Considering a new Rockwood 5th Wheel

Flyboyatjvl · 02-11-2021, 10:07 PM

Getting a spec sheet to have a new 2021 2892RB ultra lite built with my specifications and a price from a local dealer with no commitment.

Anyone out there have one that can give me their pros and cons on this model? We would love a Signature but they do not offer a bunkhouse model that I can find.

I was told there is an 8 week build time, which is fine. I dont need it until the Spring.

cc102bob · 02-12-2021, 01:28 PM

We have a 2020 2891BH and at first I thought there may be enough similarities that I could give my thoughts, but when I looked at the floorplan of the 2892RB I saw that it is basically completely different from the bathroom back. I can give you my opinion of the bedroom...

I can give you a couple thoughts that aren't really model specific in hopes that you derive some benefit:
- If you camp in weather that is often hot and muggy, one A/C unit will not be enough. We only have one A/C because our "normal" camping weather usually does not require more than one. We had a hot stretch last summer (in the 90's) and our one A/C unit would do the job, but it really needed to stay running all the time. If we let the trailer get up to outside temps it would take a looong time to get it cooled down again.
- If you camp in milder weather, I suggest getting fans put in all the open vents in the roof. We have one A/C unit and four Fantastic fans and much of the time we can manage nicely by having two fans blowing in and two blowing out. The factory put in two fans which can only blow out and we had the dealer add two fans that are capable of blowing in or out. We also had the rain hoods put over the fans so we can use them in any kind of weather. Having a fan put in the bunkhouse has been really appreciated by my kids because it allows them to control their climate just a bit more.
- The lighting in our bunkhouse area was set up with a bit of a "gotcha". The lights on the ceiling were wired to a switch on the wall, but that switch can not be reached from the upper bunk. That means if the person using the upper bunk wanted to use the lights to get in bed, they couldn't turn them off once they were in bed. We had the dealer put in lights with switches in them so that the upper bunk person could turn them off without having to reach the wall switch. Of course, if the wall switch is off, the switches on the lights won't turn them on, but our kids are old enough where they understand how to deal with that.
- We do like our bedroom/bathroom layout and the only thing we've done there is upgrade the toilet.

Other than that, any thoughts I have are really just RV generic. If you would like me to prattle on, lemme' know!

Flyboyatjvl · 02-12-2021, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc102bob

We have a 2020 2891BH and at first I thought there may be enough similarities that I could give my thoughts, but when I looked at the floorplan of the 2892RB I saw that it is basically completely different from the bathroom back. I can give you my opinion of the bedroom...

I can give you a couple thoughts that aren't really model specific in hopes that you derive some benefit:
- If you camp in weather that is often hot and muggy, one A/C unit will not be enough. We only have one A/C because our "normal" camping weather usually does not require more than one. We had a hot stretch last summer (in the 90's) and our one A/C unit would do the job, but it really needed to stay running all the time. If we let the trailer get up to outside temps it would take a looong time to get it cooled down again.
- If you camp in milder weather, I suggest getting fans put in all the open vents in the roof. We have one A/C unit and four Fantastic fans and much of the time we can manage nicely by having two fans blowing in and two blowing out. The factory put in two fans which can only blow out and we had the dealer add two fans that are capable of blowing in or out. We also had the rain hoods put over the fans so we can use them in any kind of weather. Having a fan put in the bunkhouse has been really appreciated by my kids because it allows them to control their climate just a bit more.
- The lighting in our bunkhouse area was set up with a bit of a "gotcha". The lights on the ceiling were wired to a switch on the wall, but that switch can not be reached from the upper bunk. That means if the person using the upper bunk wanted to use the lights to get in bed, they couldn't turn them off once they were in bed. We had the dealer put in lights with switches in them so that the upper bunk person could turn them off without having to reach the wall switch. Of course, if the wall switch is off, the switches on the lights won't turn them on, but our kids are old enough where they understand how to deal with that.
- We do like our bedroom/bathroom layout and the only thing we've done there is upgrade the toilet.

Other than that, any thoughts I have are really just RV generic. If you would like me to prattle on, lemme' know!

Thank you for your input. I spec'd out the camper with 2 A/Cs, we will be traveling to hot places in it this year and following years. I also put in for additional MAX AIR fans on the spec sheet as well, esp for the bunkroom.

The light switch is interesting, I do not know where the 2982RB has a light switch for the top bunks. I will keep what you said in mind when I do know.

How big of a truck do you have to pull your Rockwood 5th Wheel? Any problems with towing it?

I may think of more questions and will get back to you if I do.

Thanks again!

cc102bob · 02-12-2021, 04:54 PM

I tow my trailer with a 96 Dodge Ram 1 ton dually with the V10 gas engine. I bought the truck from my dad when he decided he was done with camping. We live in Southwest Michigan and generally don't travel all that far from home, so this truck does a fine job for what I need it to do. If I had to replace my truck I would stick with a gas engine because I'm not a big fan of diesels. I would likely opt for the new Ford 7.3L gas with a 4.30 rear end. That truck has more power than mine and the 10 speed transmission would be a marvelous thing. I don't have any experience at all towing trailers through mountainous areas, so I'm only guessing that the newer gas engines from the big three would be sufficient. I know the diesel guys will talk about all that power and engine braking and what not, but that's a lot of extra $'s to spend to get that...

I believe that most of the 3/4 ton trucks would tow this rig OK, depending on payload specs and what-not, but if you plan on towing through any of the mountainous areas, I would opt for the biggest gas engine you can get, or get any of the diesels if you prefer that route.

One other thing I can mention about the bunkhouse... I don't know what set up yours will have for getting into the top bunks, but the ladder they included with ours is not the best design in the world. The steps are painful to use for anyone older than about 8. Our ladder was all metal from the factory, but we added wood slabs attached in such a way that the steps are level. That made it much easier for my kids to climb up into the top bunk.

Flyboyatjvl · 02-12-2021, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc102bob

I tow my trailer with a 96 Dodge Ram 1 ton dually with the V10 gas engine. I bought the truck from my dad when he decided he was done with camping. We live in Southwest Michigan and generally don't travel all that far from home, so this truck does a fine job for what I need it to do. If I had to replace my truck I would stick with a gas engine because I'm not a big fan of diesels. I would likely opt for the new Ford 7.3L gas with a 4.30 rear end. That truck has more power than mine and the 10 speed transmission would be a marvelous thing. I don't have any experience at all towing trailers through mountainous areas, so I'm only guessing that the newer gas engines from the big three would be sufficient. I know the diesel guys will talk about all that power and engine braking and what not, but that's a lot of extra $'s to spend to get that...

I believe that most of the 3/4 ton trucks would tow this rig OK, depending on payload specs and what-not, but if you plan on towing through any of the mountainous areas, I would opt for the biggest gas engine you can get, or get any of the diesels if you prefer that route.

One other thing I can mention about the bunkhouse... I don't know what set up yours will have for getting into the top bunks, but the ladder they included with ours is not the best design in the world. The steps are painful to use for anyone older than about 8. Our ladder was all metal from the factory, but we added wood slabs attached in such a way that the steps are level. That made it much easier for my kids to climb up into the top bunk.

I am a gas guy myself. Funny you mentioned the F Series with the 7.3. I just had a 2021 F350 Lariat with the 7.3 spec'd out for a price quote this morning. I know it will have NO problem pulling almost any rig out there. Diesel is great for those who don't mind the extra cost up front and the extra cost for DEF and the extra cost for fuel and the extra cost for oil changes and the extra costs for maintenance when they break down. NO THANKS!

I just watched a video on the 2892RB and it is a metal ladder. I will have to see how my grandson deals with it....I never thought about it to be honest.

I appreciate all your input!

cc102bob · 02-12-2021, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyboyatjvl

Funny you mentioned the F Series with the 7.3. I just had a 2021 F350 Lariat with the 7.3 spec'd out for a price quote this morning. I know it will have NO problem pulling almost any rig out there.

Ha! You go ahead and get that and then give me a call in a few years when you're ready for a new one!

Make sure it DOESN'T have a sunroof... I'm so tall I can't fit in one if it has the sunroof. Oh, make sure it has adaptive cruise, adjustable foot pedals, is silver in color, single wheel rear axle...

Oh, and if, in the end, you decide it needs just a bit more OOMPH, go talk to the guys at 5-Star tuning. They'll set you up.

WannaBcamping · 02-13-2021, 08:47 AM

I've never seen a signature that has bunks either. It'll be nice having the grandkids or whoever comes camping with you, not having to fight over the bathroom. Having that 1/2 bath is a great addition! We briefly owned a 38' travel trailer with the same layout. Nice having separate sleeping areas as well. Good luck and enjoy!

Tundra 2014 · 02-13-2021, 06:43 PM

I would be surprised if a 2 month build time is realistic. I was looking recently and several of the new trailers still had covers over where the A/C was suppose to go, some missing ovens.
For TV I would suggest any 3/4 ton gas equipped w/ at least 3.73 gears or a 1 ton diesel. The diesels have gotten much more reliable in the last 5 years. Also there is no substitute for having an engine brake on the diesel. Yes the diesel is more expensive to maintain, it cost me about $425 more a year VS a gas truck. I drive 10K a year, at least 75% towing. On the cost of fuel, it has been a wash. I was getting 13.5 w/ my gas VS 18.5 w/ diesel. Towing it is 8 mpg VS 12.5 mpg. Over 10K of trailer weight, I prefer a diesel for all the advantages, IMO.

Jim S JR · 02-14-2021, 06:58 AM

I bought a 2020 signature 5th wheel and a new truck.
I had a 2003 f350 with a v10.
I went back and forth on the new ford big8 and a diesel.

I absolutely love the diesel. I get twice the mileage and has tons of power. It hardly seems like a trailer is behind me. I really went for the diesel for the engine braking. What a difference when going down grades.

I've seen a couple of videos out there where they are having some problem with the engine. I know someone that got one and he head an issue with rough idle on the gas engine with flat spots when accelerating.

It's great that you ordered 2 A/C units. Forest River is terrible about sizing their A/C to the size of the trailer. Mine came with a 15k mach Coleman and it does a terrible job. Takes all day to cool.

Tundra 2014 · 02-14-2021, 11:50 AM

We went thru Montana and Wyoming in 2019 from TX-6500 miles. The new Ford diesels have a 2 nd. setting for engine brake. It ties into transmission, brakes and engine brakes seamlessly. I was very impressed w/ how well it handled long 6% climbs and declines smoothly.This makes towing much more relaxed.

Rolling Chaos · 02-18-2021, 01:25 AM

Hmm well, the loud winding RPM'S of the gas engine is going to be heard on hills. It will allow you more weight to haul around. Won't say your mileage will be anything at all though. You will be stopping more often than you would with diesel due to tank size. A bigger tank will help with that some. Nothing wrong with a good old gas engine, it will do the job.

The diesel will have way more easy pulling torque. No gas engine is going to have as much sheer pulling power. Your mileage will be a tad better with a diesel. Nothing is really going to be good hauling a standard 5th wheel around. The diesel will have an exhaust brake to help you stop much better than the gas truck will. Can't beat that exhaust brake for slowing down a heavy trailer. Way better slowing down on hills. In my mind, that exhaust brake makes the biggest difference. It just makes the whole towing experience safer.
Either way and anyway

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