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Sportsmen 14RB versus Starcraft AR-ONE (14RB)

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2:12 pm
January 24, 2011


pfidahospud

Post Falls, Idaho

Member

posts 107

First post here, so I hope all goes well.  Thanks to all who have posted so much useful information here – I was hoping to add a little to those who are looking at the 14RB category. 


This weekend my wife and I were able to attend the local RV show and were finally able to do a hands-on comparison of the Sportsmen 14RB and the Starcraft AR-ONE 14RB.  The floor plans are essentially identical, so I've been doing my best to compare the other aspects of both models.  It seems like the 16BH models could also be compared.  By no means is this meant to be definitive or complete, and I don't mean to push one model over the other.  By odds we'll end up buying the Sportsmen because it's relatively less expensive (around $2,000 difference) and we don't want/need AC, but could be easily pushed either way.  So here are the differences I was able to note.  Feel free to add/correct if you have input.  Any defenders of either manufacturer out there?!?


AR-ONE 14RB (Starcraft)

Sportsmen Classic 14RB

"honeycomb" blinds (not noisy, but don’t block out much light)

Aluminum mini blinds

Monitor panel (fluids monitor)

Not available (huge bummerYell)

3-way fridge standard

110v fridge standard, 2-way option, no 3-way available from factory

Range hood

Extra window instead of range hood (we plan to have fantastic fan or equivalent anyway)

AM/FM stereo with MP3 standard

No available factory stereo

Frame sits up taller off the ground (?)

Seems to sit lower (fairly easily fixed with spring over axle conversion)

Moveable galley table

Fixed galley table (on hinges)

Front window standard

Front window optional

AC standard

AC optional

Slightly more dry weight (2260#)

Slightly less dry weight (1920#)

Slightly more tongue weight (260#)

Slightly less tongue weight (240#)


Thanks all!


Stephen

Tow-er: 2010 RAV4 3.5L 269 hp V6 with Tow Pkg ~ Tow-ee: 2011 Sportsmen Classic 14RB ~ Director: The wife

2:58 pm
January 24, 2011


Teaspoon

Strawberry Plains, TN

Moderator

posts 246

I have a Sportsman Classic 14RK and am very happy with it, mostly because its what I could afford at the time and I loved the counterspace for the kitchen area…that being said, looking at the list of have and have nots, and for the price difference I would go with the starcraft..A friend of mine has a small 14ft trailer as well with a monitor and its very handy..wish I had one. I dont like guessing what my fuild levels are. Secondly you really do need AC..even though the small AC'S dont cost that much (100/200 walmart?) their really necessary if you want to do any camping in the summer..trailers sitting in the sun heat up quck and are stuffy without it…it would be nice to have a front window, mine does not, however I have heard theres a potential there for leakage so I opted out for that extra convience.Two way or three way fridge doesnt seem like a big difference to me..I usually camp where there is AC and the times I use it on propane is very little since it goes thru gas like crazy, I cant see me using it on battery much either.If i was boondocking I would get an ice chest and dry ice. Moveable galley table would be nice if you dont have a small fold up camping table to use outside when a picnic table isnt available.Radio/mp3 player I usually bring from home, one with weather alert is handy. I know alot of sportsmen owners here have lodged complaints re the lowness of our trailers and have done spring mods , but I havent had any trouble with mine and the higher trailers like my friends I actually need a extra step to get into, its too high.All in all I would personally spend the extra money for a few conviences that you wish you would have later, and the starcraft brand is a well well made rv that has a good resale value. I think considering all your getting for 2k more is a good deal. Its nice to have the small conviences if you can afford it.


Kim Cool

2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK 2006 Nissan Titan V8 5.7

9:49 pm
January 24, 2011


smilinjohn

Minnesota Prairie

Moderator

posts 380

Post edited 4:55 am – January 25, 2011 by smilinjohn


Stephen, welcome to our forum.

My thoughts:

Alum. mini-blinds are clanky……make sure to first level TT, then support all four corners; or you will find out how noisey they can be, when you walk in your RB.

Monitor Panel / stick-on tape-sensors…..Google for them……about $150 aftermarket / easy install instructions, as I recall; or, with two adults, empty black (9 gal) and grey (15 gal) every 2 days…..our 14RK has a 5 gal black, so every 1.5 days for us.  You'll know when its time to empty…..you will be able to see when black is getting full when you flush.

Range Hood?  We microwave or cook with propane on the picnic bench.

AM/FM stereo……if it's a Jensen, expect JUNK.  Kim is right, bring a portable radio from home.

Front Windows invite trouble while traveling in the rain, especially after a few years.

Rarely does a Sport. Classic 14RB come equipped without an air cond.  Seems that for 2011 they come roof-mounted.


2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK; 2005 Ford F-150, 5.4L V8; "…..it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin

6:19 pm
January 25, 2011


pfidahospud

Post Falls, Idaho

Member

posts 107

Thanks Kim and "Smilinjohn" for the info.  Just to clarify a couple things, my wife and I are used to tent camping and being well off the electrical grid, usually at a Forest Service type campground.  That being said — the pit-toilet will continue to be the black water receptacle of choice, the microwave and AC will never get used since generators annoy the heck out of me, and most of our time will hopefully be spent outside at the picnic table.  I'm sure I'll have water jugs filled and available from the car to replenish the fresh water tank as necessary, but not knowing the level of the tanks really does bother me.  We'll be a long ways away from any type of dump station.  Good suggestion for the installation afterwards for the monitor panel… I'm guessing we'll try it a few outings before seeing if that's necessary.  I'm hoping that if we're frugal, we'll get at least 4-5 days with the unit.  A good solar panel should help with the electrical needs.  Unfortunately that's a completely different topic that I wish I knew more about. Cry  The unit we're interested in doesn't have a front window or AC, and the wife says the interior color scheme is "acceptable", so I'm guess we'll go ahead and take the plunge.  I think the conveniences of the AR-ONE are nice, but don't quite merit $2,000 for our needs.

Thanks again!

Stephen

Tow-er: 2010 RAV4 3.5L 269 hp V6 with Tow Pkg ~ Tow-ee: 2011 Sportsmen Classic 14RB ~ Director: The wife

8:39 pm
January 25, 2011


kayaknut

Member

posts 376

Post edited 3:05 am – January 14, 2012 by kayaknut


6:33 pm
January 26, 2011


mbanda

ARKANSAS

Member

posts 121

Don't get me wrong, I love our 16bh & my wife loves it more than I do.

Here comes the but.  But, the waste water tanks are good for 2-3 days in our experience. Gray fills a little faster for us b/c my 7yo likes to take a bath. Black has lasted us 5 days at most. I would not want to be far from a dump station when staying long periods of time.

I wish our waste tanks were about 50% bigger. Well, as long as I am wishing, how about 100% bigger! I think black is 10 & gray is 15.

I am sure every TT has some shortcoming & I hope you enjoy whichever brand you choose.
MJ

10:17 pm
February 14, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

Besides the higher price of the Starcraft, I also don't like the missing window over the kitchen counter.  Being able to see the scenery outside is important to me.  I want to leave the dinette as a bed fulltime and sit on the 'sofa', and that kitchen window lets me see more of the outdoors.


I really like the 14RB floorplan.  It feels open and spacious for the actual size.  But I'm in no hurry since I won't be able to use it till June anyway.  And I'd like to see a new Ameri Lite Superlite 14RBC interior for comparison, too, before making the final decision.  But this floorplan is the one for me; it just feels right.  And of course, the price can't be beat!  I do wish, though, that I could get a 3500 lb. axle with 14″ tires and a slightly larger AC (maybe 7000 btu?) from the factory.  Oh well.

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

7:14 am
February 15, 2011


kayaknut

Member

posts 376

Post edited 3:05 am – January 14, 2012 by kayaknut


1:41 pm
February 19, 2011


mitch36

Oak Lawn, Ill.

Member

posts 40

My wife and I went to the Chicago RV show yesterday just to look around and take notes on interesting upgrases for our 16BH. We were amazed at the amount of copy-cat trailers that had the same floor plan as ours. We looked at the Starcraft but did not like the WALL next to the bunks, it closed up the trailer too much, the Classic seems more open inside. It did seem to have larger holding tanks though, and I liked the rubber roof. We also looked at the Escape Spree 16BH. We liked the wood design inside and my wife really liked the fake wood flooring, We live in a cabin so it kinda felt like home, but other than and the 14 inch wheels and fiberglass sides,  its not much different than ours . After walking around for 2 hours and looking at every trailer, we felt that we made the right decision on buying the 16BH last year, I just wish I would have gotten a darn awning instead of trying to save money.  Although when we got home, I found a web site–RV PARTS COUNTRY– and bought a 12 foot Carefree Simplicity plus awning with the hardware for 512.96 WITH shipping. If anyone else is looking for great prices on RV stuff, this seems to be the place. That is by far the cheapest price for the awning that I have found.

    Anyways it sure seems that the Sportsman Classic is the best trailer for the money . Enjoy the day !!! Mitch.

7:21 pm
February 25, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

Post edited 2:42 am – February 26, 2011 by Mike Magee


I communicated with a Starcraft dealer about their 14RB and they gave me a very competitive price, same price for a unit (with furnace and front window) as my closest KZ dealer wants for one without those things.  The person at that Starcraft dealership said the Starcraft unit had 24 gauge aluminum versus the KZ's 30 gauge.  If I figure correctly, I think that makes Starcraft's siding a hair over 1/2 mm thick and KZ's siding only 1/4 mm thick.

Oh, and the furnace and front window are standard equipment on the Starcraft, but extra cost options on the Classic.  :(

That has me thinking!

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

9:07 pm
March 7, 2011


flygal6

Appleton, WI

Moderator

posts 80

Hi everyone,

Wanted to share some news with you, partly due to this particular thread.  but first the events in a nutshell leading up to my decision.  I wrote in another thread about how insurance totally my 4 month old 2010 14RB last July after a freak horrible hail storm.  Needless to say I am a little gun shy about doing another trailer, with the aluminum siding.  Mostly the roof in particular really had me concerned.  Anyway in good faith last fall I plunked down a hefty deposit on a new 2011 14Rb for delivery in a few weeks.

So after reading this forum all winter, going to the Green Bay RV show and reading this thread it made me rethink lots of things.  So last week went and saw and inspected up close the AR-one.  I was very impressed.  The siding seems about twice as thick (but still know not impervious to another big hail storm) but the roof is really nice.  Very very smooth, and flat.  No dips, valleys and is constructed as a truss roof.  Supposedly strong enough to walk on if need be.  All one piece rubber roof, not metal.  I have posted some pictures here for everyone to see.  Everything seemed to be well sealed and finished nicely.  I thought you all would like to see it.  My roof on the RB looked like a potholed road after the storm.

2011 Starcraft AR-1, 15RB, Tow with 2007 Mitsuibishi Outlander 6cyl 4WD

5:13 pm
March 8, 2011


smilinjohn

Minnesota Prairie

Moderator

posts 380

Thanks, Carol!

Thanks for the photos.  That rubber roof sure is slick looking.  Does anyone know how thick the rubber is?  What is the history of rubber roofs, in general…..do they hold up to nasty golf ball-sized hail?  I would bet that tree branches are any roofs enemy.

SmileJohn

2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK; 2005 Ford F-150, 5.4L V8; "…..it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin

5:56 pm
March 8, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

That is one sweet looking roof.  Much nicer than the roof on the Escape I'm buying.  <sigh>  I guess time will tell how my roof works out… I guess it doesn't have to be beautiful if it keeps out all water for as many years as I own it, but that Starcraft's pretty rubber roof does inspire confidence.  Oh well.  If I had not settled on the Escape, it would have been a close call between the Starcraft and the Ameri-Lite for me.  But of the three, the KZ was the only one I've been able to see in person, and I guess that carried some weight at decision time.

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

9:46 pm
March 8, 2011


smilinjohn

Minnesota Prairie

Moderator

posts 380

Post edited 4:47 am – March 9, 2011 by smilinjohn


Mike Magee said:

The person at that Starcraft dealership said the Starcraft unit had 24 gauge aluminum versus the KZ's 30 gauge.  If I figure correctly, I think that makes Starcraft's siding a hair over 1/2 mm thick and KZ's siding only 1/4 mm thick.


Starcraft advertises aluminum skin of .024″, not 24 gauge.  .024″ = the thickness of 6 sheets of 20 lb. printer paper, per my caliper.  Sportsmen Classic aluminum skin is estimated to be .012″ to .016″ = 3 to 4 sheets of 20 lb. printer paper, per my best guess upon purposely drilling a hole in my 14RK for another reason.

Mike, perhaps we both of us are on the same wavelength.Laugh

SmileJohn

2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK; 2005 Ford F-150, 5.4L V8; "…..it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin

10:19 am
March 12, 2011


flygal6

Appleton, WI

Moderator

posts 80

One more thing I wanted to mention.  The Starcraft dealer in Milwaukee matched the KZ price on both the 14 RB and actually came in about $1200 lower when comparing the 16RBT and the 15RB,  So was nice to know the starcraft wasn't an additional $2000, but I know the price thing varies significantly across the country. 

Carol

2011 Starcraft AR-1, 15RB, Tow with 2007 Mitsuibishi Outlander 6cyl 4WD

6:32 pm
June 27, 2011


dvdchris

Member

posts 6

flygal6 said:

One more thing I wanted to mention.  The Starcraft dealer in Milwaukee matched the KZ price on both the 14 RB and actually came in about $1200 lower when comparing the 16RBT and the 15RB,  So was nice to know the starcraft wasn't an additional $2000, but I know the price thing varies significantly across the country. 

Carol


True. I am seeing Starcraft AR-ones for $7995-8995 for 14RBs. Anybody shopping please look at multiple dealers for pricing, even if its a few hundred miles away. The drive might be worth it.

9:11 pm
June 28, 2011


flygal6

Appleton, WI

Moderator

posts 80

I have been told the price rises the further away from RV Mecca you are (generally the Indiana area, as this seems to be where the majority of our little and big RVs are made).  They have to get you somehow for that extra shipping.  So right now unfortunately with the gas prices up, makes that extra long drive a bit pricey esp for the way home after picking up the new trailer.

Wanted to let everyone know I just returned from a great week camping up in the Upper Penn of Michigan in our new little 15RB AR-one.  Have to say I am very pleased with the switch, even though we loved our 14 RB too.  Really haven't noticed missing the window over the sink.  Love the cloth honeycomb blinds, also the moveable dinette table.  We still maintain the 14RB floorplan, but now with the ability to keep the table up for the dinette at all times.  We do admit now we really like having the option of sitting at the table to play cards, eat breakfast real early (while still in the jammies).  Our bed is now in the rear on a fold down bed.  whole thing takes 2-3 min to set up, big and roomy and well ventilated.  Having the bed back there seems to make the whole trailer bigger.  Another bonus was gaining an extra 4-6 inches in the bathroom length.  This esp helps those who border on 6ft tall and appreciating being able to actually close the bathroom door now while taking care of business.   Really enjoy the stereo system and load it up with MP3s on a SD card.  The tank monitoring system is great.   Had one problem with a small leak top back of toliet last spring on the shakedown weekend trip……but quick trip to the dealer and they changed it out for a new toliet, no questions asked on warranty service.  Trailer is the perfect size and really enjoyed our trip.  Will post about the campground we stayed at.  Michigan State parks sure are nice.

Carol

2011 Starcraft AR-1, 15RB, Tow with 2007 Mitsuibishi Outlander 6cyl 4WD

10:00 pm
June 28, 2011


dvdchris

Member

posts 6

is that rear tent secured from the inside in any way? does it take more than just the outer levers to deploy it?

how roomy is it really? what would you think about somebody leaving it down for an extended amount of time?

8:48 pm
July 6, 2011


flygal6

Appleton, WI

Moderator

posts 80

The bed opens right up by lowering the base of the bed with release of the cantalever arm clamps.  I stead of it being held up by a track system (like on a pop up camper) and then support poles underneath, it is secured with 2 steel cables from the bed to the trailer frame, one on each end of the bed.  It is test to hold 1500 lbs.  The tent folds out just like a pop up bed would and uses the same internal pole which connects between the pole and a metal connection point near the back of the trailer. 

I would not see any reason for not being able to keep the bed extended for long periods of time, except maybe if in severe high winds like a tornado.  Very water tight and thick vinyl tent material is a far cry from the old tent canvas days.

Carol

2011 Starcraft AR-1, 15RB, Tow with 2007 Mitsuibishi Outlander 6cyl 4WD