Forest River Salem Cruise Lite

Any thoughts or experience with forest river salem cruise lite line? Haven't seen much about them here.

Toying around with possibly purchasing a travel trailer. Went and looked at a couple today. First I was eyeballing some cheaper starcraft launch outfitters but they felt a little cheaper inside, fit and finish compared to the Forest River Cruise lite. I do like the idea of something I can tow back into the boondocks. But we have a 1 year old and probably another on the way soon. This being the case I'm thinking a TT with bunks and a queen bed would be ideal. I read some of @ColoradoTJ posts and it seems like a trailer with sub 500lb tongue weight and between 18 to 23ft would be ideal for towing with the 4x4 CM 5.7L. Definitely dont want to end up netting 8mpg like I saw one guy post. Here in AZ usually would camp in the high country which can be a pretty good climb out but the ride back down likely offsets that.

Price point would like to stay under $20k for new.
Wife would probably like to have an oven and a lot of the smaller ones dont come with them from what I see.

 

Had a T230, wasn’t dazzled by the build quality or design. Just traded into a Keystone

 

Thanks ill look into the keystone. I take it they are more reputable?

 

You like this better?

 

We have a Forest River R-Pod and love it!

 

I looked at the rpod floorplans but look on the small side for a family of 4.

 

That's true. Perfect for 2 people and 2 small dogs.

 

For us, the design is just better. Ventilation system is more efficient, utility systems are sized appropriately, etc. Also, as you go through your search (regardless of what you pick), think about windows. It seems like a small thing, but the more windows you have, the bigger and more open the trailer will feel. Our T230 only had four small windows, and it felt like we were in a dungeon when we were inside it. The keystone we traded into has windows a plenty, and even though it’s not much larger, it’s just a much more pleasant experience.

 

This...all of this...+1

 

Thank you guys that's why I asked. Definitely want to get some experienced opinions before I plunk down some cash

 

N/p. Also, if 20k is your price point, you can go a bit bigger than 23 feet. You’ll
Be amazed at how much larger a 25 or 26 foot trailer feels, and it’s doable for 20k. Maybe also check out Springdale. I geeked out hard on this stuff last summer, so hollah if you’d like to discuss further

 

I was thinking smaller for mobility. Boondocking a bit... but I dont know honestly how much different it feels hauling a 25ft trailer vs a 21ft trailer down forest roads a little ways.

 

Yeah saw you upgraded

 

Agree, Totally valid stuff here. FYI, a 25 foot trailer with even old school construction (wood studs, etc.) will be well within the tow capabilities of a 5.7 tundra. Just my .02...

 

Good grief!

 

There are some rental places in town. Maybe we will try a few different styles out and see what we like / dislike.

 

Totally agree with all above....buy used or better yet rent one.

 

Just got a jay flight 174bh Baja TT. Two bunks, queen bed, huge ground clearance, under 4000# loaded. Loving this trailer. Tows nice and goes anywhere my truck does which is generally to the middle of nowhere. Under 15 K

 

Thank you! Have heard mixed reviews on Jayco good to hear a positive experience. That sounds like an ideal configuration!

 

I think the most important things with these campers is the dealer. We did a lot of research and ended up driving 400 miles to buy ours. Very careful walk through and be realistic about the fact that none of these units are perfect. Have to be prepared to make minor fixes in the field. Overall the quality of mine has been good. My priority was light weight and ground clearance.

 

Agree that you should buy used. I bought one 4 years old in great shape for 1/3 of new. These things don’t change much from year to year. The only thing I wish I have is powered awning instead of manual. Condition is everything when buying used though.

Find the right floor plan first. Then make sure you have the features like a/c, power awning, stove (whatever your wife wants). Generally, I think all of these things are built like crap, but the level of crappiness varies.

If you buy new, you should be able to get 25-30% off msrp, especially this time of the year.

Good luck.