Pros and Cons on the 2016 Born Free Imperial Class C

[Rvlegaleagle]

Am very excited about the 2016-2017 Born Free Imperial Class C built on the Ford F-550 chassis. Any information or experience with this model would be greatly appreciated. I know to the chagrin of many, I am looking into the "gas" F-550 chassis because of additional OCCC and towing.

[wanderso]

I've not seen a born free on the 550 chassis in person yet but was impressed with several other models I have toured. It's great that they all have roll bars and true gel coat too. I'd happily buy one if the budget allowed.

[ron55]

the only con would be the price!

[Traxless]

Dry camping could be a challenge ...

Gray Tank (Gallons) 32
Black Tank (Gallons) 32
Fresh Tank (Gallons) 39

And 33' 11" length.

[Rvlegaleagle]

Thanks for the responses.

"Dry camping could be a challenge ..." because of the tank sizes. Well in that regard, going to go with a composting toilet, combine the black and grey tanks, and since born free does custom, I am hoping to get the fresh water to 50 and get a 30-35 gallon collapsible water container to fill and carry with the toad. Just thinking, not quite there yet

[Arch Hoagland]

I have a friend with a 2015 Born free. The inverter has been replaced once and she is still having problems with it.

Her TV stores down inside a wall for traveling...it has rattled from day one and that's after the dealer in Tucson supposedly fixed it.

[John S.]

I have owned two problem free born free coaches and just yesterday ordered the Royal Splendor no slide on the dodge 5500. The tanks are not a problem as I had similar on my 24 foot rear bath. I got the extra fuel tank and got diesel too wor the diesel generator and that is what I would suggest. I had the v10 and also a diesel and the extra ccc you gain really does not have enough room inside to put it unless it is super heavy stuff. I worked closely with Born Free and they customized mine in a number of ways.

[Rvlegaleagle]

Well John, the extra ccc as you call it, will be hopefully used, in part, for a larger fresh water tank, second alternator, solar and a nice inverter.

I do not want their "inverter" just the wiring done so I can install my own. Same with the solar, just want the large combiner box on the roof pre-wired to the controller, and pre-wired for wifi and cell boosters into the rig. Born Free also has "real" dual pane windows and not just 2 panes of glass stuck together. ("Dual Glazed" I think the other manufacturers call it).

I am torn between the "induction cooktop" (electric) versus the propane. Less condensation-humidity, need to vent with the induction and conservation of battery life. Not sure how long it takes to cook and what the food tastes like with the induction. Obviously, the time it takes depends on what you are cooking but my understanding is that generally it is a big draw on the batteries. Not a micro kind of guy except to re-heat. Interested in a regular micro and an electric/propane RV ref and a propane stove. Apparently this adds weight as well.

And the beat goes on.

[Rvlegaleagle]

As to the price, you "often" get what you pay for in life. In the RV world, however, my opinion so far is that "sometimes" you get what you pay for, and only after an incredible amount of time and research

[wanderso]

I think Born Free is still installing interstate flooded cell batteries. While they are certainly fine, I have been happy with the Lifeline AGM batteries I have had in my last 2 RVs. The last RV had solar; this one doesn't.

[Jeffcarp]

Born Free will install AGM batteries. We simply drop shipped our Lifeline order to Born Free and they did the install.

[John S.]

I am having AGMs installed on my new build too.