On the hunt for a 31SL

a64armt · 07-22-2012, 03:47 PM

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Well, I have been “trolling”
or “creeping” around this forum for a few
weeks now. The wife and I have been
contemplating a 5th wheel for several years and after last year’s RV
show we decided it was time. We moved
from Savannah GA in 2009 and our lifestyle has changed substantially. We sold our 28ft Class C, 25ft Boat and even
our dune buggy (toys we really weren’t using here in PA) and have committed ourselves
to finding a 5th wheel. I’ve
had a few requirements that may seem strange to some and will have others
questioning my motives and goals. To
some, my goals contradict each other.

<ul>[*]Want a quality built unit (who doesn’t)[*]Want it to be towable with our current 2008 F250 6.4 diesel
truck (paid for and we love it)[*]Under 35 ft ( for state and national park restrictions)[*]Fiberglass front and rear caps[*]Well insulated[*]Hard surface counters (our Class C had laminated counters
that did not fare well in the humid southern environment of Savannah GA).[*]Residential microwave and 12 cu ft fridge[*]Rear entertainment (without silly mechanical rising TV
bracket to fail).[*]Leveling jacks[*]Rear hitch that doesn’t void warranty to facilitate vertical
kayak rack or tandem towing of our kayak trailer (if legal of course)[*]Decent warranty[*]Not a brand plagued with frame failures of customer service
complaints. [/list]
We are not full timers (I’m 4o y/o), we still have a
daughter at home (14 y/o) but we don’t want to be searching for another RV 4
years after buying this one. In the beginning we looked at bunkhouse
models, toy haulers, and a lot of different units. The Hershey RV show last year allowed us to
quickly and easily compare floor plans and model types and we quickly realized
bunkhouse and toy hauler models would sacrifice large amounts of formal living
space. We looked at rear kitchen units,
but quickly learned they are plagued by their own problems. Additional research and reading online has
made me cautious with mass produced units using Lippert components due to frame
failures. Pictures of collapsed pin
boxes and such have steered me away from most Forest River RV’s.

I came across a few Redwood units on eBay but they were
larger and the weights were WAY outside my comfort zone with an F250. However, on the July 4th weekend,
I was bored and looked a bit closer at the Redwood website, presumably at units
I could neither afford or tow with our truck.
What a surprise when I came across the 31SL. This was everything we wanted it seemed. I had
emailed Coachman ( a Forest River company) to ask about their actions to
mitigate frame failure and I still haven’t heard back. I emailed Redwood and heard back within the
first working day after the holiday. I
knew Redwood used Lippert components, but it is nice to know Redwood will
warranty their products and I was provided a good explanation.

Well, we drove all day yesterday to visit a couple of
dealers and ended up looking at a 31SL at a dealer in West Chester PA, about 3
hours from us. Are we impressed. While this unit isn’t EVERYTHING we wanted,
it is as close as one can get on a dealer unit (what units are?). I think we have found our next RV. Always the wheeler-dealer, I am going to wait
until the 2013’s start showing up at the next RV show and hope I can find a
decent deal on a 31SL. A few dealers
have 31SL’s listed at 75% of MSRP and while this is a decent price, I am
confident I may be able to do better. I
would even consider a used unit, but I think that is a pipe dream.

So I will be trolling this forum, reading your posts and
asking questions. I’ve been on RV.Net
for several years, but the manufacturer specific posts here are extremely helpful. So much of what your members have posted
already has been helpful and informative.

Thanks,

Vincent

redwood5er · 07-22-2012, 06:11 PM

The only issue you will find with the 31SL is the lack of cabinet space if you go with the12 cu ft refrigerator. You can make up for some of the loss by going with a cook top only and putting drawers in place of the oven.

timmytfl · 07-22-2012, 09:48 PM

The next model up the ladder is the 34SK. That's what we have & love it! We really like having windows on all 3 sides in the living area & it has plenty of kitchen storage space.

Tall-Pines · 07-23-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a64armt

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I am going to wait
until the 2013’s start showing up at the next RV show and hope I can find a
decent deal on a 31SL. A few dealers
have 31SL’s listed at 75% of MSRP and while this is a decent price, I am
confident I may be able to do better.

We ordered our 36RL in mid April and took delivery mid June. It is a 2013 model.
We paid about 66% of MSRP.
I would highly recommend working with your local dealer and ordering your trailer to your specs.
We ended up getting all options EXCEPT $11k paint job, slide-in-slide bedroom (you lose the night tables and most of the headboard) and slide toppers.
Did you get the build sheet (or spreadsheet) that lists all the options. Start there and don't hesitate to ask, ask, ask ... !

Good luck on your shopping!

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