Columbus by Palomino. Does anybody have one or know about it?
VanMar said
03:40 AM Jul 24, 2012
Mary Sunshine wrote:
Second, I have fallen in love with the Forest River Columbus 320RS by Palomino. This particular unit has a GVWR of 14,015 lbs. and is a fabulous unit, as far as I can tell.
Mary,
I was just getting ready to post the same question! DSW and I went to our first RV show in '09 and fell in like with the Montana 3400RL. That had been my RV Dream until the RV show we went to this spring. There, we found the Columbus 320RS. There were two things that really grabbed my attention. One: the leather theater seating that actually faced the TV. Two: The 30X60 shower! I'm 6'3" and weigh in around 190. Some of the showers in these RV's are so cramped I can hardly move so the big shower was a real selling point. Also, the price was right and the wife liked the rollaway kitchen island. This brand was new for 2012. I'm hoping that when we're ready to hit the road in '15 (or maybe '14 ) there will be some nice used '13's out there. BTW, the 'shipping' weight is 10,600 which leaves roughly 3400 lbs of CCC. Whatever we get, we will most likely be towing it with a GM 3500, DRW, Duramax.
Does anybody out there own one of these or know anything about them. I know that Palomino is a part of Forest River which is a division of Berkshire-Hathaway but that's it.
Vance
Ckerr said
04:30 AM Jul 24, 2012
We've also been looking at the Columbus. Looks like very good value and we like the shower too!
Jo And Craig said
11:04 AM Jul 24, 2012
Carol, I'm beginning to think we are barking up the wrong tree! Pretty and perfect appearance, but practical for the long haul structurally?
-- Edited by Mary Sunshine on Tuesday 24th of July 2012 11:04:58 AM
igotjam said
02:26 PM Jul 24, 2012
Guy accross from us bought one a month ago. He loves it....but its only month one. THe shower is awesome. He has no complaints so far.
Jo And Craig said
02:40 PM Jul 24, 2012
Vance, I've been researching for a few months now. I also just purchased "RVing for Dummies" (e-book) and am reading that. I'm all about information gathering. Even though there are some good "used" deals out there, I caution you to be careful when buying "used". The reason? Warranty. Even though you might save money at the time of purchase, it could cost you dearly in the long run. One never knows!
Also, I found out there is no difference between the 2012 and 2013 Columbus models... in case you're wondering.
Finally, I would like to hear from others who have experience with the Columbus models, or know someone who does.
It's such a new model that there aren't a lot of owners. So far I've been impressed with what I've seen. Consturction seems solid and I like the double pained windows.
PD CFK said
05:40 PM Jul 24, 2012
Since there isn't much info on the Columbus owners forum, how about going to the forums of other Forest River RVs to see what they are saying about those. Just an idea... Pat K
VanMar said
03:57 AM Jul 25, 2012
Mary Sunshine wrote:
Carol, I'm beginning to think we are barking up the wrong tree! Pretty and perfect appearance, but practical for the long haul structurally?
-- Edited by Mary Sunshine on Tuesday 24th of July 2012 11:04:58 AM
Well, everybody has to have a first model year. I was thinking by the time we make our purchase, the 'first year' bugs will be worked out. As far as new or used, we always try to buy used (automotively) unless there is a compelling reason not to. I like for someone else to pay the initial depreciation.
As far as "the long haul", Does Forest River have a reputation we can bank on? I'll do my research and due dilligence...we have a couple of years.
Vance
Racerguy said
02:04 PM Jul 25, 2012
We had a Cedar Creek by Forest River and had only problem with our unit and it was taken care of without a hassle.
Ckerr said
08:45 PM Jul 25, 2012
Our current travel trailer is a Forest River. Kevin had some issues trying to get warranty work done last year, but they seem to be pretty good dealing with me... Maybe the trick is to have the girl call.... lol
Mary Sunshine wrote:
Carol, I'm beginning to think we are barking up the wrong tree! Pretty and perfect appearance, but practical for the long haul structurally?
-- Edited by Mary Sunshine on Tuesday 24th of July 2012 11:04:58 AM
Not sure why you say that Mary. We haven't seen anything negative or that is concerning so far. We like the double pane windows. I guess the only thing we see as an issue so far is the unit we looked at only had 5500 lb axles. We would want those changed out to 7500 lb ones before delivery. But this seems to be a common issue on almost every unit we look at.
Terry and Jo said
10:09 PM Jul 25, 2012
Ckerr wrote:
Our current travel trailer is a Forest River. Kevin had some issues trying to get warranty work done last year, but they seem to be pretty good dealing with me... Maybe the trick is to have the girl call.... lol
Not sure why you say that Mary. We haven't seen anything negative or that is concerning so far. We like the double pane windows. I guess the only thing we see as an issue so far is the unit we looked at only had 5500 lb axles. We would want those changed out to 7500 lb ones before delivery. But this seems to be a common issue on almost every unit we look at.
I've not seen one of these models yet, but when I looked online and at the Columbus brochure, I couldn't find any references of what size of a frame that it has. Considering the 5500 lb axles, is that the "standard" size axle and do you have an idea of the size of the frame?
Terry
Ckerr said
12:16 AM Jul 26, 2012
So far my experience has been that trying to get actual specs on the Columbus is like trying to get blood from a turnip. We only found out about the axle because Kevin crawled under one and looked!
This week is the state fair in Minot, ND so we took a look at some RV's there. Saw a Jayco Eagle Premier that we really liked. Similar shower to the Columbus.
Also ran across the Dutchman Infinity online again. It's pretty nice too and prices seem to have come down on it.
We're just trying to find the best balance of quality, durability and livability that fits in our budget. We love the quality of the Mobile Suites, but when we look at the weight and the bigger truck we would need, we're not sure it's the best trade off for us.
For now we keep looking and researching.
Racerguy said
12:32 AM Jul 26, 2012
My Cedar Creek had a 12 " frame which by certain peoples standards is not big enough but I visited with many fellow Cedar Creek owners in my travels and never once heard a complaint about frame issues.Forest River did in the past have axle issues but from what I've seen they have made changes in that area for the better.
Terry and Jo said
03:45 AM Jul 26, 2012
I will agree with you, George. In most cases, a 12" I-beam frame would be good for most RV's. It's just when you get to the heavier ones like the DRV Suites models and New Horizons (plus perhaps some others), a larger frame might be really desirable.
I caution for everyone to verify on such things as frames. I noticed recently that the Redwood brand states that they have a "12 inch main frame" and "the drop frame is 10 inches." Well, if the "drop frame" is that part that the majority of the RV (including the heavy kitchen) sits on, then I would worry about that one. If one were looking at only one for occasional camping, even a 10" might be OK, but I'd never consider it for full-timing.
Terry
Jo And Craig said
02:24 PM Jul 26, 2012
I like the double-panes, I like the windows, period. I love a LOT of things about the Columbus 320RS. I like the layout/design. It's like someone made it just for us. BUT, I'm just getting a little queezy about the structure, especially the I-beam stuff. And, I agree. If they would jut put this stuff out there we could decide for ourselves instead of thinking they have something to hide. Before we buy, we plan on visiting some manufacturing plants of our favorites, based on our research up until then.
I'm going to begin more research on the Heartland, so I appreciate any and all comments on this one. It's what I guess you would call "all seasons" as it is good up to 0 degrees, I believe. I picked up a brochure at a local RV lot and keep going back to it. It has a lot of the same features as the Columbus 320RS, but is also longer and heavier. I plan on learning how to drive for obvious reasons, so I'm just wondering if I will be comfortable with such a behemouth!
Ckerr said
11:35 PM Jul 26, 2012
Mary Sunshine wrote:
I'm going to begin more research on the Heartland, so I appreciate any and all comments on this one. It's what I guess you would call "all seasons" as it is good up to 0 degrees, I believe. I picked up a brochure at a local RV lot and keep going back to it. It has a lot of the same features as the Columbus 320RS, but is also longer and heavier. I plan on learning how to drive for obvious reasons, so I'm just wondering if I will be comfortable with such a behemouth!
Mary,
Up until the end of last year I was pulling a 40ft Fuzion toyhauler that weighed 17,000 lbs. Other than when I just pulled out I really never knew it was there. I honestly don't think there is a big difference between pulling a 35 foot 5th wheel and a 40 footer. As for weight just make sure you have enough truck to both pull it and stop it and I don't think you will notice it much.
A couple of other makes we are looking at are:
Jayco Eagle Premier or Pinnacle (we like the 361REQ model)
Crossroads Cruiser
Dutchman Infinity -- similar floorplan available but can't recall the model
kb0zke said
03:57 AM Aug 1, 2012
Many manufacturers specifically deny warranty coverage if a coach is used as a full-time coach. Others don't, or specify certain models/lines as full-time coaches. Heartland lists the Landmark, Bighorn, and Big Country as their full-time lines. I wouldn't buy any coach that had a full-time disclaimer.
As for buying used, that's the way most of us will be buying. The warranty on most rigs is only a year, although a few high end coaches are starting to go to two years. In many cases that warranty is actually only good for the original buyer, so even if someone traded in their coach after less than a year it would have no warranty. Used coaches are often quite a bit cheaper than a new one, so if one is careful about selecting the coach in the first place, some of that difference can be set aside to pay for the repairs that will eventually be needed.
We're leaning toward a DP motor home, and what we're looking at is ~20 years old. The warranty is long since up, but we're also looking at coaches that are selling for less than 10% of their new price. Yes, there will be some repairs, and we're budgeting for that. We're also looking at coaches that were $300,000 and up new, so the basic quality is there, and people who buy such coaches generally don't abuse them.
Jack Mayer said
07:34 AM Aug 1, 2012
There are many differences in coaches that are "fulltime" rated and those that are not. Besides the price. The price is higher because the cost of manufacturing is higher. Fulltime coaches tend to have better infrastructure. Larger frames, better wood, flooring that is not OSB, better windows, etc. It adds to the cost and is not "flash" so in one sense it inhibits sales. They also often have more complex systems that take longer to install, longer in the quality control area, more documentation and training for the customer. All that adds cost. With a smaller market, they tend to sit on dealer lots longer....adding more cost in "flooring" (finance). All this adds up.
Some manufacturers do have good warranties. New Horizons warrants hitch to bumper for 2 years. And structure for 5 years. For the rig - not the owner. In other words it is transferable. Two years used to be the norm for higher line units. But not many do that any more. From a business perspective (on average) it does add to the cost of the rig, significantly. New Horizons can do it because they are a small custom manufacturer that builds only higher end units, with excellent materials. That minimizes risk, somewhat.
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Wednesday 1st of August 2012 07:34:33 AM
Jo And Craig said
02:25 PM Aug 1, 2012
Sounds reasonable. With the limited warranties out there, why not consider letting someone else take the hit and using the difference toward any repairs/replacements, if/when necessary? For me, however, it would probably take that much longer to find the perfect one for us because, you see, I'M PICKY and a CLEAN FREAK!!!
VanMar said
02:21 AM Aug 2, 2012
Everybody,
I emailed Palomino/Columbus on Sunday (7/29) with the following questions:
What is the frame size?
What is the axle capacity?
Tire size and load rating?
Brake size?
Is the Columbus designed and warranted for full-timing?
Is it four season capable?
Have not received an answer yet (Wed pm) but I will post the results when I get them.
Vance
Jo And Craig said
02:37 PM Aug 2, 2012
I'm anxious to hear, Vance, because I certainly can't find anything online. Not sure why that is, but it seems to me if they would post this information online, we could become an informed consumer of their products instead of someone else's! In other words, it could only be to their advantage... I would think.
kb0zke said
03:30 AM Aug 3, 2012
Vance, there was a discussion on another forum about the poor effort that goes into web sales. Saturday night I filled out an email form for a dealer asking about a particular item, and directed my question to a particular sales person. As of this writing I haven't heard back. The question is a simple one. I've since gotten my answer from another source, but I'm a little bit frustrated with that dealer.
Some factories don't put much effort into their web information, either. They are under the impression that all potential buyers will be able to go to the dealer and look at the coach. Not true. Sometimes the nearest dealer is 500 miles away. That's too far for most people. I might drive 500 miles to see the factory IF there was a good chance that I'd be buying that brand, but I'm not going to drive 500 miles just to look at a couple of coaches on a dealer's lot on the chance that I'll like what I see.
I hope that some high up factory people from every manufacturer out there reads this thread, then goes to the company website, and looks for the answers to some of the questions that have been raised. If the information isn't readily available, somebody needs to get a phone call from the boss.
Sorry for the rant, but I'm getting tired of people assuming that I'll gladly pay many thousands of dollars for an RV with less information than McDonald's provides for their burgers.
Jo And Craig said
02:39 PM Aug 3, 2012
A-MEN to that! And, besides, who in their right mind would believe everything a dealer (rep) may tell them? Not I!!! Put it in writing!!!
VanMar said
03:19 AM Aug 4, 2012
OK, here's the reply I just received from Columbus:
Hello Vance,
Thank you for your interest in the Columbus. We hope that you are enjoying the RV buying process, it can be overwhelming but is surely a lot of fun.
In response to your questions:
Frame - 10" on the 295, 320 and 325, 12" on the 365 and 385 Axles - 6,000lb on the 295, 320 and 325, 7,000lb on the 365 and 385 Tires - I have attached a spreadsheet with the specs on the tires we use Brakes - 12"
In regards to full-timing and four seasons: We have designed and built the product to be a full-time four season coach. Our floor is laminated, heat is forced into the underbelly (which is sealed with Darco, equipped with a layer of Astro-foil and layers of spun-fiberglass insulation), and the tanks are heated by 12Volt heat pads. These are all standard features on our coach.
If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me back or call
Thanks again,
Ross Gunden Columbus by Palomino Sales Assistant P: 574-821-1505 F: 574-821-1514
The tires were the standard 235-80R16E. The frame and tires seem to be pretty much standard for 5ers around this price point. The axles were, however, kinda wimpy. Seems to me the mfgrs start with an axle to fit a price point and then design the RV around them with the GVWR equalling axle/tire capacity plus hitch weight and absolutely nothing more. Like I said before, we have another couple of years to do our research.
Vance
Jo And Craig said
04:01 PM Aug 4, 2012
Vance, any chance we can get an e-mail address for Ross Gunden?
VanMar said
06:46 PM Aug 4, 2012
Mary Sunshine wrote:
Vance, any chance we can get an e-mail address for Ross Gunden?
OK, here's the reply I just received from Columbus:
Hello Vance,
Thank you for your interest in the Columbus. We hope that you are enjoying the RV buying process, it can be overwhelming but is surely a lot of fun.
In response to your questions:
Frame - 10" on the 295, 320 and 325, 12" on the 365 and 385 Axles - 6,000lb on the 295, 320 and 325, 7,000lb on the 365 and 385 Tires - I have attached a spreadsheet with the specs on the tires we use Brakes - 12"
In regards to full-timing and four seasons: We have designed and built the product to be a full-time four season coach. Our floor is laminated, heat is forced into the underbelly (which is sealed with Darco, equipped with a layer of Astro-foil and layers of spun-fiberglass insulation), and the tanks are heated by 12Volt heat pads. These are all standard features on our coach.
If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me back or call
Thanks again,
Ross Gunden Columbus by Palomino Sales Assistant P: 574-821-1505 F: 574-821-1514
The tires were the standard 235-80R16E. The frame and tires seem to be pretty much standard for 5ers around this price point. The axles were, however, kinda wimpy. Seems to me the mfgrs start with an axle to fit a price point and then design the RV around them with the GVWR equalling axle/tire capacity plus hitch weight and absolutely nothing more. Like I said before, we have another couple of years to do our research.
Vance
Overall, it doesn't look too bad for the price point. We've been told we can have the dealer put different axles under it and better tires. Anything to sell an RV you know!
VanMar said
04:17 AM Aug 5, 2012
There is nothing I would like more, when it comes to purchasing an RV, than to find a suitable FW that had been upgraded with 8k axles, disc brakes, and better tires. In reading Howard and Linda's "one time expenses", I see that would cost about $7600(that included MorRyde IS suspension, also). One more thing to factor into the purchase price.
Mary Sunshine wrote:
Second, I have fallen in love with the Forest River Columbus 320RS by Palomino. This particular unit has a GVWR of 14,015 lbs. and is a fabulous unit, as far as I can tell.
Mary,
I was just getting ready to post the same question! DSW and I went to our first RV show in '09 and fell in like with the Montana 3400RL. That had been my RV Dream until the RV show we went to this spring. There, we found the Columbus 320RS. There were two things that really grabbed my attention. One: the leather theater seating that actually faced the TV. Two: The 30X60 shower! I'm 6'3" and weigh in around 190. Some of the showers in these RV's are so cramped I can hardly move so the big shower was a real selling point. Also, the price was right and the wife liked the rollaway kitchen island. This brand was new for 2012. I'm hoping that when we're ready to hit the road in '15 (or maybe '14
) there will be some nice used '13's out there. BTW, the 'shipping' weight is 10,600 which leaves roughly 3400 lbs of CCC. Whatever we get, we will most likely be towing it with a GM 3500, DRW, Duramax.
Does anybody out there own one of these or know anything about them. I know that Palomino is a part of Forest River which is a division of Berkshire-Hathaway but that's it.
Vance
Carol, I'm beginning to think we are barking up the wrong tree! Pretty and perfect appearance, but practical for the long haul structurally?
-- Edited by Mary Sunshine on Tuesday 24th of July 2012 11:04:58 AM
Vance, I've been researching for a few months now. I also just purchased "RVing for Dummies" (e-book) and am reading that. I'm all about information gathering.
Even though there are some good "used" deals out there, I caution you to be careful when buying "used". The reason? Warranty. Even though you might save money at the time of purchase, it could cost you dearly in the long run. One never knows!
Also, I found out there is no difference between the 2012 and 2013 Columbus models... in case you're wondering.
Finally, I would like to hear from others who have experience with the Columbus models, or know someone who does.
Many, many thanks everyone!
I did find a Columbus owner's page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusOwners
It's such a new model that there aren't a lot of owners. So far I've been impressed with what I've seen. Consturction seems solid and I like the double pained windows.
Since there isn't much info on the Columbus owners forum, how about going to the forums of other Forest River RVs to see what they are saying about those. Just an idea... Pat K
Well, everybody has to have a first model year. I was thinking by the time we make our purchase, the 'first year' bugs will be worked out. As far as new or used, we always try to buy used (automotively) unless there is a compelling reason not to. I like for someone else to pay the initial depreciation.
As far as "the long haul", Does Forest River have a reputation we can bank on? I'll do my research and due dilligence...we have a couple of years.
Vance
Our current travel trailer is a Forest River. Kevin had some issues trying to get warranty work done last year, but they seem to be pretty good dealing with me... Maybe the trick is to have the girl call.... lol
Not sure why you say that Mary. We haven't seen anything negative or that is concerning so far. We like the double pane windows. I guess the only thing we see as an issue so far is the unit we looked at only had 5500 lb axles. We would want those changed out to 7500 lb ones before delivery. But this seems to be a common issue on almost every unit we look at.
I've not seen one of these models yet, but when I looked online and at the Columbus brochure, I couldn't find any references of what size of a frame that it has. Considering the 5500 lb axles, is that the "standard" size axle and do you have an idea of the size of the frame?
Terry
This week is the state fair in Minot, ND so we took a look at some RV's there. Saw a Jayco Eagle Premier that we really liked. Similar shower to the Columbus.
Also ran across the Dutchman Infinity online again. It's pretty nice too and prices seem to have come down on it.
We're just trying to find the best balance of quality, durability and livability that fits in our budget. We love the quality of the Mobile Suites, but when we look at the weight and the bigger truck we would need, we're not sure it's the best trade off for us.
For now we keep looking and researching.
I will agree with you, George. In most cases, a 12" I-beam frame would be good for most RV's. It's just when you get to the heavier ones like the DRV Suites models and New Horizons (plus perhaps some others), a larger frame might be really desirable.
I caution for everyone to verify on such things as frames. I noticed recently that the Redwood brand states that they have a "12 inch main frame" and "the drop frame is 10 inches." Well, if the "drop frame" is that part that the majority of the RV (including the heavy kitchen) sits on, then I would worry about that one. If one were looking at only one for occasional camping, even a 10" might be OK, but I'd never consider it for full-timing.
Terry
I like the double-panes, I like the windows, period. I love a LOT of things about the Columbus 320RS. I like the layout/design. It's like someone made it just for us. BUT, I'm just getting a little queezy about the structure, especially the I-beam stuff. And, I agree. If they would jut put this stuff out there we could decide for ourselves instead of thinking they have something to hide. Before we buy, we plan on visiting some manufacturing plants of our favorites, based on our research up until then.
I'm going to begin more research on the Heartland, so I appreciate any and all comments on this one. It's what I guess you would call "all seasons" as it is good up to 0 degrees, I believe. I picked up a brochure at a local RV lot and keep going back to it. It has a lot of the same features as the Columbus 320RS, but is also longer and heavier. I plan on learning how to drive for obvious reasons, so I'm just wondering if I will be comfortable with such a behemouth!
Mary,
Up until the end of last year I was pulling a 40ft Fuzion toyhauler that weighed 17,000 lbs. Other than when I just pulled out I really never knew it was there. I honestly don't think there is a big difference between pulling a 35 foot 5th wheel and a 40 footer. As for weight just make sure you have enough truck to both pull it and stop it and I don't think you will notice it much.
A couple of other makes we are looking at are:
Jayco Eagle Premier or Pinnacle (we like the 361REQ model)
Crossroads Cruiser
Dutchman Infinity -- similar floorplan available but can't recall the model
As for buying used, that's the way most of us will be buying. The warranty on most rigs is only a year, although a few high end coaches are starting to go to two years. In many cases that warranty is actually only good for the original buyer, so even if someone traded in their coach after less than a year it would have no warranty. Used coaches are often quite a bit cheaper than a new one, so if one is careful about selecting the coach in the first place, some of that difference can be set aside to pay for the repairs that will eventually be needed.
We're leaning toward a DP motor home, and what we're looking at is ~20 years old. The warranty is long since up, but we're also looking at coaches that are selling for less than 10% of their new price. Yes, there will be some repairs, and we're budgeting for that. We're also looking at coaches that were $300,000 and up new, so the basic quality is there, and people who buy such coaches generally don't abuse them.
There are many differences in coaches that are "fulltime" rated and those that are not. Besides the price. The price is higher because the cost of manufacturing is higher. Fulltime coaches tend to have better infrastructure. Larger frames, better wood, flooring that is not OSB, better windows, etc. It adds to the cost and is not "flash" so in one sense it inhibits sales. They also often have more complex systems that take longer to install, longer in the quality control area, more documentation and training for the customer. All that adds cost. With a smaller market, they tend to sit on dealer lots longer....adding more cost in "flooring" (finance). All this adds up.
Some manufacturers do have good warranties. New Horizons warrants hitch to bumper for 2 years. And structure for 5 years. For the rig - not the owner. In other words it is transferable. Two years used to be the norm for higher line units. But not many do that any more. From a business perspective (on average) it does add to the cost of the rig, significantly. New Horizons can do it because they are a small custom manufacturer that builds only higher end units, with excellent materials. That minimizes risk, somewhat.
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Wednesday 1st of August 2012 07:34:33 AM
Sounds reasonable. With the limited warranties out there, why not consider letting someone else take the hit and using the difference toward any repairs/replacements, if/when necessary? For me, however, it would probably take that much longer to find the perfect one for us because, you see, I'M PICKY and a CLEAN FREAK!!!
Everybody,
I emailed Palomino/Columbus on Sunday (7/29) with the following questions:
What is the frame size?
What is the axle capacity?
Tire size and load rating?
Brake size?
Is the Columbus designed and warranted for full-timing?
Is it four season capable?
Have not received an answer yet (Wed pm) but I will post the results when I get them.
Vance
I'm anxious to hear, Vance, because I certainly can't find anything online. Not sure why that is, but it seems to me if they would post this information online, we could become an informed consumer of their products instead of someone else's! In other words, it could only be to their advantage... I would think.
Some factories don't put much effort into their web information, either. They are under the impression that all potential buyers will be able to go to the dealer and look at the coach. Not true. Sometimes the nearest dealer is 500 miles away. That's too far for most people. I might drive 500 miles to see the factory IF there was a good chance that I'd be buying that brand, but I'm not going to drive 500 miles just to look at a couple of coaches on a dealer's lot on the chance that I'll like what I see.
I hope that some high up factory people from every manufacturer out there reads this thread, then goes to the company website, and looks for the answers to some of the questions that have been raised. If the information isn't readily available, somebody needs to get a phone call from the boss.
Sorry for the rant, but I'm getting tired of people assuming that I'll gladly pay many thousands of dollars for an RV with less information than McDonald's provides for their burgers.
A-MEN to that! And, besides, who in their right mind would believe everything a dealer (rep) may tell them? Not I!!! Put it in writing!!!
OK, here's the reply I just received from Columbus:
Hello Vance,
Thank you for your interest in the Columbus. We hope that you are enjoying the RV buying process, it can be overwhelming but is surely a lot of fun.
In response to your questions:
Frame - 10" on the 295, 320 and 325, 12" on the 365 and 385
Axles - 6,000lb on the 295, 320 and 325, 7,000lb on the 365 and 385
Tires - I have attached a spreadsheet with the specs on the tires we use
Brakes - 12"
In regards to full-timing and four seasons: We have designed and built the product to be a full-time four season coach. Our floor is laminated, heat is forced into the underbelly (which is sealed with Darco, equipped with a layer of Astro-foil and layers of spun-fiberglass insulation), and the tanks are heated by 12Volt heat pads. These are all standard features on our coach.
If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me back or call
Thanks again,
Ross Gunden
Columbus by Palomino
Sales Assistant
P: 574-821-1505
F: 574-821-1514
The tires were the standard 235-80R16E. The frame and tires seem to be pretty much standard for 5ers around this price point. The axles were, however, kinda wimpy. Seems to me the mfgrs start with an axle to fit a price point and then design the RV around them with the GVWR equalling axle/tire capacity plus hitch weight and absolutely nothing more. Like I said before, we have another couple of years to do our research.
Vance
Vance, any chance we can get an e-mail address for Ross Gunden?
rgunden@forestriverinc.com
Vance
Thanks, Vance!
Overall, it doesn't look too bad for the price point. We've been told we can have the dealer put different axles under it and better tires. Anything to sell an RV you know!
There is nothing I would like more, when it comes to purchasing an RV, than to find a suitable FW that had been upgraded with 8k axles, disc brakes, and better tires. In reading Howard and Linda's "one time expenses", I see that would cost about $7600(that included MorRyde IS suspension, also). One more thing to factor into the purchase price.
Vance