Forum

You must be logged in to post Login

Search Forums:


 






Forum Sportsmen Classic Community Why Buy A Sportsman Classic?

Why Buy A Sportsman Classic?

No Status Selected
Page:   1  
No Tags
UserPost

3:50 pm
October 22, 2010


KJRitch

Frisco, TX

New Member

posts 2
Print this Post
1

Post edited 2:28 am – October 23, 2010 by smilinjohn

I'm looking to tow a small TT behind a Toyota 4Runner. I'm not interested in anything over 20 feet and I don't want to tow extreme weights, I guess anything around 4000lbs would be the maximum weight. I prefer a trailer that is not 8 feet wide either. And like everyone else I don't want to spend a fortune. The Sportsman Classic seems to fit this criteria, however there are things I don't like and I would like to know what makes these trailers appealing. 1. Frame: My understanding is the frame is wood and not aluminum. Wood rot if you get a leak and all TT leak eventually. Will this trailer last? 2. Roof and siding are aluminum. Not that bad as long as it is done right. Faded/yellowed fiberglass turns me off. Is the roof pitched a little or is it flat. I'm afraid of leaks and the wood framing rotting after a couple of years despite maintenance. 3. The AC is inadequate for Texas summers unless you have the 14 foot units. 5000 btu is not enough. I was inside an ALiner when the temps were 95 degrees and it's AC unit which is similar to the Classics couldn't keep it comfortable. I had a 86 Dolphin 22 foot micro mini on a Toyota chassis years ago and the 13k BTU AC had no issues in the Texas heat. 4. The refrigerator is kinda small. 3cu/ft. 5. The holding tanks are small up to the 19 foot model. The 16BH is 10 for water, 9 for Black and 15 for grey. The 19 foot models are 20 water, either 9 or 15 black (model-dependant) and 15 for grey. 6. Outside storage seems lacking. These items seem to be pretty basic requirements for a TT. What made you choose your Classic. Was it price alone? KZ doesn't have many photos of their trailers and there is no info on how they are constructed. Thanks for your thoughts. Kelvin

8:34 pm
October 22, 2010


smilinjohn

Minnesota Prairie

Moderator

posts 380
Print this Post
2

Post edited 5:25 am – October 24, 2010 by smilinjohn

Hello, Kelvin!

Thanks for stopping by.  Best to check out before purchase.  Here's my take on it.

1) Frame is wood.  GOTO 'Files' at top of page, download '2010 Sportsmen Brochure' 2.89MB — See "Cut-Away Features" portion of download (this brochure includes Sportsmen Classic, too).

2) Roof & Siding are aluminum.  Roof is flat, except for TV antenna, crankvents (2), AC Riser, and black and grey tank vent stacks (2).  Yes, pretty darn thin, yet seems to hold up to regular bad weather, including some hail.  Roof seems to have layer of plywood under the aluminum skin.

3) AC– Perhaps there is some truth to the rumored 8K btu option in the small TT and roof AC in the larger TT for 2011.

4) Refrigerator – Yes, the 3 cu.ft seems like it would be too small.  We find the standard all electric 4.6 cu.ft. quite adequate for the two of us.  Our model is 2010's 14RK.

5) Holding tanks — Yes, there are compromises and plans to be considered.

6) Outside Storage — seems adequate in our 14RK, but probably is model dependant.

The 14RK is just right for our applications — weekend horse shows and camping.  We have an 18-gal. Thetford Tote should we decide to stay longer.  Our TT is easy to tow, and yes the price was right.  We love it.  SmileJohn

2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK; 2005 Ford F-150, 5.4L V8; "…..it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin

8:26 pm
October 23, 2010


KJRitch

Frisco, TX

New Member

posts 2
Print this Post
3

Thanks for you reply, John,

I wonder if the AC can be replaced by a larger BTU unit? I looked on Frigidaire site and found their most entry level modelFRA052XT7 is a 5000 BTU unit that weighs 42lbs. It costs less the $200. The dimensions are 12″h x 16″w x 13 1/2″d

The FRA082AT7 is an 8000BTU unit that is 14 11/16″ h x21-13/16″ wide and 18 1/8″d. Too big for the existing hole.

Do the Sportsman Classics have a holding tank monitor panel?

The water heater is not at DSI either.

What are the cushions like? Are the dinette cushions good for sleeping on?

On the 16BH how much weight can the top bunk take?

What is the bottom of these trailers like?

A full 18 gallon tote would weigh over 126lbs. Pretty hard to move that even with wheels.

I'm not sure these trailers are the right fit for us.

Kelvin

10:19 pm
October 23, 2010


smilinjohn

Minnesota Prairie

Moderator

posts 380
Print this Post
4

Kelvin, contact your local dealer for your several queries.

No monitor panel………..remember these units are bare bones.

My wife and I find cushions comfortable to sleep on.  Some others have added memory foam from WallyWorld.

Top bunk max weight……..contact dealer.

Flooring is 1″ plywood, so does not flex.  It has a smooth black plastic material coating the bottom surface.

Purchased 18 gallon tote to get the several features I deemed necessary.  When we use it we put in no more than 10 gallons fluids/solids before emptying…….10 gal. (8.33 lbs.) + weight of tote = <100 lbs., which makes for easier handling.

Hope this all helps.  SmileJohn 

2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK; 2005 Ford F-150, 5.4L V8; "…..it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin

5:42 pm
October 24, 2010


mbanda

ARKANSAS

Member

posts 121
Print this Post
5

My wife and I find cushions comfortable to sleep on.  Some others have added memory foam from WallyWorld.

Flooring is 1″ plywood, so does not flex.  It has a smooth black plastic material coating the bottom surface.

 SmileJohn 

After 19 nights combined in the TT this summer, I have to say the stock cushions do not hold up. I'm a pretty big guy (6'1″, 240) so maybe that is part of it. One of the big selling points for our 16bh was the longer bed. It was around 6 inches longer at 80″ vs 74″ in most other TTs which made my legs hang over the edge. I'll be getting a top mattress this winter w/o box springs & use the cushions on top of it.  We keep the dinette down as a bed full time.

Has anyone thought of adding insulation to the bottom of the trailer? The floor was pretty cold in the morning a couple weeks ago when the overnight temp was in the mid 40s.

MJ
No Tags
Page:   1  
Topic RSS