Columbus 320RS vs Columbus Compass 320RSC ?

[Bowhnter]

Since I have not yet physically seen the Compass 320RSC I was wondering if anyone knew what the difference was?

I am working on a deal locally on the 320RS and thought I had seen an identical unit online, but when I questioned it the dealer in another state told me it was a compass. I can see the color is a bit different, but is there a difference between the two? The floor plan and specs look identical.

[Blaster 84]

I have studied these this past weekend at the Tampa show.
According to every salesman I talked to the undercarriage is the same, the difference is in the amenities. However the brochure shows a GVWR of 14,298 for the 320RS and 13,851 for the 320RSC. The C stands for the Compass line which is new this year. However I have often found mistakes in the brochures before.
The significant differences are that the 320RS include: frameless windows, roller night shades, 3- 20 lb. propane tanks, full view entry door, theater seating, convection oven, stainless steel sink, single lever faucet.
Some options only available on this model is: Trail Air Rota Flex pin box, UV reflective day shades, Heat Pump, bike rack, fiberglass end cap.
You get to select White, Grey, or Cream exterior, three different floor patterns and two different cabinet colors.
We were really were impressed with unit.

[Bowhnter]

Thanks for that input blaster. I can see that the unit in question does have a few of these extra options.

[Elkhounds]

Bowhnter I am doing the same as you. We are looking at the 320RS. I have learned that the 2016.5 320RS has the 5/8 plywood floor instead of the laminated luan floor. Also the backsplash is now plexiglass, slightly bigger oven, sound bar instead of surround sound and they switched to Lazy-boy from I think Ashley.

These are all on the 320RS. Not sure if any of this holds true for the Compass version. Biggest thing for me is the improved floor.

[Bowhnter]

Elkhounds, the two I was looking at are leftover 2015 models and although I have not seen the compass version I have been assured by both dealers the floor issues were fixed in 2014.
I like the Columbus 320rs so if we don't trade this year then that's good info to know for next year. Especially the floor.

[TURBS]

My 15 320 seems to have as sturdy floor!


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[Blaster 84]

When studying the brochure their were two other issues I have to question.
The brochure list the hitch weight as 2298 lbs. for the 320RL and 2294 for the 320RLC. But on dealers website it's listed as 1940 lbs.
On the page that list Standard Feature, under Exterior is show that the Columbus has Painted Fiberglass front cap. It doesn't say what the Compass Package has.

To some people these may be small differences, but I like to know what I'm buying.

Instead of a second air conditioner one salesman said we wouldn't need it if we put on slide toppers. Anyone have an opinion on this? I should have asked him if he as ever camped out in Florida in the summer.

[TURBS]

Get the second a/c


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Get the second a/c.
If the weather ever warms up a touch I'll be installing my second a/c.


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[Bowhnter]

the 320 RS has a 2nd ac included as well. It is a must for me.

[Elkhounds]

Originally Posted by Bowhnter

Elkhounds, the two I was looking at are leftover 2015 models and although I have not seen the compass version I have been assured by both dealers the floor issues were fixed in 2014.
I like the Columbus 320rs so if we don't trade this year then that's good info to know for next year. Especially the floor.

I looked in the 2015 Columbus brochure and it show double layered luan yet in the lower area and 5/8 in the front. I was told at the show in Milwaukee that starting 2016.5 they went to 5/8 plywood. The 2016 brochure shows 5/8.

Maybe they did something different starting in 2014 but they did indeed change it in 2016 to 5/8. I just don't know if it was really 2016.5.

There is a great youtube video that is just over 27 minutes long that really goes thru the 2016.5 here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owYOxYCKa50

I am not knocking anyone's Columbus. I am only going by what I have learned. If we can get a deal that works for us we will probably be ordering the 320RS in the next month. Really seems to be the best bang for the buck out there.

[Blaster 84]

Originally Posted by Bowhnter

the 320 RS has a 2nd ac included as well. It is a must for me.

It is available as an option.

Has anyone considered dual pane window?
Would these be the same as a dual pane window in a home?

[Elkhounds]

I have considered the dual pane windows but I don't think it would be worth the cost of US. I assume they would be like a house. Thinking for the cost you would have to be full timing to recover it in energy savings. Also since we will be driving it about 6k a year I would think at some point the seal would pop.

[scootingranny]

Looked at a you tube video of the 320rs and online pics of the 320rsc and both are great looking 5ers. I couldn't see an area dedicated as pantry storage but there is so much storage in the kitchen area that cabinets over the sink and beside the fridge could be for pantry use

[SYE]

Originally Posted by Blaster 84

When studying the brochure their were two other issues I have to question.
The brochure list the hitch weight as 2298 lbs. for the 320RL and 2294 for the 320RLC. But on dealers website it's listed as 1940 lbs.
On the page that list Standard Feature, under Exterior is show that the Columbus has Painted Fiberglass front cap. It doesn't say what the Compass Package has.

To some people these may be small differences, but I like to know what I'm buying.

Instead of a second air conditioner one salesman said we wouldn't need it if we put on slide toppers. Anyone have an opinion on this? I should have asked him if he as ever camped out in Florida in the summer.

Pin weight of my 295RL is 2300 lbs

[Blaster 84]

Originally Posted by scootingranny

Looked at a you tube video of the 320rs and online pics of the 320rsc and both are great looking 5ers. I couldn't see an area dedicated as pantry storage but there is so much storage in the kitchen area that cabinets over the sink and beside the fridge could be for pantry use

Looking at several models, I am not sure which one I am visualizing. But to my DW's recollection and mine, the pantry is on the end of the island. The end pulls open and there are two drawers that open with it. Not much, better than nothing, but it meets the definition of a pantry.

[Bowhnter]

Originally Posted by Blaster 84

Looking at several models, I am not sure which one I am visualizing. But to my DW's recollection and mine, the pantry is on the end of the island. The end pulls open and there are two drawers that open with it. Not much, better than nothing, but it meets the definition of a pantry.

I think that's the case. In any event there will be enough storage for us. My wife doesn't 'camp and cookout' every night ;-)

Hope to pick it up in 2 weeks.

[Elkhounds]

Little envious of you Bowhnter. We are hoping to order about the time you are picking yours up. Post up some pics once you get it.

[SYE]

We are doing a lot of camping trips around the US for our Columbus Owners Group

[Blaster 84]

The Orlando RVOne dealer just offered the bring a 265RL down from Albany and sell it to be for $34,900. With trade in.
Unfortunately it's too heavy for my truck. I'll have to work on that problem first.