Shake down with the Crusader 335bhs

[EODfamily]

Thought I would take a moment and share our first experience with our new 335. We left southern maryland on Saturday and drove through some hefty winds to Williamsburg VA. We have had no problems so far. The electric fireplace worked out real well with temps in the 20s and 30s the first two nights. It looks like there is some slight rubbing on the edge of the bunk house slide and some of the kitchen can its came open in travel, but other than that no problems. I hope everybody has a great start to the camping season.

[EODfamily]

Figured out how to add a picture

[Houstonkid]

Very nice!

[EXGMTech]

Welcome to the 335BHS club!
Where do you keep your bar stools during travel?
Keep that front cap waxed!!!

[EODfamily]

Thanks for the welcome. I have been monitoring the post about the oxidation issue. I guess I will research some of the products that have been mentioned and go from there. Got to say though we really like the trailer and this first trip for 5 days should be a learning experience.

[dgiturbo]

Should be picking my 2015 335BHS in the AM!!! 2 years of research covering TV's and Crusader models, and I finally pulled the trigger, and signed on the dotted line. Already have the RAM 2500 Laramie Cummins, and now here comes the Crusader 335 BHS TE.

Many thanks to all that have posted about their experiences. I will definitely look closely at the front cap, under the slides, travel with the bunks in the down position, grease the axles, set the tires to 80 cold, watch for issues with the vacuum break valve in the BTF and copy the great ideas with the better bathroom sink and TP holder.

Right off the bat, I am swapping out the "hers" round toilet for a "his" elongated bowl Revolution 320, and replacing the BTF and City water fill with brass female fittings. (lessons learned from my traded Tracer 230FBS)

This will be my first time towing a 5er, so I expect a learning curve. Hopefully a short one. Went with a PullRite SuperGlide 20K, as I don't want a short bed turning mistake.

Anyways, if all goes well tomorrow, will snap a few pics to post and update my Avatar. Now we need to plan a place for the maiden voyage.
Cheers.

[Todouble]

Originally Posted by dgiturbo

Should be picking my 2015 335BHS in the AM!!! 2 years of research covering TV's and Crusader models, and I finally pulled the trigger, and signed on the dotted line. Already have the RAM 2500 Laramie Cummins, and now here comes the Crusader 335 BHS TE.

Many thanks to all that have posted about their experiences. I will definitely look closely at the front cap, under the slides, travel with the bunks in the down position, grease the axles, set the tires to 80 cold, watch for issues with the vacuum break valve in the BTF and copy the great ideas with the better bathroom sink and TP holder.

Right off the bat, I am swapping out the "hers" round toilet for a "his" elongated bowl Revolution 320, and replacing the BTF and City water fill with brass female fittings. (lessons learned from my traded Tracer 230FBS)

This will be my first time towing a 5er, so I expect a learning curve. Hopefully a short one. Went with a PullRite SuperGlide 20K, as I don't want a short bed turning mistake.

Anyways, if all goes well tomorrow, will snap a few pics to post and update my Avatar. Now we need to plan a place for the maiden voyage.
Cheers.

Sorry for the hijack but what's the problem crusaders are having with the vacuum breaker. I have a small issue develop this wknd that sounds like this?

[EXGMTech]

Originally Posted by Todouble

Sorry for the hijack but what's the problem crusaders are having with the vacuum breaker. I have a small issue develop this wknd that sounds like this?

the factory one is a cheapy plastic one known to break causing massive water damage if not caught quickly. Located behind the shower knob panel tacked to a stud. Get a brass one & be done with it.

[Todouble]

Originally Posted by EXGMTech

the factory one is a cheapy plastic one known to break causing massive water damage if not caught quickly. Located behind the shower knob panel tacked to a stud. Get a brass one & be done with it.

I was using the black tank flush this weekend and was get some water come down thru the underbelly right where sewer hose connects. Kind of seeping thru the expanded foam. Was a steady drip but stopped when I stopped the blank tank flush. Does that sound like it?

[EXGMTech]

that's it.....what happened to me

[Todouble]

Where did you get the new brass one?

[EXGMTech]

Originally Posted by Todouble

Where did you get the new brass one?

here:

Bronze Vacuum Breaker with Check Valve

[Todouble]

Originally Posted by EXGMTech

here:

Bronze Vacuum Breaker with Check Valve

Thanks!

[EXGMTech]

here is my original post dealing with this issue:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ers-70716.html

please read my additional warning about properly sealing the new valve....Teflon tape does NOT work sealing it! (post #33)

[flyingfarmer]

Does anyone know if the vacuum break valve is in the same location on the crusader 295rst as it is on the 335?

[EXGMTech]

Originally Posted by flyingfarmer

Does anyone know if the vacuum break valve is in the same location on the crusader 295rst as it is on the 335?

the front half of the 295 is the same as the 335 so my bet is yes.

[Markandmelly]

Hi everyone. I am getting pretty serious about trading in our PT 319QBS for a 335BHS 5'er. I know this is an older thread, but I am wondering if those with the 335 specifically can tell me the things they like and don't like about them now that they have had them for 1-2 years.
Personally we want the outside kitchen and bunk house so that is why this model stands out. Would love a second AC unit but does not appear to be offered by Prime Time. Anyone added a second "aftermarket"?
Are they truly able to be used down to 0 degrees?
I am sure I will offend some, but can the fireplace be removed and doors put on the cabinet for additional storage?
Are the sofa's quality still, and comfortable to sit on during long stays?
Thanks everyone. Really appreciate the posts on this site. Very informative!

[EXGMTech]

I can say over all we are very satisfied with ours ('13). Only major issue so far was the faded front cap that has been resolved by PT at no cost to me. I don't know how hot Utah gets but here in PA we have seen some really hot/humid days & not once did I feel the single 15k a/c couldn't keep up. A second unit isn't even a consideration to us. The one & only thing I would say might be an issue is the ceiling height in the master bdrm. We're 5'8 & 5'6 and have no problem...anyone in the 6' area might, and that's only when getting into bed from the sides.
If you're camping in cooler weather I wouldn't remove the fire place...does a great job of taking the chill out!
The couch is quite comfy & held up well, same with the bunkhouse couch.
With everything else you can't beat it...with all the features you get it's truly a lot of bang for the buck & light weight too! Good luck!

[cwc510117]

We have had our 335 11 months and really like it. As stated before on hot humid days do feel a 2nd ac would help. Last year we camped in NE Ohio using only the fireplace up until we woke up one morning in November to 4" of snow at which point the party was over for my wife. We have developed a slide sync problem that I am fighting with at the moment in the bedroom. I agree with last post on bedroom height I am 6' and sleep on the road did and have hit my head on the TV antenna crank a few times. Those are the only negatives that we have found and overall are very happy with the unit.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Houstonkid]

Originally Posted by Markandmelly

Personally we want the outside kitchen and bunk house so that is why this model stands out. Would love a second AC unit but does not appear to be offered by Prime Time. Anyone added a second "aftermarket"?

Call your dealer or Primetime directly, I bought a Crusader last summer that came from the factory with dual AC's, pretty much a necessity down here in Texas.

If they will not make it anymore and they come prewired it really is no big deal to have one added.