K-Z Spree vs other K-Z models

[High-Tech Redneck]

We just bought our KZ spree escape 16 footer and we love it. As far as winter camping.... Unless we're in Southern Cal. Or Fla. we'll winterize here in maryland. But only for a few months.

,,, OR South Mississippi ,,,,, AKA: We don't need no stinkin' PINK !! ,,,

[sky_free]

I have heard great things about the RPOD. It's on my short list now, as is the KZ spree escape and sportsmen 14's and 16's, Starcraft AR-One, MPG, and Jayco Jflight. I'm also interested in the retro trailers like the Riverside 155 and Serro Scotty, but those may be too small. I took a look at the MPG 185 today and it was just the right size for us, but the tanks hang below the bottom of the frame which always worries me and would be harder to enclose if I went that way.

[sky_free]

UPDATE: Having gone to dealers to look at a lot of different TT's now, narrowed down to Rockwood mini-lite 1901 or 1905, Flagstaff 19FD (similar to Rockwood) new, or the Fun Finder X189FBS used as the most likely options. They are about the same price even though the Fun Finder is used. Found we didn't like the really small trailers, which is no great surprise. Looked at the Lance 1575 but don't like the way the dinette is so high off the floor. The KZ sportsmen's are really basic (and inexpensive) and don't appeal to us. As far as insulation, the Rockwood mini-lite seems like the best choice with R14 ceiling, R7 walls, and R12 floor. Heated tanks are an option. For true four-season capability, the Outdoor Backcountry 18F or Northwoods Nash 18L looks like the best smaller-sized TT options, but they are both over 4000 lbs. We are renting a 4200 lb Milan 18 trailer over the 4th weekend to see how that works out for our tow vehicle -- a VW Touareg TDI (rated at 7700 lbs towing) with WDH and brake controller. That should be a worst-case scenario test and will give us a better idea of whether we want to haul around 1000 extra lbs for the Nash or Backcountry.

[Marabeth]

a VW Touareg TDI (rated at 7700 lbs towing) with WDH and brake controller. That should be a worst-case scenario test and will give us a better idea of whether we want to haul around 1000 extra lbs for the Nash or Backcountry.

My sister and BIL tow with their 2011 Touareg Sport TDI. They have a Jayco Feather Ultra Lite 228... They are about three weeks away from taking it to SASK with two kids under three and a 8/9 week old puppy.

So far they have been all over Ontario and have been really happy with the way it tows.

(BTW - I thought V/W doesn't recommend using a W/D hitch?)

[sky_free]

Correct -- the owner's manual says no towing with a WD hitch, but it also says to only use a 2" ball and has a picture of one of those funky U-shaped Euro hitches in it. The stickers on the receiver don't say anything about WD hitches. I did extensive research and found out that the recommended setup from people who use them is to go with an EAZ-lift 550. Most WD hitches are sold with 1000+ lb bars, which transmit more stress to the hitch mount. Some have reinforced the receiver mount itself. With 500+ lbs on the tongue it's not really practical to go without a WD hitch. A lot of people are using them and I haven't heard of any failures. I'm still leaning toward the lighter trailers, and I probably won't adjust much torque into the WD -- just enough to keep it from sagging too much. If my assumptions are wrong hopefully someone will correct me!

[GoinKZ]

I have a real hard time even trying to imagine a Toureag trying to tow a trailer the size and weight of my Spree with NO WDH, not to mention sway control.

I had to put a Hensley on mine just to keep it on the right track and it's a 8000LB curb weight Diesel truck & 32" 7000LB trailer, ain't no way that Unibody euro machine is gonna tow 7700LBS without the gear "we" have is beyond me.

That's all I got to say about that.


Sky- keep with the light stuff and I'd jsuggest you'll be OK, but I still think you'll need to apply some hitch gear too it.

[Marabeth]

I am camping with my sister next weekend. If you like I can take a picture of their set up.

I think the biggest downfall of the Touareg is the wheelbase, not the weight. As I sure that's why Sky is looking for a smaller trailer. I know for a fact that my BIL knows this and that's why his trailer is relatively short as well.

(BTW - I was only asking about the W/D hitch. When I was doing my research to try to convince them NOT to purchase the V/W as a T/V I did read that it was ill advised, but only by V/W)

[sky_free]

We rented an Eclipse Milan 18CKG over the 4th. Dry weight was 4250, so I figure about 4750 with water and "stuff". I used an EAZ-lift 550 WD hitch which has 600 lb "round" bars. Also used an EAZ-lift sway bar. When we hooked up the WD hitch, we used one of the last 2 links in the chain, so it took off some of the weight, but didn't completely level the Touareg. The performance on the road was great, no swaying at all, plenty of power, normal steering. I could definitely feel it back there, but the biggest thing I noticed was the gas mileage. We normally get 28.5 highway when travelling. Pulling the trailer I got 14 on the first tank, 15 on the 2nd, and was on the way to 13 on the 3rd due to strong headwinds. I think it's a capable tow vehicle, but I will definitely try something lighter next time. They have a rental there that is 1400 lbs lighter that I would like to try next. If I could get 16+ MPG I'd be happy going on longer trips. One interesting thing that happened is that the place that put together the hitch for me didn't properly torque the ball. When I disconnected the trailer the nut had about fallen off the shank. I would have done it myself, but I couldn't find a big enough socket anywhere.

[shum]

They have a rental there that is 1400 lbs lighter that I would like to try next. If I could get 16+ MPG I'd be happy going on longer trips.

Sorry to bust the bubble but it NOT weight holding back you mileage it's the sail your dragging behind you. Are those fuel mileage #'s from the truck's Lie-O-Meter or hand figured?

I suspect as every one here is quite aware that after a time the best you'll see on average is around 12mpg at best, it's just the way it is. 16mpg is what most would be happy with towing a popup with a pickup/SUV.

As a comparison my truck gets better fuel mileage carrying two canoes on the roof with four people in the truck and a full bed of gear than a Honda mini van with 2 canoes and 6 people. Just around 16mpg due to areo drag.

[GoinKZ]

One interesting thing that happened is that the place that put together the hitch for me didn't properly torque the ball. When I disconnected the trailer the nut had about fallen off the shank. I would have done it myself, but I couldn't find a big enough socket anywhere.

This is the complete reason right there to learn your gear and let no one touch it but yourself. The incompetance level at RV Dealers seems to be running at an all time high.