Hemisphere Review?

[glen1971]

My wife and I went out to a local RV show and found one that kinda caught our eye. It's a 2020 Salem Hemisphere 26BHHL. Looking quickly online I couldn't find any reviews on it. So a couple of questions...
1) Does anyone have any experience with this unit or with this line?
2) Is the Hyper-Lyte a decent line for the Salem line? Issues or concerns?
3) I found another version of it also by Forest River, that is identical to it. It's listed as a "Wildwood Heritage Glen 26BHHL". Is it the same?

The one we saw was about $17k off, and we currently have a 2013 Shasta 26TBQB (triple bunk).

TIA!

[Kimber45]

17 k off what full retail? per the other post started by flordia the heritage glen and salem hemisphere line are the same. They added the hyper lite to the name last year. I don't believe the salem hemisphere compare to the stick and tin salem line.

[glen1971]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

17 k off what full retail? per the other post started by flordia the heritage glen and salem hemisphere line are the same. They added the hyper lite to the name last year. I don't believe the salem hemisphere compare to the stick and tin salem line.

$17k off their retail price. The Sales Manager seemed pretty interested in our trailer too. They have done a few minor things to it over the years and are familiar with it. It sounds like this one, as I'm sure many others do, are steering away from the rubber roof and going to an aluminum. Solid walls, seem well insulated and wife likes the colors..

[oxcamper]

We have a 2015 Hemisphere Hyperlite 282RK, very satisfied with it after 4 1/2 years of heavy use.

While Hemisphere is a good to very good on quality and construction, it doesn't compare with higher end (like Cedar Creek, or Mobile Suites) units for things like appliances, cabinet hinges, and the like.

Hemisphere and Heritage Glenn are identical, they are marketed to different dealers in different regions. A few differences in details, but are manufactured the same. Much like a Chevy vs. Olds as opposed to a Chevy vs. Caddy.

[Cabinfever97]

We have a 2019 Hemisphere 272RL. Two full seasons, getting ready for season three, no problems.

[cjardis]

We have a 2017 346RK 5th wheel that we purchased in Aug 2016. Had a problem with the water heater lighting but it worked fine on electric. Other than that we haven't had any issues.

[Fin]

We traded in our Cherokee 264RL last year for a Salem Hemisphere GLX 273RL and have been very happy with it. We have had it back to the dealer for a few warranty issues, but all were pretty minor and taken care of. We looked at several other brands before making the purchase, including Rockwood and Surveyor, and just liked the floor plan and finish of the Salem better.

Surprisingly, our local Camping World is where we got the best price from and they have been great to deal with on the warranty issues.

[Hill]

We just took delivery of a 2020 Salem hemisphere 308rl last Saturday. We used furnace on the 12 volt that day, and we were up there again today using furnace on 12 volt. All has been great so far, along with lights, slide operation, etc. Can’t wait for full hookup April 1,

[Trailer traveler]

We have a 2019 Hemisphere GLX 273RL. Before our first couple of weekend shakedowns, we had electrical problems that were caused by a faulty ground buss connection. Fit and finish was Ok, but not great. The outdoor kitchen sink drain and pipes were not sealed allowing mice to get into the trailer. On a 5,000 mile trip from NJ to AZ and back we had number of water leaks that were the result of the fittings working loose at the faucets. We had to drive two days in heavy rain and both slides got water in from the wheel wells. The dealer didn't find anything wrong with the seals so I am guessing that this will be recurring issue if we can not avoid travelling in the rain. The back of the entertainment center that the TV is mounted to came loose. Most of the screws holding it in place had almost missed the framing and pulled loose. After 1,000 mile drive South to Florida, the cold water fitting to the outdoor shower started leaking water that dripped down into the furnace. I noticed water running out of the furnace exhaust.

We had a couple of appliance issues that I don't consider the trailer manufacture's fault other than they selected that appliance. The back flow valve on the water pump sticks open causing the fresh water tank to fill and overflow. It has happened twice. The gas furnace did not shutoff when it reached the set temperature the control was set to off or cool. For two days the only way I could shut it off was to pull the 12 volt fuse. It has worked perfectly since.

I have been able to fix most of the problems myself. We like the trailer. It doesn't seem better or worse than others we have had.

[pricejh61]

Thanks for the review. We are seriously considering a 34RL. Your info will help in the decision making.

[USMCbh1983]

Did you end up getting it? I’m looking at a 356QB now.

[glen1971]

Originally Posted by USMCbh1983

Did you end up getting it? I’m looking at a 356QB now.

Not yet. Still kicking it around in my mind. Depends lots on what is happening with the Corona Bug in our neck of the woods. We have a few reservations made and are going to head for the forestry on some other weekends.
Have to talk to my better half too, since I'm driving by the dealer and it would be easiest to get a better idea of trade value (I'm guessing) if they saw mine, even though they had it last year for a skylight repair.

[glen1971]

Well 5 months after we saw it, we pulled the trigger and traded our Shasta in on a 2020 26BHHL! Got most of our gear loaded tonight and are heading out Thursday for our first run in it! Pretty pumped and had a great dealer work with us!
When we decided to buy we were a week late, then that sale fell through, so our dealer called and we were in.