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Living in a KZ or Starcraft 16BH?

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1:47 pm
June 27, 2011


dvdchris

Member

posts 6

So, I know Steve on here does this…

For multiple reasons, I have decided to live in a small travel trailer. In 10 months of looking, the Starcraft 16BH model looks the most liveable. I have checked out the KZ 16BH at CrestviewRV, but recently found the Starcraft AR-one models which improve several things in the layout/construction. I have seen these units online for $7995 now, and don't think I could get as good a deal as that even used.

I have a 2004 2dr v6 Chevy Blazer with class III hitch. I plan on hanging around the north Austin area as long as I have my jobs here/get completely out of debt.

Does anybody think this is just too much trailer for my vehicle? I would plan on using a WD/sway control hitch like the Equalizer and not exceeding 50-55 mph. 

Also, any inputs as to living in it are welcome. I would be renting a space locally at an RV park.

6:34 pm
June 27, 2011


Steve

San Antonio, TX

Moderator

posts 193

Actually I haven't started full timing in my rig yet. I was hired full time last March where I was contracting. Since I'm a full time employee now (even tho I could lose the job at any time) I'm using the time to pay off my debt like yourself.

I looked up the 2004 Chevy Blazer and it can pull up to 5700 pounds. The Sportsman and Starcraft weight roughly 2000k pds. I pull my 16BH with a Honda Ridgeline and have not yet needed WD/sway bars. The Ridgeline pulls a max of 5000k pds, and I usually drive 55-65 depending on road conditions.

Hit me up any time if you have other questions about full timing. I've spent the last 2+ years researching full time/boondocking can at least point you in the right direction if I don't know it.

http://haven106.blogspot.com

8:07 pm
June 27, 2011


dvdchris

Member

posts 6

5700 just seems…optimistic…to me.

GVW on the Starcraft 16BH is 3200 lbs. Still, with a 25% safety margin, thats 1000 lbs under.

I may have a number of questions for you, Steve. 

9:00 pm
June 27, 2011


Steve

San Antonio, TX

Moderator

posts 193

I might be on a limb saying this, but should be safe if I don't lambada on it. I googled the specs on a 2004 Chevy Blazer and learned the average max tow cap is around 5k pds. I did come across a few models with a max tow cap of 3500 pds. You'd be just under the wire even if you had this model. Check your owners manual to be sure. 

At 3200 the starcraft weighs about 1k more than the sportsman full and empty. Mine weighs around 2100 empty and has a GVW of 2700.

I know a full time boondocker who drives the GMC version of a Chevy S10 pickup and pulls a dual axle 18 or 19 ft trailer without much issue. 

http://haven106.blogspot.com

4:47 pm
June 29, 2011


dvdchris

Member

posts 6

81 views and nobody has any thoughts except for Steve?

7:38 am
June 30, 2011


Steve

San Antonio, TX

Moderator

posts 193

I think too much and it's all about full timing, I guess.

http://haven106.blogspot.com

8:29 am
June 30, 2011


dvdchris

Member

posts 6

So, Steve, do you sleep in the lower bunk? What are your thoughts on this experience?

12:03 pm
June 30, 2011


Steve

San Antonio, TX

Moderator

posts 193

Lower bunk because I like having the window there to look out of. My beagle enjoys the elevated cave like feel of it too. I bought a foam mattress pad which makes the bed comfier and cozier than before. I never bothered trying the upper bunk mostly because of the beagle. She gets pissed when she can't sleep next to me. I use the upper bunk mainly for storage.

http://haven106.blogspot.com