Differences between Flagstaff, Rockwood & Surveyor

[greendragon]

I'm looking at making my first TT purchase and have been looking at the 3 models Forest River makes for light weight TTs. Thing is, I am not sure what the major differences are between the models, and which one is considered the "best" choice. I plan on using the TT nearly full-time for the next 6-9 months, with some weekends in the snow if possible. Given this kind of intended use, what advice do you have on making a choice between these 3 models. I have found floorplans that fit my liking as well as TV, so the issue now is which line (Flagstaff, Rockwood or Surveyor) is the highest quality. Any other input or comments about the different TTs is greatly appreciated - thanks.

[Hokiehall]

The differences between Rockwoods and Flagstaffs are cosmetic only. They are identical otherwise and are produced in the same plant. The Surveyor people can help you with that model line.

[Stiff12]

Generally, the trailers are given differnt model names because they are sold in different areas. I was told the Rockwood is made for the northeast region and may have more insulation in the floor. However, I am not positive. It is unlikely you will get any help from Forest River. I would have to recommend a different builder if you have a choice.

[kleece]

I have an 07 Surveyor and we have taken it out several times in the winter weather and had no problems with a cold floor (In Michigan) I was told by the salesman (but you can't always believe them) that the Surveyor has a stronger framework than any other FR product. And it is aluminum so it is lightweight. We got ours last February so have had it a year now and the only problems we had with it were silly things that the incompetent dealership couldn't seem to fix (uh, how many times does it need to go in for a loose drawer? LOL)
What model are you looking at?
Krystal

[milzat]

As Kim stated, the Rockwood and Flagstaff are identical units except for the exterior graphics and interior colors.
They're built on the same line in the Millersburg, IN. plant.

I did spent much time looking at the Surveyor line and the Rockwood was my choice.
Among things I noticed of the two, the Rockwood had more floor-plans available.

[rockwood06]

If you use my experience with a Forest River { RockWood }, I would go to a different manufacture. I personally thing they have a sort life span. It seems that most of my problems have shown up after the warranty expired. I have an 8314ss model, the floor plan is great but that's all. This is one thing to check, the stabilizer jacks do not have enough support, they are in poor design, I think this is where ROCK Wood got it's name. When the jacks are down the camper still rocks, there is a piece of one inch angle iron that the jacks are attach to there is no support in the middle of this angle, so when you move around in side the camper it will rock from right to left. When the jacks are down they crate a fulcrum effect like this..... ^ This symbol represents the jacks in the down position, the bottom of the symbol is the jacks on the ground, now draw a line straight, horizontally over the point, that represents the floor of the camper, note: there is no support on the out side edge of the camper, with this type of jack system, scissor type would be best. This demonstration is on the rear of my camper. I was at the RV show in Timonium MD this weekend, I checked out the 2008 RockWoods, the quality of the RookWood is even worse for the new year. Forest River now has added this piece of angle iron to the front stabilizer jacks. This was one of the concerns with people that I had talk to. There are other issues, but will leave it at that. Just be careful, look at everything and compare, first time buyers can not catch everything it's a learning experience.... Good luck with your choice!

[Woody 01]

on the other side of the coin. I have a 2003 8281ss and she is still going stong. this 5er does not just sit in the yard, we use it at least 2 times a month it has also done winter camping also. We love it and I would buy FR
agian.

[rockwood06]

I am happy to hear that you are completely satisfied with your Forest River product, that's why I bought one. I heard nothing but good things. My first camper was a Fleetwood and I was completely happy with it, but we out grew the unit after 5 years. I hope everyone that owns a Forest River is happy as well and have not had the experience I have. Your rig is an 03, mine is an 06, maybe Forest River is experiencing some Q.C problems in the pass 3 or 4 years and maybe they are in the process of Q.C,ing there Q.C department. Your 5th wheel is most likely more of an high end unit, where mine is not so maybe there is more emphasis on quality on 5th wheels, class "c" and class "A" units. Maybe it was the wrong time for me to buy a Forest River. From exterior delamination to stabilizer jack design to A/C unit replacement ( too small due to air leakage and poor insulation ) to rubber seals blowing off while traveling to screws backing out and up under the rubber roof along the edge, this is what holds the roof and side walls together and or the material that is under the rubber and the list go's on. So with all of this I will not buy another Forest River product, and the only reason I still have it is because the Boss likes the floor design. I can make modifications to correct most of these problems, but with a 2 year old rig these things should not be happening and for the money we pay for these rig, quality should not suffer no matter if it's a high or low end camper.