So whats the deal with Solaire?

[Talonman]

So they are close to the Roo line with some minor differences.

Are there any big differences or just looks and some extra stuff in the floorplans, any advantage to a Solaire over a ROO?

Reason I ask is the pricing looks to be almost the same and I have found some local units I can see for myself.

My plan was to go with the 23IKSS but it is just too heavy to be fun, the tongue weight of the 21SS is too much so I am looking 23RS, 23SS and 19.

[PineForestCamper]

Before purchasing my Roo 233s I checked out a Solaire 213x or 199x. I cant remember specifically which of those models it was. What I do remember rather vividly was the outside color scheme. I loved it. I prefer it to the white of my Roo. However, I also thought that the quality of the Solaire was not up to that of the Roo. One of the things that stood out was the quality of the cabinets. The ironic thing here is that the drawer underneath the dinette in my Roo dropped out in the middle of the first summer of camping. Go figure. I have a replacement waiting to be installed once it warms up a bit outside. I also thought the inside color scheme was a bit on the gaudy site. I went online afterwards and looked for other colors thinking maybe I just saw the bad one of the lot. All of that really is personal taste for sure and I suppose all camper fabric is kind of "camperish"?? Your taste may be different.

I could have purchased the three bunk Solaire model from RVW where I purchased my Roo and saved $2k but after considering everything I felt the Roo was worth the extra $2k. As for floorplans I do like in my Roo that there is one more cabinet/pantry in the floorplan shared with the Solaire. That leaves a tighter fit getting into the rear bunk but I really like the extra cabinet space and the kids love the "fort" feeling that limited space gives. I do not like the corner shower that is in most hybrid models. We have not used it and probably never will. The Solaire 199x has a step tub in their bathroom. We would use that. With the young ones we'd fill it up and hose them off on those dirty days. Thats just not going to happen with our Roo. Most Solaire models have the same shower/tub as ours but that 199x has the tub.

One other thing I noticed is the cargo capacity between the Solaire and the Roo. In my particular model the CCC is about 1800lbs. The Solaire is over 3000lbs. Thats a huge difference. I believe its the same for the 23ss to 199x.

If you havn't looked already RVW has a 199x (23ss equivalent) on their lot. You can compare prices between the two. Last year there was a $2000 difference between the two when I looked. You might find yourself a very good deal in the waiting. We purchased from RVW and saved $3k from what the local dealers were willing to offer. Good luck.

[Talonman]

Man ask a simple question get an awesome answer!

Thank you very much, I will look into it further and look for some of those little things when I see them in real life.

[KMP44]

We were in the opposite situation last winter - were thinking about a Solaire 190X but ended up with a Roo. The local Palomino dealer stopped carrying them so we couldn't see one locally. Then at the RV show, we saw the 23IKSS in person and couldn't find anything we didn't like.

At the show, the dealer had a factory rep there. He said the Roo & Shamrock are "twins" made in the same assembly plant. When I asked about the Solaire he said that was a seperate division that operated on its own and was built in a different plant. In his humble opinion anyway, the Roo was better than the Palomino... No real reason for that opinion, but at least for 2013 the Solaire did not have the new attached canvas design that the Roo and Shamrock tent ends have.

You will find a lot of identical components in both though. And we also liked that tan/brown exterior on the Solaire but the white exterior of the Roo is nice too. I just noticed on the Solaire website that they now have an island kitchen plan as well. A little smaller/lighter than the IKSS. Last year the web site was pretty basic and we didn't want to drive 170 miles each way to look at one after we found the Roo. I think both have pretty nice interiors. I would check out the tent ends, but otherwise, probably comes down to floorplans and taste in colors.

[KMP44]

If you havn't looked already RVW has a 199x (23ss equivalent) on their lot. You can compare prices between the two. Last year there was a $2000 difference between the two when I looked. You might find yourself a very good deal in the waiting. We purchased from RVW and saved $3k from what the local dealers were willing to offer. Good luck.

Just got looking at the Solaire website. The 199x is gone - replaced with that 197X with a second slideout and an island kitchen. Interesting that they dropped it.

[bikendan]

Palomino was acquired by FR, about 6 years ago. their hybrid line was called Stampede until a year or two ago. at one time, they had a large number of floorplans and made a great product.

but in the years since coming under the FR family, their floorplans have tended to be close copies of the Roo/Shamrock floorplans.

not sure how the quality is anymore, since hardly anyone out here, sells Palomino hybrids. at one time, they were as well made as the Roo/Shamrock.

[Talonman]

Well maybe a 163X in my future, the contrast of the colours really pops for me.

I'm colour blind and every time my wife and I look at stuff if there is a black and white or any other super contrasting colours she knows I want it before even asking lol

Looks like you also get ducted A/C in the 163X where you don't in the Roo 19, either way I will go look at both and decide.

[rockfordroo]

Looked at the 2014 Solaire 163X on web vs my 2012 Roo19.

163X plus:
tub vs corner shower
larger access to rear bunk
doesn't have the "new" bunk latches (but neither does my 2012 Roo)
more bathroom counterspace

Roo19 plus:
Storage shelves across top of bunk tents
Corner storage by door

Not sure what you meant by ducted heat. My Roo19 had heat ducted into bathroom. Didn't see anything really different in that regard with the 163X.

The graphics are nice with the black bottom. Although the dry weight is around 3392lbs, the GVWR is 7400. Says 3900lb cargo capacity. Sounds more like a toyhauler than a TT.

[SurveyorWI]

They are a nice unit though

http://www.rvt.com/Forest-River-Rock...45959-UX143444

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by RascalRv

They are a nice unit though

http://www.rvt.com/Forest-River-Rock...45959-UX143444

Rascal, the OP is asking about a Palomino Solaire hybrid trailer, not an A-frame trailer.
This appears to be the trailer you're trying to sell, which is NOT a hybrid and neither a Roo or a Solaire.

[Talonman]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Looked at the 2014 Solaire 163X on web vs my 2012 Roo19.

163X plus:
tub vs corner shower
larger access to rear bunk
doesn't have the "new" bunk latches (but neither does my 2012 Roo)
more bathroom counterspace

Roo19 plus:
Storage shelves across top of bunk tents
Corner storage by door

Not sure what you meant by ducted heat. My Roo19 had heat ducted into bathroom. Didn't see anything really different in that regard with the 163X.

The graphics are nice with the black bottom. Although the dry weight is around 3392lbs, the GVWR is 7400. Says 3900lb cargo capacity. Sounds more like a toyhauler than a TT.

It have ducted A/C and heat where from what I can tell the Roo 19 has ducted heat only.

[mjones12]

My dealer sells both Solaires and Surveyors, and I've noticed that they look very similar from the outside. Haven't been inside a Solaire, but I imagine the floorplans aren't that different. His prices on the two brands also seem to be pretty close.

[Talonman]

I like the backsplash and counter as well.

[Toddcee]

I purchased a Sol Aire 190X in late December and pick it up in April. Going from a pop up to a TT is a step up & I have lots to learn. Been looking everywhere for Sol Aire reviews and can't find any anywhere.

I'll share my experiences when I pick up delivery in April!

[MissDLynn]

We just purchased a Solaire 213X Three bunk. I've been looking and explored many over the past year. I hope I am not wrong but I the solaire just seemed to be a bit better made and we love the floor plan and space. Also love that it's made in Michigan. :-)

[MissDLynn]

Originally Posted by Toddcee

I purchased a Sol Aire 190X in late December and pick it up in April. Going from a pop up to a TT is a step up & I have lots to learn. Been looking everywhere for Sol Aire reviews and can't find any anywhere.

I'll share my experiences when I pick up delivery in April!

Attachment 45712

We too are going from the pop up to the Solaire. I am just a tad excited for April!

[Toddcee]

I spent the day organizing the stuff I need to move in to the trailer. It being 60 degrees today is a tease.

[MissDLynn]

I'm in Michigan we're not even CLOSE to 60 and our new one is in storage until we thaw. So I'm envious you can even enter yours.

[Toddcee]

No mine is still in storage too unfortunately. All I can do is drive by it and say "see you soon" haha

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Toddcee

Been looking everywhere for Sol Aire reviews and can't find any anywhere.
Attachment 45712

that's probably because this was the first year of the Solaire-named hybrid line. previously the Stampede was Palomino's hybrid brand and it's been around since at least 2000.
not sure why Palomino changed the name but if you want reviews of Palomino hybrids, use the Stampede name.
not too many Solaires out there yet.