SMALLEST Fifth Wheel I’ve Seen! Half-Ton Towable? 2024 KZ Sportsmen 231RK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ค. 2024
- Only 25ft, 6,500lbs, 1,070lb hitch weight, one slide out, TV, recliners and booth dinette, queen bed, tall ceiling, new and improved exterior design compared to 2023 KZ Sportsmen, rear kitchen, large counter top space, 2 ducted ACs, and more! Let us know what you think about this fifth wheel rv!
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I feel there are too many compromises with this 5th wheel. My 28' travel trailer is much nicer and feels bigger than this unit and they made some bizarre design choices as well.
We own this camper, a 2023. It weighs approx 7400 lbs loaded (not including any fluids) x 20% = pin weight of 1480 + passengers 300 + PullRite Superglide 200 + tools/junk/cat 100 lbs = approx 2080 lbs cargo. We tow with Ram 2500 6.4L gas. Don’t even know it’s on the back. Can actually accelerate uphill. Thanks for finally making reference to “maybe not 1/2 ton towable”. IMHO, None of these 1/2 ton trucks should be towing these 5th wheels. Don’t get me started! I’ve responded to some of your other videos.We were not impressed with the finished product. We like it, BUT, Found 5 places on roof vents not properly sealed (added Dicor and RV Roof Magic), fuse box full of sawdust + heat vents, one heat vent not connected, sink drain not properly connected (leaked), used wrong short screw on fridge roof vent which was not screwed in, wheel wells on slide out are flimsy (adding support to that). We will probably be changing the One Touch pad for lights/awning/etc to real switches. Those are a disaster waiting to happen. One electrical short to that touch pad and you lose access to lights/awning/slide/water heater/etc. Also will be changing those huge drop down stairs to aftermarket pull out. Just our preference.Wish these were options. Manufacturers have to start listening to consumers. Large percentage don’t like touch pads, have to walk to back of camper to turn lights on, many (we are getting old) don’t care for those large stairs, no light switches in bedroom to turn on exterior lights at night if you hear something, need outlet in bathroom to put night light or a light that has night light in it.
Agreed.
It seems like a really nice first timers rig because there is a ton of DIY make it your own beliefs. Just wondering how well the 4 seasons package actually works?
The pin weight alone would almost exceed the payload capacity of my Ram 1500. I know that not all half tons are created equal but I would need at least a 3/4 ton to even consider a 5th wheel.
So true. Manufacturers and Salesmen give pin weights (tongue weights) of empty 5th wheels (and TT) and a vehicle sitting still. Any pin weight (tongue weight) bouncing down the road increases. It’s called physics which manufacturers and salesmen ignore. I’m sure our 1480# pin weight quickly becomes 1600-2000 lbs of downward force on that one point when bouncing or panic stop/maneuvers. You had better have the right brakes, frame, axles, etc. @@briandonald
Not sure if we will ever use the 4 season package, but right now it does not work. No heat coming out of kitchen vent. Bought a scope to take a look and it looks like factory worker forgot to cut out hole for vent from furnace. Very little pride in their work. @@alh9338
After 6 previous campers it will probably be our “last” timers rig. With the poor quality, increased camping costs, corporate take over of camping, we will be about done after #7. @@alh9338
Good to have more Mfg offering shorter 5th wheels. Not everyone needs or wants 30+ foot rigs for two people, plenty options for larger ones already. Great to see slide being "travel friendly" not requiring slide deployment in rest area's or quick Walmart etc. overnighters. Length makes for easier pulling & tighter maneuvering ability.
seems like a good smaller unit for a couple that's wants a 5th wheel without having to by the big 5th wheel
Adults may not be excited by this one, but my teen daughter was all about having a mini moble studio apartment 😂 she said I could actually afford that! 💖💖💖
I liked the length, and floor plan, but I did NOT like the water line hanging in the wheel wells. One tire blowout, and your water lines are gone. And the holes in the floors under the sinks to allow rodents, and bugs to enter, .I wonder what other hidden defects it has??
Maybe not a defect, just an affordable camper. I agree with you. It wouldn't take much to correct, but what else needs attention.
What is the point with the glass entry door when it’s solid on the inside? It would make sense if you could see out of it.
Good point.
I dig this type of vid as wellas your standard vids. Thanks!!!
I quite like this unit, good for a couple. Layout seems spacious for its size. I like the theatre seating. Personally, I'd paint the slide fascia to blend with the walls, as the dark brown feels confining. I'd like a larger tv that could tilt downward. Overall the decor is fine, bland is okay because you can jazz it up with accessories.
Thank you so much for this info. We’re trying to figure out what our F-150 can safely tow. Love this 5th wheel!
Hey Myles great video as usual… the TV seems very high and small. I’m surprised that for 2024 projectors and screens aren’t being considered. I know most people don’t want to be watching TV choosing to be outdoors but just a thought for cosy movie nights if tripping in the winter time in colder climates. Hope Adriana is okay and will join you again for some of your content x
Not a bad design at all. Basic is all I want in a 5th and access to the fridge bathroom while travelling is a must. This one works for me.
I like this layout, love the idea that you can close the slide and still have access to the bathroom and bedroom. Would prefer a sofa bed for guests as well.
I really like the bathroom/bedroom set up! Our first 5th wheel was set up like this and I have been looking for this set-up.Great video! And I can see where it isn't big enough for a family, it would be fine for a couple.
I like the floor plan .. good use of space .. I like the smaller size .. I like the shot of what the TV looks like from the recliners .. tbh I like the multi interior colours it’s ok, and the bathroom split is practical (ye a bit of a space waste but it gets the job done) .. this one gets a thumbs up 👍🏽
Glad you like it!
Excellent towing information! Much appreciated.
Glad I can help!
Seems like a solid layout. wish we had something in Idaho along the lines of a smaller 5th wheel....
Doing RV reviews right now in TX if they are not plugged in is brutal. Stay hydrated my man
Really cute 5th wheel! I actually like the floor plan and color! You can always add colorful bedding and pillow, and decorations
We bought a new 2014 KZ durango 1500 at McClains in okc. We had a few small things to get fixed. They said to wait 4 weeks to bring it in then we would be first in line. Brought it in then and waited 6 weeks for them to touch it. They put us at the end of the Cue. No more McClains for me. Love the EV though !
I no this video is about the RV but i also have a Tundra and i think its about time Toyota comes out with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. About the rig… i am a fan of KZ products like the Durango line but this is just to small.
Wonder If my 2018 ram Express can tow it with the v6 Ecoboost
I'd only consider a goose neck hitch trailer design. Too bad for the manufacturers if they have to use a little bit more steel and make things seriously stronger. And all axle-area mount hitches should have a lot more box clearance than they do now. Better to have a little more articulation too over rough terrain - you're camping, not hauling freight over the highway between loading docks.
I think it needs the 6 point leveling upgrade! Lol
Pleated shade by the stove? Isn’t that against the rules? It’s a fire hazard, normally they’re metal blinds by the stove? Did I see that incorrectly?
You saw that correctly. That’s what we have in our ‘23. What rules? It’s RV manufacturing. Do they have rules? Now that would be something productive that our State & Federal Representatives could work on, Federal Rules that all manufacturers had to adhere too. There’s plenty of money in the RV manufacturing/sales world so they could bribe (whoops, “donate” to) their State & Federal Representatives and fill their re-election coffers. New rules would give the manufacturers/sales reason to increase prices because now they would have rules to abide by causing increased costs. Of Course, these statements are tongue-in-cheek. I would never think so lowly of RV manufacturing/sales and our Representatives.
Would it be A GVWR I need to look for on my plate.?
I like it, but would prefer a sofa bed instead of the two recliners... For the right price I could live with the shower location. Stay cool Mano, keep the reviews coming!
I have to say I’m really disappointed with KZ and their small dinettes. We have a similar dinette in our KZ trailer and you can only fit two adults in the dinette. Also not a fan of the bathroom on this one. If you have guests with you a curtain is really not that much privacy. Kudos to KZ for giving that college try though.
We have this unit. Ours has the sofa bed. It’s an option. Our 6-8 yr old granddaughters sleep on it fine
Wood frame maybe to make it a little heavier going down the road? Such a short model with still having a high profile. I want a little more weight for high winds when pulling a fifth wheel. Just a thought.
And almost $100,000 truck and all that has a 1300 pound payload ?
That’s not a truck lol , that a mall cruiser
Want a small fifth wheel, consider the Scamp 5th wheel or the Escape 5.0. I consider the Escape 5.0 fifth wheel the best trailer on the market. A fifth wheel you can tow with a Frontier or Tacoma, I don’t suggest it but owners are doing it. Both trailers are molded Fibreglass not fiberglass sheet.
Great for hunting or if you don't get to vacation more than a few weeks a year.
You really taught me something.😮
What is that network for repairs or service?
Careful, with this heat. Go cool off.
I saw a late model F-150 XLT with over 2,000 payload capacity.
On you videos, can you show the unit with the slide in as well so we can see what the travel access looks like?
I try my best to. But right now it’s 100° outside every day meaning it’s about 120° inside every RV, so I’m trying to be in there as short amount of time as possible. That’s why I don’t show it but talk about it. It’s easier to slow down and show in the fall and winter seasons here in TX.
It's definitely ½-ton towable. Easier to just say that it depends on the vehicle package/options; abd to just check with the manufacturer, if the capacities are no longer visible on the truck. It also depends on how much junk you load into the thing. 🤣 Most people take far too much with them when they go RV camping.
Not a bad unit! Decent amount of features. Decent layout, considering the confined space. It's a good starter RV, for anyone new to RV living.
None of these 5th wheels should be behind a 1/2 ton. Tow ratings are determined with flat bed trailers (low wind sheer/low center of gravity) with weights added, not 12’ high RV’s (high wind sheer/center of gravity ). Big difference! We own this model. No way would we tow this with a 1/2 ton, even though it’s classified as “small”, “tiny”, “compact”, “lightweight “, (every other stupid adjective). This weighs 3 1/2 tons loaded sitting still. Moving/bouncing weight increases that force by 50% and up to 100% in panic situations. I’ve never been hit by 3 1/2 tons moving at 60 mph, but sure I wouldn’t consider it any of those adjectives listed above.
@@jaccole
Candy-ass!
I've been driving since the mid 80's; and I can tell you with more miles of road under my belt than most folks, that as long as your ½ ton is properly spec'd, you CAN tow this with a ½ ton. Just check your truck's specs; and then check your experience. End of discussion!
Ooooh! Tough Guy! I’ve been driving since the mid 70’s. Whoopee! No amount of driving experience is going to improve the strength of that 1/2 ton.You can add anything you want to a 1/2 ton; extra springs, shocks, bump stops, airbags, etc. It doesn’t improve the strength of its frame, brakes, axles, wheel bearings, etc. It’s still a 1/2 ton. Actually , the more weighted items you add can actually decrease its cargo capacity. They are basically grocery getters now-a-days. PLENTY of videos on TH-cam stating that none of these 1/2 tons should be towing these 12’ high 5th wheels. Also, many comments in the TH-cam videos of people who tried, then bought a 3/4 or 1 ton and some responses of how they burnt out their 1/2 ton transmission, 1 guy 3x. Yup, could probably spec out a Toyota Tacoma to tow this too, but it would not be safe either. Anything can “pull” something, can it put up with the punishment of that bouncing up/down/chucking and CAN IT stop it in an emergency? There is A LOT going on behind that truck than just towing. Please look up the SAE J2807 tow ratings tests. See how short of distances and time they use to get those ratings compared to normal towing conditions. . Tow ratings are met towing flatbed trailers loaded with weights and minimal wind resistance. Big difference vs with a 12’ high RV blowing in the wind. It would be like towing a sailboat with all the equipment in the boat vs towing with the sail/jib up. Also, RV manuf/sales give weights , usually empty weights. No one towing an empty RV. And they give weights of a motionless RV. That weight and mass in motion is A LOT more whether people want to believe that or not. You’d better have the right truck when the sh*t hits the fan. No one, including me, has ever said they have too much truck. @@MickPsyphon
Here is some more info regarding 2023 1/2 ton trucks.
2023 Models Max Cargo Capacity [75 % of manufacture’s max cargo capacity] Safe towing recommends 75-80% of max tow/cargo ratings.
GMC 4x4 2000 lbs [1500 #’s]
Tundra 1740 lbs [1305#’s]
Chevy Silverado 2030 lbs (w/ max trailering package) [1522 #’s]
Ford F-150 3325 lbs [2494 #’s] This costs about $80k.
This is one of my “favorite “ (LOL) tow tests to determine SAE tow ratings. Please tell me how many times you’ve ever towed like this?
How does this relate to normal driving conditions?
A whole 80ft in one direction! Our driveway is this long. Then we have to leave and drive 4 hrs under Real Life conditions.
3…2…1… Launch!
To test the ability of a truck and trailer to get moving from a dead stop in practically any situation, the SAE came up with a “Launch on Grade” test. To pass, while on an incredibly steep 12 percent grade, a truck must be able to launch and travel 16 feet (5 meters) uphill, five times in a row, in 5 minutes or less. Then, the truck and trailer has to be able to complete the same test while launching up a 12 percent grade in Reverse. Any amount of throttle input is allowed, and the clutch in manual-equipped trucks can be used however it’s needed to complete the test.
People don't even consider that insurance companies will deny claims if there's an accident involving an overloaded truck - let alone how it performs and how safe it is. Some jerk in a Wrangler passed me the other day towing an Airstream Flying Cloud. Some people just can't be helped!
We like this camper!
I like the size but I don't like the bathroom layout. I would prefer all the fixtures in an enclosed room. Colors are a little blah but as one other poster said you can jazz it up with accessories.
Got to have outdoor kitchen with a sink for me.
I love it
I like the simple looks of it. It would suit the needs of the queen and I to see some of the country
review montana 3941fo thanks.
A good rule of thumb is, if you got a half ton off the dealer lot then it can’t tow a fifth wheel.
RV manufacturers and RV sales seem to ignore this fact. By the time you could add enough extras to a 1/2 to reach this cargo capacity, you could by a 3/4 ton for a lot less. Although, I would never tow any of these “Half ton towable” with a 1/2 ton truck.
@@jaccolea lot of 1/2 ton truck owners ignore this fact too.
I like it. It's compact
I don't believe any 1/2 ton should have any business trying to hook up to any 5th wheel. And if any shop is responsible for installing a hitch on a half ton truck. They should be fine heavily and jailed.
Nice 5th Wheel for the size…video was too long
Maybe they should think about doing bright white walls the floor looks ok I would even like a olive color kitchen...the rv just has to much dark vibe...
Honestly for a 1/2ton towable I think it will sell well
What does it cost.
Not even a toilet paper holder for $60,000? They could have installed some small cabinets in the water closet for a little more storage. Water lines under the bathroom sink not sealed at the floor, come on KZ take 30 seconds and squirt in some expanding foam. Wonder how many unseen shortcuts they took?
I thought it was a nice little 5th wheel camper😊
What would help the ambiance is to have the blinds open, the furniture lighter, as well as the booth and the table. Notice how the light bedspread brightens up the bedroom? I rest my case. For a super small camper, having ANY bathroom/toilet/shower at all is a bonus. I saw a camper recently with an outdoor kitchen and only a bed inside.
This was obviously designed by a tall man. The overhead microwave is too high especially with a vent hood under it. The microwave should also be convection, and the vent should be part of the unit. Then it could be located so the normal 5'2" tall woman (who usually does the cooking) could also use it. Same with the cabinets. I wouldn't consider it because of that.
Having the "theater seats" opposite the dining area means that social activities can happen and since this is a "couples coach" having the TV above the dinette is the most logical location. It would be better to get a swivel that also swivels down, you are right that the height is awkward.
I am having a Cedar Creek Cottage 40CFK2 built. It will be parked and there it will stay. I personally like the idea of that bathroom being accessible with all of the slides closed should that ever need to happen, as well as being able to go into the bedroom to sleep if necessary. That is definitely a plus that you pointed out in this RV tour and something any buyer should consider a "benefit."
As far as a curtain for showering privacy for a couple sharing a queen-sized bed, that isn't necessary, however the enclosed potty room is. I also notice that they installed a "nicer" door into the toilet. You didn't mention that.
I used to travel with 4 kids in a 14' travel trailer (50 years ago) and the only "bathroom" we had was a porta potty in a cabinet and a tiny kitchen sink where we could wash up. So, I qualify my comment about the quasi-bathroom in this unit as "much better than no bathroom at all." So with that, I hope that answers your question(s).
Close but not quite
Shorter length is handier. So is shorter height. With a 5th wheel that was no taller than your cab, you'd have a much better profile for the highway. They're really good at making hard-sided pop-ups. I just shake my head at the barn doors people tow sideways down the highway.
what is the price?
I like this
Where is the second emergency door?
Even though not a high end RV no toilet roll holder unforgiveable and the tv should tilt.
Technically my half ton truck can town it, but it wouldn’t be cool or enjoyable. Just make a true half ton like escape or etc and it would crush the market
I like the length and it would be a good starter rig for me and the wife.
Definitely a great starter
I like to have a 40 inch tv hanging on the wall in the bedroom with sliding door.
Cost for what you get is too high
Personally,I like it...except even the "sale price" could be a bit much.
It’s function over form
7 minutes of talking about truck towing, hitch weight, etc. All good information. I want a RV review. Thanks
Nobody is forcing you to watch the whole thing. You can fast forward. But I won’t leave out important information because that’s what I do on my channel. I provide info most other RV reviewers don’t get into.
@@mylesrv I will agree and you are correct. I should have not made the comment. My apologies. It's your channel. Best always
I don't like anything about it but the 25 foot long easier to fit in parks . That's all it has for me lol
And no payload capacity.
I paid $61,000 for a brand new in 2018 35ft solitude full time living semi luxury 5th wheel...
Was hoping to see the trailer but couldn’t stay tuned for the five minute instruction on how to tow a trailer.
You can fast forward!🤦♂️
I've owned a KZ product before. Never again. Customer service was terrible...
so, if a 1/2 ton pickup isn't capable of towing this, you would need to move up to a 3/4 ton
,which has alot better towing capability. The question is, why would you buy a puny fifth wheel to pull behind a truck that is capable of towing a 40ft toy hauler?
It depends on where you want to go. My family doesn’t go to the campground I grew up going to anymore because we can’t fit our 40ft fifth wheel. Also, I just spent time driving through the Rocky Mountains, and there’s a big difference between how fast you go towing a 30ft vs 40ft fifth wheel up those kind of inclines. Saw a few larger fifth wheels going real slow if they weren’t behind a dually.
We own this camper. Perfect for the 2 of us and cat. Growing up 1960/70’s a 25’ camper was considered big. We (2 kids/parents) camped just fine in a 19’ Shasta and 21’ Yellowstone. Nowadays these 25’ campers are considered “tiny, small, etc” because of these huge behemoths on the road. We go “camping” (well glamping in a “tiny” 5th wheel) we don’t need to tow a mobile home behind us. A 3/4 ton probably wouldn’t tow a 40 footer, maybe a dually? Actually, towing this with our Ram 2500 is very comfortable and safe.
It's as if something has been left off. I've had a 5th wheel with an exposed bathroom and separate water closet, I didn't like it.
I'm not a fan of this model... I agree with you it's dull. I guess I'm use to other models you have shown.
A definite no on that bedroom carpet. Too hard to clean. Throw rug can be put next to bed. Bed looks small. Colors are dull.
Give ya 30k. If the 4 seasons is proven 40k 🍻
I gave you a thumbs up until you kept talking. You said to let you know what we thought, we’ll you talk too much. That’s why your camera is getting hot lol.
You watching our videos. Lol
It's just not so very nice. I've actually seen videos of truck campers which were nicer. It's very expensive. I don't like the bath shower arrangement. Never like those open showers. How about some privacy. I hope you recovered from the heat. It has been hot. As it is summer. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day.
those cheap jacks blow me away..... thats a deal killer for me, wobble will be terrible
No food pantry
It has a real ladder instead of prep for a death ladder!!
Not the smallest. Scamp and Escape are the smallest.
THE RV 'GOLDEN RULE" ... NEVER BUY ANY RV WITH MORE THAN TWO (2) WHEELS!
.....BREAK THIS RULE AND YOU HAVE A MONEY PITT... CHOOSE WISELY.
2 ac units on a tiny rv. Smh
I don’t like the bathroom at all! I prefer to have some privacy.
This is a hard no for a 5th wheel. Good attempt, but these need to be longer.
Why? We want a small 5th wheel. Good for parks, good for towing.
@xebxeb19 The pop out is too small. I would want it to be at least 7 feet wide or no pop out at all.
You do know KZ makes longer ones right? 🤡
@@gregjames5070 It is a waste to make these smaller ones.
If it’s a waste I wonder why the sell them? 🤔
I do not like rugs at all. I do not like plastic for sinks and toilets. This is really cheaply made.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Give it a year or less, it will fall apart.
I’ve heard people say this about nearly every brand. But my family has had 7 different RVs and have yet to have one fall apart. Unless, of course, you consider minor things like a piece of trim falling off falling apart.
Door to easy broke
50000 are you crazy that thing ain't worth 12,000 but there is a sucker born every day in America is full of them
So I can tow it with my ford ranger
Chinese tires ! Are you crazy ? Shows how cheep & unsafe this unit is !!!
Ok so I blanked out at 5 minutes! Are you selling the truck or the trailer?!! You spent the first 5 minutes talking about the truck and sells lot and very little about the fifth wheel! Moving on!!!!
He didn't start mentioning the truck until 2½minutes in. Then it was in relation to the towing ability of trucks that size for trailers of this size. I don't understand your impatience. 🤔
So close KZ, just lose the slide altogether, there is no reason for it.
Thisss isss a K Sssseeeee Ssssssportsssssman.
12:01 Alsssso will come ssssstandard with a sssssscreen.
Where'sss your tv wife at, sis?
Not favorite not at that price
Your nervous about something it seems your emotional and exciting about this