My friends and I all have rv’s with onboard generators. All of them except myself switched to portable generators. I’ve asked them about this and the answers I got are “they use half as much fuel”, “they are much quieter”, and “If it breaks down I don’t have to take the whole trailer anywhere, just take the portable generator to a shop”. It’s convinced me to get the generator prep on the next one but store a portable generator with remote start in that compartment. I also have a second RV a ‘64 airstream and I’d be able to switch the generator between RVs.
I agree with almost all of that … and will add that portable inverter generators can also be a lot cheaper up front. However, I put my Predator 3500 in the front storage of my 2022 Sprinter Limited 3190 RLS once… and only once …muscling that thing in there was only slightly harder than getting it back out lol… I find it much easier to just put it in the back of my truck.
the only thing i might not like is the "toe hump" in the kitchen slide. i wish that was flatter , or the cabinets was even with it. i had never noticed that before till you pointed it out one time. now i always look for that on a kitchen slide. other than that it looks good
We just saw a 2023 290 & they’ve changed a few things , as in no carpeting the slide. We really like that it is not fancy with a lot of silly cheap glitzy lights and trim. The only concession we’d be making is that the dog bed doesn’t fit in the closet-we have a large dog. Right now it is #1 on our list.
This is plenty flashy to me. This length of trailer with all the cushy features is not camping, it's definitely living in a mini house. As someone else mentioned it's the kitchen slide where you have to lean at a awkward angle because you can't stand a couple inches closer to counter that concerns me most. But it's beautiful, and beautifully staged. I will look into Brookstone in detail now. 😊
Nice floorplan overall ... Am one that prefers smaller windows in slide out, allows more for overhead cabinetry ... Also, swap out fridge for a French door residential unit ... Swap out slide carpets for vinyl or tile ... Delete stove area window & replace with tile backsplash with microwave/exhaust fan combo ... Slainte' ! Cheers !
I think this is a really beautiful fifth wheel. It has some really great features. I think the kitchen is fantastic and I love the living room area. The bedroom is terrific with great storage. A couple things I would change are: 1. Get rid of carpet in the dining room / living room slide 2. Get rid of floor vents for heat/ac 3. Change shower seat to a fold down rather than a built-in corner seat or eliminate it for disabled persons On a side note, this facility is absolutely gorgeous! It looks like an RV park and not a dealership. Perhaps they have setups so that new owners can overnight right there to do a tryout of their new RV? Oh oops never mind. You clarified that it did used to be a campground or at least a partial campground.
There are a few rv dealerships with onsite campgrounds here in Ontario. One of the best known ones is Heidi's RV Superstore that is right off highway 11 between the cities of Barrie and Orillia.
Love the floorplan and the vast number of standard features, but I do agree that there seems to be more sloppiness in this build than other Coachmen products that you have recently reviewed.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I thought I was pretty fair on this one, and I didn’t even mention the “NO” ladder on the Ember or Wildwood😳and you know that roof maintenance is by far the most important and an attached ladder is by far the safest way to do it👍
A lot of people in even big luxury fifth wheels like this use a portable generator rather then the factory onan option. Gets the noise away from your rv and the nicer inverter generators can be quieter than an onboard. Plenty of people also buy an rv for park use and then end up wanting to go places without hookups and pick up a portable generator for that. It's also cheaper to run a gasoline generator vs propane and you aren't competing with the furnace for fuel. Oh and it's usually just a lot cheaper to buy a portable generator. You can get a decent portable and a pretty substantial solar and battery setup for the cost of one of those onan 5500s.
I guess you could say that Brookstone is pretty much the only luxury division of Coachman, which normally tries to be a bit of an everyman's kind of rv.
Well I certainly like the floorplan. But I did see some differences between this one and my favorites. Double shades for 1, carpeting in the slide, a knee wrecker in the table. But it is a very nice coach. I never looked at one before, thanks for the video.
JD of BT BRV has a Brook Stone mid bunk with loft. Josh this location would probably allow a customer to stay in their just purchased RV to make sure there’s no leaks, etc. This isn’t a Luxury Luxe Toy Hauler, but probably a couple dollars cheaper lol keep’m coming
Very nice unit Nerd! It’s interesting to see how different manufacturers do the rear living 5ers. I’m not a fan of the carpeted slides or the floor vents in this one, but I like the wide body and taller slides. Comparing this to my Reflection 337 (purchased at Bish’s in Eldridge, IA by the way), I think the Reflection gives you more value based off of current pricing. Having said that, I think this is a fantastic RV. Thanks for another great review Nerd!
I remember that one! One of our own salespeople had one of those. When you're ready we'd love the opportunity to work with you! There are a LOT of RVs like this one out there
Not a fan of that drop down extension on the dining table. That's definitely a knee knocker !!! They could have easily had the leaf tucked under the table.
I'm sure SOMEONE might but it's not something I've ever personally seen (likely due to the difficulty of ventilating effectively) This is about as close as I've seen: bit.ly/3JCutP1 Or this similar model: bit.ly/3NajK0O
Fair enough. We have PLENTY more you might like though without the carpet! Try one of these: → North Point 310RLTS: bit.ly/2XIZ2Qq → Montana 3121RL: bit.ly/3uqoHJK → Solitude 310GK: bit.ly/3IFGrGu → Paradigm 310RL: bit.ly/3aisrXU
My friends and I all have rv’s with onboard generators. All of them except myself switched to portable generators. I’ve asked them about this and the answers I got are “they use half as much fuel”, “they are much quieter”, and “If it breaks down I don’t have to take the whole trailer anywhere, just take the portable generator to a shop”.
It’s convinced me to get the generator prep on the next one but store a portable generator with remote start in that compartment. I also have a second RV a ‘64 airstream and I’d be able to switch the generator between RVs.
Man.. that all makes a ton of sense. Thank you!
I agree with almost all of that … and will add that portable inverter generators can also be a lot cheaper up front. However, I put my Predator 3500 in the front storage of my 2022 Sprinter Limited 3190 RLS once… and only once …muscling that thing in there was only slightly harder than getting it back out lol… I find it much easier to just put it in the back of my truck.
the only thing i might not like is the "toe hump" in the kitchen slide. i wish that was flatter , or the cabinets was even with it. i had never noticed that before till you pointed it out one time. now i always look for that on a kitchen slide. other than that it looks good
Nice 5th wheel and the inside colors. Thanks for sharing Josh
#halfcheekit lol
Thx Ted! These have some solid, smart features
We just saw a 2023 290 & they’ve changed a few things , as in no carpeting the slide. We really like that it is not fancy with a lot of silly cheap glitzy lights and trim. The only concession we’d be making is that the dog bed doesn’t fit in the closet-we have a large dog. Right now it is #1 on our list.
These are well done and underrated I feel
Really like the lights having their own switches. Much prefer the queen bed also.
Ty Bud!!
This is a very nice Fifth wheeler. Would need a bigger truck, but it sounds like turning would be easier than my current setup.
Hmm... thinking about your jay flight it would likely have a similar turning radius Patti
This is plenty flashy to me. This length of trailer with all the cushy features is not camping, it's definitely living in a mini house. As someone else mentioned it's the kitchen slide where you have to lean at a awkward angle because you can't stand a couple inches closer to counter that concerns me most. But it's beautiful, and beautifully staged. I will look into Brookstone in detail now. 😊
Ty Diane!! Glamping for sure :)
Nice floorplan overall ... Am one that prefers smaller windows in slide out, allows more for overhead cabinetry ... Also, swap out fridge for a French door residential unit ... Swap out slide carpets for vinyl or tile ... Delete stove area window & replace with tile backsplash with microwave/exhaust fan combo ... Slainte' ! Cheers !
Standard fridge is actually one you’d prefer. The 2-way option was applied to this model here
I think this is a really beautiful fifth wheel. It has some really great features. I think the kitchen is fantastic and I love the living room area. The bedroom is terrific with great storage.
A couple things I would change are:
1. Get rid of carpet in the dining room / living room slide
2. Get rid of floor vents for heat/ac
3. Change shower seat to a fold down rather than a built-in corner seat or eliminate it for disabled persons
On a side note, this facility is absolutely gorgeous! It looks like an RV park and not a dealership. Perhaps they have setups so that new owners can overnight right there to do a tryout of their new RV? Oh oops never mind. You clarified that it did used to be a campground or at least a partial campground.
Yeah this location is pretty amazing
There are a few rv dealerships with onsite campgrounds here in Ontario. One of the best known ones is Heidi's RV Superstore that is right off highway 11 between the cities of Barrie and Orillia.
It's such a smart idea really
@@JoshtheRVNerd yes it is pretty much one stop shopping to get a seasonal site with a trailer on it from them.
Another great one! Light switches = best. Bathroom storage, not great. Tyfs!
Man if you like light switches then you’re gonna love this one
Love the floorplan and the vast number of standard features, but I do agree that there seems to be more sloppiness in this build than other Coachmen products that you have recently reviewed.
Otherwise did this one pass the “Steve test“???
@@JoshtheRVNerd I thought I was pretty fair on this one, and I didn’t even mention the “NO” ladder on the Ember or Wildwood😳and you know that roof maintenance is by far the most important and an attached ladder is by far the safest way to do it👍
The cut-in video for the toilet arm/leg space demonstration was fancy. /thumbs-up
Thank you! Always trying to evolve and show a little more depth of information!
A lot of people in even big luxury fifth wheels like this use a portable generator rather then the factory onan option. Gets the noise away from your rv and the nicer inverter generators can be quieter than an onboard. Plenty of people also buy an rv for park use and then end up wanting to go places without hookups and pick up a portable generator for that. It's also cheaper to run a gasoline generator vs propane and you aren't competing with the furnace for fuel. Oh and it's usually just a lot cheaper to buy a portable generator. You can get a decent portable and a pretty substantial solar and battery setup for the cost of one of those onan 5500s.
They're banning generators, unfortunately.
I guess you could say that Brookstone is pretty much the only luxury division of Coachman, which normally tries to be a bit of an everyman's kind of rv.
Yeah it's a little more calm, relaxed, and understated.
@@JoshtheRVNerd that and usually being attractively priced too.
Well I certainly like the floorplan. But I did see some differences between this one and my favorites. Double shades for 1, carpeting in the slide, a knee wrecker in the table. But it is a very nice coach. I never looked at one before, thanks for the video.
JD of BT BRV has a Brook Stone mid bunk with loft. Josh this location would probably allow a customer to stay in their just purchased RV to make sure there’s no leaks, etc. This isn’t a Luxury Luxe Toy Hauler, but probably a couple dollars cheaper lol keep’m coming
Very nice unit Nerd! It’s interesting to see how different manufacturers do the rear living 5ers. I’m not a fan of the carpeted slides or the floor vents in this one, but I like the wide body and taller slides. Comparing this to my Reflection 337 (purchased at Bish’s in Eldridge, IA by the way), I think the Reflection gives you more value based off of current pricing. Having said that, I think this is a fantastic RV. Thanks for another great review Nerd!
It's definitely not an Accident Reflection is so monstrously popular!
Josh I have a freedom Express 296reds and my wife and I are looking to get a 5th wheel I like this one
I remember that one! One of our own salespeople had one of those.
When you're ready we'd love the opportunity to work with you! There are a LOT of RVs like this one out there
Not a fan of that drop down extension on the dining table. That's definitely a knee knocker !!! They could have easily had the leaf tucked under the table.
It's not a bad point.. a magnet catch to flip that leaf under the edge of the table would be pretty nice and easy
The bedroom needs a better spot for sleep machine
Any recommendations?
I believe 290 is the square feet? I could be wrong. Many 5th wheels do that.
Very possible
Every brand has their own way of naming stuff and sometimes it seems random
Dose any body put the stove with a hood instead of the sink in the island?
I'm sure SOMEONE might but it's not something I've ever personally seen (likely due to the difficulty of ventilating effectively)
This is about as close as I've seen: bit.ly/3JCutP1
Or this similar model: bit.ly/3NajK0O
With so many limited camping spots, it’s kind-of sad to see that camp ground being used for sales. =(
I asked about that very thing actually. The goal was to be good at one thing rather than play at several things
Sweet cheese can taste like these. Who am I to dis a Brie?
Not a fan of the carpet!
Fair enough. We have PLENTY more you might like though without the carpet! Try one of these:
→ North Point 310RLTS: bit.ly/2XIZ2Qq
→ Montana 3121RL: bit.ly/3uqoHJK
→ Solitude 310GK: bit.ly/3IFGrGu
→ Paradigm 310RL: bit.ly/3aisrXU
@@JoshtheRVNerd Like the North Point but love the Alliances! I have learned a lot from your videos, thank you for sharing your knowledge!