Roo/shamrock advice

[Rdees]

I'm a new forum member... joined today. I'm researching RVs and would like any input regarding hybrid campers. I had an rpod for about a year then sold it... unable to use due to family obligations. I like the looks of the roo/ shamrock and would like to know about concerns I've read about regarding leaks, moisture problems with the mattress, safely issues regarding the tent bedroom areas. All input will be appreciated. Thanks.

[rsdata]

would like to know about concerns I've read about regarding leaks, moisture problems with the mattress, safely issues regarding the tent bedroom areas

All of those things can be a problem with a hybrid... tent ends that close on a rubber seal can leak. Keeping the seal areas clean goes a long way. Some have added gutters above the seal, especially the front bunk, have solved the problem for some. Keeping an eye open for leaks and reacting to them promptly goes a long way toward not having a problem.

Moisture under the mattress is caused by sleeping in cool wet weather and having condensation form from body heat under the mattress. If that happens some place a thin sheet of insulation under the mattress... others a wool blanket. I usually keep the stock heated mattress on and that eliminate the condition (cold outside surface) that causes the condensation.

I do not know of any safety issues other than someone once reported that the outside tent edge gave way and could have caused a problem rolling out of bed. Years ago there was nothing more then bungy cords holding the tent ends in place. Now they are glued and screwed down pretty securely.

[Rdees]

Appreciate your input. I had read about the wool blanket or reflectix insulation under the mattress but not about the heated mattress. I also read about "pugs" being used over the tent bedroom areas... don't know what those are..??

[rsdata]

pugs

PopupGizmos

[Rdees]

I looked at the site... thanks again. Are the pugs the covers over the tent bedroom areas?

[rsdata]

YES

they can be added for extremely hot or cold camping

[bikendan]

Rdees, my first queation is "have you previously owned a popup and are attracted to the idea of sleeping under canvas?"
Too many people buy a hybrid because of the sleeping space in a small package but don't consider the pros and cons of the canvas ends. They often end up selling it after one season.
Second, what will you be towing with?
Third, because hybrids have 2-3 giant holes in them and the canvas ends, there's more maintenance required than your Rpod needed.

Most hybrid owners are former popup owners and know what they're getting into. They just want less setup and more amenities but still have the sleeping under canvas experience.

[Rdees]

Thanks!

[Rdees]

I've never owned a pop up so I appreciate your input. I hadn't thought about it that way. This is why I'm asking questions...so much great information being shared. Thanks again for the input I'm receiving.

[rockfordroo]

Whatever you get, make sure you've got a tow vehicle that is up to the task.

Do NOT get suckered by "dry weight." No trailer ever weighed "dry weight." Since you can't weigh a trailer until you've bought it, assume the trailer weighs the GVWR number that's on the sticker on the left front of the trailer.

Then assume that your tongue weight is 13% of the GVWR. Now add the weight of a weight distribution hitch of 75-100 lbs. This is your hitch weight.

Your tow vehicles payload capacity is on a tire and loading sticker on the drivers door frame. When you subtract the hitch weight from the payload, the result is what you have left to cover driver, passengers, dogs, and stuff.

If you still have payload left over, NOW think about towing capacity. Make sure the towing capacity is greater than the GVWR.

[Rdees]

I knew about the gvwr...my tow vehicle is a 2006 Sequoia and it's gvwr is 6500lbs. I didn't realize I needed to factor in the things you mentioned.. thanks for sharing! I'm glad I'm not in a rush to buy anything! So much to consider. I liked my rpod with the slide but I would like to have something with a little more room and a bit larger bathroom...mine was a wet bath. I think that's why the hybrids appealed to me. Thanks again for your input...much appreciated.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Rdees

I knew about the gvwr...my tow vehicle is a 2006 Sequoia and it's gvwr is 6500lbs. I didn't realize I needed to factor in the things you mentioned.. thanks for sharing! I'm glad I'm not in a rush to buy anything! So much to consider. I liked my rpod with the slide but I would like to have something with a little more room and a bit larger bathroom...mine was a wet bath. I think that's why the hybrids appealed to me. Thanks again for your input...much appreciated.

The GVWR in my post is the TRAILER's GVWR. See my Mini Lite's sticker below (top circled in red):



And here's my Chevy Silverado 2500HD's payload sticker (you'll have a lot less payload than I do):

[Rdees]

I definitely have things to consider while I'm doing my research. Thanks again for your input... appreciate it!

[JimChow]

We really enjoyed our hybrid. Yes we had a couple of leaks but as mentioned you have to be observant. We had ours 11 years and liked the floorplan but using the bunk for sleeping became an issue. As we got older climbing in and over one another to sleep became tedious. Ours didn't have enough outside storage for us either. Overall, we enjoys the time we had the trailer however, due to age, we moved into a different trailer.

[GalsofEscape]

We love our hybrid. We did move to this from a popup, so yes we knew what sleeping under canvas entailed. But the fact that the beds don't take up floorspace was a factor for us. Most hard sided campers with a bunk and a floor plan we liked was close to 30 feet long. Did not want anything longer than 25 feet. We are vigilant about checking for leaks. As with any camper maintenance is key.

[Rdees]

Thanks everyone! A lot of great information has been shared....food for thought. Many factors to consider...as much as I like the looks of the hybrids they might not be the best choice for me after considering all the great input I've received. Thanks again for your time and help.

[GordonB]

I will also add that I have a 21ss, and, maybe it is just me, but it seems to be very heavy for the size.

Maybe it is due to the large slide out, but towing with an 05 F150, max tow package, 5.4, 3.73 gears, stock tires, blah blah blah... Still wish I had another 50-80hp when towing.

I can't tow it in OD, even on very small hills.
And driving thru the mountains of WV, there were many foot-to-the-floor-barely-doing-35 moments.

Of course a newer truck would do a lot better with a 6speed transmission instead of my old 4 speed.







Now that I am done complaining:

We love the camper.
My wife and I, our two 50lb dogs, and a baby, have never felt overly cramped inside.

I would definitely urge you to look into the bunk covers. The bunks can be more than 10deg hotter than the main area in the sunlight.

If you plan on doing much boondocking, get a 2nd battery, I am waiting for the first one to go bad before I buy a 2nd one (so they will be the same age).

We go camping for a week at a time and are generally very comfortable.

Only downside to a hybrid is you probably won't be comfortable in true "winter" conditions.

They are sold as "3 season"

[rsdata]

Of course a newer truck would do a lot better with a 6speed transmission instead of my old 4 speed.

newer transmissions make all the difference... 4 speeds just don't cut it...

[Rdees]

Thanks for sharing. It's just going to be me and my critters once I decide what will work for me. This decision is becoming more difficult the more I learn..��.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Rdees

Thanks for sharing. It's just going to be me and my critters once I decide what will work for me. This decision is becoming more difficult the more I learn..��.

A two bunk end hybrid is great if you have dogs.
One, there's lot more floorspace for them, especially with the 21SS, because there's no bed taking up floorspace.
Two, they can have one tent end all to themselves.