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Old 07-13-2015, 06:32 AM   #1
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Towing a Rockwood TT?

My wife and I are looking at either a 33-35 ft TT or similar sized fifth wheel. We have looked at all makes and models, and I have stumbled across a Rockwood TT with a floor plan that I like. I have not seen this unit in person yet, we are trying to track on down now. My question is......How does the unit pull in comparison to other TT'S? I'm talking Rockwood TT's in general, They have the huge square front that does not appear to have any aerodynamics. Do you feel you achieve around the same MPG as you would with similar units or less due to the Square front? I know these questions my be hard to answer, I just figured there would be a few people that have had different TT's to compare.
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Old 07-13-2015, 06:51 AM   #2
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I'm sure with a strong frontal wind, you'll see somewhat less MPG with the flat front unit. My son has a Rockwood TT and it has been excellent in all aspects. IMHO, buying the unit with the floor plan and amenities you want, for the right price, would trump a few more $$ in fuel costs now and then. For the amount of miles most of us pull our trailers per year, the actual difference in fuel mileage would be the last thing I'd be worried about. However, that's just me and we all have our own "triggers" on what is acceptable/important!
I tow a Wildcat MAXX 33' TT with the "rounded/molded front cap. I bought it for the reasons I noted above, not thinking I'd get better fuel mileage!
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Old 07-13-2015, 07:46 AM   #3
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I hear you...MPG isn't the main deciding factor, but if it was a noticeable difference it may weigh into my decision. I just need to go look at one. I am not a fan of the look in the magazines for sure, but may like it more in person. Especially if it has all the features I'm looking for.
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Old 07-13-2015, 08:11 AM   #4
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My wife and I just bought a Rockwood mini light 2504s and towed it 160 miles to bring it home from the dealer. I did not notice any significant gas mileage difference between the new one and our old kodiak 186e hybrid even though the new one is 1000 pounds more dry. In fact, due to my new wd hitch setup it towed much better. You definitely feel it behind you because of its shape but not anything to be concerned with as long as your TV is capable. Rockwoods in my opinion are of very high quality and well built. If you find the floorplan you like I would definitely recommend you consider it.
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Old 07-13-2015, 08:30 AM   #5
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I had a rockwood signature ultra lite and now have a windjammer and notice very little difference in the way they tow. With a good hitch they toe every bit as good as a 5r.
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Old 07-13-2015, 08:33 AM   #6
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We have friends who bought a TT with the rounded front cap and the loss of head room over the bed created a significant problem. Especially if the unit has cabinets over head. Nothing like waking up in the dark and cracking your head on the cabinet. As far a gas mileage, slowing down from 65 to 55-58 will offset any difference in MPG and make for a safer drive and less white knuckles. I pull a 32' 6460lbs dry with a F-150 and average 10 mpg at 55 mph.
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Old 07-13-2015, 12:21 PM   #7
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2015 8327SS S.U. and it is the best unit we've ever owned. Tows much more smooth that our old Puma 30kfbds and any other of my TT's. It tracks straight and doesn't "bang" over bumps with the suspension it has. You will not be disappointed.
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Old 07-13-2015, 12:31 PM   #8
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Speed is the big variable

I agree with RockwoodJoe, towing speed (and headwind) has the greatest effect on MPG. Just returned from an 8500 mile, 2 month sojourn and averaged 12.7 MPG keeping the speed below 60. On previous trips I was only getting around 10+ going 65.
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Old 07-13-2015, 12:33 PM   #9
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Lrdchaos,you don't give us your desires (BR or Kitchen location) are always Big on the agenda! I would (Guess) that you look at a (Windjammer F/K) this will give you a V-Nose and (NICE) layout for (2) people! Youroo!!
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Old 07-13-2015, 01:04 PM   #10
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We tow a Rockwood, 8315BSS with a Yukon XL, 2500. We average around 9 MPG towing, 18 solo. I drive 63 MPH when towing. I'm sure I'd get around 10 MPG if I dropped below 60. Our deciding factor when looking at replacement units has been floor plans. we like front kitchens. Most have gone to front bedrooms like fifth wheels. We looked at the Windjammer, but the 8315BSS offered more exterior storage. As most of the folks have said, go for the floor plan, that's where you live, unless you plan to drive 50,000 to 100,000 mile a year.
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Old 07-13-2015, 01:26 PM   #11
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I tow a 35' Rockwood Signature Ultralite with a Nissan Titan. It's our first camper so cannot compare with anything else.

So far I am very leased with the towing experience. I almost forget the TT is behind me. Usually I get around 16 highway MPG without the TT and with it, around 10.

We are happy owners so far.
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Old 07-13-2015, 02:40 PM   #12
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I have no priors to compare to, but our 8310SS is awesome. Just towed it 2400 miles, and but for a few heavy crosswind gusts, often didn't notice we were pulling a trailer (almost 10,000 LBS loaded). As per most of the other comments, go with the floor plan you like. You are living IN it most of the time. When you are driving, I hope you are looking at the road rather than admiring the front, bug-smattered, end of your TT. And when sitting outside, I trust you are admiring the beautiful forestry, mountains, lakes, etc. or chilling with the neighbors and a few brews. Outer looks are secondary at best - jmo! And regarding gas mileage - it sucks no matter what! Pray for tailwinds, but plan for headwinds! Most of all - ENJOY!
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Old 07-13-2015, 05:13 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo View Post
Lrdchaos,you don't give us your desires (BR or Kitchen location) are always Big on the agenda! I would (Guess) that you look at a (Windjammer F/K) this will give you a V-Nose and (NICE) layout for (2) people! Youroo!!
Sorry....I'm looking at Bunkhouse's, such as the 8327 SS, or the 8286 ws fifth wheel. I'm interested in the bunkhouse model with outside kitchen. We have Rv'ed for the last 6 years in a motorhome and we are looking for something with a little more room and features.
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Old 07-13-2015, 05:24 PM   #14
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our prior 2902 was 33' but light for its size. As such, loading was important. It was natural to want load the rear bunk area however that lightened the tongue weight. For our dual cam wdh to work effectively, we needed to load forward of the axles. It was a great TT.
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Old 07-13-2015, 06:59 PM   #15
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We had a 33" rockwood and upgraded to a 8280 signature ultra lite and we love it . No real differance in mpg .
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Old 07-14-2015, 06:18 AM   #16
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We have purchased 2 Rockwood because of their great floor plans. The UltraLite was easy to tow and set up. when we upgraded the TV we also upgraded to a new Windjammer. We love all the room in it! And it tows very nice without a big hit on MPG.
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Old 07-14-2015, 01:05 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lrdchaos View Post
Sorry....I'm looking at Bunkhouse's, such as the 8327 SS, or the 8286 ws fifth wheel. I'm interested in the bunkhouse model with outside kitchen. We have Rv'ed for the last 6 years in a motorhome and we are looking for something with a little more room and features.
I stepped into that well when you first stated (2 people) that is what I was basing my Opinion on! Totally disregard my recommendation if looking at a Bunkhouse! Youroo!!
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Old 07-14-2015, 01:48 PM   #18
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We are looking at a bunkhouse due to the fact we have a 3 yo and occasionally have friends that come with us to the lake as well. We think the extra room on the back would be nice for toys and a space for him to nap and get away.
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Old 07-14-2015, 02:29 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lrdchaos View Post
We are looking at a bunkhouse due to the fact we have a 3 yo and occasionally have friends that come with us to the lake as well. We think the extra room on the back would be nice for toys and a space for him to nap and get away.
Lrdchaos, we have the 8327SS for the bunkhouse as well. One thing we did was to remove the cushions and put a queen size Ikea daybed in its place. Matter of fact my in-laws slept there for 12 days when we went to Myrtle Beach. It's an amazing unit. You won't be sorry.
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Old 07-17-2015, 09:10 AM   #20
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We have had this TT for 3 days and have spent two nights in it. Slept wonderful and during the day it was just what we wanted. We have had motorhomes and other travel trailers for the past 15 years or so. So far this one is the best.
We wanted one that was shorter but couldn't find a floor plan we liked. We liked this floor plan so it came home with us.
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