2703WS vs. 2650WS

[iceclimber]

Hello all;

I am currently running a 2501 Rockwood with the single large slide and murphy bed. As our first trailer we like it very much, however thinking about moving up a little. One of the main features we think we need is the separate bedroom. I get up early and have to work, literally impossible to not wake up the wife as the 25 is compact and one space.

I have been eyeing the 2703ws for the three slides, and also the 5th wheel 2650. Wondering if anyone had insights on these units and pros/cons. My tow rig is a RAM Ecodiesel.

Thanks !

[itat]

Welcome to the forum iceclimber.

I've been in a 2703WS travel trailer (TT) but not the 2650WS fifth wheel (5er). Looking at both floorplans, I'd prefer the 2703WS for a few reasons.

1) The big U-dinette offers better space for eating than the regular dinette with the bonus of more under-seat storage.
2) More counter space.
3) More space under the awning.
4) Much less weight on your truck. Your RAM EcoDiesel likely has a low payload capacity. (You didn't say if your RAM is 4x4 or 4x2.) If you had a 3/4 ton or more, this advantage would be immaterial.

Having said that, the 2650WS may have an advantage for pantry space in the kitchen and definitely would be easier to hook up than a TT but, again, you'll need to have the payload capacity in your truck. The pin weight will likely be between 1450# and 1500# when fully loaded.

[bikendan]

Forget using your Ecodiesel for a 5th wheel.
Doesn't have enough payload for a 5th wheel pin weight.

Unless you get a 19' Escape fiberglass 5th wheel.

[GearHd6]

Definitely check the payload on the sticker on the door jam. I just got rid of a 2010 Ram 1500 crew cab Big Horn that only had 1099 lbs payload. By the time you drop a bigger camper on the hitch you're about out of payload capacity.

[iceclimber]

Thanks all, please keep the observations on the models coming !

My RAM is beefed with max tow package (doesn't affect payload) and aftermarket air bags rated for 5k on top of the stock payload. However I have listened to enough RV'ers around the campfire talk about towing a 5th wheel that I'd probably lean towards the tow behind regardless.

It's a 4x4 and the factory rating is 1510 lbs.

I often forget my 25 footer is there even with a full load.

[andymil]

Doesn’t seem to be a lot of difference between the two floorplans. I like them both.

We love our 2703WS. We got the table and chairs and the countertop extension. We found that we don’t need the extension so we leave it at home. We bought a small recliner (Sam’s Club) that fits into dinette slide when traveling. We slide it over to the end of the counter when set up.

We got the 15k AC instead of the 2nd AC and 50 amp service. That was a mistake. If you’re in the South without shade the 15k AC will not keep up.

Biggest drawback is not being able to get past the counter with the slides in. Also miss the pass through storage. You loose some storage without the U-shaped dinette.

The tongue weight is close to 1000 lbs without the hitch (Equal-I-zer 10k). Probably over 1k if you include the weight of the hitch. We towed it with an F-150 EB but we were way over the payload capacity of the truck. We went to an F-250. No problems towing with either truck.

Not to muddy the water, we stumbled across an Open Range Light 318RLS 5th wheel this summer that has a similar floor plan. It seemed brighter and more open inside. We’re a little leary about switching brands. We have only had a few minor problems with the Rockwoood.

[iceclimber]

Interesting, I really struggled over the Ecoboost vs. the Ram for a tow vehicle.

One of my other wishes is more windows, the 2501 is cave like. I think the 2703 may have the advantage there. We are going to look at one tomorrow, obviously the wife needs to stamp approval.

[andymil]

I forgot to say “Welcome!”.

Originally Posted by iceclimber

One of my other wishes is more windows, the 2501 is cave like. I think the 2703 may have the advantage there. We are going to look at one tomorrow, obviously the wife needs to stamp approval.

I think that’s what we liked about that Open Range, the two big windows in the back end seemed to brighten up the living area. The 2703WS isn’t bad with all of the shades up.

I think she’ll approve.

[itat]

There are lots of members here who have the Rockwood 2703WS and its sister the Flagstaff 27RLWS.

Here's a thread devoted to the Flagstaff but the comments will apply to both brands' units.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...lws-53205.html

[Yakfishingfool]

I looked hard at three slide units but dislike having the encroachment into the outdoor living space on the outdoor camping side of the rig. We have gone with a 2606ws as the slides are only on the back side of the rig. We love to be outdoors and anything pushing into our outdoor area I find distracting. Good luck with your hunt!

[iceclimber]

Originally Posted by Yakfishingfool

I looked hard at three slide units but dislike having the encroachment into the outdoor living space on the outdoor camping side of the rig. We have gone with a 2606ws as the slides are only on the back side of the rig. We love to be outdoors and anything pushing into our outdoor area I find distracting. Good luck with your hunt!

Thanks for that. I was wondering if we would be equally distracted or appreciating a wind break.

I do know the room offered by the opposing slides is mostly what I'm after.

[andymil]

I’ve got lots of room outside. I need room inside.

I also remembered, the bracket that attaches to the side of the trailer for the grill hits the molded plastic wheel well. We bought a 10’ hose extension with quick disconnects and set the grill (with bracket) on a table.

[Wobbles]

iceclimber,

I have the sister to the 2650WS. I have the Flagstaff 526RLWS. I had a TT and made my upgrade choice for the inside-open space. When I camp I am outside. When the weather forces me inside I want that inside-open space.

The sleeper sofa is good enough that a few times a year, the Daughter plus the 7 & 8 yr-old G-kids can sleep on it. At the same time the dining booth is still open for use (a major plus).


Lots to consider. Think on it...

[rat4spd]

The advertised empty pin weight of the 2650WS is like 1300#. In reality, I'm about 2000#. The beauty of the floor plan though is that everything is usable with the slides in for the most part. On the road, only access to the wardrobe and entertainment is limited.

[Wobbles]

I wanted to be able to use it with the slides in and that was another reason I went for it. Use of the bedroom slide was not a consideration for in-travel use.

[rat4spd]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

I wanted to be able to use it with the slides in and that was another reason I went for it. Use of the bedroom slide was not a consideration for in-travel use.

Agreed. Its nice to be able to pull over for the night and use everything.

[rat4spd]

Don't rely on the dry weight ratings. Here are actually numbers for my 2650WS.

I have 8960# trailer weight and 2100# pin weight.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by rat4spd

Don't rely on the dry weight ratings. Here are actually numbers for my 2650WS.

I have 8960# trailer weight and 2100# pin weight.

Well that eliminates it for a 1/2 ton with payload of only 1500lbs.[emoji6]

[dbledan]

Don't use dry weights. My 26rlws has a dry tongue weight of 650. When I weighed it I was at 1050 which is about 14% of gross weight. Published hitch weight is 9% of gross for me.

Both those trailers are 8k and 9k respectively loaded. It seems like the 5er has you way over payload. The TT may have you very close as well with about a 1200-1300lb hitch weight. May need a larger truck for your new trailer.

Can someone with a fridge in the slide say if they have any issues? I hear overheat complaints both ways on the forums but only know 1 person with one and he had overheating issues because of airflow and had to add extra fans because it vented out the side and not the top. Maybe someone else has more positive experience.

How many people will you have camping? I have 3 in ours. I sneak out the door in the am and cook outside. I wake my son getting to the fridge but DW sleeps through it.

[iceclimber]

Two. The thing is I have to get up early and work, and wanted some separation to provide the other camper with quiet and sleep. Not sure if it's even possible in a trailer.

We are planning to go look at a 2703 today, we've been in the fifth wheel.