Regrets

[VaTechMan]

For me, the biggest issue I have with me Roo (21ikss) is lack of storage for things besides clothes and food. There is plenty of room for that sort of thing, but then if you like to bring a canopy for outside, and bikes, and many other things, there is not a lot of storage, where you can leave it all the time. Right now, I put my bikes right inside the door, so when I got to setup, that is one of the first things that I have to take out. Have to clear off all the stuff that is stored on my kitchen table because there is no place else to put it.

For instance, if I want to do a long distance trip, at night, I would have to unload a lot of stuff just so that I could get to my beds to sleep. Which rules out stopping at Walmart or something like that.

I am a boy scout, so I always travel with too much stuff, so I will always "be prepared", I am sure that I could pair things down a lot and not run into this as much, nut what's the fun in that. I will also say that I grew up camping with my parents in a Class A, so maybe I was spoiled to the room for storage under the camper.

Outside of the storage, I am happy.

[sewingcybermom]

We camped in a pup for 28 years, and the first looker bought it. We take exceptionally good care of our vehicles and our campers. We found the 23ikss and never looked back. We love the camping feel, and the convenience of just "walking in" to pack up or unload. It's not too big, not too small. No regrets. My pet peeve is that the stock mattresses are HORRIBLE. We've replaced them with high quality air mattresses with heated mattress pads. Makes packing up so much easier, and sleeping is much less painful! I don't see us ever using a TT. This is the best of both worlds.

[dudleydoo]

We have had ours for 2 seasons now and no regrets. But, we thinking about selling it. I do the driving and my DH and I can hook up without any arguments about which is left or right when turning the steering wheel! But when I want to travel with a friend she is not experienced enough to guide me on hooking up or backing up. We may start looking into motorhomes. We have a 2014 23IKSS and it is great with no problems with slide toppers added, PUGS, gas grill that we never used, I like charcoal grills, sway bars, hitch and vehicle side mirrors included.

[fedrocker]

Be weary of the bunk door delamination issue that many, including me, have encountered. That said, great sleeping room, light weight, inexpensive, and a real camp feel. Once bunk doors and slide out are deployed, it's as roomy as anything.


2011 Rockwood Roo 233s
2007 Tundra Crewmax, 5.7

[Velosprout]

Originally Posted by dudleydoo

But when I want to travel with a friend she is not experienced enough to guide me on hooking up or backing up.

The new backing assist on the 2016 F150 may help. Check out the video: https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylc...t&fr=yfp-t-603

[itat]

Originally Posted by dudleydoo

We have had ours for 2 seasons now and no regrets. But, we thinking about selling it. I do the driving and my DH and I can hook up without any arguments about which is left or right when turning the steering wheel! But when I want to travel with a friend she is not experienced enough to guide me on hooking up or backing up. We may start looking into motorhomes. We have a 2014 23IKSS and it is great with no problems with slide toppers added, PUGS, gas grill that we never used, I like charcoal grills, sway bars, hitch and vehicle side mirrors included.

If you don't currently have a rear view camera, that may help resolve your issue of hooking up with your friend and it would be a minimal cost compared to switching to a MH.

BTW I have to say I'm very impressed that you're willing to drive the TV and venture out with the Roo without your DH! My DW would never do that.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by dudleydoo View Post
But when I want to travel with a friend she is not experienced enough to guide me on hooking up or backing up.

Sounds to me like you just need to give her a little more experience!

[JoBu]

Originally Posted by dudleydoo

But when I want to travel with a friend she is not experienced enough to guide me on hooking up or backing up.

These things can be pretty intimidating to lots of folks. Have you thought of picking up an inexpensive pair of walkie-talkies? You don't have to yell (or speak loudly) to one another...just a conversational tone. My DW keeps hers keyed and simply talks me back. I do all the listening (which could be a reason we are so happy together). If I don't do it quite right, I just pull forward a bit and start again. Also, we use simple terms that we both understand so there is no miscommunication (e.g. saying "driver" or "passenger" vice "left" or "right"). Best of luck!!!

Cheers,

Joe

[fedrocker]

I use the iBall and it works great. Don't need anybody


2011 Rockwood Roo 233s
2007 Tundra Crewmax, 5.7

[yetavon]

Our story....1st Popup in 84, 4 total till 2011 when we stumbled across the 1st hybrid we ever seen(a ROO by chance) The wife said a hybrid was what she wanted. The research began, we looked at every hybrid we could, reviewed stats and floor plans, and forum feed back on construction.
The FR Roo/ Shamrock 21DK became our dream camper, and in April the dream came true... 7 trips later, and 2 camp driveways we are still in awe of this jem of a camper. A couple minor items need attention, and some warranty issues that are being addressed. no regrets at all.

[DaGrinch]

We bought our 2008 Roo 23SS in March of '08 after several years of camping in a pop-up. It just seemed like the natural progression and DW and I loved the Roo. After about 4 years, and a camping trip where I was very ill, DW decided she couldn't take down the Roo without my help. Being only 5'3", she had an exceptionally difficult time putting up the ends of the Roo. At the end of the '13 season, the Roo had to make way for a TT.
We had no problems with the Roo itself; no delamination, no leaking ends - nothing like that. A/C decided to give out, but that was replaced before we sold the Roo. We still look at pictures of the Roo with fond memories. It fit our wants and needs for the time.
I have always highly recommended the Roo.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by JoBu

These things can be pretty intimidating to lots of folks. Have you thought of picking up an inexpensive pair of walkie-talkies? You don't have to yell (or speak loudly) to one another...just a conversational tone. My DW keeps hers keyed and simply talks me back. I do all the listening (which could be a reason we are so happy together). If I don't do it quite right, I just pull forward a bit and start again. Also, we use simple terms that we both understand so there is no miscommunication (e.g. saying "driver" or "passenger" vice "left" or "right"). Best of luck!!!

Cheers,

Joe

Don't need walkie-talkies if you've got cell phones.

[Velosprout]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Don't need walkie-talkies if you've got cell phones.

I have the cell phones, but use the FRS radio walkie-talkies too. Cell phone reception is still poor or non-existent at some rural campsites.

[bareftn]

we love ours, 23ss

[Old Eeyore]

No regrets! The first 21SS Roo we stepped inside of sold us. We've always slept under canvas and for now we don't want that to change and a hybrid makes life sooo much better for this old back and knees.

While we ran into issues with our 21SS just before we traded it in - they weren't any worse than the issues we had with our PUPs and tents. There will always be something that isn't what it should be.

A side note regarding outside sounds. . . Occasionally folks under canvas forget that it can be a two way "experience".

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Old Eeyore

A side note regarding outside sounds. . . Occasionally folks under canvas forget that it can be a two way "experience".

If this Roo's rockin', don't come knockin'??

[Old Eeyore]

Exactamundo!

[mnoland30]

We added solar power and LED bulbs, and now we're self sufficient for at least 4 days (till the black tank fills up). If we go in the woods, we'd could stay forever. We went to Navajo Lake NM recently to snag kokanee salmon. There was only one camp site left with hookups. Lots of noisy neighbors and the worst site in the camp. Instead, we went to the primitive camp. We were almost by ourselves, with a fantastic view, and our ROO was small enough to fit, but huge when we opened it up. We love our ROO and love boondocking. I also love that I can fit it in my yard and not have to pay to store it. Lots of little things that the manufacturers don't do well, but usually easy to fix.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by syogerst

I love mine! Spacious, plenty of storage, easy to pull. We wish the bathroom was larger and I hate the heavy awkward table. Hide a bed works great and so does the island. I could live without the water filter and it could use another heating vent in the front of the camper.
2015 23ikss Roo

Only Regret I have was getting the 23ikss because kitchen slide takes away from awning space outside and LED lights from awning are blocked. I was looking at 21BD and Mini Lite 2504 at the same time but I like the interior space and layout, just a little bit more storage space outside would be nice but I can live with it all, works perfect for two of us and Medium sized dog, also sleeps 7-8 and can be towed by my 2014 F150 and our Jeep Grand Cherokee so very versatile


2014 F150 FX4 Crew 4X4 EB
2015 Roo 23IKSS

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Drenjoey]

Just bought a 2016 Roo 23WS and love everything so far......of course it's winter now in Maine, but we can't wait to get that camper on the road next summer......so far, so good !!
Dre