kbfeip
Well-known member
After much consideration, and advice from some of the members and staff here on towing capacity, etc., just today we pulled the trigger on a new Keystone Zeppelin Z303.
I searched the form and read every post I found. I called several dealers, and also other dealers who did not sell the line. I could not locate any significant or tangible evidence of a history of consistent quality problems, and thus made the decision to buy.
We're switching from a 1988 Pace Arrow 34L with 83k on the clock. (See for sale post elsewhere in the forum) The main reason we switched is due to a purchase of a new Dodge Ram truck, and the realization of how much room we could get in a lightweight slide-out trailer. With 3 kids, the room is very attractive.
I was given a bad report on the Zeppelin brand by only one dealer. It is true that they are discontinuing the line (apparently for a redesign, something I'm told RV mfg's do often) but I'm not able to determine if there are any quality reasons attached to this decision on Keystone's part. The report I received that was negative was in connection with the slide seal and windows leaking, so I asked the dealer I was going to purchase from to pull his statistics report from service and share them with me. It turns out that they only had Zeppelin models in for minor issues, (screws coming loose from cabinet doors, valance pulled away, etc.) I'm a pretty good read of character, and I hope that my read here was accurate also.
I crawled around every inch of that trailer today. (The wife has pictures of two sets of legs stretched out from underneath the TT on the showroom floor, that of mine and the salesman) ;D I investigated the slide mechanism, roof construction, frame, underbelly, cabinets, appliances, windows, jacks, torsion axels and suspension, etc. I think, I think I've checked it out thoroughly and know what I'm getting for my dollar, especially at wholesale dealer cost plus factory rebate.
I've also read some of the other posts within the forum which suggest that lightweights often sacrifice construction integrity to achieve lightweight specs. After weighing all the issues, including my need tow limitations, I've decided to take the risk associated with purchasing a lightweight, knowing that the construction may be a bit fragile.
I'd like to hear from any others that own lightweights to gain perspective on what the future may hold. We truly are mostly weekenders, with a week or two during the summer, so we're hopeful that our new TT will provide years of family fun. I'll tell you this for sure: If we have no major issues with the new TT for several years to come, the added space (this thing is huge!) and the convenience of towing with our brand new powertrain should payoff big time for our family.
I'll also post any experience that I have after delivery on Thursday ( + or - ) and our shakedown run over the next few days.
Wish us luck,
I searched the form and read every post I found. I called several dealers, and also other dealers who did not sell the line. I could not locate any significant or tangible evidence of a history of consistent quality problems, and thus made the decision to buy.
We're switching from a 1988 Pace Arrow 34L with 83k on the clock. (See for sale post elsewhere in the forum) The main reason we switched is due to a purchase of a new Dodge Ram truck, and the realization of how much room we could get in a lightweight slide-out trailer. With 3 kids, the room is very attractive.
I was given a bad report on the Zeppelin brand by only one dealer. It is true that they are discontinuing the line (apparently for a redesign, something I'm told RV mfg's do often) but I'm not able to determine if there are any quality reasons attached to this decision on Keystone's part. The report I received that was negative was in connection with the slide seal and windows leaking, so I asked the dealer I was going to purchase from to pull his statistics report from service and share them with me. It turns out that they only had Zeppelin models in for minor issues, (screws coming loose from cabinet doors, valance pulled away, etc.) I'm a pretty good read of character, and I hope that my read here was accurate also.
I crawled around every inch of that trailer today. (The wife has pictures of two sets of legs stretched out from underneath the TT on the showroom floor, that of mine and the salesman) ;D I investigated the slide mechanism, roof construction, frame, underbelly, cabinets, appliances, windows, jacks, torsion axels and suspension, etc. I think, I think I've checked it out thoroughly and know what I'm getting for my dollar, especially at wholesale dealer cost plus factory rebate.
I've also read some of the other posts within the forum which suggest that lightweights often sacrifice construction integrity to achieve lightweight specs. After weighing all the issues, including my need tow limitations, I've decided to take the risk associated with purchasing a lightweight, knowing that the construction may be a bit fragile.
I'd like to hear from any others that own lightweights to gain perspective on what the future may hold. We truly are mostly weekenders, with a week or two during the summer, so we're hopeful that our new TT will provide years of family fun. I'll tell you this for sure: If we have no major issues with the new TT for several years to come, the added space (this thing is huge!) and the convenience of towing with our brand new powertrain should payoff big time for our family.
I'll also post any experience that I have after delivery on Thursday ( + or - ) and our shakedown run over the next few days.
Wish us luck,