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Old 10-12-2015, 09:41 AM   #1
Pickin', Campin', Mason
 
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8529IKBS - Impressed and Pleasantly Surprised!

We took delivery of our 8529IKBS on Friday!

First let me say that through the entire process of selection, ordering and delivery, our dealer, B & R Camper Sales in Butler, PA was absolutely fantastic!

They went the extra mile in all facets of getting this unit in our possession.
Highly recommended.

Secondly, I want to give kudos to Forest River!
We often read here all the bad things that can (and do) happen but in our case, we were pleasantly surprised with everything that this unit is. From the fit & finish right down to the details, FR went the extra mile to deliver a super fantastic 5th wheel.

We traded out campers on Friday and then spent the weekend in a campground about an hour north of our dealer.
During the weekend, both my DW and I went over this thing pretty close and really, we only have just a few very minor things to address.

The icing on the cake for us were the extras/upgrades we weren't expecting!

I had scoured the internet thoroughly for information on this new unit before we ordered since FR had no literature and few were available to see. (none near us) With the information we had obtained, there were just a few small things that we didn't like but enough to like, to proceed with the order anyway.

We didn't care for the small front awning we seen on some of the early models and we also didn't care for the small window near the top center.
The reasons for the awning are obvious but the reason we didn't care for the window was, there is no blind or covering for that window and when in other models of 5th wheels with the same window, it left too much light into the bedroom area during the day. Yes, I realize that is a small complaint but it was a concern for us. It may never bother anyone else.

On arrival we've discovered FR has changed the entry side exterior design to add a longer awning and eliminated the small, upper window. It is EXACTLY what we were wishing for!

We also received a second Max-Air fan & cover (with wall controls) that we hadn't ordered. Not sure how that one happened but we are thrilled none the less!

The kitchen island has a nice new metal base that really supports the island much sturdier and makes the under island illumination lights glow perfectly.

The Lazy Boy recliners are larger than earlier models.

The sofa has been redesigned (yet again) but for the better.
It pulls out and folds out to make a nice bed. It sits super nice too with bigger armrests.

The spare tire is now located up under the unit behind the rear axle.

The bumper has been extended to allow for the factory bike rack. (if so desired) Without the bike rack it looks slightly out of place but with the possibilities of using that space for other things while camping, I'm sure it will grow on us.

It tows wonderfully and is just what you'd expect from a 5th wheel perspective.

Anyway, enough for now here are a few outside pictures. I'll try to post a few interior photos when possible.

Oh... BTW... did I mention we are super happy?
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Old 10-12-2015, 01:47 PM   #2
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What year is this one? We bought the 2016 2 weeks ago and love it.
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Old 10-12-2015, 02:03 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by OswegoLion View Post
What year is this one? We bought the 2016 2 weeks ago and love it.
OswegoLion,

Ours is a brand new 2016 that came off the assembly line 10 days ago.

I've followed your posts involving your purchase.
Keep in mind ours is a 8529IKBS vs your 8528IKWS.

Both are very similar and we almost pulled the trigger on the model you have before we found out about this new model and ordered it instead.

Similar in that the kitchen/living area is laid out almost the same but ours has the bed slide out the back instead of the wardrobe slide out the front.

Ours has a double door refrigerator and different cabinetry on the wall between the kitchen/bath. The microwave was also moved from that wall to above the stove as well.

We hope to love ours too before we have to put her to bed for winter as we will only get just a few more camping trips in before the snow flies here in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Pennsylvania.
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:30 AM   #4
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Here are a couple of interior photos.
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:40 AM   #5
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Nice unit!

Your floorplan is similar to my Windjammer 3029W travel trailer. Your living room area is identical. Don't you like how the entertainment center and TV are angled so you can wTch TV from any seat without twisting your head?

Bruce
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:42 AM   #6
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And all those windows! Don't you love it?

Bruce
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:48 AM   #7
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Similar to mine. I have darker wood and love the electric fireplace especially when we spend early summer to mid fall in Central New York.
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:57 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nomad297 View Post
Nice unit!

Your floorplan is similar to my Windjammer 3029W travel trailer. Your living room area is identical. Don't you like how the entertainment center and TV are angled so you can wTch TV from any seat without twisting your head?

Bruce
We really do like the floorplan. It suits us to a tee!
And yes, all the windows provide a fabulous view when having to be stuck inside.
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Old 10-14-2015, 08:02 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OswegoLion View Post
Similar to mine. I have darker wood and love the electric fireplace especially when we spend early summer to mid fall in Central New York.
We opted to not get the fireplace and have more storage.
We plan to use this thing more than just on weekends in the future and storage won out. I'm sure here in the mountains of PA, the fireplace would have got a work out too but hopefully we'll be somewhere warmer in a few years.
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Old 10-14-2015, 11:23 AM   #10
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That is a beautiful 5er. I didn't even know they made that model as I never saw it on Forest Rivers website.

Just curious, does it have one grey tank dump valve or two separate ones (front and back)?
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Old 10-14-2015, 01:23 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Mtelkman View Post
That is a beautiful 5er. I didn't even know they made that model as I never saw it on Forest Rivers website.

Just curious, does it have one grey tank dump valve or two separate ones (front and back)?
Thanks everyone for the kind words!

Mtelkman,

Forest River seems notoriously slow to get new models and changes to their web site. The new literature that just came out late last week does have this model listed in it but the pictures inside do not reflect any of the changes I mentioned above such as the redesigned front side and longer awning. It's a shame because unless you really do your homework, you'd miss out on knowing what we feel are huge improvements.

This unit has two sewer hose, port connections.

The front port has the black tank drain handle and the grey tank drain handle right beside the hose connection.

The rear port (about 10" rearward) has the galley drain handle next to it.

For a long stay you'd either have to have a wye into a single hose or dump the black/grey first, unhook, then reattach and dump the galley. Really not a big deal breaker either way as they are not under the slide and very easy to access.
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Old 10-14-2015, 01:36 PM   #12
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We purchased our 2016 Flagstaff 27RLWS from B & R Camper Sales in Butler as well. X2 on their service and dealership. I was very pleased with this delaer. They took the extra time to make sure everything was right.
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Old 10-14-2015, 02:36 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by lciaramitaro View Post
We purchased our 2016 Flagstaff 27RLWS from B & R Camper Sales in Butler as well. X2 on their service and dealership. I was very pleased with this delaer. They took the extra time to make sure everything was right.
Glad to hear someone else's opinion matched ours.
They sure were good to us.
We spent three + hours there during pick up and PDI and then the whole crew pitched in and helped transfer our stuff from one to the other in the rain no less. (new one was inside...old one outside)
Super family run, operation.

Enjoy your 27RLWS!
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:37 PM   #14
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[QUOTE=5picker;1007781]OswegoLion,

Ours is a brand new 2016 that came off the assembly line 10 days ago.

I've followed your posts involving your purchase.
Keep in mind ours is a 8529IKBS vs your 8528IKWS.

Both are very similar and we almost pulled the trigger on the model you have before we found out about this new model and ordered it instead.

Similar in that the kitchen/living area is laid out almost the same but ours has the bed slide out the back instead of the wardrobe slide out the front.

Ours has a double door refrigerator and different cabinetry on the wall between the kitchen/bath. The microwave was also moved from that wall to above the stove as well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just wondering how you all found out about this model. I just went onto FR's web site and they don't list this model number at all. They have the 8528 listed with the bed going front to back.
Do you have the length and weight of your trailer, just wondering how much it changed from the older models.
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Old 10-14-2015, 09:14 PM   #15
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Just wondering how you all found out about this model. I just went onto FR's web site and they don't list this model number at all. They have the 8528 listed with the bed going front to back.
Do you have the length and weight of your trailer, just wondering how much it changed from the older models.
We found out about this model through our dealer when we went there to discuss ordering the 8528IKWS. They told us they had just received information on this 8529IKBS from Flagstaff.

It is my understanding the Rockwood equivalent (8299BS) was shown at the Goshen Rally earlier this summer and several Rockwoods had been built and delivered to Rockwood dealers before the Flagstaff model came along.

The literature that just came out last week lists it at 34'-9“ but my tape measure says 33'-11 from the tip of the hitch to the back of the extended bumper.

My yellow sticker says it left the factory weighing 9618 lbs.

It has 5K axles and load range D tires.
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Old 10-15-2015, 04:18 PM   #16
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5Picker, with the D rated tires I am thinking that means a 15 inch tire. I would prefer the 16's myself as there are plenty of really good tires out there but my favorite is the Michelin UPS Rib tire, but they don't make it in a 15.
Anyway I am going to have to look up a Flagstaff dealer and see if they have any coming in.
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Old 10-15-2015, 06:37 PM   #17
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Yes, it has 15“ tires.
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Old 10-21-2015, 08:52 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker View Post
We took delivery of our 8529IKBS on Friday!



First let me say that through the entire process of selection, ordering and delivery, our dealer, B & R Camper Sales in Butler, PA was absolutely fantastic!



They went the extra mile in all facets of getting this unit in our possession.

Highly recommended.



Secondly, I want to give kudos to Forest River!

We often read here all the bad things that can (and do) happen but in our case, we were pleasantly surprised with everything that this unit is. From the fit & finish right down to the details, FR went the extra mile to deliver a super fantastic 5th wheel.



We traded out campers on Friday and then spent the weekend in a campground about an hour north of our dealer.

During the weekend, both my DW and I went over this thing pretty close and really, we only have just a few very minor things to address.



The icing on the cake for us were the extras/upgrades we weren't expecting!



I had scoured the internet thoroughly for information on this new unit before we ordered since FR had no literature and few were available to see. (none near us) With the information we had obtained, there were just a few small things that we didn't like but enough to like, to proceed with the order anyway.



We didn't care for the small front awning we seen on some of the early models and we also didn't care for the small window near the top center.

The reasons for the awning are obvious but the reason we didn't care for the window was, there is no blind or covering for that window and when in other models of 5th wheels with the same window, it left too much light into the bedroom area during the day. Yes, I realize that is a small complaint but it was a concern for us. It may never bother anyone else.



On arrival we've discovered FR has changed the entry side exterior design to add a longer awning and eliminated the small, upper window. It is EXACTLY what we were wishing for!



We also received a second Max-Air fan & cover (with wall controls) that we hadn't ordered. Not sure how that one happened but we are thrilled none the less!



The kitchen island has a nice new metal base that really supports the island much sturdier and makes the under island illumination lights glow perfectly.



The Lazy Boy recliners are larger than earlier models.



The sofa has been redesigned (yet again) but for the better.

It pulls out and folds out to make a nice bed. It sits super nice too with bigger armrests.



The spare tire is now located up under the unit behind the rear axle.



The bumper has been extended to allow for the factory bike rack. (if so desired) Without the bike rack it looks slightly out of place but with the possibilities of using that space for other things while camping, I'm sure it will grow on us.



It tows wonderfully and is just what you'd expect from a 5th wheel perspective.



Anyway, enough for now here are a few outside pictures. I'll try to post a few interior photos when possible.



Oh... BTW... did I mention we are super happy?

Nice!


2015 Flagstaff 8528RKWS
2013 Ford F-150 Ecobeast
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Old 11-11-2015, 11:02 AM   #19
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Congratulations!! We saw something similar to this floor plan (living/kitchen area) and we really liked it, when we were looking. We ended up buying a Windjammer 3025w (V-nose) and love it!

Floridela -- we are with you on favorite tires -- we upgraded axles and went up to 16" wheels/tires on our Airstream 25' using the Michelin XPS rib tires. That was 4 1/2 years ago and have not had a single problem with them. We are contemplating doing the same with our Windjammer.

Deb
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Old 11-11-2015, 01:35 PM   #20
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No carpet is a great deal also ( in high traffic area)..
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