Sunnybrook 5ver

[DMerryman]

Anyone have any experience with the Sunnybrook's? I looked at the 30RKFS today as well as the Artic Fox 29-5E. I haven't heard nor seen any reviews on the Sunnybrooks and thought I get a few comments from the experts. The Sunnybrook got my eye at Dry Gross Weight of 7373 lb. s And it had a large shower!! The one at the dealership weighed in at 8400 lb. with a few options already added. And of course the Artic Fox hit the scales at 9460 with no options. . Both were priced around $30,000. Also looked at few Terry's,. . I think the salesman was smokin crack!!



I more question,. . what is this exterior GEL COAT they are advertising?



Any comments would be apppreciated.



Doug M.

 

[Jay]

DMerryman, IMHO, go for the SunnyBrook. I've been extremely happy with mine... very liveable and troublefree. The SunnyBrook is my second 5er... a big step up from the Wilderness. The only problem (other than having to come home from camping) I've had was caused by BAD info from the dealer's salesman (surprise, surprise!)... no warranty trips back to the dealer!



I've heard good things about the Artic Fox but I don't know anyone who owns one.



The exterior gel-coat is the finish on the optional fiberglass end-caps and sidewalls (I have both on mine).



Actually, I haven't found an unhappy SunnyBrook owner yet... I'll be camping with 14 others this weekend at the Mile High SunnyTravelers outing in Estes Park.



There are at least 3 other TDR member/SunnyBrook owners, you'll be in good company!



Please e-mail me if you have any specific questions.

 

[JohnB]

I have had my 27RKFS for almost a year and no problems. I have done a little rerouting and tinkering but that's just me. I wish I had bought the 30' for the extra shower and sleeping room. I have the fiberglass sides and would not trade for the reduced weight of the aluminum. The trailer is easy to clean and looks great. I see your fairly close to me--e-mail me and I will give you my thoughts about the dealer you are probably working with.

 

[klenger]

DMerryman:



When we were shopping for a 5er a couple of months ago, we looked at Sunnybrook, and really liked the 27RKFS(?). We ended up buying the Arctic Fox 27-5L instead. They both seem to be very nice campers. The Sunnybrook is aluminum framed and the Arctic Fox is wood. I had my heart set on aluminum (occupational hazard of working on aircraft), but was so impressed with the Arctic Fox that I ordered it. Keep in mind when comparing prices and weights between Sunnybrook and Arctic Fox that the Arctic Fox includes almost EVERYTHING standard. This is reflected in the price and the weight. The Arctic Fox seems to be better insulated, which was very important to me as I want to be able to camp three seasons a year and maybe even a winter trip in the mountains.



My 5er is being built this week, and I called and talked to the manufacturer on Monday to check on it's progress. He was explaining some of the inspections that they do before it leaves the factory. What impressed me is that Northwood (Arctic Fox) pressurizes the camper and sprays a foam solution on the outside to detect leaks in the unit. I was impressed that the unit could even be pressurized. I figure if their inspections are that extensive, they should catch the cosmetic stuff too.



I am in no way putting Sunnybrook down. They make a great product. I think they are a larger manufacturer too, so you are more likely to get alot of feedback from Sunnybrook owners than Arctic Fox. FYI, Hotel6 on the TDR took delivery of an Arctic Fox in June. You might want to ask for his opinion, but he's likely out camping. I haven't heard from him lately.



Sorry for being long-winded. Best of luck. I can't wait for mine.

 

[hotel6]

I have had my Artic Fox 28-5RB now for nearly 2 months. Have made 3 trips with it and am at 3500 miles. So far it has been fantastic. Tows straight and true and is no problem with the truck. I still havn't put it on the scales but I don't think I am hauling more than 8800lb. I was going to get the 29-5 with the 2 slide outs. Room to stand in! However when the Denver area dealer brought in the 28-5 rear bath I had a change of heart. A little less weight and more interior storage as well as an adequate height in the bedroom. Its been back to the dealer only once to fix minor gizmos that (wrong fantastic fan installed by dealer and some plastic pieces in the water supply that didn't get flushed in the final dealer prep. Other than that it has been great and loves the gravel roads as well as the truck. It sure is meeting our needs.



Irregardless of your choice in 5'ers , if you plan on spending much time in the boonies away from the hookups, consider going to 2 banks of 6volt batteries and a 100watt solar panel. Sure is tough to drain the batteries! I also installed a true charge 40amp charger to speed up charging when using my Honda 2000i generator. This combo has not been tested as it seems to be sunny in CO However, next week we will head to the NW and I am sure we will get some clouds. Our electrical use is about 22-26 amps/day which matches the output of the solar on sunny days.

 

[CGoyette]

The Sunnybrook trailer line both travel and 5ver have the least amount of complaints anywhere on the web period... . I reseached them for a year before ordering my 33FKS TT with L1 bedroonm slide. All the BBs on RV's have nothing but good things to say about Sunnybrook. If you ever find a bad post send it to me... . it would be the first after a year of seaching for bad post... . bad dealers don't count.



Again the sunnybrook has nothing but rave reviews



Curt

 

[Shooter]

I have had my Artic Fox for 14 mo. s and 12k+ miles. Albq. to Sumas Wa. and round about, leaving the NW in NOV. 2 trips to Las Vegas in May and June. 3 trips to central TX, winter and summer. 1 trip to Tulsa in Jan. , below 0 at night and up to 20 during the day with no freeze ups and maintained 75* inside. One comment by a TDR member at may madness was how come your trailer is cooler (72* inside, 103 out side) than my HR( 86* inside). I just said Quality construction and properly insulated. I have 2 30# bottles of propane and finished the first bottle this June in TX, haven't used the second. Will have to get it filled before the 25th when we leave for 6 to 8 weeks in NW Washington again. Look out Rob, will be seeing you again and a side trip to Bill K's again, Look out Bill. You guys have been warned.

My trailer is about 4" lower than a HR, is heavier, better insulated and is the highest rated trailer for off road use( stout frame and construcion ).

Did you buy a Dodge because it was the lightest, the cheapest or the best truck for your application.



When all is said and done it is your decision and after you spend the money you will be happy with what ever brand you get. I got a heavy duty trailer for the same reason I got a heavy duty light truck: durability.



Have fun with what ever brand you decide on.

 

[TDickerson]

One comment by a TDR member at may madness was how come your trailer is cooler (72* inside, 103 out side) than my HR( 86* inside). I just said Quality construction and properly insulated.

Well, I would sure be proud of that. It's deffenitly nice when your camper can stay nice and cool and it does take some good insulation to keep it that way. I looked at so many 5ers when I was in San Antonio that it all got so confusing. I can't believe how hard it is to finally pick one. I always seemed to go back to the Sunnybrook mainly for the all Aluminum construction and the weight. I'm overseas now and still trying to figure out which one we finally want. I will have to admit though that the future is in Aluminum. We are looking hard at the Alumalites (aka Alumaheavys) but darn they are nice. Sunnybrooks just seem a little bland though on the inside compared to the others but they do have a nice reputation from alot of people. As others, I haven't heard any major complaints from them. I think the Montana had the best glitz and nice price but they scare me off right now for some reason that I will wait and keep an eye on Keystone. I guess we will just keep our little 22' Electra travel trailer for now and deep checking things out. You all take care.

 

[Barry]

The Sunnybrook/Mobile Scout line has been around for a long time. They are very good units. I have no exp. with the Artic Fox.

 

[Paul Somers]

I am on my second Sunnybrook 5er. This one is 30 RKFS. Other one was a 27' with out slide. Kept it for 5 years. When I retired wife got her 30' with slide and I got my Cummins. We are Sunnybrook club members and have attended their international rally the last two years. Last year it was held in York,Pa and this year it was in Lebonon,TN. Next year it will be in southern MI about 30 miles from Middlebury,In. That is where the Sunnybrook/Mobile Scout is made. They have been in business 9 years and for their tenth anniversary it will be at the plant. The Sunnybrook isn't perfect but is closer than most in that price range. Not familiar with Nash but have heard good things about them. By the way, there were 382 units at the rally this year and every one seemed to be very pleased with their units.

 

[merryman]

Hey Doug,

I have had a Fox 29-5 for a year now (towed about 6K miles) and no problems other than an exterior gasket loose on the slide. And I did have to have dealer adjust the slide. It seems to be well put together.

I know nothing about Sunnybrook.

The weight aspect of the Fox is a little bothersome, but I do belive there is some correlation between what is put into a trailer, (insullation etc ) and what it ends up weighing. The Fox is certainly built tough! Take a look at the frame and undercarriage.



Vaughn

 

[C Schomer]

I love my SB! There's no comparison to the Fleetwood and Forest River units I had before. The SB dealer also sells Seabreeze and other very high end brands and they told me that SB is also as good for cold weather as anything thet sell. Craig

 

[DMerryman]

Well I thank all you gents for your comments. Why is it that I always want something larger than I can haul safely?? Really like the fact of greater insulation values on the Artic Fox!! Will let ya'll know how the shopping experience turns out. I'm not one to shop, if you know what I mean. . Looked at a few used 5er's, they were all pretty beat up.



Thanks

Doug M.