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Old 02-17-2017, 08:23 PM   #1
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183 vs 233s

Hi everyone! We are considering moving up to a Roo from our present Coachman PUP. We have 3 kids and really like the 3 bed layout. The 233 is about 4K more than the 183 and we are wondering if it is worth it for the slide out and extra space that comes with it. We do a lot of Boondocking and spend most of the time outside. Also curious if Anyone has opinions on options (must have ones, nice but not worth it ones, etc...). Thanks for your help!!

I'll but pulling with a 2017 F150 2.7L Ecobost and the tow package. We usually do 1 long 2+ week long trip plus 4-5 smaller weekend trips each year.
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Old 02-17-2017, 08:41 PM   #2
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I would spring for the 3rd bunk! We have three teens and they loved having some extra space especially if it rains!
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Old 02-17-2017, 08:47 PM   #3
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Go for the slide. You won't regret the room.
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Old 02-17-2017, 08:54 PM   #4
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I would spring for the 3rd bunk! We have three teens and they loved having some extra space especially if it rains!


I meant the slide...
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Old 02-17-2017, 10:50 PM   #5
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Go big...the difference in inside room is worth it.
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Old 02-17-2017, 11:10 PM   #6
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We have the 233s and we love the extra space with the slide out. I think you will really like the space in the mornings and late evenings when everyone is inside. Plus if your kids bring any friends along, the extra space will be needed.
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Old 02-18-2017, 02:29 AM   #7
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183 vs 233s

We went with the 2016 233s last year.... so happy with the room. With two kids and a dog it is perfect, especially on long trips where everyone gets to the point of needing there own "space"
We also bring friends and grandparents along at times and the extra space makes a huge difference. We upgraded from a flagstaff pop up and are incredibly happy with the 233s.
Oh and get the power tongue, super helpful!
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Old 02-18-2017, 05:25 AM   #8
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You will be surprised how much more useful the extra room is in the 233s, hanging out in the camper a little more will be a new addition to your trips.
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Old 02-18-2017, 07:53 AM   #9
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Yes, Yes and YES. Go for the 233s. You won't regret it EVER!
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Old 02-18-2017, 10:04 AM   #10
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We were leaning towards the 183 but now you all have us really thinking. I appreciate the advice and look forward to any additional suggestions. Thanks a million!!
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Old 02-18-2017, 11:13 AM   #11
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We were leaning towards the 183 but now you all have us really thinking. I appreciate the advice and look forward to any additional suggestions. Thanks a million!!


Could you try and rent one? I know 4K is a lot of money but trust me these things are hard to sell if you don't get the right one! Or look at a used one a few years old? Most only use these campers (depending on where you live) for 15-20 nights a year.
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Old 02-18-2017, 11:41 AM   #12
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Please be sure you walk through both before deciding. Its cheaper to once.
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Old 02-18-2017, 11:52 AM   #13
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One thing that hasn't been addressed is the tow vehicle. Most people on here have the 3.5 eb. and swear it's a beast. Haven't heard much about the 2.7 and its capabilities. Is it good for the bigger and heavier 233s?
Just asking.
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Old 02-18-2017, 03:32 PM   #14
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The 2.7L Ecoboost is rated for 8,500 lbs max towing, and 2,210 payload. That's better than the Hemi I use to pull my 233s around with.
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Old 02-18-2017, 05:02 PM   #15
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Thanks Finster! That's great to know.
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Old 02-18-2017, 07:22 PM   #16
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That's stronger than I expected. You'll be fine.
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Old 02-18-2017, 07:49 PM   #17
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Another happy 233S owner here. Love the space & although you may spend time outdoors, there is always that time when it storms & you have to retreat inside. The extra sofa & space makes a lot of difference. Cramped close quarters or open room? I'll take the open room. Since we have the sofa we bought a 4' table that we use to give us more table space so we sit at the dinette & on the sofa when we have a crowd. By the way we've slept up to 10 people in our Roo. (Adults & children).
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Old 02-18-2017, 10:32 PM   #18
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When we were first looking at the Roos, my DW felt the lack of a sofa in the 183 was a big negative. The slide out does make a big difference, too, but the extra seating space was more important to us when comparing the 183 to the 233S. We were upgrading from a 10' box Coleman Santa Fe popup at that time so we didn't have a sofa in the popup. As it turns out, we ended up finding a nice used 23SS for a lot less $$, except that we had to replace both bunk doors due to leaking seals.
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Old 02-19-2017, 12:30 AM   #19
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Sometimes less is more

We had the same decision to make last year. We went with the 183 and we have no regrets. Bigger can be better, but not always and not for everybody. There are some advantages to the 183 worth considering because the additional 4' of the 233s makes a difference. We boondock often in smaller state park campgrounds and we have more sites to choose from with the smaller trailer. It is generally easier to tow and maneuver. We were able to store it in a 20' space instead of a 30' which saves us $40/month. And no slide means one less set of seals and the motor/mechanical to maintain.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not arguing against the 233S - it's a great trailer and we were awfully close to going with it. Just make sure you consider the advantages and disadvantages of both and decide what is best for your family.
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:13 AM   #20
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That's stronger than I expected. You'll be fine.
Sounds like a lot for a 6 cylinder, but you have to take into account that those Fords are all aluminum now. When your not pulling as much truck, you can pull more trailer.
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