-slip liner in the cabinets and haven't had any more problems. If you have cabinets without much in them, you can always find things to add to it like a pillow, towels to keep things from moving around.

Choose the model you like best and you can always find ways to make adjustments to help with any minor problems.

I've read about things falling out of RVs generally. So, I use non slip shelf lining and put dishes in plastic holder -vertically - and an adjustable curtain rod.

[Woodlandhill]

I like the way loading a rear kitchen lightens the load on my hitch. Any weight added behind the axles lifts the pin......

[puttin]

In my opinion, you get more work space with a rear kitchen (depending on the mfgr). Looking at some, I'd call them "rear-corner kitchens". My son-in-law has a Layton 27' rk and I like it very much. The fridge is on the back wall immediately inside the door (it has 2 doors- one in the br and one for the kitchen). He drives carefully and has never had some of the issues with items rattling around and falling back there. I don't think the weight issue is much to worry about...he's never had any problems. I think the rest of the trailer design balances out. There was also a fifth wheel made by Palomino...the 340 RK. It's the best use of space I've ever seen in a rear kitchen floor plan. A shame that it's a Forest River though...many quality issues there- some you can see and some will likely appear down the road.