Hello all, This is our first post and want to express appreciation for this excellent forum.
We are looking to purchase either a Sundance 2700RL or a Keystone Laredo 265RL. Both are 29'-10" and weigh amost the same. We very much like the amenities and options available on the Sundance along with its superior cabinets and larger tank capacities. The Sundance has 1.5" welded aluminum wall studs. The Laredo has 2" welded aluminum wall studs and 3" welded aluminum floor joists. The Keystone is not hand welded but are CNC with welds which are identically perfect. The Laredo has wooden roof trusses.
Our local Sundance dealer gave us what is obiviously a very old floorplan brochure which touts Sundance's "Lightweight Aluma-Body Construction" and claims "Welded Tubular Aluminum Floor Studs (joists), Sidewall Studs, Roof Trusses, and Support walls." All the trailers he had on the lot had 2x3 wood floor joists. Some research of rigs for sale verifies that Sundance was originally all aluminum framed. The Heartland web site construction brochure download shows wood floor joists and roof trusses.
Since we plan to use this 5er to get out of the South Texas heat for about 4-5 months in the summer, we will be in essence full-timing during the summer months. We would strongly prefer the Sundance for the positive reasons listed, but I am concerned about durability as we want to do some mountain and back-country camping.
When did Sundance switch from aluminum to wood for their floor joists and trusses? What could be a possible reason other than cost cutting? I've seen what a small undetected water leak did to a Forrest River product with wood floor joists where rot did extensive damage.
Lastly, has anyone done any rough-country camping in their Sundance or experienced any framing problems? Thanks in advance for any replys.
We are looking to purchase either a Sundance 2700RL or a Keystone Laredo 265RL. Both are 29'-10" and weigh amost the same. We very much like the amenities and options available on the Sundance along with its superior cabinets and larger tank capacities. The Sundance has 1.5" welded aluminum wall studs. The Laredo has 2" welded aluminum wall studs and 3" welded aluminum floor joists. The Keystone is not hand welded but are CNC with welds which are identically perfect. The Laredo has wooden roof trusses.
Our local Sundance dealer gave us what is obiviously a very old floorplan brochure which touts Sundance's "Lightweight Aluma-Body Construction" and claims "Welded Tubular Aluminum Floor Studs (joists), Sidewall Studs, Roof Trusses, and Support walls." All the trailers he had on the lot had 2x3 wood floor joists. Some research of rigs for sale verifies that Sundance was originally all aluminum framed. The Heartland web site construction brochure download shows wood floor joists and roof trusses.
Since we plan to use this 5er to get out of the South Texas heat for about 4-5 months in the summer, we will be in essence full-timing during the summer months. We would strongly prefer the Sundance for the positive reasons listed, but I am concerned about durability as we want to do some mountain and back-country camping.
When did Sundance switch from aluminum to wood for their floor joists and trusses? What could be a possible reason other than cost cutting? I've seen what a small undetected water leak did to a Forrest River product with wood floor joists where rot did extensive damage.
Lastly, has anyone done any rough-country camping in their Sundance or experienced any framing problems? Thanks in advance for any replys.