Strongly considering a Columbus 295 RL

[jamesdjimenez]

and would love current owners opinions of their trailer and suggestions on offered options.

We've decided we'd like to stay in the under 35' range and came across the 295RL. We like the 45 degree TV in the living area so everyone can view the TV without too much turning of their head. We also intend to put a washer/dryer combo in the bedroom for the small everyday loads. The full vinyl flooring in the living area instead of carpet is also a plus.

We want to start this adventure with our 2001 F250 diesel crew cab shortbed pickup and see how that handles the towing.

Any helpful comments from current owners and suggestions regarding option upgrades would be very much appreciated.

[denandra2]

We have a 320RS and it is great. I would say to order auto level, JT Strongarms, Bedrm AC and maybe an upgraded kingpin and anything else you might like or think you want. I don't think you will go wrong

[iceblaze580]

I have the 325 I love it as said before get the bed room ac auto level and an air ride hitch makes a huge difference

[jamesdjimenez]

denandra2 & iceblaze580,

Thank you both for the suggestions.

High on our list of options are the auto level, JT Strongarms, Reese 5th Airborne pin box & flooring (not carpet) in the entire living area. The additional air in the bedroom is still a question on this small (34.5) of an RV.

[Don and Elaine]

The wife and I also have a 320rs and love it...very trouble free. JT's are a must for any RV and auto leveling systems are a BIG plus..., I would also suggest the Mor-ryde pin box to eliminate "chucking".

[Ford Idaho]

The second A/C unit is a good idea (better to have it) plus it does add value when you sell.

If you are still against it then how about a Maxxair or Fantastic vent fans for better air flow.

[jamesdjimenez]

Don and Elaine,

I believe with the Mor-ryde I'll still need a slider hitch. With the Reese I will not need a slider with my short bed pickup.

JDJ

[jamesdjimenez]

Ford Idaho,

If we do not add a second a/c the Fantastic Fan will be used. Still not real sure about the second a/c because I really do not care for conditioned air that much. Prefer to drive with my window down over using a/c in truck, and really dislike sleeping with the a/c on.

JDJ

[Tiggerdad]

Second AC is critical if you camp in very hot weather. First rig did not have it and took forever to cool down after being on the road. We don't use it at night. Negotiate hard and then have them add a second A/C to clench the deal. If I had to choose I would take the second A/C over any of the other options.

[jamesdjimenez]

denandra & Elaine & Don,

The one concern with your model is the moving island. We've been in RV's that have that moving island and the floors show a good deal of wear. We've also read and heard stories of those islands coming loose from their straps and causing considerable damage while in transport.

JDJ

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by jamesdjimenez

Ford Idaho,

If we do not add a second a/c the Fantastic Fan will be used. Still not real sure about the second a/c because I really do not care for conditioned air that much. Prefer to drive with my window down over using a/c in truck, and really dislike sleeping with the a/c on.

JDJ

The second air is not for when moving down the road, it IS for when you are parked someplace with little or no shade or where you are at is having record breaking heat.

Turn it off at night, turn it on during the day when you are out and about a cool place to relax for a few is quite refreshing.

[RKR]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

The second air is not for when moving down the road, it IS for when you are parked someplace with little or no shade or where you are at is having record breaking heat.

Turn it off at night, turn it on during the day when you are out and about a cool place to relax for a few is quite refreshing.

X2 on that. We use our second for a quick cool down and to cool down the bedroom before going to bed. Then we just run a small table fan at night. Then again we live in South Texas where it can get pretty hot. I'd rather have too much AC than not enough. Just my 02.

[jamesdjimenez]

Ford Idaho,

LOL, I knew the second a/c was for being parked and not used during travel. I just related my dislike for a/c use in general. Both you and RKR make good points about using the a/c for a quick cool down of the unit and my wife thinks she'd prefer having two units.

JDJ

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by jamesdjimenez

Ford Idaho,

LOL, I knew the second a/c was for being parked and not used during travel. I just related my dislike for a/c use in general. Both you and RKR make good points about using the a/c for a quick cool down of the unit and my wife thinks she'd prefer having two units.

JDJ

I would rather keep it cool than try and cool it off later.
Lets say you are going for a horse ride early AM, turn one AC on before you leave for the day after you return turn the second one on to keep the cool going during the hotter part of the day.

[eisbell]

We have a 320 and towed it with our 2001 Ford 250 swb crew cab for the first year. Did well but then we had a bad hail storm last year and it totaled ours so we had to get a new one.

[Mtelkman]

What transmission do you have in your F250? If it is an auto I highly suggest installing a trans cooler from a 6.0 SuperDuty. The 7.3l is a great engine, but the auto tranny is the weak link and the Columbus isn't a lightweight to tow.

[jamesdjimenez]

Mtelkman,

If I decide to use my current truck that is the last thing that needs to be done.

JDJ

[l001952119]

Originally Posted by jamesdjimenez

and would love current owners opinions of their trailer and suggestions on offered options.

We've decided we'd like to stay in the under 35' range and came across the 295RL. We like the 45 degree TV in the living area so everyone can view the TV without too much turning of their head. We also intend to put a washer/dryer combo in the bedroom for the small everyday loads. The full vinyl flooring in the living area instead of carpet is also a plus.

We want to start this adventure with our 2001 F250 diesel crew cab shortbed pickup and see how that handles the towing.

Any helpful comments from current owners and suggestions regarding option upgrades would be very much appreciated.

A new posting in this web site today, addresses a pending NHTSA complaint of leaking axle seals on the Columbus. I suggest you read this posting before you make the purchase.

[BigTJohn]

I can guarantee you will be over in pin weight. I am. RAM 2500. 3k PW but only 150 over in total tow capacity. Does very well, stops great, pulls fantastic, but I know the truck is taking it hard. I put SuperSprings on it, only 1" of sag when connected. Truck frame is the weak point right now and I'm looking for a 3500, SBCC SRW 4x2. So far hard to find.

[jamesdjimenez]

I can only find a recall on Keystone products.