Goodbye LaCrosse.....Hello Crusader!

[Houstonkid]

We traded in our 2013 Lacrosse yesterday and took delivery of this 2015 Crusader 315RST.

The main reason for the trade is that the Lacrosse only had 1 AC and it just didn't cut it in this Texas heat. There were a couple of things layout wise I didn't like also, one being the dump valves were under a slide. Storage space was horrible also. That being said, the fit & finish of the Lacrosse was great. I had one minor issue with the Lacrosse after the purchase and that was it. The fridge would not light on gas, come to find out the igniter was not aligned over the gas tube properly. Another con was the Lacrosse was 35+' long and that is just a beast for a bumper pull.

So, that being said, he is the new Crusader and so far we are very excited. I wasn't near this excited when we got the Lacrosse so that is a good thing! We are going to a local Jellystone park next weekend for our shakedown trip.

A couple of things to clear up that came up on some of my earlier threads this week. Yes, Primetime is shipping trailers with both AC's installed. And one of the cooler things not listed on the PT website for crusaders, they have the LED strips on the trailer under the awnings on the crusader, I only saw it listed for the Spartans on the website.

And yes, it appears airbags are in my very near future!

[keepaeyeonit]

Congrads on your new trailer,looks nice in the Champaign color makes me wish I had that color but I don't .I can't believe the squat that the truck has with only 2000 LBS on it, there starting to build pickups more like cars and less like trucks but I'm sure it rides nice.Keepaeyeonit

[Houstonkid]

Thanks Keep! Yeah, I am a little disappointed with the squat on the truck. In the grand scheme of things this is a relatively light 5th wheel. The fresh water was about 3/4 full and I let it drain for the hour ride back home. The squat wasn't as bad when I got to storage.

Other than my white knuckles (first time towing a 5'er, EVER, and towed it home through Houston) it towed great. A little different experience than towing a bumper pull though.

[irishrv]

Airbags are a good option. I've had 3 trucks with them and won't tow without. Not only do they get you level they also remove harshness from going over large ruts and bumps when loaded.


2014 295rst champ te
2009 2500hd GMC d/a

[Todouble]

I agree with bags. I have a 250 as well and tow my crusader 315. You will need the bags to level out and they make the ride like night and day. I won't own another truck without them. I do have to say I'm jealous of your led strip and second ac. Ours is a 14 and wasn't an option.


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[cajun225]

Welcome to the Crusader family. We just got our 351REQ last month and love it.

The squatting thing must be a 4 x 4 thing or a Ford thing(LOL Im a chevy guy). But anyway with my 351 loaded out my 2500HD sits level but I am getting bag to help the ride on our Louisiana roads LOL.

[Houstonkid]

Thanks todouble. Hopefully the second ac is all its cracked up to be.

Cajun, joke all you want but I seriously think it is a ford issue, which is a soft suspension....kind of embarrassing for a ford guy!

[ironj]

Second a/c is realistically the only way to keep nice and cool in tx...I would not even look twice at any unit over 26 or so ft without it..

As for the truck, unless you have the camper pack, or 350 rear blocks its gonna squat when loaded over ~1000lbs...I got tired of my bixenon projectors being aimed into traffic so mine now has the extra overload spring, AND bags...in retrospect I probably coulda just put bags and had been done...but I put the springs and lift block in before....

The bags make a world of towing diff in my opinion. ..

[Houstonkid]

Air bags are currently getting installed. Our shake down trip is to a camp ground about 25 miles away so I will be able to get decent feel of how they work...and looking forward to that 2nd AC!

[Planostu]

Houston, I am just up 45 a few hours north of you and 2nd AC is required!!Very nice rig and matches 250. 2nd AC was the first thing I added to my 2015 294. It will flippin' freeze the bedroom out. Wish it was all tied in to same duct as rear so could push air back there. My f250 squatted badly with this pin weight but was immediately stolen before I added the airbags. I replaced it with a new 2014 2500 Ram with coil springs. While the Ram does not squat with the same pin weight, I miss the smooth ride I had with my f250 when empty. Will put the Rancho RS9000 shocks on if they ever introduce them for this model. Had them on my f250 and loved that ride! The led light strip on awning is awesome. You will find that you can perform surgery when it is on but every insect in Texas shows up to eat. I bought a dimmer switch on Amazon but have not installed it yet as getting to back side of switch panel is not easy. So will try doing it all from the front side. Good luck with new toy.


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[Houstonkid]

Thanks Plano, really looking forward to that trip tomorrow. Air bags are installed and I ready to go. Based on the weather forecast we just may get really familiarized with the inside of the RV. The deluge you guys got last night is headed our way.

[mdalb20]

Enjoy your new rig. We had similar "squat" with our 295RST and I installed Timbrens..That took care of it

[Planostu]

Houston, let us know how the shakedown went, I installed JT Strong Arms today before we head to Destin next week. Stopped the rocking and rolling my 100 lb wife makes happen just by walking from front to back. Was really bad when my 200 lbs moved around. These arms made a very positive improvement. Took 5 hours though...


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[Houstonkid]

Looks good, that may be might next mod, who knows. The Crusader may not feel so bad compared to the Lacrosse, it was 36' and if my wife or I even rolled over in bed it shook the trailer.

[another_newfie]

Planpostu did you run into any issues installing the JT's? I notice your battery box is removed.

Are you doing anything with the rears?

[Planostu]

Really only issue was their instructions are a little dated. They assume everyone still has jacks at the rear bumper in their install photos and drawings. Mine are telescoping behind the rear wheels but same basic principal. Otherwise, it was straightforward job that has you up and down a lot! It was a job of 10,000 steps for me as I had it parked in my shop from the opposite end where my tools are kept.


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram

[irishrv]

What did you bolt the rear arms to? Install a crossmember?


2014 295rst champ te
2009 2500hd GMC d/a

[Planostu]

Yes, there is a C channel that runs between our rear landing gear. Drill 5/16" holes for brackets and use a drill/driver to insert the self tapping bolts. Since you only install arms in the rear, they went pretty quickly.


2015 Crusader 294RLT, 2014 2500 Ram