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Old 08-14-2010, 03:01 PM   #1
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Rockwood 5th wheel 8280WS

Where does the Rockwood 5th wheel fit into the Forrest River Family, is a mid range? We are looking at a 8280WS any comments about the unit and its quality of construction? thank you
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Old 08-14-2010, 08:29 PM   #2
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We have a 2010 8280WS that we like very much...camped 29 nights in it so far. We find that the fit and finish on the camper is very good...haven't had any issues with it at all. I would say that it would be considered mid range in Forest River's family...it's not lacking any features that we would want. You won't find a 30 ft 5er with lower pin weight than this one, 1240lbs loaded...an important consideration regarding the tow vehicle.

As with most rear kitchen layouts, the fridge isn't accessible with the slide in as it needs to be out at least a foot. We find it a minor inconvenience for the great layout and counter-space. Go for the optional lazyboy leather recliners...they're well worth it!

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Old 08-15-2010, 01:19 PM   #3
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Thank you for the reply, our dealer is trying to locate a 2010 model for us,as we like the interior colors better on the 2010 than the 2011. We had been looking at 5ers for some time, have a 24RL Wildcat now, and until we saw the 8280WS. However, it was sold and wouldn't you know that is the one my dear wife liked, so here is hoping the dealer locates one!
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Old 08-15-2010, 02:11 PM   #4
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I ordered a new 2011 8280WS and will pick it up the 27th of this month in Lakeview, Oh. I went though RVWholesalers.com and received almost 14K off MSRP. By ordering the RV I was able to get everything I wanted at a great price. Although I live in Tucson, AZ I do not mind driving to Ohio to pick it up. It took about 9 weeks to build. I have relatives in Ohio and my son is graduating from Army boot camp Sept 16th in Ft Jackson, SC, so I am going to make a grand tour of the east coast (obviously I'm retired). The 8280WS was one of the few 30 ft 5th wheels I could pull with my 2007 Tundra. The Tundra has tons of towing capacity (10600 lbs), GCWR of 16000 lbs, 381 horses (401 fp of torque) but only 1755 payload. It is important for you to know all this before purchasing any 5th wheel. It does not take much to exceed your truck payload rating (people, hitch, gas, 5er hitch, RV pin weight, etc.) unless you have a 1 ton or something. The 8280WS represented a compromise for me because I originally wanted a rear lounge 5th wheel but could not find anything in the 30ft range with a low hitch weight. I ordered (must have) the leather Lazy-boy recliners (thanks to Dave_Monica). I also ordered minimum carpet, large U dinette, cherry wood, slide awnings, and most important, the upgraded Serta mattress which I finally found out is the Serta Fairview line (has memory foam topper). The standard mattress, Serta Alameda, is pretty firm. I apologize in advance for the TMI but I’ve been researching 5ers for about a year and after all things considered, I chose this model. Great quality with few compromises…
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Old 08-15-2010, 02:37 PM   #5
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Quote:
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I ordered a new 2011 8280WS and will pick it up the 27th of this month in Lakeview, Oh. I went though RVWholesalers.com and received almost 14K off MSRP. By ordering the RV I was able to get everything I wanted at a great price. Although I live in Tucson, AZ I do not mind driving to Ohio to pick it up. It took about 9 weeks to build. I have relatives in Ohio and my son is graduating from Army boot camp Sept 16th in Ft Jackson, SC, so I am going to make a grand tour of the east coast (obviously I'm retired). The 8280WS was one of the few 30 ft 5th wheels I could pull with my 2007 Tundra. The Tundra has tons of towing capacity (10600 lbs), GCWR of 16000 lbs, 381 horses (401 fp of torque) but only 1755 payload. It is important for you to know all this before purchasing any 5th wheel. It does not take much to exceed your truck payload rating (people, hitch, gas, 5er hitch, RV pin weight, etc.) unless you have a 1 ton or something. The 8280WS represented a compromise for me because I originally wanted a rear lounge 5th wheel but could not find anything in the 30ft range with a low hitch weight. I ordered (must have) the leather Lazy-boy recliners (thanks to Dave_Monica). I also ordered minimum carpet, large U dinette, cherry wood, slide awnings, and most important, the upgraded Serta mattress which I finally found out is the Serta Fairview line (has memory foam topper). The standard mattress, Serta Alameda, is pretty firm. I apologize in advance for the TMI but I’ve been researching 5ers for about a year and after all things considered, I chose this model. Great quality with few compromises…
WOW! Thanks for all the info! I cant wait to see the pics once you get it!
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Old 08-19-2010, 07:52 PM   #6
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Well, we ordered a 8280WS today, they told us later part of Sept. There is still till to camp in the Midwest in Sept and Oct. Will let you know when we get her. Thank you for the info.
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Old 08-19-2010, 07:58 PM   #7
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Great! Welcome to the Rockwood world! They originally told me (RVWholesalers in Lakeview, Ohio) that it would be 11 weeks but it came in 9 weeks.
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Old 09-02-2010, 04:27 PM   #8
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I do have another question for someone who has a 8280WS, what is the measurement from the rear axle center to the rear bumper? Also the height of the bumper at that point? I am concerned that the rear of the 5ver may not backup my drive, we have a Wildcat 24RL now. The salesman said that I could mount a roller or wheel at the rear if it was to low, but that would put pressure on the frame correct and I do not want frame problems.
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Old 09-02-2010, 04:46 PM   #9
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Just measured out in the driveway: centerline of rear most axle to the bumper centerline is 10' 3". The height from ground to camper underside when level is 22 1/2". The height from the ground to the bottom of the bumper is 25 1/2"
Hope this helps.

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Old 09-02-2010, 06:31 PM   #10
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"wheelies on the rear"

I have used rear "ASSIST" wheels on my last three TT. I tore both grey & black dump valves off on my first TT, After that, I did not take any chances
ever dragging the rear again.

They do work!

Sid HRH-Daisy
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Old 09-02-2010, 08:22 PM   #11
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I am concerned that the rear of the 5ver may not backup my drive.
If the angle of the driveway is that severe, you better really watch your clearance to the truck's bed rails when the camper's in the driveway and the truck's on the road!

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Old 09-02-2010, 10:04 PM   #12
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f150k, we had the same worries about the change in colors, but when we got our new Flagstaff 8528CKSS (same as 8288SS Rockwood), we were pleasantly surprised. We got the cherry cabinets with Sedona interior, and it is awesome. The rear living room is great, and we can use the fridge, table, kitchen, and couch even with the slide in. Really well thought-out layout. Hope you are just as happy with your new baby!
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Old 09-02-2010, 10:14 PM   #13
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Dave, With the Wildcat 24 RL we do not have any problem with the rear or the rails on our truck. I was sure how much longer the 8280WS is then the Wildcat. Thank you for the measurements.
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Old 09-04-2010, 03:45 PM   #14
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2010 vs 2011 interior

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Thank you for the reply, our dealer is trying to locate a 2010 model for us,as we like the interior colors better on the 2010 than the 2011. We had been looking at 5ers for some time, have a 24RL Wildcat now, and until we saw the 8280WS. However, it was sold and wouldn't you know that is the one my dear wife liked, so here is hoping the dealer locates one!
LOL! I feel your pain!! I had my heart set on the Cherry cabinets / Saddle interior..we went to look at them today and I found out that the colors changed for 2011..Saddle is no longer an interior choice
I am really bummed out

On the other hand, I was very impressed with it overall. Today was the first time we saw one (other than pictures) We had to drive to Inverness (1 1/2 hr drive) but it was well worth it. I just have to figure out what to do about the colors.... What did your wife decide?
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Old 09-04-2010, 08:29 PM   #15
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I had my heart set on the Cherry cabinets / Saddle interior..we went to look at them today and I found out that the colors changed for 2011..Saddle is no longer an interior choice
..... What did your wife decide?

That's not true. I have cherry cabinets and saddle interior in my 2011.
Why do you think they don't have it anymore?
Did your friendly dealer tell you that so they can sell you another one?
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Old 09-04-2010, 08:38 PM   #16
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John, it could be very true. Is your rig truly a 2011 or was it built in 2010 and called a 2011? Our Georgetown is called a "2009" but it was built in 2008. The 2009 Georgetown had a one piece windshield, different front and end caps and some other changes. So, although ours is a "2009" it does differ from the 2009s built after ours.

Or it could just be an unscrupulous dealer trying to sell a rig they have on the lot like you suggest. I never trust dealers.
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Old 09-04-2010, 08:41 PM   #17
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John, it could be very true. Is your rig truly a 2011 or was it built in 2010 and called a 2011? Our Georgetown is called a "2009" but it was built in 2008. The 2009 Georgetown had a one piece windshield, different front and end caps and some other changes. So, although ours is a "2009" it does differ from the 2009s built after ours.

Or it could just be an unscrupulous dealer trying to sell a rig they have on the lot like you suggest. I never trust dealers.
My trailer was build April 2010 and the VIN Verifies it is a 2011.
Also the catalog shows saddle as an interior. Cherry wood is an option.

My Arizona dealer has one.
New Fifth Wheel for sale | 2011 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8280WS | Beaudry RV | RV Sales Arizona - RVUSA.com
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Old 09-04-2010, 08:57 PM   #18
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Forest River change the decor choices within the model year. The decor choices available in early 2011 model year are no longer available. The Rockwood decor choices are now Vineyard, Westport and Charleston.

Dave
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Old 09-04-2010, 09:00 PM   #19
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Iggy, I was there when the dealer called Forrest River, the saddle tan is gone, they are in to new colors as of August.
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Old 09-04-2010, 09:05 PM   #20
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WHY is it I always have to like what is IMPOSSIBLE to find????
Does anyone have an 8280ws Cherry/Saddle they want to sell????
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