Whitewater Retro Travel Trailers by Riverside Rv Reviews
In May, we purchased a new Riverside RV 177 Camper from our local dealer. We took it on a "proving trip" to Fall Creek Falls, later which I posted "Camper Report – Riverside RV Retro 177 White Water."
Since then we have taken several more than trips, including a 1400 mile trip into the mountains of Westward Virginia. It is time to update that review. While nosotros remain happy with the camper, there are several issues of concern, plus one of my readers expressed several strong complaints about his new Riverside RV Model 177. Earlier posting this article, I shared my (and his) concerns with the folks from Riverside RV from whom I received a prompt, positive response.
The Riverside RV Model 177 'White H2o" Retro shortly afterward delivery this year.
Regarding the trip into Westward Virginia, our Ford F-150 XLT Triton (2004, small V-8) pulled it nicely upward and down 9% grades, both on the Interstates and along local two-lane mountain roads. On some of the steepest grades, it took fewer than 3000 rpm to maintain 45 mph. At that speed the engine and transmission were not working and then hard. On flat land roads, 2100 rpm maintained 60-65 mph.
Our Concerns and Observations
The camper sits very depression to the ground, which makes entry like shooting fish in a barrel and convenient, and the camper can exist parked in most garages (brand sure you measure and check before backing in!). This also explains the wall-mounted air conditioner rather than a more typical RV roof mount.
The fact that the unit is very depression to the ground causes both the front end jack (fully raised) and/or the rear support triangles to drag when moving over uneven ground. It seems it was designed for flat and/or paved surfaces only–not always the manner it is in the camping globe.
The holding tanks extend below the underside of the camper down to virtually the level of the bottom of the axle–I guess that is why the rear support triangles are there, otherwise, backing over a curb or an obstruction could crush the property tank and/or connecting pipes.
In that location is a shelf over the caput of the bed. While this seemed like a convenience, I take bumped my head — difficult — on it several times sitting upward. Judge I will acquire—soon, I hope.
Finally, while this is a personal preference item, the original mattress was very hard and we decided to add a four-inch thick memory foam pad.
Camper Updates
According to a representative from the manufacturing plant, Riverside RV has recognized and acknowledged these bug and has corrected them on electric current production RV 177s, and has developed upgrades for existing owners.
First, there is a riser kit for the axle that raises the camper, relieving many of the problems with the depression profile. This also includes a modification that raises the forepart jack for more clearance.
The local dealer indicated that he could install wheels on or supplant the rear support braces with wheels. At least this should prevent the braces from digging into the soil when they hit the ground. Of course, with the axle riser modification, this would be less of a problem.
Equally for the over-bed shelf, it has been moved upwards or modified, providing more clearance over the head of the bed. My forehead would appreciate that.
Lastly, there is a mattress upgrade (selection?). Patently nosotros are not the only ones who thought the basic mattress was a bit stiff.
These modifications tin can exist accomplished at the Riverside RV manufactory in LaGrange, Indiana. At this time, there is no set price for the upgrades.
For more than information on these upgrades, or other questions almost Riverside RV products, go to their website at: http://world wide web.riversidervs.net/default.html, and await for the "Contacts" push button.
Other Riverside RV owners are invited to share their experiences in their Riverside RV campers (or any others for that matter). Your comments may be used in a future web log, or you may be invited to submit a guest blog, if information technology is determined to be of interest to our readers.
Note: Since the planned October trip to Michigan takes us not too far from LaGrange, IN, I have requested a tour of the factory manager. If agreed, will post more information and photos of Riverside RV's manufacturing facilities.
Text and photographs © Jeff Richmond
Source: https://reninassancemusings.wordpress.com/2014/08/16/camper-report-riverside-rv-retro-177-white-water-update/comment-page-1/
0 Response to "Whitewater Retro Travel Trailers by Riverside Rv Reviews"
Post a Comment