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Thread: Transcend XPlor vs. Imagine
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06-01-2020, 05:26 PM #11
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Ron...thanks so much for your input! We really are in similar shoes. I agree with you...the layout of the 265BH is the best we've seen. Our daughter in particular loved it, but we had a lot of the same concerns that you mentioned (build quality, outdoor kitchen, etc.). We loved the mid bath because of all the extra elbow room, and the open bunks are amazing. The 2 models that we looked at seemed pretty structurally sound with no major issues, but I was concerned about that. Our big swing was the extra length and weight. We're still not 100% decided, but we're getting closer.
Do you mind my asking what your Tundra's payload is?
Your photo looks amazing! I do super love that extra big awning on the 2400! Happy trails!
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06-01-2020, 05:30 PM #12
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We said this same thing. I actually talked with one salesperson who said he really thinks it's coming. Maybe not within the next year but soon since that floor plan has been so well received, it will probably be used in the Imagine line. Now...time will tell if that's true or not, but I do hope so.
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06-01-2020, 05:54 PM #13
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U.S. Army Retired
2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
Full time since 08/2015
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06-02-2020, 09:05 AM #14
Thanks for the compliments! We're loving it!
As for the payload on the Tundra, I forget the exact number but it's a little under 1400 lbs. With all of us in the truck, trailer connected, we're probably real close to that, if not over. I haven't had a chance to weigh it yet. That being said, it pulls, stops, and maneuvers easily.2020 Grand Design Imagine 2400BH
2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Double cab
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06-02-2020, 06:36 PM #15
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Awesome! That helps so much! We just got our negotiation offer back from the dealer (they're not really being overly generous right now since we would be special ordering and things are so hot but we do feel like it's a decent price), so we're weighing it all out (no pun intended).
So glad you're enjoying it!
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06-03-2020, 09:07 PM #16
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We were shopping those same models and my wife fell in love with the floor plan of the 265BH. Our dealer had all of the models on the lot, the Transcend 265 and 24BH, and the Imagine 2400 and 2800BH. We were in and out of all of them ALL day. The 265 was the one that won out for us. We have 2 daughters, a 2 year old and 4 year old, and they love the bunks. I really like the steps going to the bunks to make it easier for them, and just the overall layout. The tow vehicle is a Ram 1500 with the tow package and payload on the door sticker of 1660. I haven't weighed everything yet, but with an estimated max tongue weight of 960 lbs (12% of the GVWR of 7,995), that would leave us 700 lbs which should give us some wiggle room. Towing it home on I-75 I kept it at 65mph and below and everything went very smooth. I liked the upgraded construction of the Imagine 2800BH but the floor plan didn't compare to the 265BH for us. Then factoring in the added cost of the 2800BH it was a pretty easy decision for us.
The 265 we looked at on the lot had been sold already and they had 2 in transit that were already sold. We found out you could special order the theater seating over the U-shaped dinette so we went that route. The order was placed just before covid shut everything down and were told middle of April for delivery. When everything shut down we were told probably June or July for delivery. The dealer called us in the middle of April though and someone's financing had fallen through on a 2021 265BH, with the theater seating, so we picked that one up the next week and brought it home. Looking at the dealer's site now they have 5 of the 2021 265BH models that are pending but haven't even arrived yet. It's a very popular model with an awesome layout. We haven't been able to take it out yet, but have been using the down time to do our part to stimulate the economy and buy all the accessories for it. Just a warning, this site will cost you lots of money. We decided to upgrade the steps for the rear entry and added the Morryde steps and added the TV to the bedroom.
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06-06-2020, 04:04 PM #17
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Welcome to the forum and glad you're asking questions sooner than later. Personally, any combo on TT of 30'+ and 7k+ GVWR is 3/4 ton territory. Based on your choices the 2400BH is doable, but your limiting factor is the payload rating on your LTZ. I pull with a '12 GMC Sierra SLT with 6.2l and payload of 1440. It's just the two of us and we're maxed out if we bring our kayaks with us. My Imagine XLS 22 MLE is a few hundred pounds lighter than the 2400BH and you may struggle with 6% grades. I think you would be ok on flat lands, but mountains will be a challenge. Just my .02, and take it for what it is worth. Stay safe.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Z71 6.2l aka "Luci"
2020 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22 MLE aka "Desi"
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06-06-2020, 04:30 PM #18
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Welcome Grins88
We travel alot. Or did anyway.
I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.
Mostly we stay in state/national parks, followed by boondocking, driveways, and RV parks in that order. I came across a statistic a while ago (back when we had a micro trailer) that heavily influenced our choice of the current trailer: "A 30 foot RV will fit in 70% of RV spaces in state and national parks, a 35 footer will fit in half." I don't know where I heard it, but it aligns with my experience. The shorter you are, the bigger your options.
Because we boondock frequently, we often travel with some water/waste in the tanks. That adds to the weight. My 2250RK has a UV weight around 5600 lbs. To my surprise, I weighed in at 6600 lbs a month into a two month trip. I think the posted UV weights are bogus and you need to get an actual loaded weight.
A couple of folks have made recommendations on weight calculations, they all look good. You'll see lots of other methods for calculations on the net. Don't be lured into a methodology that justifies your trailer choice being ok with your truck. I believe it was Ron that recommended a 7000 lb limit for a half ton truck. I wholly endorse him. With 6600 lbs the F150 got a little squirrely at times. That truck was rated at 8200 lbs. More advertising optimism. Your half ton will be fine at, just remember, slow prevents a lot of problems.
Lastly, and this is minor, I'm not a big fan of outdoor kitchens. I've seen l campers with discoloration from heat or smoke. I carry a coleman stove and a little gas grill. There's almost always a picnic table. There's your outdoor kitchen.
SteveSteve & Sheryl
Bucca and Nyx RIP-Tag and Gordon
2019 Imagine 2250RK
Ford F250
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06-06-2020, 09:16 PM #19
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We chose the Transcend 247BH after looking at the Imagine 2400 BH and other Transcends noted above. We wanted the open bunks for kiddos and ended up preferring no slide-outs. We wanted the Imagine 2400BH but the Transcend met our needs and budget perfectly.
The Transcend seems very well built and has fared well on first trips. The first trip had a leak in the bathroom but it was just due to plumbing not being tightened fully. That is now a pre-trip check item.
The only issue so far is that the heating ducts reduce too much going to mid and rear cabin. 80% of the air comes out in the master bedroom, which may leave the rest colder on brisk nights. We checked duct attachments as much as possible but the reduction in from around 4” to 2” just seems to limit airflow.
Good luck and safe travels to you all.
The Bunkhausers
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06-07-2020, 02:07 AM #20
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I'm not sure where you came up with your tow capacity number but based on my experience with Ford you have to dig pretty deep to find the true number. They advertise a maximum tow capacity of 13,200 lbs but that is for a very specific vehicle very specifically equipped. After a lot of searching I found my specific truck has a max tow capacity of around 11,500 lbs. That's 1700 lbs less than the number they like to promote. Then you dig a little deeper factoring in Combined Gross Weight Rating and now my truck can only tow around 10,500 lbs. Hopefully the number you have is accurate for your truck if you have really dug deep into the numbers.
There's a guy with a Youtube channel and I think it's called Big Truck Big RV. Anyway I've watched several of his videos and he recommends not towing a TT over 6000 lbs with a half ton truck.
I just bought a Imagine XLS 17MKE which is the smallest lightest trailer GD makes which is fine for just me and my wife. We decided on the trailer before we bought our truck which is a 2020 Ford F150 Ecoboost with max trailer tow package. With 375HP, 470 FtLbs torque, and the trailer GVWR 4500 lbs less than the trucks tow capacity I'm confident I can pull it comfortably and safely. BTW - I traded in a 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 with a max tow capacity of 6400 lbs which on paper verified by Youtubers doing it would tow the 17MKE but NOT comfortably or safely in my opinion. I bit the bullet and bought a new tow vehicle. You have a tough decision to make.
One more thing. In my humble opinion buy the trailer you really like being in. Otherwise you may end up forever regretting your decision. Take it from a senior citizen who once made a similar mistake.
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