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Old 08-04-2020, 02:14 PM   #1
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2109S and 2205S... Tough decision!!!

My wife and I both like the Rockwood trailers. Looking at both the 2109S and 2205S. I'm tall so need a full size queen. Two teenage boys go with us (less as they get older) and they prefer putting up a tent for themselves to have their own space (can't blame them!). But for those times we can't set up a tent, it would be nice for them to be able to sleep inside (even if that requires an air mattress and sleeping bags on the floor).

Thoughts on the 2109S... bed requires adding a hinged plywood extension that could be flipped out once the slide is extended. Good trailer size/weight. Couch looks so-so for comfort and sleeping (maybe one on the flat part). Enough floor space to use that for sleeping when required.

Thoughts on 2205S... love the extra storage, fireplace, and being a bit more expansive, etc. Bed is ready to go. But two issues that we keep thinking about:

First, we are brand new to RV'ing and want to keep size/weight down. We enjoy non-RV campspots and they are often a little smaller. The 2205S is 1.5' longer, about 800 pounds heavier (don't see where that much extra weight comes from!), and 8" taller. How much impact would this size/weight increase really have on towing and pulling into or backing into camp spots?

Second, we like the looks of the theater seats, but I don't think they recline all the way into beds for sleeping? Although they look comfortable, don't need full theater seats w/bells and whistles. We see it also comes with a hide-a-bed couch version. Can't find a picture of the actual couch, but we're thinking it might hold 3 for seating (a plus!) and be much better for sleeping? Does anyone here have the HAB couch version? Other thoughts?

Thanks so much for any help!
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Old 08-04-2020, 02:30 PM   #2
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I was looking around online and found this 2205 with the sofa option..Hopefully it will help you get an idea of what it looks like.

https://cneerrv.com/site/campers-for...2205s/#mainpic
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Old 08-04-2020, 02:33 PM   #3
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Jeff, it would help others answer your questions if you posted info on what you'll be towing with. You don't have any tow vehicle information listed in your profile.
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Old 08-04-2020, 03:19 PM   #4
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Thanks for the link that shows the couch. Looks nice! Wonder if it's comfortable!

Truck: GMC Sierra 1500 with 5.3 V8 ecoTec3 and tow package (9,200 tow and 2,265 Cargo). Will use weight distribution hitch of course.
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Old 08-04-2020, 03:43 PM   #5
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Thanks for the link that shows the couch. Looks nice! Wonder if it's comfortable!

Truck: GMC Sierra 1500 with 5.3 V8 ecoTec3 and tow package (9,200 tow and 2,265 Cargo). Will use weight distribution hitch of course.
Where did you get the 2265lbs payload capacity number from? The silver door sticker?
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Old 08-04-2020, 04:05 PM   #6
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We looked at the 21FBRS and the 22FBS Flagstaff twin sisters to the Rockwoods because no local dealers had the Rockwoods in stock in June. We went with the 22FBS because of the extra storage pantry, HAB (hide a bed) sofa, fireplace, larger TV, 1' longer awning and 80" instead of 74" long bed. Plus the slide in the 22FBS has side windows which the 21FBRS doesn't. Lots of extra amenities in a camper not much longer and small $ difference. I didn't care about the FP but we had one in our previous 5th wheel and DW had to have it. We sat in the couches of both and the HAB sofa in the 22FBS is much more comfortable and yes you can seat 3 in it. The dealer included in a reversible MaxxAir fan with cover over the bed which really helps with air exchange when we don't want to run the AC. Any other questions feel free to PM me. It is a tough choice and I wish you good luck with your decision.
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Old 08-04-2020, 05:37 PM   #7
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Thanks Wiscampsin!

Bikendan... I just got the 2265 payload off the GMC website for a 1500 4x4 Crewcab shortbox w/5.3L V8. I haven't actually purchased the truck yet so I understand that number could go up or down a bit based on equipment on final truck. But I figured it's close enough for this.
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Old 08-04-2020, 06:04 PM   #8
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Thanks Wiscampsin!

Bikendan... I just got the 2265 payload off the GMC website for a 1500 4x4 Crewcab shortbox w/5.3L V8. I haven't actually purchased the truck yet so I understand that number could go up or down a bit based on equipment on final truck. But I figured it's close enough for this.
Actually it'll go down, not up, unless you buy a basic no-frills two door 4x4 truck.
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Old 08-04-2020, 06:38 PM   #9
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Ok, I understand that Bikendan. I would always make sure whatever truck I end up with it will be able to handle it. Really more interested in how much MORE of a trailer the 2205 is than the 2109 when it comes to towing and setting up in camp spots. I don't mean just the numbers. But in real life is there really that much of a difference in towing or pulling through smaller campgrounds? Never used an RV so really don't know how much 1 1/2 feet or 800 pounds or 8" of height make in real life handling, backing into spots, etc.

Also, sleeping. Looks like the HAB couch is pretty good for sleeping but probably not as comfy for sitting. Are the theater chairs good at all for sleeping for a couple of teenagers?

We do like the 2205 but want to make sure its not too much trailer to haul around (again, not so much from the truck's perspective).
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Old 08-04-2020, 11:00 PM   #10
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The 2205 pulls easily behind my F150 6 cyl Ecoboost with 1800 lbs payload. I have a camper shell on the truck also (decreases the remaining payload). The hitch was easy to set up and level out with the WDH.

With the 40" slide extended, there is plenty of room in the 2205for your boys to roll out some foam pads if you encounter weather too severe for them to remain in the tent. We set up some lawn chairs inside when we have more than 4 for dinner. Plenty roomy for that. Folks that have the theater chairs are happy with them, we went with the dinette version for games in the evenings.

An extra 1.5 feet backing in to a spot is negligible. Its actually easier imo to back up a longer trailer. The extra height might be an advantage to you if you are tall. The extra height will make making towing a bit more difficult because of the larger sail area, but I bet you would be hard pressed to tell. the 2205 is a small trailer and you won't have any problem towing it. That 1500 payload seems very high but even if is much lower if it is a newer truck you will be fine towing.
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Old 08-04-2020, 11:40 PM   #11
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Thanks, flyflotrtim for sharing your towing experience with your F150 and other info. Sounds encouraging. The GMC web site lists the new Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Short Box, 4WD, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 Engine with DFM as:

GCWR 15,000, Max Conventional Trailering 9,200, Max Payload 2,265, Cur Weight 4835, GVWR 7100.
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Old 08-05-2020, 04:10 AM   #12
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We owned a 2018 21FBRS (2109S) that we bought new in September 2017. We liked everything about it except the jackknife sofa. And despite all my research to try to find a suitable substitute for the sofa, I was unsuccessful.

In January 2020 I saw the 2205S floor plan on the website, with the theater seating option, and had to take a look. At the Virginia Beach RV show later that month my wife and I got a chance to sit in one and decided then to trade up. It was the right decision for us as the additional enhancements beyond the theater seating just made it all the more attractive. And I have fallen asleep in the recliner more than once.

Regarding your question about the weight gain over the 2109S, a couple of things to consider. The obvious first difference is as you noted, the camper is longer. It is also a bit taller, and the slide is MUCH larger (giving a LOT of extra room inside).

Our F150 3.5 EcoBoost pulls the new one with no difference over the 2109S. We moved our Andersen WDH to the new trailer and it continues to perform superbly.

My recommendation is to go with the 2205S and don’t look back!
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Old 08-05-2020, 01:03 PM   #13
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2205s with Theater Seats

We traded a 2109s for a 2205s with theater seats.

The seats recline out flat. Real comfy too. You probably will not see the end of anything you watch on the tv, you will fall asleep...

The extra weight comes from the full slideout.

The xtra storage, inside and out, the full queen bed, and the room inside with the slide out is fantastic. We love this over our 2109s.

We tow it with a '16 F150 Supercab, 6.5 bed 2wd, factory tow... 2.7 Ecoblast, 3.31 gears.

We use Equalizer 10k hitch and I added AirLift 2k air bags.

Tows like it is not there, pwr is plenty, rides like a dream. We tow in Pa mtns, down through W.Va, to Ky. No problems.

Having had the 2109s, we can tell you you will be glad you went 2205s... The theater seats will work as 2 beds, I am 6'3 220lbs, and fits me with room to spare.

The heat and massage work great too. Oh, and the fireplace is cool to look at but the heat will keep it cozy with outside temps in the 40's...

Good luck!
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Old 08-05-2020, 01:11 PM   #14
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Thanks for all feedback on how well the 2205 tows and how much better it is than the 2109. Real quick question... can the fireplace be run on battery? I know you can't use the heat portion of it obviously. But if you just want the "fire" part that doesn't draw much power is that possible? Or is the entire thing only usable when plugged in?
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Old 08-05-2020, 02:27 PM   #15
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Sofa bed

We found on our Jackknife sofa/bed a way to increase comfort. Using a medium and a large pool noodle in the gaps makes it almost comfortable to sleep on. Big improvement for low $!
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Old 08-05-2020, 03:16 PM   #16
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a couple of observations...

Note that the dinette slideout has 3 windows (outboard, fore and aft) vs the couch with the one (outboard only). The fore and aft windows open which gives great cross ventilation.

On the weights, note that not only is dry weight 800# heavier but the CCC of 2205S is about 1000 heavier.

4171 + 1521 = 5692

5004 + 1686 = 6690

So I suspect that at least [I]some[I] of the diff in dry weight is possibly upgraded axles.
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Old 08-05-2020, 05:06 PM   #17
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TV & trailers

Which ever truck you decide on, look at the door sticker on that specific truck. Make sure you understand what "Payload" includes. Having enough payload is key. Figure total weight of the trailer will be heavier than specs before battery, propane, etc.
Looking at the 2 different trailers you mentioned, I like the lay-out much better on the 2205. I believe you would find it more livable as you take longer trips. That extra room is really nice if you are considering having 4 people in it. Also, on bad weather days. I was surprised how much heat the 1500 watt fireplace puts out and reduces my propane usage. My kids also like to pitch a tent. We had a family trip in North TX in April last year. It was in the low 40's all weekend. That is when we figured out the pool noodle trick to fill in the spaces on the fold-out couch.
Enjoy!
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Old 08-06-2020, 03:29 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffL View Post
Real quick question... can the fireplace be run on battery? I know you can't use the heat portion of it obviously. But if you just want the "fire" part that doesn't draw much power is that possible? Or is the entire thing only usable when plugged in?

The fireplace is a 120vac unit, not a 12vdc device. So plugged in only.

Joe
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