Category: RV Reviews

The Prime Time RV Sanibel 3952FBWB fifth wheel is an enormous fifth wheel that is very well suited to larger families. By design, it is packed with some truly unusual features to accommodate lots of people. 

For starters, the Sanibel 3952FBWB’s floorplan is like nothing I’ve seen before, and I imagine it would serve a family quite well, including families who take to the road full-time. While some RVs are more price-focused, the Prime Time RV Sanibel 3952FBWB has different focus: delivering premium features and build quality. Speaking with Spencer from Prime Time RV, he noted that the aluminum structure under the trailer is fully welded rather than spot welded, a common industry practice. This is part of what the company calls their Eternabond build. (Not to be confused with Eternabond tape, a common product used in RVs.)

Other build quality features include a PVC roof with a lifetime guarantee and a Dexter EZ Flex suspension system (something I really liked). This suspension system helps to minimize shocks transmitted into the trailer itself, which can reduce wear over the long haul. It also rides on Hankook Vantra trailer tires — not the usual off-brand tire. Further, there’s a tire pressure monitoring system included, which I feel is an important safety detail. Stacking these up, you get an idea what the Sanibel 3952FBWB is about — even before you step inside. 

 

At a Glance: Sanibel 3952FBWB

Without question this RV gets five stars in my book — for a number of reasons. The build quality and features are there. But this also really scores on the areas they focused on which is the upper bunk room with the office and the lower bedroom and living space. This will absolutely not be the fifth wheel for everybody but, for those who might be able to take advantage of this unique floor plan, it’s going to be a home run.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 8
• Hitch weight: 2,362 pounds
• UVW: 12, 875 pounds 
• CCC: 3,487 pounds.
• Exterior length: 46 feet 2 inches
• Exterior height 13 feet 1 inch
• Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 54/78/78 gallons
• Awnings: 12 feet and 18 feet

 

Benefits

• Rare combo of sleeping space (8) and living space
• High build quality and premium features

 

Challenges

• Long, large, and heavy fifth wheel for towing
• High occupancy could strain water capacity off-grid

 

Best For

• Use as a home base for group/family adventures
• Large full-time families looking for a major upgrade

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Tony Barthel, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2024 Prime Time RV Sanibel 3952FBWB.

 

Sleeping Space

Many bunkhouse RVs — including most of the larger fifth wheels that I’ve seen — put the bunk room in the back. And honestly, this creates a second-class type of feel to them. Not that they’re bad, but the occupants of the bunk room won’t be expecting room service to include caviar. In seriousness, it can make the person sleeping in the bunk space feel like an afterthought.

What you have here is different. The bunks are located over the pin box in the nose of this fifth wheel. There are four bunks on two levels in an L shape, along the road-side wall and nose cap of this rig. Below these is a storage space which would be great with totes. But there are even better surprises than that.

Behind the bunk is an actual proper desk with drawers. So, if you are home schooling (or just need a place to get some RV reviews written), this would be a good place to do so. There’s also a camp-side slide room with a wall of drawers and cabinets and a center cutout that leaves space for a TV. I was told that this space was really designed to support a video game station. 

The whole upstairs really has a very spacious feel. With the bunks in an “L” shape you could easily accommodate even taller adults on two of the bunks so it may not be limited to just youthful travelers. In fact, if you have two younger travelers and, perhaps, grandparents along for the journey this space could easily accommodate them. 

Don’t Forget Who Pays the Bills 

While the upstairs bunk room is unlike anything I’ve seen before the main bedroom in this fifth wheel is very much like a hotel suite. Those who drive the truck that pulls this rig and pay the bills that support this rig are treated to a very nice space indeed. 

There’s a large 72-inch by 80-inch king- bed in a slide room which faces a closet with a good number of drawers and hanging space. 

 

Bathroom

The very back of this rig harbors a rather substantial bathroom. There’s a vanity that features two vessel-style sinks. There’s a large shower. And the space around the porcelain foot-flush toilet is almost big enough to hold a small dance party. (Not that you’d want to, mind you, but you could.) There’s also a linen closet back here which is outfitted with hook-ups for a stackable washer and dryer. 

On the opposite side of the cabin, in the bunk area, there’s also a half bath up with a sink and porcelain foot flush toilet. 

 

Living Area

As unusual as the rest of this floorplan is, you might think that the main living space would stay traditional. But the Sanibel 3952FBWB is keeps it untraditional trend going. Along the camp side is a large slide room with a long sofa that is comprised of five reclining positions. No, seriously. I said five. I meant it.

Also, in the middle of this whole space is an island. And that island features a flip-up countertop on the camp side — with four bar-style seats. Why is this so pleasantly unusual? Typically, RVs with lots of sleeping space don’t always have a seat for everyone. The Sanibel 3952FBWB has more than enough places to sit. 

 

Kitchen

Someone who enjoys cooking will likely enjoy doing so here with a very large four-burner range and a huge oven. To heat things up, there’s also a large residential-style microwave overhead. To keep things chilled, there’s a very capable 16-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator. And to keep things stored, there’s also a decent pantry. 

Counter space is not only good on the island, but there’s also a coffee bar near the entrance. I was told that Prime Time RV, which makes the Sanibel line, hired a professional interior designer to give their products a nicer look. All I can say is that based on just this model, I think she did a great job. I don’t normally like to comment on style, but this model really is attractive. 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

I’m not sure that a fifth wheel this large is going to be doing a lot of boondocking. Sure, it provides a lot of sleeping capacity, but I would imagine you could blow through the 54-gallon freshwater tank in no time. (Particularly if some of the occupants are teenagers.)

But if you have hook-ups, you could comfortably spend time in some pretty chilly places with this. The underbelly of this camper is enclosed and heated. Plus there are 12-volt heating pads on all the tanks. Further, I was told that forthcoming models will even have heated elbows on the tanks, and the knife valves for the holding tanks are also enclosed in the underbelly. 

 

Storage Space

Like most fifth wheels this has a good-sized storage bay at the front and in a large passthrough. As mentioned earlier, inside in that unusual bunk room there is a slide room that has cabinets and drawers for storage plus there are some drawers in the desk as well. But the space under the lower bunks could easily be used for totes and storage and there is a lot of space underneath there. Few RVs with bunks are going to provide that much capability for stuff.

On the main deck, the kitchen has a large pantry, and there is room for stuff on either side of the stove in closets and there are more drawers and cabinets under the counter in the island. There’s even a closet in the downstairs main bedroom plus storage in the bathroom. Storage is absolutely a strong suit in this RV.

 

Closing Notes on the Sanibel 3952FBWB

This is one of the best bunkhouse floorplans I’ve come across, and I’ve seen a lot of RVs. I could see this easily accommodating a family who live full-time on the road giving the younger members of the family a great space to do their homework — but also get some time away from homework. 

The parents, too, get an almost spa-like feel to their space. And the joint space is very well suited for everyone to come together and enjoy a meal prepared in a very capable kitchen. 

There are often times I see RVs where they’re intended for large groups but miss the mark in something pretty critical. This is not one of those at all. 

However, it’s worth noting that at 46 feet 2 inches in length and with a dry weight of 12,875 pounds, this is not an RV to be taken lightly. Accommodating something this large and heavy is going to take an above-average amount of forethought. 

Still, quite honestly, if you park this at a base camp that can accommodate very large rigs, you now have a really nice home base from which to plan your adventures. With all the seating and desk space in here there’s certainly a place to make those plans. It’s pretty rare that I find an RV where there’s no big negative, so this one gets both thumbs up from me. 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Sanibel 3952FBWB

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Forest River IBEX RV Suite RVS1. I would imagine that followers of Forest River’s relatively new IBEX brand appreciate the way IBEX products enable more adventurous travel with the offerings being smaller and shod with more off-road tires. Last year’s new Beast Mode suspension option further reinforced that image with a very, very solid off-load suspension system courtesy of Lippert’s Curt brand as an option.

In fact, RV family Jason and Abbey Epperson of RVMiles took their own IBEX with this suspension up to Alaska and found it to be quite capable. The brand also offers an off-grid power package that features plenty of solar and lithium battery power, further reinforcing the overlanding lifestyle.

All this is to invite you to forget all that with IBEX’s new line, the RV Suite. Comprised of three models you could almost call these park model trailers — but with a twist. A big twist.

 

At a Glance: IBEX RV Suite RVS1

What is the IBEX RV Suite? The IBEX RV Suite line is a completely different kind of offering from the brand. These high-content travel trailers are really more suited to be taken somewhere where they’re going to spend much of their time much like larger park model trailers. But these are smaller and nimbler. The model I saw is the RVS1 which measures 32 feet 6 inches in length.

Overall, I give this RV a four out of five stars. This is not the RV for everybody, so my rating is meant relevant to who might consider this. There is so much right with this rig but know that you’ll have to convert the bed every night. Also, I love technology, but these voice- activated devices hardwired into an RV are already frustrating and won’t be updated like something like Siri or Alexa.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 3
• Hitch weight: 790 pounds
• UVW: 7,380 pounds
• CCC: 2,210 pounds
• Exterior length: 32 feet 6 inches
• Exterior height 11 feet 3 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet 5 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 90/60/30 gallons

 

Benefits

• Spectacular views from the windows and porch
• Very social set up with smart features, modern décor

 

Challenges

• Better suited for on-grid than off-grid living (requires 50-amp)
• Converting the bed every night, limited sleep space

 

Best For

• Use as a vacation home on a scenic property
• Park model setups versus nomadic travel

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Tony Barthel, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2024 Forest River IBEX RV Suite RVS1.

 

Sleeping Space

The IBEX RV Suite RSV1 has lots of the makings of a very social RV. More on that when we get to the living area. But when it’s time to kick the revelers out and enjoy some rack time, the entire side wall folds down. And that’s your king-size bed. So, this back bedroom/living room/party palace offers multiple uses. (I guess that makes it a multipurpose room.) By day, there is a table that can flip up and offers a counter- or bar-height surface. Put the table down against the back wall and you’ll have a large open air – perhaps for holding dance parties. Oh, or how about karaoke in the campground?

In the lounge, what you might assume is simply a couch is also an additional sleeping area. With the right bedding this, too, can be a place for additional guests to sleep, but probably only one adult could fit there comfortably.

 

Bathroom

The front of the trailer features a very spacious bathroom with two sinks and a large walk-in shower. There is a closet here which reveals a washer-dryer combo — something you’d really like if you were living in this, or offering it as a vacation home on your property.

 

Living Area

Something really unusual in the RV industry is that this model doesn’t have a slide room, again more common in a tiny house. So, the main living space features your kitchen on one side and a lounge on the other.

Since we’re in the main living space, let’s take a closer look at that lounge. Under the head of the couch is a cushion system that pops out and up so now you’ve got an “L” shaped seating arrangement. Another ottoman-style cushion awaits at the lower end of this thing and that, too, pops up so you can go from a single lounge to something that can accommodate a number of people.

This lounge also has the ability to sort of kick up the center cushion so that it becomes almost a fainting couch. (You know, in case you get the vapors.) But it’s a comfortable place to sit in this position.

 

Onto the Porch

From this space, there is a sliding glass door that takes-up the entire rear of the trailer and leads to a substantial metal back porch. That porch is surrounded by metal a railing with a gate on the camp side and steps down to adventure.

There is also a barbecue grill and wooden table that can be mounted to the receiver hitch on the back of this trailer and that’s the one place you’ll find propane. The barbecue grill is powered by those one-pound propane bottles that can’t be recycled, unfortunately.

 

Kitchen

The kitchen in Forest River’s IBEX RV Suite RVS1 consists of a two-burner induction cook top with a convection microwave beneath it. A single-bowl stainless steel sink with restaurant-style faucet is for cleanup, and the refrigerator is a vintage-style 12-volt unit.

That was a surprise indeed as the rest of this interior has a very modern look with dark green cabinets and very clean, modern styling. That refrigerator’s style runs a little counter to this with its 1950s styling.

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The shape of the trailer is much like the tiny houses that are in vogue at the moment, which is intentional. While the IBEX line might be associated with off-grid living this is more of an on-grid offering. All the functions inside the trailer are electrical from cooking to heating. This trailer requires a 50-amp service and is not set-up to operate on solar or other off-grid systems.

Even the heating in this trailer is electric only with two small furnaces at each end, one in the bathroom and one in the bedroom. The ducted air conditioner features a heat strip which provides warmth as well, but there is no propane furnace.

In fact, there is almost no propane whatsoever. This inaugural model has some interesting innovations in it and really is well-suited (forgive the pun) to taking on the role of a tiny house instead of being an RV.

 

Storage Space

There is more storage in this RV than you might suspect. While this doesn’t have a traditional pass-through compartment like many towable RVs, there is the metal locker on the tongue. Considering that this is likely not going to be traveling, but rather parked in a location for extended periods of time, that should prove sufficient.

Inside there are a lot of drawers and cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. There may be enough there that you bring what you need to bring and still find an empty cabinet or drawer left. Unless you’re related to my family.

Somewhere you might not expect to find a place for your stuff is under the couch but if you use this in multiple seasons that could be a good way to keep bulkier winter outfits when the weather isn’t right to wear those.

 

Some Smart Talk Features

If you have one of those personal digital assistants that live in your phone, you are probably already used to cursing that thing. Now there’s another one for you to say unkind things to as this has a new item from WFCO where you can ask for things by saying “Hey Power Pro.”

This trailer voice assistant can control lighting and report on tank levels – that sort of thing. At this point the people at IBEX told me they didn’t want it controlling the temperature in the rig, but this is one of my favorite features with the voice assistant I’ve set up in my house. I tried it out in this example, and it seemed to recognize my requests.

Closing Notes on the IBEX RV Suite RVS1

This is certainly an unusual offering from the IBEX line. Like an RV, it does have holding tanks, so you could use it as a travel trailer. The model I saw had a cover in place for the front window when this unit is being transported, but this can also be removed once you get to where you’re getting to. That’s a good thing.

While this could be used like a normal travel trailer, where I see this working well is with a property in the mountains or by a lake or something like that and then being a second home. When it’s time to close down for the season, it could simply be towed back to storage or something and returned once the weather changes to more tolerable conditions.

In support of that this trailer has a tremendous number of windows so it would be particularly nice in a place with a beautiful view. But remember it does require a 50-amp service which is something to consider if you’ve got a piece of land in a remote place.

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your IBEX RV Suite

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

The 2024 Prime Time RV Crusader 375FLS just may be the perfect fifth wheel for those who like to RV in comfort and style. With 7-foot-plus ceiling in the main area and a king bed at the rear, this RV is especially well-suited for even the tallest RVers. But space in the Crusader 375FLS is more than vertical. The front area boasts a fantastic living room — with enough room to have the whole gang over to watch the game on the massive TV. 

And that’s only the beginning of what this fifth wheel offers. I can’t wait to tell you about all the wonderful features that make the Crusader 375FLS truly feel like a luxury condo on wheels.

 

At a Glance: Crusader 375FLS

I gave the 2024 Prime Time Crusader 375FLS five stars for good reason. This RV perfectly meets the needs of its target owner. It’s fully loaded with amenities for campers who don’t want to cut corners on comforts or feel cramped. This well-appointed fifth wheel simply delivers in multiple categories. A great floorplan, quality construction, reasonable storage, attractive amenities, and more.

 

Check the Specs 

• Sleeping capacity: 6
• Hitch weight: 2,215 pounds
• UVW: 11,484 pounds
• CCC: 4,016 pounds
• Exterior length: 43 feet 10 inches
• Exterior height: 12 feet 11 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 54/78/39 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 30 pounds
• Awning: 2 x 15 feet

 

Features We Love

• Slide-outs: 4
• Air conditioners: 2 x 15,000 Btu Whisper quiet
• Furnace 35,000 Btu propane
• Electric/gas hot water heater 
• Solar power system: 190-watt solar panel and 30-amp MPPT charge controller
• Washer/dryer prep in bedroom
• Power leveling
• Two entry doors
• Backup camera
• D-ring dog tie out

 

 

Benefits

• Lots of amenities
• Food storage includes a 16-cubic-foot refrigerator and walk in pantry
• Large front living room with 7-foot ceiling
• Light, modern decor and windows add to spacious feel
• Solid construction with EternaBond lamination system

 

Challenges

• Requires a one-ton (or better) tow vehicle.
• Bedroom wardrobe space is limited.

 

Best For

• Empty nesters who want to camp or full time without sacrificing comfort.
• Small families with older children or teens. 

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. Whenever I review any RV, my goal is always to perform the review objectively. I evaluate everything on the RV from top to bottom. All without any undue influence from manufacturers or retailers.

RV Trader sent me to the Forest River showroom in Elkhart, Indiana to look at 2024 RVs from the diverse brands included in the Forest River family. I inspected each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. How well would each RV meet the needs and requirements of its intended buyer? Above all, I wanted to seek out answers to this question, so I looked at the six key areas with this in mind. 

So, let’s take a closer look at the Crusader 375FLS.

 

Sleeping Space

Beyond a pale colored door at the rear of the 375FLS, you’ll find the master bedroom featuring a walk-around king bed. Here, plenty of windows create an inviting space. (While blackout roller shades help to ensure peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.) On either side of the bed, you’ll find a nightstand with USB ports that could hold a CPAP machine. To the right of the bed is the wardrobe closet. While it is prepped for a washer and dryer, there’s not an incredible amount of room. Even so, at the foot of the bed there is a dresser that can be used to store smaller clothing items. Beneath the bed you’ll find more generous storage space.

In the living room, two sleeper sofas that pull out and create sleeping space for four additional guests. Each has a convenient space underneath to store bedding and pillows.

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Crusader 375FLS is spacious enough that anyone under 6 foot 5 inches will feel comfortable — even in the shower, which has sliding glass doors and a shower seat. There’s an EasyCare porcelain toilet and plenty of cabinet storage in and above the vanity. There’s even another cabinet above the toilet to ensure all your essentials have a place.

 

Living Area

As I mentioned in the intro, the living room at the front of the Crusader 375FLS is an absolute showstopper. It’s dominated by an entertainment center that includes a 70-inch TV over a cozy 15,000 Btu fireplace. It’s flanked by two pull-out sofa beds and faced by comfy theater seating. The theater seats have handy beverage holders and a central storage console. It’s a perfect place for guests to visit or sleep over. The 7-foot-plus ceiling of the living room adds a really residential feel here. 

Two 15-foot awnings with awning lights also add sheltered outdoor living space.

 

Kitchen

You’ll find all the necessities to entertain guests in the central kitchen in the Crusader 375FLS. There’s a modern dining table and chair set under a modern light fixture in the kitchen slide-out. This does a lot to add a chic vibe to this kitchen. But there are a lot of other nice touches. There are the stainless-steel, residential-style appliances, including a 16-cubic-foot, French-door refrigerator, a four-burner cooktop, a full-size oven with a warming drawer, and an air fryer/microwave. Food preparation will be a breeze with this kitchen’s efficient triangle full of expansive white, solid-surface counters, and complete with a farmhouse-style sink and pull-down faucet. 

There’s also plenty of storage space for food storage, kitchen tools, and more in cabinets throughout the kitchen. (Plus, a walk-in pantry with oodles of shelves.) A four-bottle wine rack shelf make this RV more adult-oriented, especially if you’re planning a personal wine tour. 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The Crusader 375FLS comes outfitted with two air conditioners, a gas furnace, and an electric fireplace. But what really bolsters its four-season capabilities are its enclosed underbelly, tank heaters, and insulation package. 

 

Storage Space

There isn’t an excessive amount of storage space in this RV, especially for hanging clothes such as jackets and coats. However, it’s certainly adequate and what there is can be maximized — easily. For instance, with a simple addition of coat hooks in the pantry area, this area could be used for jacket storage. 

Outside, a roomy passthrough basement storage cabinet is big enough to hold camping chairs, sporting equipment, and whatever else you need to store. 

 

Final Thought on the Crusader 375FLS

Finding an RV that they can truly feel comfortable in can be difficult for taller RVers. It’s just a fact. But — forgive the pun — this is where the Prime Time RV Crusader 375FLS stands out. This fifth wheel has plenty of headroom throughout and a full-size king bed that lets you stretch out in comfort.

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Crusader 375FLS

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

Make no mistake: The 2024 Forest River Cedar Creek 391WOW is a gorgeous fifth wheel. And it’s one that would be totally suited to full-time RV living. This RV has plenty of features that make it a real showstopper, the best one just might be the spectacular gourmet kitchen. Anyone who loves cooking will fall in love with its phenomenal galley.

And because fantastic meals are best enjoyed with good company, the Cedar Creek 391 WOW ensures you have plenty of dining space. Its floorplan includes an extendable four-to-six seat dinette, plus a kitchen island with two counter stools. 

That’s only the beginning. The 391WOW has lots of other goodies in store which make it a fantastic floorplan for glamping getaways and full-time RVing alike. So, let’s roll into this review and discover what gives so much “Wow!” to the Cedar Creek 391WOW.

 

At a Glance: Cedar Creek 391WOW

The 2024 Forest River Cedar Creek 391WOW gets five stars for good reason. It perfectly meets the needs of RVers who are looking for in a large fifth wheel. It’s equally suitable for launching into the full-time RV life or for glamping with top-of-the-line luxury. The Cedar Creek 391WOW is a very well-appointed RV — from its great floorplan, quality construction, and storage to its amenities and four-season capability. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4 
• Hitch weight: 2,375 pounds
• UVW: 14,429 pounds
• CCC: 3,571 pounds
• Exterior length: 43 feet 2 inches
• Exterior height: 13 feet 6 inches
• Exterior width 8 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 57/123/41 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 30 pounds
• Awning: 19 feet

 

Features We Love

• Slide-outs: 3 
• Two air conditioners: 15,000 Btu
• Propane furnace 
• Propane/electric hot water heater 
• Solar power system: 200-watt solar panel and two available off-grid solar packages
• Wi-Fi prewired 
• Hidden walk-in murphy pantry storage
• Washer/dryer prep bedroom
• Lippert power-leveling 
• Backup camera 
• Power-reclining theater seating
• Day/night roller shades
• EZ-Glide sofa
• Solid-wood, residential-style dinette with leaf and under table and utensil drawer
• Counter seating and additional storage in island
• Movable storage bench that can be used as sofa ottoman
• Two smart TVs (bedroom and living room)
• Cozy fireplace
• King bed
• Residential-style 16-cubic-foot, 12-volt French door refrigerator
• Residential size Furion gas oven
• Ceramic toilet
• Easy-care surfaces
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Motion detecting baggage lighting
• Dog tie out

 

 

Benefits

• Two slide-outs in living/kitchen area add a lot of space
• Large gourmet style kitchen
• Oodles of counter space with nice backsplash
• Lots of storage inside and out
• Available solar package options could let you off grid
• Classic, neutral décor
• Four-season capability

 

Challenges

• This fifth wheel requires a one-ton (or plus) tow vehicle
• There aren’t a lot of sleeping areas in this RV, which is a little surprising for a fifth wheel of this size.

 

Best For

• Empty nesters or retirees who love glamping, traveling, and cooking are going to be delighted with the Cedar Creek 391WOW.
• Full-time RVers and remote workers who want to boondock — or snowbird — in style will love this.

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. Whenever I review any RV, my goal is always to perform the review objectively. I evaluate everything on the RV from top to bottom. All without any undue influence from manufacturers or retailers.

RV Trader sent me to the Forest River showroom in Elkhart, Indiana to look at 2024 RVs from the diverse brands included in the Forest River family. I inspected each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. How well would each RV meet the needs and requirements of its intended buyer? Above all, I wanted to seek out answers to this question, so I looked at the six key areas with this in mind. 

So, let’s take a closer look at the Cedar Creek 391WOW.

 

Sleeping Space

You’ll find a spacious bedroom at the front of the 391WOW. In keeping with the luxurious amenities in this fifth wheel, the front wall next to the East-West king bed is a wall-to-wall mirrored closet. Behind the doors are beautifully made shelves and enough storage space for two people’s clothing, shoes, and more. It’s also where you’ll find a washer/dryer hookup. A cordless vacuum is also included to help to keep everything clean and tidy. If that’s not enough, there’s additional storage under the king bed.

Another nice touch is the clever, concealed storage area beneath the top of the nine-drawer bedroom dresser that could be used for storing jewelry or laptops when you’re not home. Also, those who enjoy relaxing in bed and watching TV from time to time will appreciate that Cedar Creek 391WOW includes a smart TV in the bedroom. 

 

Bathroom

This fifth wheel has a spacious bathroom with lots of places to store towels and all of your necessities. The double vanity works perfectly for busy mornings. Above the vanity, there’s a mirrored three-door medicine cabinet with oodles of room for toiletries and medications. Beneath the vanity counter, there’s even more storage space in six roomy drawers and two cabinets. The 6-foot-7-inch high, spa-style shower has an attractive wood shower bench that folds neatly out of the way when not in use. The ceramic toilet in this bathroom is well placed next to the far wall. The floating shelf and hooks on the wall behind it can hold towels.

 

Living Area

The living area in the Cedar Creek 391WOW is shared with the kitchen area. Two power-reclining theater seats allow you to customize your comfort. They also feature USB ports for charging devices and a central console with hidden storage to help keep track of remote controls. The theater seating is perched directly across from a cozy fireplace and a 60-inch smart TV with soundbar. An EZ-Glide sofa bed stores bedding underneath while making the living room into a comfortable conversation pit. The wall about the sofa bed holds storage cabinets the sofa bed 

But my favorite part about the living space is behind the entertainment center. A quick pull on a secret lever hidden inside the fireplace mantle reveals a huge, hidden walk-in pantry. There, you have plenty of additional storage for food, cleaning supplies that you don’t use all the time. It is also an ideal place for a safe for your valuables.

 

Kitchen

The gorgeous kitchen in the Cedar Creek 391WOW was obviously designed after consultation with RVers who love cooking. It manages to hit all the marks when it comes to an RV dream kitchen. It’s well laid out. The plan circles a simple, yet practical island that provides counter space, storage, and additional seating with two counter-height chairs. This makes a great spot for breakfast or when you’re cooking for guests. As you cook, they can keep you company in the kitchen. (And maybe peel some potatoes.) With expansive, solid-surface counters and a top of the line Furrion gas cooktop, cooking a Thanksgiving feast would be a treat. Not only that, but with the 12-volt, 16-cubic-foot French door fridge (with a double drawer freezer) you could even do it off-grid, using solar power. 

The farmhouse-style sink at the back of the kitchen gives whoever’s washing up a view from the window. I’ve already mentioned the murphy pantry, but that’s just the start of kitchen storage in this RV. There are so many cabinets here. Many have features like beautifully finished hardwood drawers and a pull-out waste bin — with an ingenious mounting system for the cutting board that lets you easily dispose of scraps.

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The 391WOW is a fantastic example of a four-season RV. All the tanks have heating pads. The enclosed underbelly has four removable panels for easy access underneath the RV. There’s a gas furnace. A 15,000 Btu fireplace. Even an electric heater in the bedroom — all which will help keep you toasty all winter. In summer, there are dual air conditioners. What’s more, temperature control can be done via a wall mounted touch pad, or a phone app. A good insulation package helps to make sure the interior of the RV maintains its temperature. 

 

 

Storage Space

The incredible storage space in the 391WOW starts outside. There’s a huge basement storage area under the front of the RV, and a massive passthrough storage area just behind that. At the rear of the fifth wheel, there’s a double bike rack hitch mount. 

I’ve already talked about the impressive amount of storage inside this RV. In the walk-in closet. On shelves. Under the bed. In cabinets and dressers and that massive Murphy pantry. The Cedar Creek 391WOW certainly uses every conceivable means to ensure that no one will run out of storage space in this RV. So, when I say that this RV has a huge WOW factor, I really mean it.

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Cedar Creek 391WOW

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

Over the process of this review, the 39-foot Prime Time RV Lacrosse 3411RK quickly became one of my favorite models in the Prime Time RV lineup. Filled with luxurious surprises, its thoughtful features include modern decor, fireplaces in both the living room and the master bedroom, and an efficient U-shaped kitchen. This deluxe travel trailer has no problem creating a distinct residential feel. 

But this RV has a lot more in store for anyone looking for an upscale travel trailer. Let’s take a closer look at this fantastic RV. 

 

At a Glance: Lacrosse 3411RK

The Prime Time RV Lacrosse 3411RK is a stylish, well-appointed RV. It comes with a great floorplan, quality construction, storage, and amenities. However, it lost a quarter of a rating because the oriented strand board (OSB) under-bed storage area could have a more finished appearance. It was disappointing to see that this feature doesn’t share the polished, upscale appearance that distinguishes the rest of the Lacrosse 3411RK. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4 
• Hitch weight: 1,045 pounds
• UVW: 8,963 pounds
• CCC: 2,282 pounds
• Exterior length: 39 feet 1 inch
• Exterior height 11 feet 1 inch
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 42/60/30 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 20 pounds
• Awning: 16 feet

 

Features We Love

• Three slide-outs 
• Black tank flush
• Two 15,000 Btu whisper-quiet air conditioners
• 30,000 Btu propane furnace
• Hot water heater electric/gas 
• Power tongue jack and stabilizers
• Backup camera prepped 
• Roof PVC walkable
• 60-inch adjustable mount smart TV and soundbar in living area-viewable from everywhere
• 17-cubic-feet, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer 
• Spacious pantry
• U-shaped kitchen
• Easy glide sofa bed 
• Prepped for washer/dryer 
• Enclosed underbelly
• Tank heaters
• Fireplace in bedroom 
• Doggy D-ring dog tie out
• Outside shower
• Exterior TV mount
• Wi-Fi booster/5G prep

 

Benefits

• Central living area 
• Exterior storage 
• Bathroom acts as ensuite
• Motion detecting lights in key areas
• Easy care surfaces
• Timeless decor

 

Challenges

• Carpet in the slide-out area may not be every RV owner’s favorite.
• No ladder.
• Unfinished-looking under-bed storage area is a little disappointing, specifically because of the contrast in quality you find almost everywhere else in the Lacrosse 3411RK.

 

Best For

• Road-tripping singles or couples who want a luxurious travel trailer that’s half-ton and three-quarter ton towable. The Lacrosse 3411RK provides a lot of space, and with a lower sleeping capacity, its designed to allow you to enjoy that space. There’s no need to compete with other passengers.
• Grandparents or families with one or two young children who camp with them occasionally will love this setup.

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. Whenever I review any RV, my goal is always to perform the review objectively. I evaluate everything on the RV from top to bottom. All without any undue influence from manufacturers or retailers.

RV Trader sent me to the Forest River showroom in Elkhart, Indiana to look at 2024 RVs from the diverse brands included in the Forest River family. I inspected each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. How well would each RV meet the needs and requirements of its intended buyer? Above all, I wanted to seek out answers to this question, so I looked at the six key areas with this in mind. 

So, let’s take a closer look at the Lacrosse 3411RK.

 

Sleeping Space

Sleeping accommodations in the Prime Time RV Lacrosse 3411RK are limited to two areas. There’s the spacious, luxurious master bedroom and the EZ-Glide sofa. Let’s start in the bedroom, which is accessed through the walkthrough bathroom that serves as an ensuite. 

The highlight here is the king bed. It has a barn-board-style headboard that’s situated in the front driver’s side slide-out. To the right of the bed, you’ll find generous, dual wardrobe cabinets on either side of a very cool and unique window seat. (This space looks perfect for relaxing with a book or sitting while you fold laundry on the bed.) There’s even a handy overhead shelf to store books or magazines. It’s also an ideal place for furry family members to enjoy the view during the day or curl up beside the bed at night. On either side of the window seat are shelves with charging ports for electronic devices. 

Taking Cozy to a New Luxurious Level

Even so, the most outstanding feature of the bedroom might be the cozy fireplace at the foot of the bed. In addition to adding a cozy ambiance to the bedroom, it can keep things toasty on winter camping excursions. The fireplace console acts as a dresser too, with seven drawers for storing smaller clothing items. There are plug-ins for a TV next to the natural wood mantle of the fireplace, so you could add a TV and store it on the bed during travel. 

The living area has a 64-inch EZ-Glide sofa bed that’s surprisingly comfortable and would be perfect for accommodating up to two kids or grandkids.

 

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Lacrosse 3411RK feels spacious. People under 6 feet 3 inches can easily shower comfortably in the big, well-lit shower. The toilet here is an easy-care ceramic pedal flush toilet. The bathroom is where you’ll find a handy wardrobe closet that’s prepped for washer/dryer, including a shelf that could be used for hamper storage. The light, fresh color scheme and skylight keep things light and bright. In addition you’ll find enough storage under the sink and in the medicine cabinet to store most of your camping necessities.

 

Living Area

An open floorplan integrates the living, dining, and kitchen areas of the Lacrosse 3411RK. A driver’s side slide-out holds twin theater seats that have a central console for storing items like remote controls. The massive, 60-inch TV over the fireplace in the passenger slide out is adjustable for viewing from anywhere in the living area, dining area or kitchen. Modern cabinets over the pull-out sofa are big enough to hold games or whatever else you need to store. Light, natural colors and modern decor work together to give the entire RV an open and airy aesthetic. 

The light colored legless dinette table and four minimalist comfortable dining chairs are perfect for enjoying camp meals in comfort and style. This dinette also lends itself to transforming into a fantastic workspace as needed. 

 

Kitchen

This U-shaped kitchen was clearly designed for cooks. There’s a huge pantry and lots of cabinet storage. With an abundance of solid surface countertops there’s also plenty of workspace. A 17-cubic-foot, French-door refrigerator, a three-burner cooktop, a mid-sized gas oven, and a small microwave oven mean you can create fabulous camping feasts. A large, farmhouse-style sink with pull-down faucet faces the living area, so whoever does the dishes can easily converse with others. 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The climate control system in the Lacrosse 3411RK includes up to two air conditioners, a gas furnace, and two fireplaces to help keep you comfortable throughout three seasons of the year. However, the Lacrosse 3411 also comes equipped with an enclosed underbelly, tank heaters and extended season insulation package that help make it a four-season RV where winter temperatures stay above -15 degrees. 

 

Storage Space

Outside this RV, there is generous storage in two basement cabinets. Inside, from the front bedroom to the rear kitchen, there’s oodles of cabinet, shelf and drawer storage for one or two people. A cool feature is a pass-through cabinet in the kitchen peninsula which could find a multitude of uses, including as a movie night snack cabinet. 

 

One More Thing About the Lacrosse 3411RK

The Prime Time RV Lacrosse 3411RK rides on a lifted, dual-axle suspension that helps reduce sway in windy conditions or on pitted campground roads. So, you can expect to be as comfortable towing down the road as you are parked off it.

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Lacrosse 3411RK

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

Are you looking for a half-ton towable fifth wheel that strikes a balance between affordability and luxurious features? You’ll definitely want to check out the 2024 Forest River Sabre 25RLS. This innovative 30-foot RV has lots of unique features, including a fully adjustable, wheeled table that takes the place of the dinette that you’d normally find in a fifth wheel this size. The table can be used with the theater seats, the sofa, or even be raised to be set up with some folding chairs, making a more formal indoor dining arrangement. 

But as you’ll see, that’s just one of the nice surprises in the Sabre 25RLS. (Just wait till you get to the kitchen.) We’ll check them all out together in this review. So let’s get started. 

 

At a Glance: Sabre 25RLS

The Forest River Sabre 25RLS impressed me with an abundance of amazing features. (We’ll talk more about those in detail in a moment. The kitchen is full of ingenious surprises) Even so, there are a couple of things I felt could have been done better in this RV. First of all, when I attempted to deploy the multifunctional table (which I’m a fan of), several screws fell out of the bottom of the table, causing it to fall off its base. MDF is not a suitable material for furniture that is going to receive frequent manipulation and adjustment. It tends to return to its sawdust origins under any duress. Recommended fixes for this could be installing screw anchors. Or simply building the tabletop from laminated wood like butcher’s block or solid wood such as lightweight hardwood like poplar or birch. 

Similarly, the wooden handrail is precarious looking. Located next to the stairs to the bedroom. It just doesn’t look like it would sustain the weight of a person who needed to use it. At least not more than a few times. I would love to see more solid anchoring for this handrail. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: Up to 4 
• Exterior length: 29 feet 10 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Hitch weight: 1,325 pounds
• UVW: 7,678 pounds
• CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): 2,447 pounds
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 49/30/30 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 20-pound tanks
• Awning size: 12 feet
• Slide Outs: 1

 

Features We Love

• Solar power system: 1x 100-watt panel with 12-volt battery, voltage meter, and 30-amp controller (expandable to 450 watts)
• Auto-leveling system
• Backup camera
• Tire pressure monitor
• Solar reflective windows
• Solar package
• Prepped for ladder 
• Fireplace 
• Walkaround queen bed
• Fully adjustable, wheeled table
• Automatic glass washer

 

Benefits

• Easy care, walkable PVC roof
• Lots of storage including hidden pantry storage
• Wi-Fi enabled 
• Plenty of warm water with tankless water heater
• Gourmet kitchen with solid surface countertops
• Multiple kitchen configurations with multifunctional table
• Easy care surfaces

 

Challenges

• Some RVers might prefer a standard dinette to the multifunctional table.
• Wooden stair rail needs better anchoring.
• While it’s technically towable by a half-ton, towing with a three-quarter ton or one-ton would be better.

 

Best For

• Singles or couples who want an affordable fifth wheel with luxurious amenities.
• Full-timers or grandparents who will have a grandchild or two come camping with them from time to time.

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. Whenever I review any RV, my goal is always to perform the review objectively. I evaluate everything on the RV from top to bottom. All without any undue influence from manufacturers or retailers.

RV Trader sent me to the Forest River showroom in Elkhart, Indiana to look at 2024 RVs from the diverse brands included in the Forest River family. I inspected each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. How well would each RV meet the needs and requirements of its intended buyer? Above all, I wanted to seek out answers to this question, so I looked at the six key areas with this in mind.  

 

Sleeping Space

Sleeping space in the Forest River Sabre 25RLS is in two places. The first is the bedroom at the front of the RV. The second is on the sofa bed in the living area. The bedroom offers a comfortable walkaround queen bed with a wardrobe on either side. There are also multiple cabinets and drawers for storing clothing and other personal items. Forest River has included a shelf with plug-ins that’s perfect for a CPAP machine as well as multiple ports for charging phones or other electronics. You’ll also find generous storage underneath the bed. The wall at the foot of the bed is prepped for a bedroom TV. 

The sofa bed is easy to deploy and comfortable. Additionally, it gives owners some storage underneath for bedding and pillows. Which is always handy.

Bathroom

The bathroom offers a spacious shower. It’s tall enough to be comfortable for almost anyone. A shower seat makes a handy shelf as well as a place to sit down. I was happy to see a roomy linen cabinet as well as storage below the vanity. There’s also a generous medicine cabinet above it. A lightweight plastic toilet helps the Sabre 25RLS to keep its weight manageable for most pickup trucks.

Living Area

The living area consists of adjustable power theater seats that not only recline but also have a heated massage feature. A versatile rolling, drop-leaf table is fully adjustable to different heights. Which means you can use it for work, eating, or crafts. You name it. Easy-care surfaces also help make keeping everything clean a breeze. 

The entertainment center consists of a 40-inch TV above an electric fireplace. But the real surprise lies behind it! A gentle pull on the right side of the entertainment center wall reveals a huge, walk-in pantry. This hidden storage area has an exterior access door, so it could easily store camping chairs or other items you’d want easy access to when you’re setting up camp. 

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Sabre 25RLS makes camp cookery a treat. Above-average features certainly help it maximize efficiency. It’s kitted out with a 12-volt Ever-Cold fridge with French doors for the fridge section. Just below, there are two spacious, pull-out freezer drawers. Other appliances include a three-burner propane cooktop and a microwave. Below the cooktop, a large air fryer takes the place of the propane oven that you’ll find in most fifth wheels. 

The farmhouse sink in the Sabre 25 RLS has a pull-down faucet but also has a fitted basket and a cutting board. To the side of the sink, in the cabinets below, I was delighted to find another surprise — a pull-out waste bin where food scraps could be discarded easily. Beside the faucet, there is an automatic glass washer. So, you can get glasses crystal clean using a fraction of the water and effort it normally takes. Little things like that make for a fantastic kitchen. 

On top of all these great features, there is enough solid surface counter space for two people to prepare meals. All without getting in one another’s way. Power outlets let you plug in your coffee maker, food processor, and more. In addition, there are plenty of lumber core cabinets and drawers that let you keep everything organized. 

Four-Season Capabilities

The Sabre 25RLS is designed to be used as a four-season RV. It comes equipped with one air conditioner but is prepped for a second one in the master bedroom. An electric fireplace provides heat for the living area and kitchen. But there is also a gas furnace for when the temperature sinks and subfloor ducting beneath the coach. The Sabre 25RLS has an enclosed underbelly that conserves heat and is prepared for cold weather with tank heaters. 

 

Storage Space

Outside, the Forest River Sabre 25RLS has a front cabinet and generous passthrough storage beneath the master bedroom. At the back of the RV, there’s an access door to the hidden pantry for stashing camping chairs or other goodies. 

Inside, the Sabre 25RLS has loads of places to store everything you need for camping or even full time RV life. The hidden pantry is huge and has plenty of shelves for storing food, small appliances, crafting or office supplies and more. There are also plenty of cabinets throughout this RV.

The Sabre 25RLS in Summary

Looking at the Sabre 25RLS, it’s clear that Forest River has really listened to its buyers. They’ve created an affordably priced, well-built, luxury RV with loads of amenities and stacks of storage options. 

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Sabre

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

The 29-foot Prime Time RV Avenger 25MKO is built with a specific RV owner in mind. It is a spacious yet lightweight trailer. Designed for one or two people, the floorplan makes good use of space and includes a well-appointed corner office complete with a desk and storage for office necessities. If you’re a single or couple looking for a spacious, comfortable RV that’s still light enough to take on road trips with a half-ton, the Avenger 25MKO might be your unicorn RV. 

There’s a sense of openness as you step into the 25MKO. In part, it may owe the sensation to the contemporary color scheme. It features smooth, solid-surface, white countertops over natural gray base cabinets. The upper cabinets are pale driftwood. Cream-colored furniture ties up the soothing color scheme. Instead of a dinette, you’ll find a breakfast bar to your right and an inviting desk perched in front of a window to your left. Comfortable theater seats (oh yes, I tested them) round out the seating in the Avenger 25MKO. Personally, I could easily envision working remotely from this RV on the road or on a camping trip.

 

At a Glance: Avenger 25MKO

There is a lot to like inside and outside of the Prime Time RV Avenger 25MKO. However, I’ll say this here: It would be nice to have the option of being able to offer guest sleeping accommodations. Because you never know who might drop by. I also felt that there could have been more storage underneath the queen bed, and the underbed storage area was rough and felt unfinished. With a great layout and plenty of wonderful amenities, I was disappointed — and a bit surprised — to discover this. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 2 people comfortably
• Exterior length: 29 feet
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Height: 10 feet 8 inches
• UVW: 6,300 pounds
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 42/30/30 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 20 pounds

 

Features We Love

• Air conditioner: 15,000 Btu ducted
• Furnace: Propane with in-floor ducting
• Wi-Fi prewired
• Solar power system: prepped for solar; comes with suitcase solar panel
• One slide-out
• 12-volt fridge with freezer on the bottom
• Washer/dryer Prepped
• Tankless hot water heater 
• 30-amp power connection
• Black tank flush
• All windows open for fresh air 
• Built in tie-out anchors for dogs
• Battery disconnect switch
• Exterior shower
• Exterior beverage fridge
• 13-foot awning
• Prepped for backup camera
• Tough PVC roof

 

 

Benefits

• Open floorplan
• Work area with desk and shelves with baskets for office storage 
• Efficient kitchen triangle
• Lots of counter space
• Flip up counter make seating space for three at breakfast bar
• Lots of interior and exterior storage space
• Walk-around queen bed with storage underneath

 

Challenges

• There is only one bed in the Avenger 25MKO.
• Under bed storage area is small — and unfinished in the model I reviewed.
• No outdoor kitchen.

 

Best For

• Singles and couples who work remotely.
• Singles and couples who are looking to expand their RV living space without upgrading their half-ton tow vehicle.

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. Whenever I review any RV, my goal is always to perform the review objectively. I evaluate everything on the RV from top to bottom. All without any undue influence from manufacturers or retailers. 

RV Trader sent me to the Forest River showroom in Elkhart, Indiana to look at 2024 RVs from the diverse brands included in the Forest River family. I inspected each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. How well would each RV meet the needs and requirements of its intended buyer? Above all, I wanted to seek out answers to this question, so I looked at the six key areas with this in mind.  

 

Sleeping Space

The bedroom of the Prime Time RV Avenger 25MKO maintains the airy brightness that is the marquee of the RV’s living area. There is also plenty of storage space for clothes and other items in the wardrobe cabinets. On either side of the walk-around queen bed, there is a shelf with a USB port and plug-ins for a CPAP machine and/or a clock radio. Underneath the bed, there’s a relatively small storage area that could probably be improved upon. Additionally, on the wall at the foot of the bed, everything you need to install a TV is also ready to go. 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Avenger 25MKO is small but efficient. The shower is a basic curtained shower with a skylight over it. The skylight helps to increase the height of the ceiling in the shower so people up to 6 foot 2 inches can shower comfortably. Next to the shower, there’s a handy shelf that will find all kinds of uses for different RVers. It’s just wide enough to hold a basket of rolled towels, toilet paper, or whatever else you need to set down. There’s a plastic toilet here that helps keep weight down. Generous storage both beneath the sink and in the medicine cabinet can hold all your bathroom necessities. 

Living Area

The living area in the Avenger 25MKO’s open floorplan is shared with the kitchen. You can relax and watch a movie on the well placed, 40-inch TV in the comfy reclining theater seats. By the way, the theater seats have handy beverage holders. Even better, there’s hidden storage for TV remotes, et cetera, beneath the central armrest. The TV also swivels so you can even watch when you’re preparing a meal or working in the office area. If you prefer to listen to your favorite music, instead of watching the tube, there’s a compact, yet powerful Bluetooth speaker mounted on the wall. But the highlight of the living space is the compact, yet inspired workspace near the rear of the RV.

The counter-height desk workspace is placed in front of a window. So, wherever you happen to be working, you’ll have a view. To the right of the desk are built-in shelves that hold fabric baskets that are large enough to neatly hold all your office necessities so everything can stay organized.

A 13-foot power awning adds additional sheltered living space to the Avenger 25MKO. Not only that, but an outside beverage fridge ensures cold drinks are within easy reach when you’re relaxing outdoors. 

Kitchen

The Avenger 25MKO has all the appliances and food storage space you need to easily store and prepare memorable meals wherever you go. This kitchen has a large 12-volt refrigerator, a three-burner propane cooktop and a propane oven that’s big enough to bake cookies, bread, or pizza. You know, whenever the inspiration hits you. 

Not so inspired? Well then, there’s a microwave oven above the cooktop. Electrical outlets at either end of the kitchen ensure you have places to plug in a coffee maker or food processor. You’ll find oodles of storage in this kitchen too. There are cabinets and drawers. There’s a built-in spice rack and a pantry. Magnetic closures on cabinet doors and drawers help to ensure that you don’t have any surprise spillage disasters when you reach your destination. 

The workspace triangle is perfect for meal preparation with everything you need within easy reach and plenty of counter space. Counterspace seamlessly incorporates a breakfast bar with seating for two. A flip-up counter can provide space to accommodate an additional guest who can sit on the counter height chair borrowed from the office. 

Four-Season Capabilities

The Avenger 25 MKO has an enclosed underbelly, sub-floor ducted heating and tank heaters which give it three- season capability and four-season capability in areas where winters are mild. 

 

Storage Space

There’s no such thing as too much storage space in any RV. So, I loved seeing the vast amount of storage space in the Avenger 25MKO. Prime Time RV has ensured that there is no shortage here. Outside, there’s a huge basement storage area to hold outdoor gear like chairs, a screen house or fishing rods. Inside, there is above average storage space from front to back. Whatever it is, the Avenger lets you take it with you when you go. Even if you plan to get some work done along the way.

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Avenger

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

 

Pop-up trailers have a special place in my heart. For me, they bring childhood memories of camping with the family in our pop-up trailer to mind. Like most tent trailers back then, ours was pretty basic. It was a manually deployed shelter on wheels, but it did its job. With its canvas walls and windows that were zipped up at night, it felt like a real camping experience. The Flagstaff 228SE gives me all those same feelings.

But the reality is that it is also different — in a good way. Forest River’s Flagstaff 228SE pop-up trailer is stashed with nice surprises that make it a far cry from the tent trailer of my youth. It has all the amenities you need for a fun-filled weekend family getaway. And it all comes in the lightweight, easy-to-tow, easy-to-deploy package you’d expect of a pop-up.

 

At a Glance: Flagstaff 228SE 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 7
• Hitch weight:  375 pounds
• UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) 2868 pounds
• CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) 1260 pounds
• Box size: 12 feet
• Extended open length: 23 feet 11 inches
• Extended closed length: 18 feet 7 inches
• Extended closed height: 6 feet 2 inches
• Exterior width: 7 feet
• Water tank: 20 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 20 pounds

  

Features We Love

• Power roof lift
• 30-amp power
• 20,000 Btu Furnace
• Heated bunks
• Three-burner range (propane)
• 12-volt refrigerator 1.7 CU
• Residential style Autumnwood cabinets give a cozy feeling
• Outdoor kitchen 
• Outdoor shower
• Fire safety fire extinguisher, smoke detector, CO2 monitor
• Available 200-watt roof mount solar panel with 1000-watt inverter
• Lots of storage in kitchen and living areas
• Pull out exterior storage drawer with dual access points
• Cassette toilet 
• Shower
• Create-A-Breeze fan 
• Lots of seating at booth and bench (with storage underneath) 
• Thule awning with awning lights
• Front bunk overhead storage net 
• Prewired for TV 
• Privacy curtains

 

Benefits

• Towable by most SUVs and smaller pickups
• Sleeping area for seven, including a convertible dinette and separate bench seat
• Lots of comfortable dining and relaxing space
• Generous cargo carrying capacity 
• Lifted suspension allows access to remote areas
• Power roof lift makes it easy to set up 
• Hitch takes standard 2-inch hitch 
• EZ lube axles makes this maintenance chore a lot easier
• Electric brakes mean less wear and tear on your tow vehicle brakes
• Antifreeze bypass for simple winterization
• Quick Connect for outdoor shower
• Available air conditioner
• Surprising amount of storage for a pop-up (under bench seats, two outdoor storage areas, generous kitchen storage)
• Privacy curtains create separate sleeping areas at night
• Propane Quick Connect for outdoor cooktop

 

Challenges

• Sleeps seven but there isn’t enough refrigerator/food storage for a weekend’s worth of food for this many people.
• There’s no counter next to the sink, stove, or fridge areas
• With an unloaded weight of 2,868 pounds, the Flagstaff 228SE is on the heavy side for some smaller tow vehicles a pop up (weight distribution hitch may be necessary).
• Loaded to its CCC, it might be a challenge for smaller SUVs to tow.

 

Best For

• Families who want to enjoy connecting with nature in a lightweight, easy-to-tow (and park!) RV that has all the basic necessities. 
• Younger campers who want to boondock in nature with a few good friends.
• Anyone that wants a more rustic camping experience while still having access to amenities in an RV that’s lightweight and easy-to-store in a garage or carport.

 

The RV Trader Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. Whenever I review any RV, my goal is always to perform the review objectively. I evaluate everything on the RV from top to bottom. All without any undue influence from manufacturers or retailers. 

RV Trader sent me to the Forest River showroom in Elkhart, Indiana to look at 2024 RVs from the diverse brands included in the Forest River family. I inspected each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. How well would each RV meet the needs and requirements of its intended buyer? Above all, I wanted to seek out answers to this question, so I looked at the six key areas with this in mind.  

According to RV dealers I’ve spoken to, Forest River Flagstaff RVs are known for quality finishes in a lightweight RV. How true was this? I was about to discover the answer to that, and a lot of other questions I. In the hours to come, I would investigate every inch of the exterior and interior of this quintessential tent trailer. 

Here’s what I found out about the Forest River Flagstaff 228SE pop-up trailer.

 

Sleeping Space

The Flagstaff 228SE has enough sleeping space for seven campers.

Its three slide-out wings help. Each of the beds at the front and back of the trailer sleep two adults comfortably. The mattresses are designed to be light, so they aren’t very thick. However, they were surprisingly comfortable when I tried them out. The sliding wing on the driver’s side of this RV has a dinette that transforms into a relatively comfortable sleeping space for another two sleepers. Opposite the dinette is a bench seat that quickly transforms into a bed for another camper. 

Also, it’s worth noting that there is additional storage above the bed at the front of the RV in the form of a hanging net. 

Bathroom

It was a nice surprise to find a bathroom in a pop-up trailer. The Flagstaff SE228 is complete with a shower and a small cassette toilet. While it has a low wall that folds up, there is an intriguing, circular shower curtain rod attached to the ceiling. This is where you can hang the shower curtain either for use with the hand held shower or for privacy when nature calls. There isn’t a sink in this bathroom, but the kitchen sink is nearby.

Living Area

The living area of the Flagstaff 228SE is generous for a tent trailer. It has a table that’s big enough to play board games or cards after dinner. Additionally, there’s a bench seat that could easily be augmented with throw cushions for a reading nook. There’s also a place to hook up a TV on the rearmost slide bed. Kids would love the fort-like feel of the slide-out bed areas for play on rainy days. 

A generous Thule awning spans the side of this trailer. Nicely, it blurs the line between indoors and outdoors to give you even more living space. 

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Flagstaff 228SE is functional, with a fridge, three- burner stove, and generous sink. There are also cabinets and drawers that could be used to store cooking utensils, dishes, or food. However, there is absolutely no counter space. One feels the deficiency could have been solved with a strategically placed pull-out or flip-up counter. 

Four-Season Capabilities

As a tent-style pop-up trailer, the Flagstaff 228SE is definitely not a four-season RV. However, with its heated mattresses and propane heat, it would be entirely possible for hardy people to camp for three seasons in this camper. 

Storage Space

There’s an impressive amount of storage space in the Flagstaff 228SE. Outside, a passthrough storage cabinet at the front end of the RV holds a heavy-duty plastic drawer that helps keep items accessible. This cabinet would be ideal for storing long items like fishing rods. On the driver’s side, you’ll find another respectably sized cabinet. It can hold items such as the two-burner propane cooktop that’s included with this rig. 

Inside, cabinets and drawers in the kitchen area provide storage for kitchen gear and food. Cabinets under the bench seats provide storage for clothing and other gear. 

 

Other Niceties of the Flagstaff 228SE

SE stands for Sporting Enthusiast. (Maybe I should’ve mentioned that earlier.) Therefore, the 228SE has been built to take you camping on roads less traveled. Whether it’s a fishing adventure in the mountains, or a lakeside retreat, that’s up to you. The Flagstaff 228SE could be the ideal rig for weekend family getaways. It’s an especially nice option if you have a smaller tow vehicle and don’t want to upgrade. Stepping inside, it feels like luxury safari accommodation. LED lighting helps minimize power consumption when this RV isn’t plugged in. For entertainment options, there’s a built in Bluetooth stereo and ports near the rear of the RV for a TV. 

All in all, I liked this rig. Aside from the nostalgia factor, it feels like a solid build, with quality materials and workmanship throughout. If you’re looking buy a great pop-up camper, it’s a nice place to start — and finish.

 

Make Your Move

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