Windjammer vs V-Cross

[jparker66]

What can someone tell me about the Windjammer vs. V Cross. Seems these units make sense in their design.

[jparker66]

Additional Question: Some have told me that the front cap on the V-Cross is not well constructed. Anyone know anything about the roof construction and the front cap?
Thanks

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by jparker66

What can someone tell me about the Windjammer vs. V Cross. Seems these units make sense in their design.

The V nose offers some unique floorplan options. In spite of claims otherwise, there doesn't seem to be any improvement in fuel mileage towing vs conventional campers. Here's a link to one article, there's many more using the search function...
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ler-19656.html

Dave

[Old car]

We just completed our third season with a Windjammer. The floor plan sold us on the trailer along with the quality aspects. We have the kitchen in the nose. I've never pulled a flat front trailer but I believe Dave is correct--no real gas mileage advantage. Our trailer pulls easily with the Equalizer WDH but again, I have nothing to compare it to. As for the roof, I get up on mine (205 lbs) every trip to sweep off the slideouts and while up there I inspect around all vents, etc. We also cover ours in the winter so I have to get up there to clean and put the cover on. It holds me without issue. I do not walk on the roof portion of the front cap. We love the trailer now as much as the day we purchased it.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

In spite of claims otherwise, there doesn't seem to be any improvement in fuel mileage towing vs conventional campers. Here's a link to one article, there's many more using the search function...
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ler-19656.html

Dave

x2! if there's any improvement in gas mileage, with a V-nose trailer, it would be only a mere fraction of improvement that would off-set what a V-nose loses in front room area, compared to a similar-sized conventional TT.

[SaskCampers]

Originally Posted by bikendan

x2! if there's any improvement in gas mileage, with a V-nose trailer, it would be only a mere fraction of improvement that would off-set what a V-nose loses in front room area, compared to a similar-sized conventional TT.

It is totally wrong to say there is a loss of space, the V nose actually gains space vs loses. If you notice the design extends much further forward on the frame rails and the tanks are now inside the nose, not sitting on the front of the frame. I would say there is at least 2 feet more interior space in the V that conventional units do not have, ours is an amazing walk in closet. Now to the OP, we still love our front bedroom unit as much as the day it came home in 2010 and it have been super reliable and very easy to add upgrades to. As to the roof, I walk on ours every trip as well to check the slide etc and never an issue.

[Vern]

After two years with our Windjammer, we are very happy with the floor plan, quality and towing performance. I concur that, while it tows very nicely, I suspect the talk about any gas mileage advantage is just salesmanship or speculation.

Your real question seems to be about comparing the Rockwood Windjammer to the Flagstaff V-Cross, and I'm not sure you have received any answers to that. We looked at both when shopping for our TT, and my understanding is that these two lines are "sister" lines with essentially identical floor plans, both made by Forest River (probably in the same plant), and that the primary differences are in name only and the decals. If anyone has other info, please chime in.

[Windjammin]

We too have a Windjammer with the kitchen in the front. It pulls better than our flat front trailer did but I now use an Equalizer hitch so I think the hitch may be the reason more than the V nose design. Gas mileage increase is probably a myth by salesmen as I have never seen any tests to document their claims. I get around 10 with mine at 55 mph, no wind conditions pulling it with a Silverado gasser.

Flagstaff makes a V Lite line which are identical to the Windjammers. There is also a V Cross line which have heavier frames and higher GVWRs.

[Vern]

Originally Posted by Windjammin

We too have a Windjammer with the kitchen in the front. It pulls better than our flat front trailer did but I now use an Equalizer hitch so I think the hitch may be the reason more than the V nose design. Gas mileage increase is probably a myth by salesmen as I have never seen any tests to document their claims. I get around 10 with mine at 55 mph, no wind conditions pulling it with a Silverado gasser.

Flagstaff makes a V Lite line which are identical to the Windjammers. There is also a V Cross line which have heavier frames and higher GVWRs.

Maybe the Windjammers and V-Cross are not identical then, I stand corrected. Windjammin - you should feel good about your 10 mpg, my Silverado gasser and 3008W are a 8.5 mpg combo. I did not get into this for gas mileage, so I'm not sweating it, but 10 mpg is pretty good.

[garbonz]

My VCross Platinum 5er has served me well for its first year. I believe that the VCross are made in the Cherokee plant, but I have not been able to confirm.. Mine seems to have a stronger suspension 5K axles and 16 inch wheels than necessary, and has a 250 lb rack in back. I am very happy with it

[mark0224]

I just got a V lite and towed it only once but when I checked mileage got 10 mpg on 2 lane highway with up and down hills and little towns I had to slow down for. My old tt was 2000 lbs less and 6 ft shorter but only got 9.8 mpg on interstate so mileage was little if any, didn't feel the wind as much when tractor trailers went by which was good.

[mrtodds]

The Winjammer is just a step up from the v-cross, that's all. They do tow more stable I think with the v-nose, but what sold us was the floor plan and finally a place to put the kitchen without intruding on the rest of the floor plan. The windjammer has a heavier duty "nose" piece, rock guards on the windows up front, lower skirt around the rig and a few other things. It's all what you can afford, they are both great rigs. I recommend this floor plan "highly", even with small children....whenever you have bunks on a tt, they whack the floorplan and the space is only usable while your sleeping. I have the 3008 and all together three queen beds! Fold the two up and you have space nearly that of a small condo!

[youroo]

Windjammer & V-Lite are made in the Same plant. V-Cross is made elsewhere. Price is NOT a scale to judge any of the (3). Money will NOT produce a (Good Dealer,Quality Workmanship,or a Flawless RV). Buy what you and your Family like,and USE it! Youroo!!

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by youroo

Windjammer & V-Lite are made in the Same plant. V-Cross is made elsewhere. Price is NOT a scale to judge any of the (3). Money will NOT produce a (Good Dealer,Quality Workmanship,or a Flawless RV). Buy what you and your Family like,and USE it! Youroo!!

I think the V-Cross is made in the Cherokee Plant, according tot the warrantee/parts contact info.

[GlenZ]

We have a VCross Platinum 5er. I really don't see any difference in fuel consumption but with the V nose, they really use the space well. We love it. Leaving today for a 12 day trip in the North GA mountains. Curious how the furnace will work in the cold weather. Haven't really needed it yet.

[Capt. Mike]

Originally Posted by GlenZ

We have a VCross Platinum 5er. I really don't see any difference in fuel consumption but with the V nose, they really use the space well. We love it. Leaving today for a 12 day trip in the North GA mountains. Curious how the furnace will work in the cold weather. Haven't really needed it yet.

GlenZ, we were in Nashville with our Windjammer at Thanksgiving, when temps got down to 11 degrees. Our furnace plus an auxiliary electric space heater kept it plenty warm at that temperature. Enjoy your trip.

[Capt. Mike]

To the OP: The Windjammer and the Flagstaff V-lite offer the same basic floor plans in each model. Difference is in exterior graphics and interior color schemes. Like the GMC and Chevy, these are essentially the same vehicles with minor differences in badging, colors, and trim. Pick which you like, and go enjoy it. We absolutely LOVE our Windjammer 3008 with the front kitchen. Great use of space, and get the kitchen out of the middle of the living area.

[dougwb]

We have a 2012 windjammer 3002w. Pulling with a 2012 dodge 1500 express 5.7 L hemi. I get 12 mpg at 55 mph. Normal is 16.2 mpg. Not to bad i guess.

[mrtodds]

At 12mpg your doing as good as it gets! lol I have the 3008 and get 14 with a F250 diesel, so with gas that sounds about fair. Note: get a bottle jack for tire changes and use it under your drivers side frame between the tires before you tip out....makes a world of difference in leveling and stability! Those tips are huge and it really helps...good luck in your travels.

[hockey11]

We have had our windjammer for 2 years & love it! We get about 8-10mpg depending on speed & wind. We tow with a f150 ecoboost.