Mini Lites vs Ultra Lites

[WannaBcamping]

We've been looking online at several of the Mini Lites (ML's), and the 2304DS Ultra Lite (UL). We'd like a camper that is under 26'. Our current RW Roo 21RS has a hard-sided bed slide at the back and is ample for the odd weekend here and there. But in my opinion for longer use is a little cramped with not a lot of storage.

So we're looking for a unit with:
-a murphy bed
-TV right across from murphy bed
-access to washroom and fridge while travelling (slides closed)
-counter space for food prep
-increased storage space


So yesterday we decided to go to a couple of dealers which are 2-3 hours from home so we could see all the models we have been interested in.

I had sort of decided that the 2504S ML might be the best for us as it has a good amount of storage, a slide to increase living space, and bunks for the few occasions when adult kids want to come camping. Otherwise the bunks can be used for more storage. This was the first unit we saw through. Right away the hubby wasn't really interested in this one as he was in the 2503S which was a unit I had not previously considered. With the 2503S you have the rear door to access the washroom and fridge while travelling. Also liked the 2304KS ML but you cannot access either when slides closed-so that's off the list.

Next we saw through the 2304DS UL and I really liked it! And yes, you do lose about 18" where the slide comes out which was my original objection, but I like the unit a lot and think I can live with that! There is a TV mounting bracket where you can bring the TV outside under the awing above the RVQ and side table.

The UL's come standard with a Serta Upgrade mattress which really does feel like a better mattress than the ones that you get in the ML's. Also standard are the window mini-blinds, power awning, 2x30 lb. propane bottles vs 20, larger holding tanks, and enclosed underbelly. There are also Options available on the UL's that are not available on the ML's.

We were told the 2304DS is about $2K more than the 2503S we looked at and for us it seems like the standard items listed above make the UL unit more attractive to us.

So now it looks like a few months from now we'll be placing an order for a spring delivery of a 2304DS UL!

Sorry for the long post for those of you who actually read my ramblings right to the end.

If anyone has anything good or bad to add to this, we'd be happy to hear!!

[rockfordroo]

Our ML 2503S came with window mini-blinds, power awning, and 2x30 lb. propane bottles as standard, if I recall. We ordered ours (2/28/15) and I don't recall ever discussing any of these items.

The huge bathroom was the selling point to my DW. She did not like the kitchen sink back in that "alcove" as in the 2304DS. You will lose the bunks, if that's important to you.

We haven't had anyone sleep on the dinette, but it's an 84" U-dinette, so it's pretty big. Also, our length overall is 25'-10 1/2".

No enclosed underbelly, but I like to get under there and see what's going on, so I'm just as happy to not have it.

[220Chap]

We have the twin to the 2503 (Flagstaff Micro Lite 25KS-same camper). We absolutely love it. No bunks, but large dinette. Two entry doors. Huge bathroom. Good counter space. Tons of interior storage. Full length awning. Outdoor TV mount. 30# propane bottles. Adequate outdoor storage. Murphy bed. Loaded with options it was $20K. A lot of trailer for the size and price.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e8...r/P1010574.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e8...r/P1010571.jpg

[WannaBcamping]

Yes the 25KS looks identical to the 2503S. I have never figured out why companies make 2 different lines like Mini Lite and Micro Lite, when they seem to be the same.

About the counter space in the 2503S (or 25KS) I love the space you get behind the stove and sink, but at the front without covering up the sink or stove it is limited.

[220Chap]

We use the table as needed

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by WannaBcamping

Yes the 25KS looks identical to the 2503S. I have never figured out why companies make 2 different lines like Mini Lite and Micro Lite, when they seem to be the same.

About the counter space in the 2503S (or 25KS) I love the space you get behind the stove and sink, but at the front without covering up the sink or stove it is limited.

The car companies do it all the time. Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager; Ford Escort/Mercury Mystique; Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave; Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra.

Typically, they started out as independent lines. One then bought the other. They don't want to lose their "brand loyalists," but they want to save money, so they make one model and brand it twice. They usually make something minor different between them. On autos it's usually more upscale amenities on one vs the other. For RV's is seems to be the interior colors.

[archer59]

We have the 2504S Mini Lite and love the floor space when the slide is out. On the occasion that our family is with us the dinette and the bunk is used and needed. Overall, we really LOVE our 2504S. It tows nicely as well. Good luck on your purchase. Oh, and we do not have any problem with accessing the washroom when traveling.

[mort]

To get a fair price do as we did and get a internet quote from Wanarv.com
They beat everybody in the USA for price and their service was wonderful.
I know your going to pay lots more in Canada but it would get you a fair negotiation point.
Mort





QUOTE=WannaBcamping;1270943]We've been looking online at several of the Mini Lites (ML's), and the 2304DS Ultra Lite (UL). We'd like a camper that is under 26'. Our current RW Roo 21RS has a hard-sided bed slide at the back and is ample for the odd weekend here and there. But in my opinion for longer use is a little cramped with not a lot of storage.

So we're looking for a unit with:
-a murphy bed
-TV right across from murphy bed
-access to washroom and fridge while travelling (slides closed)
-counter space for food prep
-increased storage space


So yesterday we decided to go to a couple of dealers which are 2-3 hours from home so we could see all the models we have been interested in.

I had sort of decided that the 2504S ML might be the best for us as it has a good amount of storage, a slide to increase living space, and bunks for the few occasions when adult kids want to come camping. Otherwise the bunks can be used for more storage. This was the first unit we saw through. Right away the hubby wasn't really interested in this one as he was in the 2503S which was a unit I had not previously considered. With the 2503S you have the rear door to access the washroom and fridge while travelling. Also liked the 2304KS ML but you cannot access either when slides closed-so that's off the list.

Next we saw through the 2304DS UL and I really liked it! And yes, you do lose about 18" where the slide comes out which was my original objection, but I like the unit a lot and think I can live with that! There is a TV mounting bracket where you can bring the TV outside under the awing above the RVQ and side table.

The UL's come standard with a Serta Upgrade mattress which really does feel like a better mattress than the ones that you get in the ML's. Also standard are the window mini-blinds, power awning, 2x30 lb. propane bottles vs 20, larger holding tanks, and enclosed underbelly. There are also Options available on the UL's that are not available on the ML's.

We were told the 2304DS is about $2K more than the 2503S we looked at and for us it seems like the standard items listed above make the UL unit more attractive to us.

So now it looks like a few months from now we'll be placing an order for a spring delivery of a 2304DS UL!

Sorry for the long post for those of you who actually read my ramblings right to the end.

If anyone has anything good or bad to add to this, we'd be happy to hear!![/QUOTE]

[Probwrm19]

You can order the same equipment on the ML or UL. The only difference in the TT is the name and decals. What you saw on the TT is what was ordered by the dealer. They have a big ole check list and option packages they can order from the factory before the TT ever hits the assembly line. Like I said, dealer (salesman) double talk.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Probwrm19

You can order the same equipment on the ML or UL. The only difference in the TT is the name and decals. What you saw on the TT is what was ordered by the dealer. They have a big ole check list and option packages they can order from the factory before the TT ever hits the assembly line. Like I said, dealer (salesman) double talk.

Mini Lites and Micro Lites are twins; built on the same line. I don't believe that the Ultra Lites are that closely related; but I could be wrong.

[WannaBcamping]

They're not the same according to the Rockwood brochure. That's what I was quoting.

[raspivey]

I've had one of both. Many aspects are identical but some of the options are standard on the Ultra Lites. Some things aren't available on the Mini Lites due mainly to size difference (Ultra Lites are longer trailers with one...maybe two exceptions in overlap ). Last I looked, the Mini Lites only had a Sapphire edition available whereas the UL have an Emerald ed. The Sig. UL's have a Diamond ed., etc. Build quality in both are very similar. Most of the appliances and fixtures are identical.

[fella10]

we are in the Micro Lite 25KS camp and love it,... large bath w/outside entrance, large kitchen counter space/work area, ...... moved up from a 17' Casita, to a Micro Lite 21DS, to the 25KS,...... this seems to fill all our wants and needs,...... its for enjoying camping and traveling, its not a house,....I don't want to tow(or pay for) anything larger, ....... we don't need the bunk beds for grand kids or visitors, .... for us, it's the perfect couples tt.............

[WannaBcamping]

Originally Posted by raspivey

I've had one of both. Many aspects are identical but some of the options are standard on the Ultra Lites. Some things aren't available on the Mini Lites due mainly to size difference (Ultra Lites are longer trailers with one...maybe two exceptions in overlap ). Last I looked, the Mini Lites only had a Sapphire edition available whereas the UL have an Emerald ed. The Sig. UL's have a Diamond ed., etc. Build quality in both are very similar. Most of the appliances and fixtures are identical.

That's exactly what I was seeing when 'studying' the brochure. Thanks for confirming!


[QUOTE=mort;1272621]To get a fair price do as we did and get a internet quote from Wanarv.com
They beat everybody in the USA for price and their service was wonderful.
I know your going to pay lots more in Canada but it would get you a fair negotiation point.
Mort

Thanks for the info, we'll do that as soon as we're ready to pull the plug. Just have to get the financial stuff figured out plus we don't want to bother selling our Roo ourselves and would like to trade it in (yes I know we'll lose a bit on this. Have already been told by one dealer they'll give us $11K Cdn. for it.)
I went on their website and it looks like they're posted price is about $2K lower than the price we were told a few days ago. When the time comes we'll call for a quote.
Thanks for the tip!

[itat]

WannaBcamping, which Rockwood dealer(s) did you visit? Here's a link to my thread on reputable Rockwood dealers in Ontario.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rio-74106.html

From my experience, Canadian dealers will not compete with US dealers especially now with the poor exchange rate. Unless you're certain they'll give great after sales service I wouldn't hesitate to drive hundreds of miles to purchase.

When we sold our previous Roo we used Kijiji. It worked out well as we got $4000 more than we were offered on a trade. It's worth being patient and selling it privately.

When we were looking to replace the Roo 23SS I wanted to get a ML 2503S because it has a very similar floor plan and the large bathroom with outside door, but DW wanted noting to do with a Murphy bed. She insisted on having the sofa available to use at all times. So we had to go with a larger trailer. Some of the features on the UL are nice but not necessarily deal breakers for me. I could easily live without the covered underbelly and I'd actually rather have a manual awning since it has support poles. The upgraded trim and porcelain toilet on our Signature Ultra Lite are definitely nice to haves. We bought it used from Layzee Acres RV and were fairly pleased with the experience but they don't sell Rockwoods new.

Best of luck with your search.

[WannaBcamping]

Originally Posted by itat

WannaBcamping, which Rockwood dealer(s) did you visit? Here's a link to my thread on reputable Rockwood dealers in Ontario.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rio-74106.html

From my experience, Canadian dealers will not compete with US dealers especially now with the poor exchange rate. Unless you're certain they'll give great after sales service I wouldn't hesitate to drive hundreds of miles to purchase.

When we sold our previous Roo we used Kijiji. It worked out well as we got $4000 more than we were offered on a trade. It's worth being patient and selling it privately.

When we were looking to replace the Roo 23SS I wanted to get a ML 2503S because it has a very similar floor plan and the large bathroom with outside door, but DW wanted noting to do with a Murphy bed. She insisted on having the sofa available to use at all times. So we had to go with a larger trailer. Some of the features on the UL are nice but not necessarily deal breakers for me. I could easily live without the covered underbelly and I'd actually rather have a manual awning since it has support poles. The upgraded trim and porcelain toilet on our Signature Ultra Lite are definitely nice to haves. We bought it used from Layzee Acres RV and were fairly pleased with the experience but they don't sell Rockwoods new.

Best of luck with your search.

Thanks for the link to that thread. We bought our Columbus through McKenzie's and plan never to buy from them again. We have friends who have had an awful experience with them also. Funny enough they advertise on their website that they'll match an advertised US price, but we're sure there's a catch to that one being that it's McKenzie.

We went to Adventure RV in Waterford this week first which did not have the UL model we wanted to see but had quite a few ML's. I know nothing about Adventure RV, but they did vaguely resemble the size and laid-back approach of Sauder's.

We bought our Roo from Sauder's last spring and it was the owner who originally showed us through all the units we looked at last year who eventually passed us on to his saleman because "that's what I pay him for" LOL. Does Sauder's have more than one salesperson anyway? They are a small outfit but we were happy with our experience with them last year. Sounds like after reading your other thread that they are a good dealer to buy from and that our own positive experience is not uncommon. Really good to know!

My DH feels the same as you about having a manual awning and also almost prefers the underbelly be open in case he needs to do something under there. I however, really prefer the layout of the UL as it is definitely a more spacious feeling inside when the slides are open. And that is after all why we are looking to upgrade. DH is just as happy to go with this model of trailer as well. But you know the saying, 'Happy wife, happy life'. LOL