Looking at purchasing a Windjammer...input?

[Rhizzlebop]

Hi.
Brand new here, but not new to RVing. We own a Jayco currently.

We are looking to upgrade to a TT with a bunk house and outside kitchen area.

Found a 2016 Windjammer 3006WK for sale. We are going to go see it today.

I was wondering, for those here who know, any things to specfically check out well on this model camper, or Forest River in general?

Areas that have typical issues? Are these good reliable models? I know they stopped making it in 19, and I've read here, it was due to manufacturing changover challenges.

Does it really pull better due to the V? Does "pull better" mean track straighter, or better MPG?

I'm towing with an F150, turbo 3.5 L. I am not to oconcerned about the truck, and I'm completely comfortable towing an RV and drive very cautiously. My truck is rated at 9000, so I am not worried on that end. (yes I'm familiar with how to calculate payload, etc).

Input appreciated. We are supposed to see it this evening.

Also, I see most everyone now lists their campers for sale as the full bumper to hitch length. Before Ive always seen them listed as the box length. So, with this V, I'm not sure how to figure its real equivalent box length. Its listed as 34.5 but I don't think its that big as thats bumper to hitch. I think about 31 ft equivalent.


I'v also seen a mod thread about fridge fans and stuff. Does this model have issues, or is that just extra things people do?

Thanks everyone.

[1100mike]

With a 1000 lb tongue weight and it really is near 34 ft OAL, it's a lot for a half ton to tow..

[Rhizzlebop]

It might be. The 7500 lb overall weight seemed ok.

The actual truck payload on this model F150 is I believe 1850 lb. (yes I know payload includes my family, gas, stuff in the truck bed). ( Was just noting that these half ton trucks are not near 1000 lb total payload. )

I know the payload is a little
More on my 4x2 than a 4x4 that my father tows with because of the lower truck weight from not having drive to the front wheels. I believe my fathers 2014 trucks towing capacity is right at 10,000 lb. where mine is 9,000 lb due to gear ratio only. (I usually tow in 4th) But his camper is heavy as s%#t. Lol. And so he’s towing prob 1500-2000 more than I would be.

He actually tows a 32ft (box) 2006 keystone mountaineer TT which is 8900 lb dry weight (Yes it’s stupid heavy) I suspect 1000 tongue. And he has no issues at all. Has towed it since he bought the truck in 2014. And before that he towed that same camper with a suburban. But he’s always said the F150 eco post just toss his like a dream.

[aceinspp]

I had the mate to the Windjammer called a V-Lite and when loaded it was at 9000# so you be pushing it and the tongue weight was at 1050#. The weight given is fictional as it does not include the loaded propane tanks nor the battery or extra batter and your WDH. As far as towing better and getting better fuel miles did not happen with the V-nose. Over all I like the Camper and would have bought another had they still made them. Later RJD

[itat]

The Windjammer is a decent quality trailer, sister brand to the V-Lite and similar to the Rockwood Signature and Flagstaff Classic lines. That said, IMHO, a 34.5’ TT is just too long for a F-150. You’re also making the classic newbie mistake of ignoring the truck’s payload capacity. Personally, I wouldn’t tow anything heavier than about 6500# or longer than 32’ with an F-150 unless it has the Heavy Duty Payload Package that effectively puts it in 3/4 ton capability territory. If its like aceinspp said and the actual weight is 9000# and over 1000# on the tongue, you’d be very unhappy towing it with your F-150. Just because it can pull it, doesn’t mean you should load that much weight on the back end. Since that’s a bunkhouse model, I presume you’ll have kids with you and that adds weight in your truck. You’ll probably be well over the truck’s GVWR and its rear axle weight rating.

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by itat

The Windjammer is a decent quality trailer, sister brand to the V-Lite and similar to the Rockwood Signature and Flagstaff Classic lines. That said, IMHO, a 34.5’ TT is just too long for a F-150. You’re also making the classic newbie mistake of ignoring the truck’s payload capacity. Personally, I wouldn’t tow anything heavier than about 6500# or longer than 32’ with an F-150 unless it has the Heavy Duty Payload Package that effectively puts it in 3/4 ton capability territory. If its like aceinspp said and the actual weight is 9000# and over 1000# on the tongue, you’d be very unhappy towing it with your F-150. Just because it can pull it, doesn’t mean you should load that much weight on the back end. Since that’s a bunkhouse model, I presume you’ll have kids with you and that adds weight in your truck. You’ll probably be well over the truck’s GVWR and its rear axle weight rating.

I completely understand all your points. I do not consider myself a newbie but that’s fine.

I also view it as this is about the style and layout of camper I want. Being it has a bunk room and outdoor kitchen and that’s at least at min a 31ft and likely 32 ft camper. I’m going to measure this camper when I get there but minus the wedge nose my understanding would be it’s more a 32 fr box. The wedge makes it longer.

So then it might lead me to say after the season we need to upgrade the truck to a 250. Vs buy a smaller camper.

I just wish the 250 had the eco boost engine because that thing is insane. I love it. I’m not sure what engine 250s have that can pull like that eco boost can.

We are looking at the camper tonight so we will see how it goes. It might be too long to get backed into our driveway that has a bit of an incline to it. It’s like vertical. But our jayco hybrid which. Is a 24 frame length sits so low to the ground that I use wood at the curb transitions to keep the bumper from dragging at the back until the wheels reach the driveway and start pushing up. And I go in on a heavy angle as well.

[bikendan]

As an owner of a F150 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package, I know its limitations.
The biggest concern will be the hitch receiver's max capacity.
Since the fictional dry tongue weight of that trailer is 990lbs, after you add the weights of batteries, factory options, dealer add-ons, previous owner add-ons, water and trailer cargo, you probably will be over that receiver's max capacity.

https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2016-...3006wk-tr26765

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by bikendan

As an owner of a F150 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package, I know its limitations.
The biggest concern will be the hitch receiver's max capacity.
Since the fictional dry tongue weight of that trailer is 990lbs, after you add the weights of batteries, factory options, dealer add-ons, previous owner add-ons, water and trailer cargo, you probably will be over that receiver's max capacity.

https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2016-...3006wk-tr26765

What do you think that receive weight rating is? Can the receiver be upgraded?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Rhizzlebop

What do you think that receive weight rating is? Can the receiver be upgraded?

Should be on the receiver. My Max Tow package came with higher rated receiver. I think it's rated for around 1,300lbs with a WDH. I'm pretty sure non-Max Tow package receivers are in the 1,000-1,100lbs range with a WDH.

[llr]

I am agreeing with the others on being too much to tow safely. my Flagstaff was about the same size and I could not get it to tow safely all the time, my current GD is still fairly large but tows soo much better. See my signature for details. FYI, My GD is a bunkhouse with outdoor kitchen.

[itat]

Don’t forget that the v nose walls adds both weight and side surface area (i.e., a bigger sail) to catch the wind. You stated that your F-150 is the shorter wheelbase with the 5.5’ bed (the same as I had) so if the wind is blowing, that long trailer will have a lot of leverage on the truck. Even passing semis will push it somewhat. And due to the v nose you probably can’t fit a Hensley or ProPride hitch on the tongue to get the best anti-sway capabilities.

You are right that bunkhouse is typically in the 32’ long range although Rockwood currently has a Mini Lite 2509S model with bunks and a Murphy bed. If you enjoy the pop up feel of sleeping under canvas you could look at a hybrid TT like the Rockwood Roo line. The shorter trailers will have better chance of not bottoming out if you back them into a sloped driveway. When we had our 32’ TT I couldn’t back it into our sloped driveway.

[Tundra 2014]

I had a 27.5 Flagstaff 27.5 VSL-31' total length, loved the trailer. Mine was the newer, lighter Windjammer. The total stated weight was 6800, actual at the CAT scale was 7680 lb. before propane, 2 batteries, and 10 gallons in the fresh water tank. Tongue weight was stated as at 680, actual was 1120. I found that was true of many of the Windjammers due to front kitchens or bathrooms and 2/30 lb propane tanks on nose.. I started towing w/ a 2014 Tundra. I added Bilsteins, sway bar, and Timbrens (biggest improvement). I also went to D rated truck tires. It was not enough. I upgraded to a Super Duty.
I fell the Windjammers were one of the best designs Forrest River ever created. We had a lot of features in our trailer and very few problems. I fixed one of my big grips, the interior water filter in the very front "V". You needed to be a pigmy contortionist to change the filter every spring. They could not have put a potential leak source in a worse location. I removed mine after 2 years. We really liked the 2 doors and kept a ice chest inside the bedroom door. We could open the door and grab a cold drink.
You are looking at a bigger and heavier TT than I was pulling. Most guys pull w/ a 3/4 ton.

[ncebeemer]

I have 2019 2715V and tow with the f150 3.5turbo, 5.5 bed. I pull between California and Montana each year. Trip length is around two months. Sometimes i feel the need to slow down in heavy side winds to reduce sway. The V front cuts through the frontal wind very nicely. Keep the speeds reasonable and you can even get 10/11 mpg. This is my experience with similar rig. Good luck.

[Magdeep]

For what it's worth I have a 2019 F150 3.5 Ecoboost pulling a Windjammer 3029. Prior to the 2019 F150 I had a 2011 F150 Ecoboost. Between the two trucks I have pulled the Windjammer in excess of 40,000 miles. Multiple trips from Ohio to Florida, Colorado,Utah Yellowstone etc. Even I70 over the mountains via the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado. Just keep the tires correctly inflated and drive in the low 60's mph and enjoy.
This will be the 9th year with the trailer and no catastrophic issues. Things will break and wear out but that's what happens when you pull a house down the road. Sort of like a mini earthquake.

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by itat

Don’t forget that the v nose walls adds both weight and side surface area (i.e., a bigger sail) to catch the wind. You stated that your F-150 is the shorter wheelbase with the 5.5’ bed (the same as I had) so if the wind is blowing, that long trailer will have a lot of leverage on the truck. Even passing semis will push it somewhat. And due to the v nose you probably can’t fit a Hensley or ProPride hitch on the tongue to get the best anti-sway capabilities.

You are right that bunkhouse is typically in the 32’ long range although Rockwood currently has a Mini Lite 2509S model with bunks and a Murphy bed. If you enjoy the pop up feel of sleeping under canvas you could look at a hybrid TT like the Rockwood Roo line. The shorter trailers will have better chance of not bottoming out if you back them into a sloped driveway. When we had our 32’ TT I couldn’t back it into our sloped driveway.

So we looked at the camper tonight. It actually seems not as big as I thought.

The actual
Box length before the V is 29’6”. The V takes it out to 32’2”. From the top of the V to the top of the hitch is 21”.

The back bumper is basically about 3” frame stubs and then a 4” tube so that’s about 7” of rear bumper.

Add all that up and you get total
Bumper to hitch edge length of 34’6”.

But really it’s a 29.5’ square box length plus 2.5 ft of V.

It’s definitely still heavy. So someone said my hitch weight capacity might be on the hitch under the truck? I don’t know what the actual danger is of a hitch literally breaking off under the truck.

The camper was super nice. Very clean.

The one thing he mentioned seemed like the AC didn’t keep the entire inside totally cool in the heat of summer. He mentioned lots of grand kids coming in and out but I got the feeling it’s a little more.

Do the AC on these have two fan speeds? I felt the vents in the bunk room and the bedroom and it was blowing. But not with tremendous force and flow.

I’m not certain but I suspect it’s the 13.5 Kbtu model and I also suspect the coil on top has probably never been cleaned. Not even sure he had it on high speed.

Other than that seemed in perfect shape.

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by Magdeep

For what it's worth I have a 2019 F150 3.5 Ecoboost pulling a Windjammer 3029. Prior to the 2019 F150 I had a 2011 F150 Ecoboost. Between the two trucks I have pulled the Windjammer in excess of 40,000 miles. Multiple trips from Ohio to Florida, Colorado,Utah Yellowstone etc. Even I70 over the mountains via the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado. Just keep the tires correctly inflated and drive in the low 60's mph and enjoy.
This will be the 9th year with the trailer and no catastrophic issues. Things will break and wear out but that's what happens when you pull a house down the road. Sort of like a mini earthquake.

What’s the tongue weight on your model? Rated abs actual? What’s the hitch rating on your truck?

I am crazy about proper inflation pressure and driving safely.

[Rhizzlebop]

FYI. We currently have a jayco B23 hybrid. It’s been great. We knew it was about a 3 yr camper and we’d then plan to upgrade. We’ve had it 3.5 yrs. I am sick and tired of crawling in and out of that bunk bed and being woken up by the rain that’s so loud on the canvas.

Thanks.

[itat]

Rhizzlebop, are you comfortable that you’ll be able to back it in your driveway? The longer rear end behind the back tires may mean it’ll bottom out. One more thing to consider.

A 13.5K air conditioner will probably not cool the inside very well in the heat you folks get down south in the middle of the summer. It would be OK up here even though we do get high humidity.

BTW, I realize now that I was confusing you with another poster who is looking to tow a 40+’ TT with a short 145” wheelbase F-150. Sorry for my mix up. If you have pictures of your truck’s weight sticker and the weight sticker on the trailer we’ll be able to provide more informed opinion but it will only be an opinion. If the owner has scaled it and has actual weights that would be better information to work with.

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by itat

Rhizzlebop, are you comfortable that you’ll be able to back it in your driveway? The longer rear end behind the back tires may mean it’ll bottom out. One more thing to consider.

A 13.5K air conditioner will probably not cool the inside very well in the heat you folks get down south in the middle of the summer. It would be OK up here even though we do get high humidity.

BTW, I realize now that I was confusing you with another poster who is looking to tow a 40+’ TT with a short 145” wheelbase F-150. Sorry for my mix up. If you have pictures of your truck’s weight sticker and the weight sticker on the trailer we’ll be able to provide more informed opinion but it will only be an opinion. If the owner has scaled it and has actual weights that would be better information to work with.

No worries

He doesn’t have scaled weights

I’m def not trying to tow 40ft.

I’m
Not certain the AC is a 13.5. I just suspect it might be.

If I had to switch the ac out no idea what those cost today.
Might need cleaning. Or might mean you turn off the bedroom vents in the summer and keep the air in the front.

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by itat

Rhizzlebop, are you comfortable that you’ll be able to back it in your driveway? The longer rear end behind the back tires may mean it’ll bottom out. One more thing to consider.

A 13.5K air conditioner will probably not cool the inside very well in the heat you folks get down south in the middle of the summer. It would be OK up here even though we do get high humidity.

BTW, I realize now that I was confusing you with another poster who is looking to tow a 40+’ TT with a short 145” wheelbase F-150. Sorry for my mix up. If you have pictures of your truck’s weight sticker and the weight sticker on the trailer we’ll be able to provide more informed opinion but it will only be an opinion. If the owner has scaled it and has actual weights that would be better information to work with.

Also. Not sure on getting it backed in. It’s gonna be close.

I’m wondering if it’s really close if I. An get a couple of those skid wheels and bolt them to the frame where it sticks out the rear of the body just before the square tube bumper So
Not on the bumper
But on the channel steel before that. And if there’s a couple ft of scrubbing before the tires start rising in it would ride up on the wheel on the rear left corner. Not sure if that would induce a lot of body flex and twist or not.