We rented this unit because it was a cost-effective option compared to other newer rigs. We logged over 600 miles in 6 days and had plenty of opportunity to put it through its paces. Additionally, we have been campers in various pop-ups and RVs through the last decade, so we’re well-acquainted with campers and familiar with handling anything that comes up. The following is provided for the benefit of future renters.
Pros — The RV provides ample space. Our family of 5 had sufficient room to live happily for the week, even without extending the slide-out. Two of our kids enjoyed the loft over the cab. Another slept on the sofa-conversion. We found the queen bed to be quite comfortable. The water tank was ample for our dry camping needs (presuming you know about camper battery systems). The inside stove works fine, and the availability of pans and utensils was a plus. In general, the unit is nicely stocked, including bedding, which were key distinctions in why we chose the rig. The engine ran fine and never gave any cause for concern, and the tires looked to be in good shape. The tank was full of gas as we started our journey, and the 55-gallon tank meant we never had to worry about running low while traveling between national parks. Also, having a built-in generator is convenient if needed.Cons — This is definitely a rig that requires a bit of camping experience. We didn’t receive any sort of a walk through when we picked up the rig. (A YouTube guide was provided by the owner.) The gentleman (a friend of the owner) handed us the keys and said just to look at it and note any issues. No sort of checklist agreement as is normally required on Outdoorsy. No notification where things were located. When we picked up the RV, the propane was near empty, which was an issue for us, since we planned to stock up the fridge for the week. Anchorage isn’t the easiest place to fill propane, so it took about an hour and a half of our morning to track down a place to fill the tank. We ended up having to fill it twice during the one week we had the rig, even though we only used it for the fridge and stove. The right rear turn signal was out when we picked it up. That’s the sort of thing that should be ready to go, so the renter doesn’t have to buy and repair parts during their trip. (The host offered to reimburse us for the repair, but we were not near a store to buy parts for a repair.) The battery needed to be replaced on the rig. If you aren’t running the engine, you can expect the lights to go off in about 30 minutes — or hear the inverter beep at you if you have anything on that uses battery. For example, the water pump being on about 5 minutes (not in use, just on) completely drains the battery. If planning to use the onboard generator, this is important because the generator won’t attempt to turn over if the battery is dead. So, you have to crank the truck to charge the battery to start the generator. The generator works fine, but it takes about 7-8 minutes to prime & get running. There is a leak in the dome above the shower. Not a big one, but enough for us to wonder why the shower (which we didn’t get a chance to use) was wet after a rain storm. Don’t rely on the sensors for the black or gray tanks. (This is typical with a lot of rigs.) We wondered whether someone failed to empty before us because both signaled nearly full. But, they were fine. Lastly, understand that this is an old rig — so it makes a lot of rattling noise rolling down the road. To be expected.
Neutral — We never used the shower, outdoor shower, or slide-out, so we can’t speak to those. Our main reason for not using the slide-out is that it’s an unnecessary setup, and depending on the reliability of the rig, is one of the biggest areas where rigs can cause delays in a trip. (It’s another item dependent on the battery or keeping the truck cranked.) There really wasn’t a need for it, considering the length of the RV. It’s an older rig. So, as expected, there is cosmetic aging (arm rests off, linoleum peeling, blinds won’t stay open because of lack of tension). But, no smoker smell.The host was responsive to any questions or concerns on the trip.