- Joined
- Sep 14, 2020
- Messages
- 204
- Reaction Points
- 655
- Location
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Current Ride
- 2021F250 6.7L
After a trip to Moab in April, I've convinced my wife we need to invest in a camper. I had already decided we needed a fifth-wheel, toy hauler, but that only narrows things down a little. I know how we operate, so there are a few must haves:
We first looked at a KZ Sportster 353TH13. This is the lightest offering I could find that still met our initial requirements. We both really liked the KZ. The positives, it is a very aesthetically pleasing unit. Matches our style and eye. By far the most affordable unit we looked at today with a cost of around $55k. It also has a 13' garage which would fit most anything we would want to drag around (RZR, Golf Kart, Bikes, kayaks, whatever). The shower was the best we've seen so far as well as the bathroom layout in general.
Next, we hit up the Keystone Fuzions. I had really high hopes for the Fuzions. I love the tie downs they offer in the garage area. I was excited for a step up in fit and finish, and the reputation of the Keystone products online is very good. We looked at the biggest towable we would ever consider in the Fuzion 430, a more reasonable 373, and what I hoped would be the perfect Fuzion Impact 367.
The 430 was a solid No. The floorpan didn't make sense, it was HUGE. Way too big. and although it was the most expensive, it disappointed.
The 373 was nice. The glass doors at the garage entry and rear door were nice. The fit and finish was a step up from the KZ, but it was not without it's flaws. The countertops were a step up. Really nice solid surface. But, we found some of the "tile" backsplash had a warp in it, there were doors that didn't close easily or fully and other little misses on a brand new unit. One undeniable advantage for the Fuzion though is the welded aluminum construction. I'm not sure how much value can be put on that, but to me (the completely uneducated) it seems huge.
The Impact 367 was very comparable in fit and finish to the KZ. No glass doors, no full body paint, no fancy suspension / tires. It was definitely the base model for the Fuzion line. But that's what we expected. Overall, it was just ok. The KZ was better in most areas, but even this little Fuzion was an aluminum frame. But, it's about 50% more than the KZ.
We looked at a few Wolf Pack Cherokees, but they just weren't our style.
Lastly, we looked at the Jayco Talon. The Talon was a very nice unit. It was darker and seemingly more dated than the others, but Jayco makes a quality product and it was noticeable. This unit wasn't our favorite floorpan, but we might have to look into this line more.
If anyone has any feedback on what to look for or look at or brands to avoid, I'd love to hear it. Next we hope to look at Grand Design and Heartland.
- 1.5 bathrooms
- Sleeping for 4-6 (No need for a bunkhouse for us)
- 3k or under pin weight, 16k or under GVWR
- Generator (or at least gen prep package)
- Large oven and full size fridge
- I would love an east/west master bed arrangement, but this is not a deal breaker.
- Outdoor living area/kitchen area (The garage patio covers this a bit, but some mfgs offer it, so it counts)
- Good dealer network/warranty/mfg rep
- Full welded aluminum frame. No sticks and tin.
We first looked at a KZ Sportster 353TH13. This is the lightest offering I could find that still met our initial requirements. We both really liked the KZ. The positives, it is a very aesthetically pleasing unit. Matches our style and eye. By far the most affordable unit we looked at today with a cost of around $55k. It also has a 13' garage which would fit most anything we would want to drag around (RZR, Golf Kart, Bikes, kayaks, whatever). The shower was the best we've seen so far as well as the bathroom layout in general.
Next, we hit up the Keystone Fuzions. I had really high hopes for the Fuzions. I love the tie downs they offer in the garage area. I was excited for a step up in fit and finish, and the reputation of the Keystone products online is very good. We looked at the biggest towable we would ever consider in the Fuzion 430, a more reasonable 373, and what I hoped would be the perfect Fuzion Impact 367.
The 430 was a solid No. The floorpan didn't make sense, it was HUGE. Way too big. and although it was the most expensive, it disappointed.
The 373 was nice. The glass doors at the garage entry and rear door were nice. The fit and finish was a step up from the KZ, but it was not without it's flaws. The countertops were a step up. Really nice solid surface. But, we found some of the "tile" backsplash had a warp in it, there were doors that didn't close easily or fully and other little misses on a brand new unit. One undeniable advantage for the Fuzion though is the welded aluminum construction. I'm not sure how much value can be put on that, but to me (the completely uneducated) it seems huge.
The Impact 367 was very comparable in fit and finish to the KZ. No glass doors, no full body paint, no fancy suspension / tires. It was definitely the base model for the Fuzion line. But that's what we expected. Overall, it was just ok. The KZ was better in most areas, but even this little Fuzion was an aluminum frame. But, it's about 50% more than the KZ.
We looked at a few Wolf Pack Cherokees, but they just weren't our style.
Lastly, we looked at the Jayco Talon. The Talon was a very nice unit. It was darker and seemingly more dated than the others, but Jayco makes a quality product and it was noticeable. This unit wasn't our favorite floorpan, but we might have to look into this line more.
If anyone has any feedback on what to look for or look at or brands to avoid, I'd love to hear it. Next we hope to look at Grand Design and Heartland.
