We purchased the Trail Cruiser 23SB in June 2008. This was an upgrade from the Jayco Kiwi 17A hybrid. We were looking at getting a larger hybrid, but found the Trail Cruiser and liked the slide out rear queen bed. The TC23SB has large bunks in the front and the slide out queen in the rear. In addition, the sofa and the dining table all make into beds, so in a pinch it can sleep 10 people. Its an ultra-light, weighting 3790 empty with a gross vehicle weight of 5500 pounds.
We were looking for a trailer that would accomodate us and the grandkids. Janet wanted a larger bathroom than the Kiwi had, plus some walk around room in the trailer. I wanted something that the truck could pull, without any upgrading. So a lightweight trailer was necessary. We wanted less than 25 feet, so we could get into the forest service and smaller state park campgrounds. This one fit all of our needs. It pulls really well, even with the small V8 (4.6L) in the F150.
On our maiden voyage, we took it to Seaquest State Park to view Mount Saint Helens. It went fine, no problems with the trailer at all, very happy with it. It was plenty comfortable and set up easy.
My tow vehicle is a 2001 Ford F150 Supercrew, 4.6L V8 engine, auto and 3.73 rear end. I have modified the air intake using the Gott’s Mod, got information on this off the F150 forums. It uses an K&N filter and improves my horsepower. I use an ez-lift weight distribution hitch (WDH) and have ordered the friction anti-sway bar for it. It tows well and hardly any sway, except when you have 18 wheelers pass you on both sides at once.
My name is Mark and I live in NH.
I stumbled across your well written article about your camper with the rear slide.
We’re going to look at a 2008 this weekend for my Wife and 2 youngs girls.
Did you like the trailer? Do you still own it?
Any major issues or concerns?
Lastly, Are the holding tanks heated?
I’ve been searching Google trying to find info but I haven’t had much luck.
Seeing the pictures of your Grandchildren from 2008 and realizing that now they are 6 years old makes me realize how fast these years go.
I can’t believe my girls are already 7 and 8!
I know that I asked a lot of questions, so if it’s too much bother than a simple “loved it” or “hated it” is fine :)
Thank you,
Mark
I sold the trailer last year and got a larger . The wife wanted a larger one.
The trailer was a good trailer. Bought it just before RVision went
bankrupt, but that was never an issue. They are back in business now and
doing well.
Things to look for in a 2008/2009 are the fit and finish. The trim was
sometimes a little lacking due to quality control. But as for major
structure, RVision was a solid trailer. When our grandkids were going with
us, it was great. For short trips of a week or weekend it was fine. But now
the grandkids are older and don’t want to go, and we are older and wanted
more comfort. I now have a 32 footer with dual slides :-)
The only issue I had with it was on a long trip I broke the chain that works
the slide. Jury rigged it together with the help of a phone call to a
factory rep and then they express mailed me a new chain from the factory.
Very helpful and it was the first time they had ever had that happen. Other
than that, never back to the dealer for anything, other than a blemish I
found on initial inspection of a cut in the wall paper which they replaced
right away.
Holding tanks are inside a covered floor and the heating system runs air
through that area, so yes they are heated it your running the furnace. This
is a 3 season camper. I would not recommend it in the winter months for
northern areas. we did use it in the cold weather up here in WA, but we have
mild winters. The biggest issue is the condensation that forms on windows
and walls and the gaps around the slid that are not completely sealed. I put
additional styrofoam insulation around my slide, but it is still drafty in
winter, the cold air wants into the warm trailer.
Also this is a good resource
http://www.r-visioncamping.org/
Good luck on your purchase