New to Rockwood product looking hard at the 2011- 2306 Advice Appreciated

[SCannon]

I am looking at a 2011 Rocwood 2306 0r 2501 for the spring. I have looked at many competing products but for overall value and features these seem very competive. I am limited as to size since my TV is a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.6 liter V8 class IV hitch and tow package.

I found out today that unlike similar TT Rockwood does not enclose the underbelly on these models. While I don't plan on dead of winter camping I live in GA and travel to Jacksonville, FL a lot and both areas an get to low temps at night. I am considering the tank heating blankets as an option. Any other pros/cons on the issue of enclosed vs open.

Any and all comments, advice and guidance is welcome

Thanks in advance,

S Cannon
Helen, GA

[Fire Instructor]

I'm in Upstate NY, and we camp anytime from Memorial Day (or a week before) to Columbus Day without an enclosed underbelly or tank heaters.

[SCannon]

Thanks Fire Instructor we love the outdoors and are proably pushing camping seasons but yesterday it was 72 day and 42 this am. Looking forward to our TT. Your thoughts are helpful.

Be Safe,

S Cannon

[MtnGuy]

SCannon, you are good to be thinking small with your camper. The 2306 might be a better fit for the wheelbase of a Sport Trac.

If you have a true class IV hitch, then you have more hitch than my F150.....mine is classified as a Class III/IV.....not a true Class IV. Double check the hitch specs....there should be a sticker on the hitch somewhere stating the figures. You should be good to go there.

The trailer towing maximums are around 7100 lb. (considering whether you have a 4x2 or 4x4) with that engine and towing package, so you should be good to go with that, also.

You will need a proportional brake controller.

[SCannon]

Thanks for the reply MtnGuy:

I aggd the hitch and two package after purchasing the vehicle to tow a 24 ft center console boat when I was in FL now I am ready to travel with a TT. I have the 4x4 so I am down to 6800 lb for towing and you are right about the shorter wheelbase the Sports Trac.

I wanted a little more but the 2306 0r the 2502 look like a good balance for now.

Thanks again for you comments.

S Cannon

[MtnGuy]

If the hitch is an add on, then you may need to also add an auxiliary transmission cooler......I think that comes standard with the factory tow package. You will also need a 7 pin bargman plug, if you don't already have that.

[SCannon]

Thanks MtnGuy:

I installed a transmission OC and EOC when I added the hitch. plus the wiring. I really appreciate eveyone's help and guidance. Thanks again.

S Cannon

[threegr8katz]

We just got our rockwood 2702ss it has the heated tanks and the under belly is inclosed , maybe you should look at this TT??

[SCannon]

Thanks for the tip threegr8katz but its to much for my TV (Sports Track 4.6 Liter V8)

I am going with the 2502 and will spend time enjoying the start of new adventures. I anticipate that I will have a bigger TV and TT in a year or two based on the fun my wife and I have enjoyed in a couple of rented TT's this past summer.

Thanks again.

S Cannon

[08flagvlite]

I live in Jax and my Flagstaff does not have heated tanks, nor do I winterize anything. We use it year round, at least once a month. I keep it plugged in, and if it's a cold forecast, say 25 degrees or colder, i'll turn on the heater at it's lowest setting, about 52 degrees. Nothing frozen so far! Helen Ga. though, does get a lot colder than Jax, I do realize, so???? Good luck with it, Randy

[SCannon]

Thanks 08flagvlite I ma less worried now and reakize there are ways to accomodate a few freezing nights with a little preplanning.

Be safe and enjoy life

S Cannon

[sherdep]

Not sure if you ordered your TT yet or buying one off the lot
Two things that may help as well -
I ordered my 2306 a wekk ago and still have 6 to 7 weeks to wait till it arrives.
I ordered mine with the standard Oak and westport interior but found out for $145 upcharge I could upgrade to the wood look flooring in which I did and it seems like it would be better as far as an extra barrier on the floor because it is thicker and cushioned when you walk on it - felt weird so gona take some time to get used to.

Another option is you could always add the storm windows and the Heated Tanks option like I did even though I am further south then you (Orlando FL) I figured it was a good idea to spend a the little extra now so I could have that option open then to find out later I made the mistake of not ordering it if I ever decided to camp where it is really cold

[SCannon]

Sherdep, Thanks for you post. I ultimately purchased the Rockwood Mini 2502s instead of the 2306. I did not get the heated tank option. I figured I would "ease" into cold weather camping and I found this company for aftermarket application of heated tanks and dumps. UltraHeat, Inc. - Easy to Retrofit

I am lead to believe they might even be the supplier of the OEM tank heaters for many of the RV manufacturers.

Anyway, I my option package did include the heated mattress and I am looking at the possibility of placing some insulation around the bed area in the basement bay that's under the bed.

I pick up the unit at the end of the month in Ohio, subject to weather of course. Then I am headed your way in the following weeks for the first run. Actually I will be on the west coast in The Cedar Key area.

Thanks again and great camping,

S Cannon