Why the Difference?

[cwenzel70]

I have been looking at the Rockwood HW296 and the Flagstaff HW29SC high wall pop ups online. I currently have a 1989 Coleman Sierra model pop up, and I am in the curiosity stage of what is out there currently. It seems like here on the western side of the U.S., Flagstaff is the more available model carried by RV dealers over the Rockwood. I'm perplexed by one noticeable difference, and a bit confused as to why the difference is there.

Between the two models, everything is identical in their specs (weight, box size, floor plans and options, towing weight, etc). But I notice that the Rockwood model is a double axle while the Flagstaff model is only a single axle. Why the difference, and does it make a difference on pulling, balance, and stability?

I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts about this... just curious why they wouldn't be identical in this area, and if it is a big deal.

[w4drr]

Are you looking at pictures on dealer sites? They may be slipping in a picture of a 27 instead of a 29. My understanding is, the only real difference between the Rockwood HW296 and Flagstaff HW29SC is interior decor, at least that is how it was when I was researching them last year. To carry that much GVW on a single axle would require a considerable upgrade on the tires and axle.

[cwenzel70]

I was looking on the Forest River website, checking on both the Flagstaff and Rockwood links. The online brochure pics show the difference. I would think the double axle would make more sense simply because of the point you make about weight.

[Twisty]

Seems to me it would be a printing or editing mistake.
The dealer pics of units on the lot show tandem axles.

[cwenzel70]

That's what I'm thinking, since I just saw an 09 Flagstaff high side with a tandem axle posted for sale in one of the forum

[bikendan]

they are the same exact trailer. only difference is outside graphics and interior decor patterns.

this is true for all the Rockwood/Flagstaff RV's. TT's, HTT's, 5th wheels and popups.
same factory and same assembly lines.

[w4drr]

I checked out the Flagstaff brochure, and the High Wall they show is a HW27KS, not the HW29SC. It even says so on page 6, in the lower left corner of the interior shot. I think that may have been a marketing decision because the HW27KS seems to be a more popular model, possibly due to it's sub-4000# towing weight, making it more towable for small/mid-size SUVs and maybe even high-end minivans.

[cwenzel70]

Ahhhh, now I see that... thanks for the clarification.

[jeeplj8]

yep - you have to be careful with what model appears in a picture.

Sometimes they just make it up.

For example, the 2013 Coachmen Freedom Express catalog has what was supposed to be a 320BHDS (my camper, so I noticed) on the cover, but in the artists rendering they put the wrong bunk/kitchen combo in. no such camper exists.

[BigBaron]

Also be careful of the dimensions. I bought our trailer because the dinette area is shown as being 70" long. We planned on our daughter sleeping there.

It's more like 64", and already too small...