Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-22-2016, 07:38 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 19
Any Catalina 283 RKS owners?

As we have outgrown our 2005 Coachmen Cascade DLX 218 FL, we have ordered in a 283RKS. Does anyone here have this model?

After going back and forth between Springdale & Coachmen in similar layouts, I feel the Coachmen to be the best bang for the buck. I realize our '05 was before FR took over Coachmen but we have honestly had no non user created problems with it. After browsing other manufacturers forums it seems they all have their own issues no matter what the price point so we just went with the one we liked the best within our budget.
CreteCoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2016, 08:16 PM   #2
Professional Curmudgeon
 
wrvond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
We really like ours. One suggestion is to have them install a door over the refrigerator.


__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
wrvond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2016, 08:44 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 19
Pretty nifty idea. Is yours the 251? I really wanted the seperate door to the kitchen but wanted the 2 chairs more so I went with the 283. Glad to hear you are enjoying yours!
CreteCoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2016, 08:56 PM   #4
Professional Curmudgeon
 
wrvond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
Quote:
Originally Posted by CreteCoater View Post
Pretty nifty idea. Is yours the 251? I really wanted the seperate door to the kitchen but wanted the 2 chairs more so I went with the 283. Glad to hear you are enjoying yours!
I'm sorry! What a difference one digit makes, eh?

We went with the 253 RKS because it was important to have full access to the kitchen with the slide in and a separate door to the bathroom.
However, those two chairs look really inviting!
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
wrvond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2016, 07:04 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Robbsails's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Lenexa,
Posts: 110
Has anyone had a problem with the high profile of f their TT, we just bought a Catalina 24.3 RBS and seem to have a problem on the highway with the TT causing a little sway in my Silverado. And yes I have a Anti Sway bar! Could it be that I am not used to the higher profile trailer? Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Robbsails is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2016, 09:19 PM   #6
Professional Curmudgeon
 
wrvond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
I recommend getting everything weighed and ensure the trailer tongue weight is around 13% of the trailer's total weight. A tongue that is too light is prone to sway.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
wrvond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2016, 08:06 PM   #7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
283rks

We just purchased a new 2016 283rks and are going on our first trip tomorrow. We downsized from a Big Horn 3585RL and so far the DW is making the necessary adjustments of not having as much storage as we used to. The first thing I did was put proflex around all the outside joints where the peanut butter tape is and sealed it to prevent any issues. Secondly, I built a battery storage on top of the frame and cut off the between the frame(Because I want two batteries) I also installed a 2 battery cutoff instead of disconnecting at the battery. I have lots of mods I plan to make. I miss having a light in the basement as well, but soon plan to solve that issue too!
yepuhuh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2016, 08:18 PM   #8
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by yepuhuh View Post
We just purchased a new 2016 283rks and are going on our first trip tomorrow. We downsized from a Big Horn 3585RL and so far the DW is making the necessary adjustments of not having as much storage as we used to. The first thing I did was put proflex around all the outside joints where the peanut butter tape is and sealed it to prevent any issues. Secondly, I built a battery storage on top of the frame and cut off the between the frame(Because I want two batteries) I also installed a 2 battery cutoff instead of disconnecting at the battery. I have lots of mods I plan to make. I miss having a light in the basement as well, but soon plan to solve that issue too!
Please post after your trip and let me know how you like it! Ours is "supposedly" to be off the line on the 20th and at the dealer by the end of next week. Hopefully all goes as scheduled as we have reservations for the 4th.
CreteCoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2016, 06:43 PM   #9
Sky&Scuba
 
kendive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 120
Quote:
Originally Posted by wrvond View Post
I'm sorry! What a difference one digit makes, eh?

We went with the 253 RKS because it was important to have full access to the kitchen with the slide in and a separate door to the bathroom.
However, those two chairs look really inviting!
We just traded our Flagstaff 25KS for the Catalina 253 RKS and love it. I have already rewired most things the way I want it. Installed the Surge Protector and Voltage reg into the RV. Mounted and wired in a switch with pilot light to be able to turn on the water heater on and off from the inside. Wired in a dimmer for the LED strip under the awning. I find it pretty bright and like to control that. Also wired in a little fan for the fridge.

Pics to follow...

kendive is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2016, 09:12 PM   #10
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
we thoroughly enjoyed it for the week we camped in it.
Next mods I did was traded out all the auto light bulbs with LED light bulbs to use less battery .
yepuhuh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2016, 10:23 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 283
We purchased a 2017 283RKS about a month ago. Really like the floorplan.
Crabman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2016, 11:38 AM   #12
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 19
We really enjoy ours as well, especially the kitchen area and the living room fireplace. We have had zero issues so far.
CreteCoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2016, 01:52 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 283
Ours did not have the fireplace which I saw on other units and that looks like a great option but does have the trifold hide-a-bed and table and chairs options along with enclosed underbelly. Some of the upgrades for 2017 like LED lights throughout, under the counter sink, aluminum sport wheels are nice too.
Crabman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2016, 03:38 PM   #14
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crabman View Post
Ours did not have the fireplace which I saw on other units and that looks like a great option but does have the trifold hide-a-bed and table and chairs options along with enclosed underbelly. Some of the upgrades for 2017 like LED lights throughout, under the counter sink, aluminum sport wheels are nice too.
The table and chairs were a must for her and the swivel chairs were on my list. I just wish it didn't look like this at the moment....

Click image for larger version

Name:	20161211_153357.jpg
Views:	128
Size:	104.5 KB
ID:	126509
CreteCoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2016, 08:28 PM   #15
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 24
Smile Any Catalina 283 RKS Owners

Got my 283RKS Mar 2017, the only thing I was disappoint in was the radio, no am what so ever, on antenna. Will have to put one in.
ilcamphost is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2016, 08:31 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 283
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilcamphost View Post
Got my 283RKS Mar 2017, the only thing I was disappoint in was the radio, no am what so ever, on antenna. Will have to put one in.
Have not tried AM but FM comes in loud and clear on my 2017....
__________________
2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab
Crabman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2016, 10:30 PM   #17
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 24
Smile

E'mailed Kerry Grimm, Catalina Warranty Manager, found out that there is no AM antenna. I will be adding onein the spring after I get the TT out ofstorage.
ilcamphost is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2017, 09:28 AM   #18
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
first and second trip report

Meant to post this sooner but have been busy.

After camping for 2 months in ours I made up a list of things to modify.

1). Do some rewiring in Tv area to install an HDMI wall plug and
add another 120v wall plug.
2). Install better speakers....these are pathetic and already busted sounded.
3). Relocate awning switch and light nearer to door.
4). Lightswitch in Bedroom DW can't reach light over bed.
5). Install dometic 310 toilet and get rid of the plastic one.
6). redo plumbing under sink
7). install tornado black tank flush
8). shower valve
9). camper tire covers
10). told by cable guy we have a bad connection in the cable
somewhere - rewire cable
11). install convection microwave
12). install cabinet lights




This will keep me busy prior to our out west trip this summer getting it ready....
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1130161625_HDR.jpg
Views:	87
Size:	244.0 KB
ID:	127990  
yepuhuh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2017, 09:40 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 283
^^Let us know how you put in the light switch in the bedroom. My previous trailer and this one have the light over the bed with no wall switch and I have always thought that was not well thought out and agree its a PITA to reach. Should be on the wall as you enter the bedroom. After I brought mine home I took out the access panel to the pump to look things over and the intake line to the pump was kinked almost to the point where it could not draw. It was poorly routed so I rerouted and got the kink out. Are you going with a porcelain toilet? Let us know how that goes as well, I might try that upgrade one day as well.
__________________
2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab
Crabman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2017, 07:48 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Palms's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 107
Quote:
Originally Posted by yepuhuh View Post
Meant to post this sooner but have been busy.



After camping for 2 months in ours I made up a list of things to modify.



1). Do some rewiring in Tv area to install an HDMI wall plug and

add another 120v wall plug.

2). Install better speakers....these are pathetic and already busted sounded.

3). Relocate awning switch and light nearer to door.

4). Lightswitch in Bedroom DW can't reach light over bed.

5). Install dometic 310 toilet and get rid of the plastic one.

6). redo plumbing under sink

7). install tornado black tank flush

8). shower valve

9). camper tire covers

10). told by cable guy we have a bad connection in the cable

somewhere - rewire cable

11). install convection microwave

12). install cabinet lights









This will keep me busy prior to our out west trip this summer getting it ready....


Is your photo in Brunswick Ga?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
__________________
2017 Forest River Rockwood MiniLite 1905
2016 Jeep Cherokee High Altitude Limited
Thanking the ONE above for the great life here below...
Palms is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
cat, catalina

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:17 AM.