Help Me Decide SP-280BH, SV-235RKS, or ??

Steveo · 05-07-2009, 09:05 PM

If anyone own either the SP-280BH, SV-235RKS or something else I would like to hear your experiences.

I have looked at the SP-280BH floor plan on the Forest River Website, http://http://www.forestriverinc.com...=SurveyorSport the weight is listed at 4142, can this be accurate?

I have also looked at the SV-235RKS. I really like the rear king and the power slide it has. It seems light as well. It doesn't look like it has a lot of storage (other than the front). Any one who owns that please let me know how it tows

My tow vehicle can only tow 5700 lbs so I am looking for something lightweght. We are looking to move up from a pop up camper (2001 Coleman Niagara)

Thanks for all the help.
Steve

MtnGuy · 05-08-2009, 10:46 AM

I don't have either model, but can comment some on the weights. Our SV 263 "grew" almost 600 lbs. from the brochure to the rock quarry scales on the way home from the dealer. The brochure weights usually are the unit without options. When you add a battery, full propane tanks, AC, an awning, and other options, the weight will increase. So add another 500 to 600 lbs. to the base weight stated in the brochure, and that should get you close to an empty weight for the units.

Oh yeah, and

to the forum !!!

vkdrums · 05-08-2009, 04:38 PM

yea i have a sv233 and after the addons it weighs 4800lbs (i weighted it on a lic. scale) iam pushing the limtes of my tv its rateted at 5500lbsso be carefull.

acadianbob · 05-08-2009, 05:34 PM

We have a SV235RKS and we love it. It weighs 4500+ with all of the options. It tows like a dream; very stable. One benefit of the Surveyor line is that they sit a good 12 to 18 inches lower than most trailers; only 8.5 feet at the roofline. We got 10 mpg towing with an F150 on a 3,200 mile trip through the Rockies. Absolutely no troubles. You are correct that it is light on cabinet storage. We have added several oak cabinets from Lowes that are almost a perfect match; one by the couch, one in the bathroom, one in the bunk area. The flip side is that there is a ton of storage up front if you don't need the bunks; and a nice access door. We use that area for telescope, dog kennels, bicycle, suitcases, etc. We have found the quality to be excellent. We love the king bed although we did replace the mattress as the factory unit was too soft for us. The electric slide with no supports to put in place is VERY nice.

gettmad · 05-09-2009, 11:24 AM

Hi. We also have the 235RKS and love it. I'll have to concur on the lack of storage too. We also have added a shelf at the front where you come in. I'd like to see acadianbob's cabinets that he's added. Seems like a great idea. As far as a good trailer it's all he says it is, and I love the layout. It has everything you need!

acadianbob · 05-09-2009, 08:34 PM

I'm planning on getting the trailer here to the house Memorial Weekend. I'll try to take some pictures of the cabinets and post them.

acadianbob · 05-11-2009, 10:37 PM

Maybe also consider the SV264?

Steveo · 06-01-2009, 03:08 PM

Thanks for all the advice, still trying to decide. We are moving up from a Pop-Up, so not having to pop-up/down will be a pleasure in itself.

I really like the SV-235RKS, but it does seem to lack storage for clothes, etc.

Steve

elainel · 06-04-2009, 07:31 AM

We just got a SV255rs with the quad bunks. If you have kids it is such a great floorplan. We got rid of a perfectly good trailer but it had no bunks and the constant teardown every night and the kids sleeping all over the trailer drove us nuts. Now they have their own space and we can get up and enjoy the rest of the trailer and no clean up every single morning. We love it. You can stand up in the bunk area too which is nice for changing. After add-ons the trailer is at 4600#. My husband noticed how much lighter it was than our Salem and how much better our F-150 pulled it.

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