Questions about the rear kitchen units in transit

[KarenPruitt]

My husband and I have just bought a 251rks and have not picked it up yet. After reading some of these comments, I wonder how the rear kitchen contents will fair during transit.

Also we have a question about pulling it with a F150 or half ton truck. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[talmadge]

Only problem we saw was the drawer under the oven was open, don't know if it was due to putting too much weight of pans in it or not. also be careful opening the refrigerator, but we had to do that in our older camper also due to the bumping around. Eggs were no fun cleaning up off of the floor.

[Radio]

Been towing this rig since 2008 without any issues.

We like to keep things organized in tubs and baskets. We use "refrigerator bars" to keep things in place in the fridge. We store heavier items below the counter and lighter stuff in the overhead cabinets. All cabinets are lined with that anti-slip matting stuff.

[KarenPruitt]

Has anyone ever pulled this unit with a half ton truck? If so how did it pull?

[talmadge]

I have, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Ext Cab 5.3 liter, It pulls pretty well for me, also I don't go over 65 on the interstate. The last Camper I pulled with over 9 years was not to bad, but was heavier than this one. Truck seems to not to struggle with the 251rks like the Prowler we had.

[2016251RKS]

I pull the 2016 version with my 2014 Tundra (SR5 / w tow package). Keeping it about 60 mph I get 11 - 12 mpg. Tows very well with equalizer wdh...ensure that your trailer brakes are set properly...I like mine to be a bit aggressive initially. Fully loaded out my payload is about 400# below max. No problem with total weight - about 2.5K# below max.

[tahoe1840]

We have a 8528RKS Flaggstaff and love it. We too were very concerned about all the post we read about stuff flying about because it was a rear kitchen. Personally we think those post were from people who were not very experienced or simply had no idea what they were doing anyway. So far after over 10 thousand miles of towing over all different kinds of terrain we have not had a problem with broken dishes or thrown around food. Initially we even stuffed pillows etc into dishes cabinets and drawers but found we really did not have to do it anyway. We seldom pull faster then 60 MPH and are mindful of potholes and road issues. As far as the TV, we pull it with a 3/4 ton and its been great. If one is cognoscente of the road and road conditions they will be fine with an RKS.

[Cougarfan]

Originally Posted by KarenPruitt

Also we have a question about pulling it with a F150 or half ton truck. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have the F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost and it pulls my trailer just fine with plenty of power to spare. Looks like your trailer is about 900lbs heavier than mine (dry) but I think you'll be fine.

Laura

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by tahoe1840

We too were very concerned about all the post we read about stuff flying about because it was a rear kitchen. Personally we think those post were from people who were not very experienced or simply had no idea what they were doing anyway. :

Totally agree! We previously had a rear kitchen and we don't notice any difference as far as stuff flying around or drawers opening from the mid-kitchen we have now. If you don't stow things correctly it will fly around no matter where in the RV it is

[Radio]

Originally Posted by tahoe1840

So far after over 10 thousand miles of towing over all different kinds of terrain we have not had a problem with broken dishes or thrown around food. Initially we even stuffed pillows etc into dishes cabinets and drawers but found we really did not have to do it anyway.

I never stuffed anything into the cabinets. Just used a lot of tubs, bins, baskets and ant-slip mats. And very few glass things, like just the lid to the crock-pot. All my plastic and Mel-mac stuff is made to be abused!

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

If you don't stow things correctly it will fly around no matter where in the RV it is

Exactly. Remember this is a moving platform.

A hint though about the glass turntable in the microwave: either wrap it in a towel, or my preferred method is to cut a pool noodle to fit between the top of the microwave and the turntable. This way I don't have to put it back onto those little wheels.

[schrederman]

Stuff has to be stored correctly no matter where it is. However, the rear of the trailer is where the movement is the most violent. If your kitchen is back there, like mine, extra care must be taken when storing stuff. Bubble wrap is your friend. I made the mistake of leaving a bottle of dish soap in the plastic kitchen sink. Result... cracked sink and water in the floor. It was a pain in the arse but I replaced the sink myself with a stainless unit. If I ever finally decide on another TT, it will not be a rear-kitchen unit... but to each his own. Some folks love 'em!

Safe travels!

[Themeads46]

Originally Posted by KarenPruitt

Has anyone ever pulled this unit with a half ton truck? If so how did it pull?

We pull our 2016 251rks with a 2007 f150 lariet. It pulls fine. On our last trip we went up the Siskyou grade on I5 from calif to oregon with no problems at all. I was unsure how it would pull and was very impressed.As for the rear kitchen our only problem is the drawer under the oven opening like the previous owner stated.

[2016251RKS]

Just did 1100 mile round trip. Yep, that bottom drawer is what moved. All other stuff, ok. We did wrap the microwave turntable. Over the mountains with the Tundra = 10.2 mpg at 60 mph. We were a bit heavier with water and full camp load. No problems with the tow. The awning, yes. A flat trailer tire, yes

[Coolharts]

Originally Posted by 2016251RKS

Just did 1100 mile round trip. Yep, that bottom drawer is what moved. All other stuff, ok. We did wrap the microwave turntable. Over the mountains with the Tundra = 10.2 mpg at 60 mph. We were a bit heavier with water and full camp load. No problems with the tow. The awning, yes. A flat trailer tire, yes

Wow, a new tire too. What happened with the awning?

[2016251RKS]

Tire, right rear - back - collected a "nail" of some description...the awning auto-dump failed - frozen gas shock? - will be fixed under warranty. The lightweight aluminum arms - front and back - bent. Local campers helped me retract the awning (the motor worked!) re-bent the arms enough to secure the awning unit for travel back (500 miles) with zip-ties.