Info on 2015 Redwood Cypress RL

[ralelo]

Hi,

I'm trying to make a decision on trading up from our Keystone Bullet 28' we've lived in full time for 4 years. I have narrowed my decision between the RW and a Grand Design Reflection.

The Redwood Cypress RL 38' seems to have the pluses of a 12 gal heater, king size bed, 2 ducted a/c. I can't find info on whether it has the arctic package. I'm also concerned about the condensation factor. We have to use humidifiers in the Bullet in the North East winters. Are the RWs any different in that area?

We travel with our fur babies and having 2 a/c seems to be safer if we leave them in the trailer alone for short times. Do they have separate breakers? I know that will all be naught if the breakers fail. We use a Canary now to keep an eye on the temperature.

Next I skimmed the forum yesterday and saw there were issues with the towing/brakes system. My brother's Grand Design Solitude pulls like a dream with no indoor preparation. He was quite impressed.

Lastly, we have a RAM 2500. Will this be sufficient to pull it? I know this is a hot topic always, but I want the most room. We've loved the flexibility of traveling with a 28' ft but the time has come to upgrade.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Choosing a new RV is a challenge to say the least. I know they all have their issues and need some modifications, but just need a heads up on what I'm in for if we choose the RW over the Grand Design.

Thanks!

[piper guy]

Welcome to the forum and we'll try not to overload you. First, Grand Design builds a good coach too. Have quite a few friends with them.
To address your question on suspension, virtually all the manufacturers, GD included, use Lippert Industries for their frames and suspension. It is common knowledge that one area that needs upgrading in virtually all fifth wheels unless you're getting into a Luxe or DRV is the suspension that comes with it. A number of ways to go - some of us that pull a lot have gone to the MorRyde IS suspension which totally replaces the springs and axles and is pretty much bulletproof. Quite a bit of $$ and it requires a trip to the plant in Elkhart or the other authorized installer in the Northwest. Good way to go if you tow a lot.
Other options exist and are less work and $$$. At a minimum I would have the MorRyde equalizer system and their heavy duty shackles and wetbolts installed no matter what coach you get.

I think my only caution to you as a potential owner would be that the Cypress was only produced for a little more than a year. Not sure what your depreciation will be like. Except for a possible weight issue, I personally would be looking for a nice Redwood in the 2013- 2014 model year. They are around, well sorted out, and priced right. Danny's 36FB for instance is a very nice coach and already has a bunch of mods and maintenance.

As far as towing with your 250, I'm not sure what kind of real world weights the Cypress has. I will tell you that towing almost all Redwoods with a single rear wheel truck is not a good idea. The coaches are heavy, especially the earlier ones.

Maybe the thing to do is make Danny a deal on his whole rig ! Gets you a nice GMC Dually and a nice Redwood. And no , I'm not getting a commission from Danny , just happen to know him and know how the rig is maintained. I'm the same way.

Hope this has helped somewhat. We are fulltime in our 36RL. Bought it New over five years ago and still haven't found anything else we would like more. Over the years I've done a lot of mods to it both Suspension and otherwise but still love the coach.

Beast of luck in your search and don't hesitate to ask anything here. Good bunch of people.

[piper guy]

And to add, we haven't ever had a condensation issue. We've had the coach in over 100 degrees and down to 9 degrees, 25 mph wind and 10" of snow with no issues (the cold and snow was not planned but we were stuck in it for almost 10 days).

As far as pulling, especially fulltime, you really need a Dually if you're going to tow much. I pulled ours with a SRW F350 when we first got it. After eight months went to a Dually and couldn't believe the difference in stability and ride. As the saying goes - it only takes about 2 weeks to get used to having hips. Lol

[ralelo]

Thank you for your reply. I'm always amazed at how rv'ers are so helpful. I have a good feeling about both companies and after research I've pretty much knocked out the other companies...other than the DRV which I love, but is $$. I know when we make a decision we'll kick ourselves for not trading up for so long. That makes me feel better about the condensation too.

Thanks again for the help.

[mhs4771]

Some folks will put down the idea of Dual Pane windows in an RV, but we've had them in both or '12 RL and this '16MB and wouldn't be without them. We've had some cool temps here in Florida this year and even with Florida's high humidity we have had zero condensation issues, not like our 1991 Prowler TT that would cause a rain storm on the windows with a temp change.
I also agree about your TV, while the Cypress was a little lighter than a RW I think you'll be pushing your limits if not over.

[travelin' texans]

Thanks Vaughn, checks in the mail! LOL!
Seriously if interested have a look.
https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...-renew-listing

[Rick and Mindy]

We have a 2013 Redwood 31SL which was the smallest fifth wheel that Redwood made. Like all the Redwoods, it is heavy . When we purchased it we pulled with a 2004 Dodge 2500. The 2500 pulled d great but we were overweight on the rear axles. After much research we traded for a 2011 Ford F-350 single rear wheel. We are very cautious in what we load and have been able to stay within all the weight limits. The 31SL may be the only Redwood that you can pull with a single rear wheel and stay within the limits. The 36RL possibly could work as well but the only way to know for sure if you are OK is to weigh it when fully loaded. I can tell you one thing for sure...........The salesman will tell you anything to get his product sold! Do your own homework.