Chris Columbus ,Change in configuration of 320RS?

[dan747]

Chris Columbus, on the Columbus owners Facebook page it seems that the newest 320's coming out have a floor to ceiling pantry installed to the left of the refrigerator. Sounds great except that you lose countertop space and cabinet space to the right of the stove. The decision to order our 320RS was based on what we saw in front of us at the show. Is it true that all new 320's come configured as I mentioned? Not sure what I am going to do now if that is how it will be configured. The new design makes it look cramped around the stove area and we will lose valuable countertop space next to the cooking area.

[dan747]

Can some new 320 owners tell if theirs came with the pantry instead of the counter top space.

[ee2810]

we just got our new 2013 Columbus 320RS in January and it has the counter space instead of a pantry. We had ordered this one in December 2012. They should be the same.

[Dave_Monica]

Hope that you get what you thought when you ordered.

If you check your purchase agreement, there'll be some legalese stating that the customer agrees to accept the final product regardless of minor modifications to layout, spec's, colors or option types within reason while in production.

We got surprised on a TT we ordered in 2007 so when we ordered our 5W in 2010, we had the dealer rep check with their Rockwood contact to ensure that changes weren't planned between placing the order and it being produced.

Dave

[joelek]

I got a 2013 at end of June in 2012. The model year now may be 2014.
Anyway, my 2013 is built like the 2013 brochure shows.
click link below, then go to button on right for full screen.
Palomino RV - Manufacturer of Quaility RVs since 1968=

[skipperW]

We ordered our 320RS 1/9 and just picked it up this past Friday and it has the pantry positioned to the left of the fridge. It is a big enough change that folks that had them on order probably should have been notified and given their option of which configuration they wanted. That being said, the pantry does provide a net gain in cabinet space, but as you say, takes away a bit of counter. The floating island provides a good amount of counter space pretty much where ever you want it though. I think the pantry offers a nice seperation and versatile storage between the entertainment center and the kitchen area too.

[huntr70]

All new 320's will have the pantry to the left of the refer.

This is to allow room for the new option of the 4 door refer.

The amount of countertop you loose isn't as bad as you think, and you do have the flush mounted stove cover also. With the floating island and flush sink covers, you have plenty of counter space for a buffet!!!

Enjoy the upgrades, and be happy that Columbus us doing running changes to make a great product even better.

[dan747]

Thanks for the reply Steve(aka2008wildcat). Guess well have a better idea when we see ours in the week or so. Your right, I am also glad that they are making improvements in the product. They have made some changes that i really like. But a change to the cabinet layout And countertop space is different than adding light or changing the brand of tv. Maybe we are over reacting. Just wish I would have know about the change when we ordered. One of the posters here said she was contacted by the dealer when the double door fridge option became available and she ordered before us.

[jthomp58]

We have the 340RK on order and have seen some changes come along since our order, but none that we perceive as a negative. In your case, I think I too would be disappointed in the change, especially if it is something you based your decision to purchase on. Unfortunately, as Dave stated, there is a contract clause that states the manufacturer may make changes at their descretion.

Think positive. Adjust your mind set for the change. I'm sure you'll be able to come up with a creative/alternate solution and enjoy your new Columbus!

[dan747]

Thanks for your positive post jthomp58. I've resigned myself to the fact that we will have the new design and we will have to make the best of it. With all the other positive features on this trailer this may end up being a non issue once we see it in person.

[jthomp58]

Actually, that pantry area looks awesome! I bet you'll find lots of uses for that!

[Tkcakes]

I just got off of the phone with Palomino/Columbus and our dealership regarding the floor plan change of our Columbus 320RS. Ross at the factory listened but didn't address my questions and said he will speak with his manager and will get back to me. The manager at the dealership said he has seen floor plans change but it's "usually" for the better. We will be there this afternoon and then we will look at it with open minds and decide what to do next.
This sure takes a little of the excitement away from what we were expecting to have when our 320 arrived.
I'm trying to stay positive but I really don't like this change in the pictures that I've seen. It seems like they slapped the idea together since the cabinet doors have too much gap between them and the drawers are the wrong size to go with the cabinet doors.
Our number is #1944 (ordered in early Jan) and someone on the fb page said they ordered one this past Saturday at a show in Dallas (#2000) and the model they had there didn't have the pantry. I'm sure we won't be the only customers who are disappointed in this change.

[huntr70]

Our 320RS that was ordered in January is vin #2000, and will have the new configuration.

We got a stock unit on our lot last week, and it also has the new configuration.

I am actually excited for the pantry, as there is plenty of countertop around to use. I didn't like the big, open storage to the right of the stove, and now they fixed that issue.

[BigTJohn]

I think the pics do not do justice to the "in person view" you will have. Hold off on the negative thought until you see one. Seems a 5-6" difference will not impact greatly on usage or practicality. Drawer under the fridge will take some modification though. I see a single, full with drawer going in soon after I pick mine up.

[dan747]

A big Kudos and thank you to Columbus and our dealer. I sincerely thank them both for going the extra mile to make us happy customers. If any body out there is trying to decide if you will be taken care of as a Columbus customer, I wouldn't worry about it. We were able to order another 320rs with the old kitchen design and add the rear end cap to boot. We have to wait another 6 weeks, but at least it will be what we saw and then ordered and it will be here before camping season starts!

[Travler]

We just ordered ours 2 weeks ago. No mention of the change from the dealer. Not sure that they know. It will be interesting to see how ours comes in.

[dezolen]

Show us pictures

[huntr70]

"New" configuration....

[dezolen]

Gotcha. Pantry is to the left of the fridge. For some reason I thought it would be on right of the micro.
Now all they have to do is change trailer frame as in the larger model so I can have actual storage compartment. One would think for this size trailer it would have the full drop frame.
Once that happens I may upgrade. 32 is right for us as opposed to the 36. Getting up to 40' is just tooooo long

[amxpress]

But Columbus doesn't offer a 32' fifth wheel. The 320RS is 36' 9" long.