Nitro or Thunderbolt

[the3gibsons]

So we have been ecstatic about our experience with our W&P 30WRS for the last 2 years and so much so that we are considering an upgrade to a 5th wheel. Totally sold on Forest River products and really like the looks of the Nitro 36DBK5 and the Thunderbolt 415AMP. Aside from the obvious $$$ difference, I see 18K versus 20K GVWR and some nicer options available for the 415AMP.

Any owners out there willing to share their thoughts?

[taken]

I think you nailed in your own post. Thunderbolt is a much higher end unit. Not just more options but a TON more standards. I think the fit and finish will be the same on both. It's the equipment that will be the upgrade...

I just went to FR's site and compared the standards and options between the two. Not even on the same page. Many standards on the Thunderbolt are options on the Nitro and many options on the Thunderbolt aren't even available on the Nitro. Do a side by side comparison. If you can afford the Thunderbolt, you are getting a lot more trailer. If not, there's nothing wrong with the Nitro at all...

[gtsum2]

Timely topic as I was at the dealer today and looked at a Thunderbolt 340x12hp and a XLR Nitro 305VL5. Basically same floor plan, but nicer all the way around on the Thunderbolt. The AMP lineup includes even more. I wonder if they are all the same structurally?

[Homebrew]

My vote is for Thunderbolt


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Tx_Rider]

I like my Thunderbolt so far.

[TheFordes]

♡ my XLR Thunderbolt!

[harleyrider03]

Love our XLR Thunderbolt 350x12. So ready for camping season.

[gtsum2]

When I went and looked at the XLR 340x12hp, I was surprised to find it did not have a utility hookup center like most all other fifth wheels and toy haulers (where all the connections, and dump handles, etc are in one place behind closed door). I see the AMP's have them...is this an option or just the way it is on the XLR (non AMP models)? Is this a big deal (to not have this setup), or no?

[bulletbob]

It really depends on how much room there is in the front storage area. Little storage means not enough room for the hook up center.

[ykdave]

went to a big RV show here last weekend, and although i can say their are some nice looking interiors/layouts in other models, i still would not go with anything other than another XLR thunderbolt as far as components/build goes.

i originally had planned on a 415amp, as i do like the layout better than my 395amp, but the dealer had this unit 'used' and with nearly a 30k price difference i 'settled' for the 395 LOL

[Davepasch]

You won't find a tougher built trailer for the money other than an XLR. Just crawl around under one and you'll see my point.

[gtsum2]

I looked at fuzion, Spartan, nitro and xlr yesterday at the rv show. For price, build quality and weight, I thinknthe xlr is tough to beat. Will be placing an order for a 2015 xlr 340x12hp here soon!

[clarkchriston]

Had many trailers in the past but our new XLR 380 AMP is the cats meow. Would not change a thing about it.

[chpence1]

We also really enjoy our 380 Amp. The glass makes the difference!

[clarkchriston]

It sure does. My in-laws have property along the river and our trailer door side has always looked out over the river. Problem is that most of our other trailers had the windows on the opposite side of the door. It never really mattered to me but luckily my wife knows better. Ours does not have flood lights on the door side (but has led awning lights), and the bedroom does not get tons of heat from the heater. The warmest room in out unit is the half bath. I think the furnace must be under the stove so its a short, straight shot to the back bath. We joke we have heated toilet back there.

[chpence1]

I agree it take of least resistance. .... or the shortest route out. We popped off the outlets and used aluminum foil to block and to manage the flow somewhat....

[clarkchriston]

I was originally looking for an open close type of valve but could not find a round one. I will probably just cap it of somehow as the other closest outlet is in the garage and that one gives off tons of heat too.

[chpence1]

I was thinking about this and I wonder if a gate valve like for fluid exhaust would work....
I was looking on Web and found several all different sizes.

[chpence1]

They were all round.

[TheFordes]

We just taped the back with the aluminum tape and put them back in. So they look the dame but nothing comes out