Crusader 294 or 290

[wicked1]

I am getting away from TT and moving to 5th wheel, based on towing ability of my 2014 Ford F150FX4 with EcoBoost engine I can tow 11,300 lbs so looking at both these modesls with a Reese 16K 5th Wheel Slider Hitch.

Just curious how the 290 stacks up against the 294 basically same weight and size but the 294 seems to offer center island and much more storage. We travel a lot of campground to campground so having more storage and a 5th wheel seems like a good idea, and out of all the models out there, I like the PT Crusaders the best.

Looking for ideas or opinions but these are def the 2 models I like and will be going new with extended warranty.

[heavynlori]

294 has more counter space - always a PLUS - can you access fridge with slides in on the 290? Looks like maybe not


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[heavynlori]

The 295 is nice too 👍


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[rscconrad]

290 you can access everything except the bottom drawers in the bedroom slide with all the slides in. I literally mean everything. It was the reason I went with it.

It is very similar to the 294 but there is not island in my opinion getting in the way. Less storage in the kitchen. This needs to be researched more, but isn't the slide in the 294 like the ones causing all the issues with the underside wearing. It adds the stove into the slide thus becoming larger than the 290 slide.

I have no wear issues on any of the 290 slides.

That extra foot means you do not have to store the rear reclined when traveling however. Also the 290 chairs are swivel rockers not recliners.

Either choice I think is a good choice.

Robert

[wicked1]

295 is nice too, but I am not a fan of the kitchen and entertainment unit sitting side by side, but it is close in comparison to the 290 and 294.

[Planostu]

I have a 2015 294. Counter space is the biggest advantage over my buddy's 290 and next is the chairs. He has swivel rockers that are pretty tight. I'm only 6' 185 lbs and they are too small for me for more than 15 mins. His 290 is what got us looking at PT as we liked the features. He tows his with a f150 and does fine. We were considering the 295 until we saw the 294 floor plan as it has more windows. Yes,that kitchen slide is long and heavy and leaves a small indent on the floor as does the living slide. You have to bump out the slide 3" to get the fridge door to open in order to clear the center island. After a few upgrades I made, I have a few gripes that will get worked out at dealer warranty visit but overall has been a positive experience since taking delivery in May.


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by Planostu

I have a 2015 294. Counter space is the biggest advantage over my buddy's 290 and next is the chairs. He has swivel rockers that are pretty tight. I'm only 6' 185 lbs and they are too small for me for more than 15 mins. His 290 is what got us looking at PT as we liked the features. He tows his with a f150 and does fine. We were considering the 295 until we saw the 294 floor plan as it has more windows. Yes,that kitchen slide is long and heavy and leaves a small indent on the floor as does the living slide. You have to bump out the slide 3" to get the fridge door to open in order to clear the center island. After a few upgrades I made, I have a few gripes that will get worked out at dealer warranty visit but overall has been a positive experience since taking delivery in May.


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram

IMO one of the "gripes" I would address wihile at the dealer is the "indent" on the floor!!! That's a first for me. I have seen tears in the vinyl floor from mis-aligned/improperly installed slides (and that was on display in the dealers lot, not a PT product however). The slide should NOT rub/touch the floor at all.

[Planostu]

Thanks Racer. It is on the punch list as it has gotten worse since this picture was taken. And is occurring on both sides now. So, when these slides are pulled in, the front edge should "not" be touching the floor? My countertop was cut too deep for the range as well as that needs to be replaced. Dropped a nice chef knife back there and only way to retrieve it is to pull out the stupid range...


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by Planostu

Thanks Racer. It is on the punch list as it has gotten worse since this picture was taken. And is occurring on both sides now. So, when these slides are pulled in, the front edge should "not" be touching the floor? My countertop was cut too deep for the range as well as that needs to be replaced. Dropped a nice chef Attachment 62047Attachment 62048knife back there and only way to retrieve it is to pull out the stupid range...


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram

Nope. As a matter of fact, on my previous 2 TT's, the front edge of the slides would "tip up" just as the slide came to a complete close. Also, my previous TT had a nice wood board behind the range top. Never investigated this but, maybe the counters are cut to accomodate a larger stove and they used the board to "finish" this area on the smaller stoves? Just forgot it on yours?

Edit; The slide shouldn't touch floor while coming in either and should "tip up" even further away as I said earlier. And, I would get them to replace the vinyl too.

[kohai]

Originally Posted by Planostu

Thanks Racer. It is on the punch list as it has gotten worse since this picture was taken. And is occurring on both sides now. So, when these slides are pulled in, the front edge should "not" be touching the floor? My countertop was cut too deep for the range as well as that needs to be replaced. Dropped a nice chef Attachment 62047Attachment 62048knife back there and only way to retrieve it is to pull out the stupid range...


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram

I have that same gap behind my stove. I asked my dealer about it and they said they all have that. (Not sure why they would want that gap there...)

[Planostu]

I just got a reply from PT factory that gap is normal and is there to "allow the top to move up and down". Not clear what up and down means but it sounds like there are many like this. Sure does look like a mistake!

[wicked1]

Would anyone of you buy a 2012-2013 used 290 or 294 I have found new ones 2014-2015 run from $35K to $40K I was hoping to get one for mid $20K cash or do I go new will not be upgrading after this one kids are all big and only GF and I go camping?

[heavynlori]

After having 6 used campers including two truck campers, a pop-up, a small travel trailer ( all deer hunting rigs !! ) and two other fifth wheels....it was nice to buy our first brand new fifth wheel this time when we bought our Crusader 👍. It is still just the two of us so no plans to buy again for awhile (hopefully)


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