2013 Chaparral 26rls 5th wheel

[Neilmcb]

New to this forum and new to RVing. Well have used trailers(never owned) but now getting close to retirement and we have decided we want a 5th wheel. My boss (wife) is interested in the 2013 Chaparral 26RLS. We have a 2500 Silverado with the factory installed towing package so know we will be able to pull this 5th wheel as it is suppose to weight 7100lbs. I did look for reviews on the 26RLS with no luck. Does anyone have anything positive or negative to say about the Chaparral line. I know the 26RLS is their "economical" line so doesn't have the luxury woodwork the other lines have but what I've seen is acceptable.

Your comments appreciated.
Neil

[wingnut60]

Try this link about Chaparral and Coachman trailers.

http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php?topic=55956.0

Generally, what I have heard about Coachman is not great.

Joe

[Neilmcb]

The "Boss" likes the Chaparral so we are going ahead with the purchase. Will keep all informed of the quality, durabilitiy etc etc of the unit. First thing will notice I will have to do is replace the tires that were made in China.

[hitchup]

There is a Coachmen Owners Association. http://www.coachmencaravanclub.com/

Always good to check with other owners once you've got one sitting in your own driveway.

I will say, one of my son's travels for his job like his Dad & I do. He has a Coachmen Kodiak TT that he bought new about 6 years ago. He's like us and doesn't get to choose his assignments. So he's spent winters in deep snow in St Louis or N. VA and summers in FL and AL. The only repairs he's made is check and sometimes redo the caulking every year.

His family joins him during summers or holidays when he's out-of-town and they are all 5 comfortable in his 30'er.

The reason he picked the TT was as an Ultra-light he was able to pull it with his Toyota PU.