We just sold our Rockwood A122 and bought a 2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW (same as Rockwood A213HW).
We investigated all the Rockwood/Flagstaff A-frame models (as well as other makes) before settling on the twin bed/high wall layout as best suited to our camping style. the A214HW was initially our choice, but after looking at both, we finally chose the twin bed without the shower. Why?
- Our camping style is normally 1-4 nights in a given site. Then it's back home or on to another place/park. The ease of setup and take-down is very important to making the short stays fun. We use the inside of the A-frame for sleeping and napping/lounging when weather outside is nasty or too hot. We have never cooked inside the A-frame yet (except for using the microwave). We have always cooked and washed dishes at the picnic table. If your camping style is different, then your needs/wants will be different. I install 2 GC-2 batteries to carry us for the stay when dry camping. No generator or solar needed (so no additional setup/take down or monitoring) with reasonable power use.
- The single full/queen bed in the A122 resulted in me crawling over my wife to get up in the morning, or in the middle of the night, or to walk the dog. The high wall does significantly improve the headroom for the person on the outside, which makes the full/queen more acceptable. But here is still a crawl-over, which the twin/king bed eliminates.
- Having a toilet inside was a highly desirable want/necessity for our upgrade due to the nastiness of a few of the vault toilets that are prevalent in National Forest (and many state park) campgrounds in Colorado. Most are kept clean, but a few are not, especially in the off season.
- The shower is not so much of a thing for us. We had one in the tent pop-up prior to our 1st A-frame, but never used it. If we are really desperate for a shower at the site, a sponge bath with the outside shower suffices.
- The shower wall and enclosed toilet adds to setup/take-down complexity with little gained for us. The toilet privacy is not that important for something we don't use on most trips. When not in use, the toilet cabinet cover in the TBHW is a useful surface to put stuff.
- Probably the deciding factor was the unusable dinette (for us) in the A214HW. The wheel well intrudes on the foot space under the table, and the short length means our feet will be touching. Because of the small dinette, there is a shortage of usable lounge space, and there is only the one bed. The TBHW (A213) has the twin beds with an aisle between, which can be filled with a cushion to make a king bed. And the dinette provides another single bed, as well as seating for 3.
- The dormer really adds light and airiness to an A-frame. The dormer window is above "peer-in" height, which gives privacy with the light. The dormer also adds complexity, weight, and cuts out any rear view over the top of the camper when towing. The dormer is a net plus in my eyes, but there are drawbacks.
- The TBHW has a much larger sink than my A122 did. This sink appears usable, though I have not used it yet. The sink drain on the outside is now a garden hose standard fitting instead of the 1.5in monstrosity of old. I just screw on a short standard hose and put the end in a bucket.
- The higher cabinets on the high wall models make using the fridge, stove, microwave, sink, and drawers/cabinets much less of bend-over operation. We like it. The drawback is noticeably increased wind resistance for my tow vehicle (minivan).
Hope this helps in your evaluation and decision.
Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time
Linear Mode
