I love that you made this video. Rockwood is promoted as the high quality arm of Forest River. I see here that is not the case. Thanks for a great video!
I didn't know Forest River had any "quality arm" -- they're one of the major American RV Crap Makers. Like Thor. I wouldn't buy any brand (a numbers of different brands under their umbrella) of RV made by Forest River or Thor regardless of class (TT, A, B, C, 5er or truck-camper). I know Thor bought Airstream (years ago) but I wonder if that's one reason Airstreams aren't as well made as they used to be, even though they're still high-priced. -- BR
Thanks for sharing this. I implemented the method used on your trailer to retrofit install gas spring lift assistance on my Aliner in 2016. I later (in 2018) removed that system because a better engineered installation method was introduced by a Mechanical Engineer in Australia. Some FR owners have found a better placement for the ends of the gas springs than what was factory installed on your trailer. I am concerned about your using a cover over the refrigerator vents because it prevents adequate air flow. This is a good start for folks wanting an opinion on the difference between the two brands. I would not want an expensive heat pump under any circumstance. The window-mounted ac unit on the Aliner is easy to replace and likely far more effective for cooling. Also, a 2000-watt Honda generator will have no problem powering it. The heat pumps require a 2800-watt generator (at sea level).
Thank you for your comments. The fridge vent cover I made only covers the bottom section of the fridge. Behind this is wide open and the upper vent allows a lot of air flow to the fridge. The cover prevented the constant pilot light blowouts when I was driving.
Thanks for your honesty I’ve been looking at A-frames for years but keep asking myself if I really need one or is our Sienna Minivan enough for what we are doing… 🍻🍻
In my opinion, an A-frame camper is just a step above tenting. You get the convenience of hard sides and a bed but you still get the work of constantly moving buckets of your stuff. You also get the inconvenience of hooking up and setting it all up and packing your gear every time you take it down. Then there’s the storage issue. It’s a whole new level of additional work. A van, Class B or smaller Class C are by far the best in terms of amount of additional leisure time you get over other rv units. A truck/camper setup is also a good choice to consider. Your minivan is the least expensive option. There is no perfect solution.
We have had our 2021 Aliner Ranger 12 since November of 2021. We travel with it about 3 months each year, an amount that increases each year. We really like our Aliner --our "tiny house". I cannot speak to whether we would like a Rockwood model as much, because we have never used one, but the front storage compartment is appealing, for sure. I have met many Rockwood A-frame owners while camping and they all seemed very pleased with their campers. We have made a number of modifications to our camper, but the only vexing problem we have had with ours was that the factory refrigerator never worked properly in either propane, DC, or AC mode. We ultimately replaced it with a Dometic 12v unit and that works very well. Good to go. Interesting video. Thank you. Happy Trails!
I've owned a Ranger 12 since 2013 (bought new) and pulled it most summers out to the Colorado Rockies backcountry for weeks at a time. I also get a lot of use out of the Aliner spending time in the Smokies from my base in the southeast. It's a great base camp for hiking, fly fishing and backpacking. The only real weak points I've encountered is the factory spare tire carrier and the AC. I replaced the factory spare tire carrier with one that fits in the rear hitch receiver and I'm on my 3rd AC. If and when #3 gives up the ghost I'll get the hole fiberglassed in. Otherwise its been very comfortable for me travelling solo and it pulls great behind my Toyota FJ Cruiser.
I love my Rockwood A122S... It's a pretty solid unit and very comfortable heated mattress ... I have the heat pump and gas furnace, factory solar and the storage area is so handy... I would of loved to have an Original Aliner but for what they cost, I am very satisfied with Rockwoods version. I bought mine on closeout saved $8,000...
Glad it’s working out for you! It wasn’t a good fit for me unfortunately. I sold mine and am sticking to lodges and hotels for the foreseeable future on longer trips. But when I go fishing or photographing in the backcountry I will just go truck camping on those occasions. No more trailers for me. Thanks for your comments. Cheers!👍
Thanks for sharing. We stayed at that campsite twice last summer - on our way north on the Dempster to Tuk, and on our return. Great place to refresh. We have a 2016 A-Liner Classic mounted on an Expedition frame, so a bit bigger than the Ranger you showed and we have a storage box in front with lots of room. Our A-Liner did great on all those dirt roads, but our friends had a smaller model without the beefier frame and had more difficulties. Highly recommend the larger wheels and "Off Road" if you are going to spend any time on rough roads.
Interesting campsite but not the most private. Wall to wall without any trees. Big parking lot really. Dawson City is such a great town though. We didn’t spend much time at our campsite as there was so much to do in town. I wouldn’t recommend any trailers on the Dempster. Saw many truck campers and class B types though. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad I saw this video. I liked the Rockwood because the one I like has a wet bath is all walled in with wood while the Aliner’s wet bath is just a shower curtain…. I guess the Aliner is better built and designed than the Rockwood from what you said in your video…..
Thank you for your detailed exterior comparison. We have a 2016 Aliner Scout. It’s a stripped down version because that’s what we wanted. It fits our needs, the AC is still working, and virtually no problems in the 8 years we’ve had it. We like to set it up as a base camp in an area of interest. We have a Clam shelter that works like an outside kitchen, that has been a game changer for inclimate weather so we aren’t trapped inside the Aliner. I can’t really imagine moving across the country in our Aliner and having to set up and take down everyday. Your review challenged my perception on the Rockwood as a heavier, and therefore sturdier, camper. Thank you again.
Thanks for your feedback! I agree that the concept is a good one. Rockwood needs to either stop making them as they are junk, or get their act together and design a model that matches or exceeds the quality of the Aliner brand.
I have a 20 year old aliner expedition still like new amazing build quality it has the front storage area i get constant condensation in the bin i was wondering if it was an issue on the rocrwood
Amazing that it’s still going strong for you! Yes, I have condensation buildup in the front compartment of the Rockwood as well. It gets the brunt of the rain while driving.
Owner of a Rockwood A214HW. I have way more functionality than the Aliners. Heat Pump, Fridge, Stove, Microwave, Bathroom with Shower, Queen Bed (heated mattress) and a dinette. Good storage in the front pass through, plus two rear storage lockers. I haven’t seen an Aliner that gets close.
Thanks for sharing! The only Aliner I had a chance to go into was much smaller than my A122SESP. Exterior storage was nonexistent in the Aliner that I saw as well.
You should check the wood framing material inside the Aliner and Rockwood. Also check how they secure the cabin to the frame. Never mind the creature comforts.
The air conditioner on the Aliner is factory installed, it's an extra-cost option on the 12' and 15' models. As for the windows leaking, that's just an RV "thing". The only RV's I've ever heard of that don't eventually leak rainwater are Class B's that are all-steel Van conversions, and units like the Scamp that are 1-piece fiberglass shells with no seams. And even those can eventually develop leaks around vents and any other penetrations of the body shell. What's most important is to try and get an RV with an all-aluminum frame, so that even if a little rainwater is managing to leak in through the windows and vents, at least the frame won't rot out.
I have a 2010 aliner classic. Thanks for the review. The assist springs are inside the camper so none are needed outside. I assume that is the same with rockwood but maybe they needed more assist? All rv and campers are full of problems. The aliner is pretty good though. It is just that for the price you would think the quality would be amazing! But nope.
I’m always amazed that rv manufacturers can get away with poor quality parts and construction. If this were happening in the auto industry there would be class action lawsuits against them. Why aren’t rv owners standing up for this?
@@capturereeladventure my 88 yo dad bought and sold 6 motor homes in the last 15 years. Everyone had problems and he spent a lot of time at the dealer. He owed at least 2 winabagos and they are known to be quality but they had problems. The last Winnie, a diesel, had windows that were replaced twice and still leaked! People put up with it 5e same way they do with anything. Ever hire a contractor? I have to do all my own work on the house because contractors are horrible. It is the way it is. Also, older people have the money so they spend it. Recently I watched videos on fiberglass campers. Oliver brand is supposed to be one of the best. They have only 2 models, 18 and 23 feet. No slides, sleep 3, simple, and they start at 75,000. Just for fun check out some videos on fiberglass campers, Bigfoot, Oliver, casita are the ones I watched. Some reviewer said that when these companies start up they make quality products. But then they get bought by a corporation and it goes to schit. I have been thinking of going to a truck camper… well thinking of building my own truck camper just because I can, and for the simplicity. But the main thing is that most of us are aging and can’t take time for BS. We gotta go now!
I bought a brand new 1990 Aliner in the spring of 1990. It eventually was stored in my garage from 1993 until I sold it to a friend of mine in 2003. It has been stored in the open in the backyard of another friend's house since. It needs some work done on it as it has been neglected for the last 10 years. A couple of notes for everyone regarding the Aliner. Unless it has changed since 1990, there is a spring in each corner that assists in the raising of the roof. It is similar to the spring in a clothespin, but of course much larger. What people think is a pilot light in the refrigerator is actually the burner. Those refrigerators are small and don't require a very large burner. It is important when driving down dusty roads to have that burner on. Doing so avoids accumulation of dust in the burner. The bungee cord at the top prevents the two halves of the roof from flopping over the ends of the trailer when you open it -- it basically forces the ends of the roof halves to come together at the top when the roof is completely raised. These need to be replaced on the 1990 I used to own. That caulk around the edge of the roof does need to be replaced occasionally. This is where my friend has messed up with his neglect. That has resulted in leaks which has significantly increased the amount of effort that will be required to refurbish it.
I tried that once. Took quite awhile to put one on by myself and figure out the easiest way to do this. I put it on when the camper was in the down position before setting up the roof. Securing it down with bungee cords and creating an overhang on the front that I used as a place to sit out of the rain. I had three poles and ropes to hold that part in place. Took me a half hour to set up. Not something you want to do regularly but it did work.
Curious how the frames and suspension compare. Whether one brand tends to be structurally beefier/ stronger than the other. (Can guess by extrapolation, but maybe that's not fair to do without actually looking.)
I only had about a minute inside the Aliner and unfortunately didn’t get a video of it. Adding more trailer comparisons this year as the opportunities arise. Cheers.
Not a good idea to tow with pilot lights lit.....if pilot blows out it could cause fire. Have you ever seen a trailer on side of road burned up? Guess what happened? Also ill-legal in some areas of country. NOT SAFE!
I’ve not heard that this was ever an issue. Was told by the dealer I bought it from that it was a common practice. How else do you keep your food cold when taking long trips?
I love that you made this video. Rockwood is promoted as the high quality arm of Forest River. I see here that is not the case. Thanks for a great video!
I really appreciate your comments. Thanks!
I didn't know Forest River had any "quality arm" -- they're one of the major American RV Crap Makers. Like Thor. I wouldn't buy any brand (a numbers of different brands under their umbrella) of RV made by Forest River or Thor regardless of class (TT, A, B, C, 5er or truck-camper). I know Thor bought Airstream (years ago) but I wonder if that's one reason Airstreams aren't as well made as they used to be, even though they're still high-priced.
-- BR
@@billredding2000 You are 100% correct, as a former RV Dealer service manager, F'd River is the bottom of the line in camper quality.
Thanks for sharing this.
I implemented the method used on your trailer to retrofit install gas spring lift assistance on my Aliner in 2016. I later (in 2018) removed that system because a better engineered installation method was introduced by a Mechanical Engineer in Australia. Some FR owners have found a better placement for the ends of the gas springs than what was factory installed on your trailer.
I am concerned about your using a cover over the refrigerator vents because it prevents adequate air flow.
This is a good start for folks wanting an opinion on the difference between the two brands. I would not want an expensive heat pump under any circumstance. The window-mounted ac unit on the Aliner is easy to replace and likely far more effective for cooling. Also, a 2000-watt Honda generator will have no problem powering it. The heat pumps require a 2800-watt generator (at sea level).
Thank you for your comments. The fridge vent cover I made only covers the bottom section of the fridge. Behind this is wide open and the upper vent allows a lot of air flow to the fridge. The cover prevented the constant pilot light blowouts when I was driving.
I like the aliner better thank you for posting ❤❤❤❤
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your honesty
I’ve been looking at A-frames for years but keep asking myself if I really need one or is our Sienna Minivan enough for what we are doing… 🍻🍻
In my opinion, an A-frame camper is just a step above tenting. You get the convenience of hard sides and a bed but you still get the work of constantly moving buckets of your stuff. You also get the inconvenience of hooking up and setting it all up and packing your gear every time you take it down. Then there’s the storage issue. It’s a whole new level of additional work. A van, Class B or smaller Class C are by far the best in terms of amount of additional leisure time you get over other rv units. A truck/camper setup is also a good choice to consider. Your minivan is the least expensive option. There is no perfect solution.
We have had our 2021 Aliner Ranger 12 since November of 2021. We travel with it about 3 months each year, an amount that increases each year. We really like our Aliner --our "tiny house". I cannot speak to whether we would like a Rockwood model as much, because we have never used one, but the front storage compartment is appealing, for sure. I have met many Rockwood A-frame owners while camping and they all seemed very pleased with their campers. We have made a number of modifications to our camper, but the only vexing problem we have had with ours was that the factory refrigerator never worked properly in either propane, DC, or AC mode. We ultimately replaced it with a Dometic 12v unit and that works very well. Good to go.
Interesting video. Thank you.
Happy Trails!
Good to hear your experience with the A-frame camper is a positive one! Enjoy. 👍
I've owned a Ranger 12 since 2013 (bought new) and pulled it most summers out to the Colorado Rockies backcountry for weeks at a time. I also get a lot of use out of the Aliner spending time in the Smokies from my base in the southeast. It's a great base camp for hiking, fly fishing and backpacking. The only real weak points I've encountered is the factory spare tire carrier and the AC. I replaced the factory spare tire carrier with one that fits in the rear hitch receiver and I'm on my 3rd AC. If and when #3 gives up the ghost I'll get the hole fiberglassed in. Otherwise its been very comfortable for me travelling solo and it pulls great behind my Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Thanks for sharing!
I love my Rockwood A122S... It's a pretty solid unit and very comfortable heated mattress ... I have the heat pump and gas furnace, factory solar and the storage area is so handy... I would of loved to have an Original Aliner but for what they cost, I am very satisfied with Rockwoods version. I bought mine on closeout saved $8,000...
Glad it’s working out for you! It wasn’t a good fit for me unfortunately. I sold mine and am sticking to lodges and hotels for the foreseeable future on longer trips. But when I go fishing or photographing in the backcountry I will just go truck camping on those occasions. No more trailers for me. Thanks for your comments. Cheers!👍
Thanks for sharing. We stayed at that campsite twice last summer - on our way north on the Dempster to Tuk, and on our return. Great place to refresh. We have a 2016 A-Liner Classic mounted on an Expedition frame, so a bit bigger than the Ranger you showed and we have a storage box in front with lots of room. Our A-Liner did great on all those dirt roads, but our friends had a smaller model without the beefier frame and had more difficulties. Highly recommend the larger wheels and "Off Road" if you are going to spend any time on rough roads.
Interesting campsite but not the most private. Wall to wall without any trees. Big parking lot really. Dawson City is such a great town though. We didn’t spend much time at our campsite as there was so much to do in town. I wouldn’t recommend any trailers on the Dempster. Saw many truck campers and class B types though. Thanks for sharing!
I'm considering an A-frame style of trailer. Your videos have been extremely helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m glad I saw this video.
I liked the Rockwood because the one I like has a wet bath is all walled in with wood while the Aliner’s wet bath is just a shower curtain….
I guess the Aliner is better built and designed than the Rockwood from what you said in your video…..
Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated. 👍👍
Thank you for your detailed exterior comparison. We have a 2016 Aliner Scout. It’s a stripped down version because that’s what we wanted. It fits our needs, the AC is still working, and virtually no problems in the 8 years we’ve had it. We like to set it up as a base camp in an area of interest. We have a Clam shelter that works like an outside kitchen, that has been a game changer for inclimate weather so we aren’t trapped inside the Aliner. I can’t really imagine moving across the country in our Aliner and having to set up and take down everyday. Your review challenged my perception on the Rockwood as a heavier, and therefore sturdier, camper. Thank you again.
Thank you for your comment. I also have the clam shelter and agree it’s very handy. Keep that Aliner! Cheers.
Thanks for posting this, I was looking at both of them.
You’re welcome!
Thank you for a carefully created video. Those gas struts on the Rockwood are a joke. I’m a former Chalet owner. I love the A-frame concept!
Thanks for your feedback! I agree that the concept is a good one. Rockwood needs to either stop making them as they are junk, or get their act together and design a model that matches or exceeds the quality of the Aliner brand.
I have a 20 year old aliner expedition still like new amazing build quality it has the front storage area i get constant condensation in the bin i was wondering if it was an issue on the rocrwood
Amazing that it’s still going strong for you! Yes, I have condensation buildup in the front compartment of the Rockwood as well. It gets the brunt of the rain while driving.
Owner of a Rockwood A214HW. I have way more functionality than the Aliners. Heat Pump, Fridge, Stove, Microwave, Bathroom with Shower, Queen Bed (heated mattress) and a dinette. Good storage in the front pass through, plus two rear storage lockers. I haven’t seen an Aliner that gets close.
Thanks for sharing! The only Aliner I had a chance to go into was much smaller than my A122SESP. Exterior storage was nonexistent in the Aliner that I saw as well.
You should check the wood framing material inside the Aliner and Rockwood. Also check how they secure the cabin to the frame. Never mind the creature comforts.
Good idea! Thanks!!
The air conditioner on the Aliner is factory installed, it's an extra-cost option on the 12' and 15' models. As for the windows leaking, that's just an RV "thing". The only RV's I've ever heard of that don't eventually leak rainwater are Class B's that are all-steel Van conversions, and units like the Scamp that are 1-piece fiberglass shells with no seams. And even those can eventually develop leaks around vents and any other penetrations of the body shell. What's most important is to try and get an RV with an all-aluminum frame, so that even if a little rainwater is managing to leak in through the windows and vents, at least the frame won't rot out.
Thank you for your comments. These are all great tips!
I have a 2007 Rockwood. I must have gotten lucky. My neighbor is remodeling a 2013 Aliner. Experiences differ along with opinions.
Thanks for sharing!
I have a 2010 aliner classic. Thanks for the review. The assist springs are inside the camper so none are needed outside. I assume that is the same with rockwood but maybe they needed more assist? All rv and campers are full of problems. The aliner is pretty good though. It is just that for the price you would think the quality would be amazing! But nope.
I’m always amazed that rv manufacturers can get away with poor quality parts and construction. If this were happening in the auto industry there would be class action lawsuits against them. Why aren’t rv owners standing up for this?
@@capturereeladventure my 88 yo dad bought and sold 6 motor homes in the last 15 years. Everyone had problems and he spent a lot of time at the dealer. He owed at least 2 winabagos and they are known to be quality but they had problems. The last Winnie, a diesel, had windows that were replaced twice and still leaked! People put up with it 5e same way they do with anything. Ever hire a contractor? I have to do all my own work on the house because contractors are horrible. It is the way it is. Also, older people have the money so they spend it. Recently I watched videos on fiberglass campers. Oliver brand is supposed to be one of the best. They have only 2 models, 18 and 23 feet. No slides, sleep 3, simple, and they start at 75,000. Just for fun check out some videos on fiberglass campers, Bigfoot, Oliver, casita are the ones I watched. Some reviewer said that when these companies start up they make quality products. But then they get bought by a corporation and it goes to schit. I have been thinking of going to a truck camper… well thinking of building my own truck camper just because I can, and for the simplicity. But the main thing is that most of us are aging and can’t take time for BS. We gotta go now!
I really like the Aliner much more than the Rockwood. Looks to be built better.
Wish I would have bought the Aliner. Would probably still have it as I’ve thankfully sold the Rockwood.
I bought a brand new 1990 Aliner in the spring of 1990. It eventually was stored in my garage from 1993 until I sold it to a friend of mine in 2003. It has been stored in the open in the backyard of another friend's house since. It needs some work done on it as it has been neglected for the last 10 years.
A couple of notes for everyone regarding the Aliner. Unless it has changed since 1990, there is a spring in each corner that assists in the raising of the roof. It is similar to the spring in a clothespin, but of course much larger. What people think is a pilot light in the refrigerator is actually the burner. Those refrigerators are small and don't require a very large burner. It is important when driving down dusty roads to have that burner on. Doing so avoids accumulation of dust in the burner.
The bungee cord at the top prevents the two halves of the roof from flopping over the ends of the trailer when you open it -- it basically forces the ends of the roof halves to come together at the top when the roof is completely raised. These need to be replaced on the 1990 I used to own. That caulk around the edge of the roof does need to be replaced occasionally. This is where my friend has messed up with his neglect. That has resulted in leaks which has significantly increased the amount of effort that will be required to refurbish it.
Thanks for the comments, much appreciated!
I knew about the springs but did not understand the function of the bungee cords. Thank you for the explanation!
I don't trust these not to leak but it doesn't matter because I'd buy a large tarp to throw over the top when set up at a campsite.
I tried that once. Took quite awhile to put one on by myself and figure out the easiest way to do this. I put it on when the camper was in the down position before setting up the roof. Securing it down with bungee cords and creating an overhang on the front that I used as a place to sit out of the rain. I had three poles and ropes to hold that part in place. Took me a half hour to set up. Not something you want to do regularly but it did work.
Thanks 🙏🏼 Happy Trails
😁
Curious how the frames and suspension compare. Whether one brand tends to be structurally beefier/ stronger than the other. (Can guess by extrapolation, but maybe that's not fair to do without actually looking.)
I should have checked that out as well. Thanks for your comment.
Awesome video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Which of the two is larger??
The Rockwood is slightly larger inside and definitely longer as well.
Did you ever make a video comparing the inside?
I only had about a minute inside the Aliner and unfortunately didn’t get a video of it. Adding more trailer comparisons this year as the opportunities arise. Cheers.
Agreed!
👍
Not a good idea to tow with pilot lights lit.....if pilot blows out it could cause fire. Have you ever seen a trailer on side of road burned up? Guess what happened? Also ill-legal in some areas of country. NOT SAFE!
I’ve not heard that this was ever an issue. Was told by the dealer I bought it from that it was a common practice. How else do you keep your food cold when taking long trips?