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12-07-2016, 03:41 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1
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Considering Roo 233s
Hello all!
The wife and I are very excited to purchase our first RV. After much research, thought and stomping in and out of floor models, we have narrowed the choices down to either a Roo 233s or a Coachmen 23tqx.
Based on our last visit to the FR dealer, we think we've decided we like the Roo better. Overall, we just like the feel of it better than the Coachmen. The only real upside we saw to the Coachmen was the better(more ample) outside storage. The Roo seemed to have a better fit and finish inside. It just felt "more right" for lack of a better way to put it.
I've started to do some more in depth research into the Roo and found a couple things to cause me concern, just based on a few reviews, comments, YT videos, etc.
I was hoping the fine folk of this community could help shed some light and share experiences and knowledge.
Specifically:
1) I've read/seen complaints about the Roo bunk ends leaking. One consumer made a few YouTube videos documenting this and describing his challenges getting it fixed. I know every product will have a few lemons, but I haven't been able to gauge how common this issue is.
2) I've read a few posts stating that almost no V6 powered vehicle would be able to tow this without some real struggles. No other research had turned up this potential issue. We have a 2016 Dodge Durango RWD with tow package. Which is rated at 6.2k capacity. The Roo is 4.5k dry so even adding full tanks and gear shouldn't put it anywhere close to our max. I'd read to try and stay 500-1k under tow capacity.
3) We're first timers with a 2yo and a labrador. We do have older kids (13+) that may come with us from time to time. Anything we ought to know or think about, especially when dealing with a hybrid?
Thanks in advance to all who reply!
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12-07-2016, 04:48 PM
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#2
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Take The Road Less Travld
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 595
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This one is right down my alley.
1.) With the bunk ends, 99% of the time, the people who complain did not pre-soak the fabric first. You must...Must spray the bunk ends with water the first time you open it up. Pay close attention to the threads both inside and out. and the threads tighten up sealing the canvas. I sprayed the outside of the bunk ends with a hose and wiped down the inside with a wet rag prior to my first camping trip. You have to do this in decent weather where it will dry properly. As it dries, the thread tightens up and seals the canvas. Why they don't do this at the factory is beyond me. But you will see the instructions in the bag of material the dealer gives you and is most of the time overlooked.
The other times people complain is because when it's chilly outside and the heat is on, condensation builds up on the canvas and looks like it's leaking when it's really not.
2.) I had a 1999 Dodge Durango with the towing package and V8 with a towing rating around 6000 that handled my 2013 233s Roo just fine. You can feel it on hills, but for the most part handled it just fine. After 3 years, I just upgraded my truck to an F150 v6 and I can barely feel it when towing.
3.) I have 3 boys and a dog. Make sure they have plenty to do and get sites near the park . Our rule is the TV only come on when the weather gets bad.
__________________
"Take The Road Less Traveled"
2020 Cherokee 294BH
2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.6 Duramax Diesel
I've been an RVer since 2007, Lifetime Camper
Gotta love the Outdoors, Disconnect and Enjoy Nature!
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12-07-2016, 06:11 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NE Ga
Posts: 107
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Can't speak to the comparison to the Coachman but we've had our 2015 Shamrock 233s (same as Roo) since 2014 and love it. Bought it new from a dealer and the wife picked the interior. Just put it up for winter.
1. Leaks- have had none and have camped in fairly heavy rain. I have been concerned about leaks since I bought but I think most of the problems other have had have been on older models or they may have dirt on the seal or have caught some of the canvas in the seals when closing up the bunk ends. Anyway, we've had no problems with leaks so far.
2. I pull mine with a 6-cyl 2008 Toyota Tacoma. Does okay but I would recommend a larger truck with an 8 cylinder or more towing power for longer trips. We mostly stick to local sites no more than a couple of hours distance and do not have mountains to travel over. (A Tundra or Silverado is in my near future..... Do ya hear me Santa?)
3. Have boy/girl twins and Shitzu. Dog usually goes on vacation with the groomer but does come with us sometimes. We don't like to leave the dog in the camper if we have a lot of off-site activities planned. Plenty of room with the three bunks.
Have fun deciding....
__________________
Me, Wifey, Thing 1 & 2 plus Gracie the Shitzu rescue
FR Shamrock 233S 2015
2018 Ram 1500 Hemi 5.7 4x4 3.92
Nights Camped: NOT NEARLY ENOUGH!
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12-07-2016, 06:43 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,556
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One reason you more about Roo/Shamrock bunk leaks than Coachmen bunk leaks, is that there are 100x more Roo/Shamrock hybrids sold than Coachmen hybrids.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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12-07-2016, 07:42 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: indiana
Posts: 688
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In addition to the towing capacity of the Durango, you need to find out the cargo carrying capacity. It should be on a sticker on the door jam or door itself.
Example....if you CCC is 1500 lbs, you need to subtract the tongue weight from that. What's left is the weight you can carry in the vehicle, including passengers and cargo. The published dry tongue weight of a 233s is 600 lbs. When you load the camper, a portion of that weight is added to the tongue weight....probably about 100 lbs more.
Also, be sure to get a weight distribution hitch with sway control and a brake controller if the Durango does not have one.
__________________
Jim and Deb
Many times..asst grandkids
2015 Shamrock 23ikss
2013 Ram 1500
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12-07-2016, 09:41 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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1. Never had any leaks on my Roo 19 in 3 seasons. Leaky bunks (while closed) seems to be a "luck of the draw" problem. Most people have no issues. Make sure you don't get the canvas caught in the seal while closing (hint: close the entrance door and turn on the bathroom fan when closing the bunks - the fan will suck in the canvas - you won't believe how well it works.)
2. Don't know where you live, but I pulled my Roo 19 with a Chevy Traverse in the "flat" midwest for 1 season and I wasn't happy (and it was the wife's car - you don't want to mess up the wife's car!). But I know other people are pulling a lot more with their Traverses and "say" they're happy. So you may be OK with your Durango or you may not be. I would just caution you that you may be looking for something bigger soon. As jking46 says, you SHOULD have a weight distribution hitch. (And remember it will add about 75 lbs to your tongue weight.)
3. There are 4 issues with hybrids and popups that you will need to deal with and/or accept: #1: If the bunk ends are not absolutely dry when you close them up, you will need to get them open as soon as possible and dry them out. Otherwise they will mold/mildew. #2: Unlike many popups and most hard side trailers, in hybrids you sleep "cross-wise" meaning one of you will have to crawl over the other to go to bathroom at night. Not a problem if you're young, but once you hit "old age," this becomes an issue. ("Once a man turns 63, he should never pass up a chance to pee!") #3: Hybrids are a bit harder to heat/cool than hard side TT's. A lot of folks get PUGS (Pop Up Gizmos - google it) that go over the bunk ends and help insulate them. #4: The bunks must be cleaned off (mattresses folded and bed clothes stored somewhere) any time you close them up to move on.
Hopefully you're already aware of the items in #3 above; I don't mean to scare you off or worry you. We had a pop up for 20 yrs and a hybrid for 3 years and we loved how they keep you closer to nature. But as you get past 60, some of these issues become larger.
There are some folks that just don't like the hybrid lifestyle, but keep an open mind and I think you'll enjoy it.
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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12-08-2016, 06:58 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,355
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Regarding condensation MuddauberE spoke of, I would leave end windows unzipped about 8" and the bathroom fan on low. This created nice air across the top of bunks to stop the condensation.
__________________
'18 Ford F250 Lariat Super Crew
'22 Rockwood 2608BS
Previous '17 Grand Design Imagine 2800BH, '13 Rockwood Roo 21SS
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12-08-2016, 08:10 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 577
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I have a 2016 23IKSS so not exactly the same model but several things are the same including the front and rear bunks:
1 - Leaks - I had none but in 6K+ miles we have got 2 or 3 rains so not that much. I do keep an eye on the canvas and the locking mechanism and I did adjusted the locks recently for I found the locking pressure was not enough.
2 - I tow with a I6 gas engine. We Have went up all the way to the Colorado divide (11K+ feet) and we were able to do it but in 3rd gear by the end. I can keep 65 in the plain easy and have reached 85 a couple of times. I drive in 4th gear for the 5th is worthless towing and in some long or against the wind climbs I have to engage 3rd when speed reach 55mph. To me that is ok and part of a compromise for to me driving is part of the enjoyment, some people may think differently.
3 - Hybrids are for people that like the "sleep under canvas" thing. If you both like that, go for it. Ours is also the first TT we have and we bought the Roo because of the quality of construction and the layout. The quality of construction have proven very good - no problems so far.
I strongly recommend the two following readings. I did what it is written on these articles and have no regrets. Not a single sway event in 6K miles:
Hitch Hints: Understanding Ball Mount Angle (44.2)
Blog - Hitch Hints: On the Topic of Equalizing Hitches (43. 2) - Can-Am RV Centre
__________________
2018 F150 XLT V8 HDPP
2018 Rockwood 2909WS
" Life is simpler when you plow around the stump..."
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12-08-2016, 09:12 AM
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#9
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Take The Road Less Travld
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 595
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It's ultimately your choice either way. Both of your choices have the same layout. I do not believe that one over the other's canvas is going to be better. Bottom line, Camping is fun. IN this situation with your choices, pick the one that you think looks better and has the options you want and have fun out there
__________________
"Take The Road Less Traveled"
2020 Cherokee 294BH
2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.6 Duramax Diesel
I've been an RVer since 2007, Lifetime Camper
Gotta love the Outdoors, Disconnect and Enjoy Nature!
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12-08-2016, 09:18 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,270
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoOutside
Hello all!
1) I've read/seen complaints about the Roo bunk ends leaking. One consumer made a few YouTube videos documenting this and describing his challenges getting it fixed. I know every product will have a few lemons, but I haven't been able to gauge how common this issue is.
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Its hit and miss. If not due to the user catching fabric in the seal, it usually one of two things. They either did a sloppy job of the seal installation or the latching system is out of adjustment. In few cases I have read about the actual door was warped so at the top it could never seal correctly but those seem to be few. I fabricated aluminum drip molding for above both of ours just as additional insurance. I only ever found one drop in ours and that was after I washed it with a long handled brush.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoOutside
2) I've read a few posts stating that almost no V6 powered vehicle would be able to tow this without some real struggles. No other research had turned up this potential issue. We have a 2016 Dodge Durango RWD with tow package. Which is rated at 6.2k capacity. The Roo is 4.5k dry so even adding full tanks and gear shouldn't put it anywhere close to our max. I'd read to try and stay 500-1k under tow capacity.
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The 233S has almost the highest hitch weight of any of the Roos, and now the only ones that are higher is the 21SS and 24WS where they added that model and supposedly changed the floors from laminated to plywood. Figure on the hitch weight not being 602 per the specs but will end up in the 800+ lb area, if not 900, as most of your storage on the 233 is ahead of the axles, including water. You'll be close on the capacity and limited on what you carry in the Durango if you care about that. I have had 2 other HTT's prior to the Roo 23WS, with one being the almost the exact same size but slightly lighter than the 23' Roos. At the beginning we used a 1500 4X4 Silverado step-side reg cab 5.3 V8. Personally I would go no smaller from a stability standpoint alone. They call them lightweight or ultralight which IMO is a marketing gimmick. Dealers can use that to talk people into bad ideas based on tow vehicles. Looks good in the brochure and touted as it saves fuel. It doesn't. Your still pulling a box with around with @ 64 sq ft of wind resistance at the front, and @ 168 sq ft of side area exposed to side winds.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoOutside
3) We're first timers with a 2yo and a labrador. We do have older kids (13+) that may come with us from time to time. Anything we ought to know or think about, especially when dealing with a hybrid?
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You'll have more general space in the hybrid than you will have in a 29/30' bunkhouse layout, or front or rear bedroom TT. The beds take none of the overall floor space like the bunk area or bedroom. In that regards you have better selection of campsites at most places where length is a concern, and it takes less storage room in the driveway etc. Only you can ultimately determine if the layout fits your needs.
There is nothing like being able to zip the tent windows wide open in the summer.
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12-08-2016, 11:02 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,355
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfordroo
#2: Unlike many popups and most hard side trailers, in hybrids you sleep "cross-wise" meaning one of you will have to crawl over the other to go to bathroom at night. Not a problem if you're young, but once you hit "old age," this becomes an issue. ("Once a man turns 63, he should never pass up a chance to pee!").
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Rockfordroo is so right on this.
We love our 21SS but with getting older we are tired of having to crawl over the other person in the night. We had said we would wait for our 2nd daughter to start college to go to a TT but after looking around and finding a floor plan we love in a Grand Design we decided to go ahead and do it.
Figured TT prices would only go up and value in our 21SS would only go down. We went for a model with bunks so we still have a place for both daughters but we are so looking forward to being able to easily get out of bed in the night.
__________________
'18 Ford F250 Lariat Super Crew
'22 Rockwood 2608BS
Previous '17 Grand Design Imagine 2800BH, '13 Rockwood Roo 21SS
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