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Post by midlotexan on Aug 26, 2019 10:27:18 GMT -5
Good morning, the wife and I are considering upgrading from bumper pull to fifth wheel.
We came upon the Durango Gold G353 RKT, and think it may have checked most of our boxes.
I have a question about the slide mechanism on the bed, i saw no gears, cables or struts.
Does anyone no how it pushes out?
Also, not being that familiar with KZ products, other then reading this forum the last few days, what are your overall experiences.
Thank you all in advance.
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Post by nvguy on Aug 26, 2019 21:53:19 GMT -5
Since it's a fairly small slide it may use a single motor / worm gear or it could be hydraulic. Good news is they seem to be pretty trouble free, unlike some others. Here is some slide info: Lippert slides
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Post by Edd505 on Aug 26, 2019 22:00:28 GMT -5
midlotexan I have a 353RKT and love it, the bedroom slides electric & the two main are hydraulic. Any other questions shoot me a PM and I'll try and answer. I am traveling currently so it maybe a day or so before I get back to you. You will love the KZ's best bang for the money.
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Post by laknox on Aug 26, 2019 23:51:25 GMT -5
I researched for over 2 years before buying my KZ, but I was pretty-well locked in to KZ as my #1 choice early on, though I was constantly looking at other brands. So far, I have very few complaints and issues.
Lyle
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Post by midlotexan on Aug 27, 2019 7:04:39 GMT -5
Thank you all for your input. We have looked at the Grand Design Solitude and Solitude S class.
Both have floor plans that are close.
Earlier this month we were in Indiana and planned to go to Elkhart for the Midwest RV Show.
They cancelled it, due to he fact the Hall of Fame renovations were not complete. We had hoped to really be able to compare all manufactures at one stop.
Decided to head to Hershey next month for their show. Then make the big decision.
I appreciate the information located on these forums. We have a Coachmen bumper pull currently, and the Forest River forum has been a real help with small things on our trailer.
Safe travels to all!
Kirt
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Post by Edd505 on Aug 27, 2019 20:13:22 GMT -5
While in Indiana slip over to Shipshewana and ask to tour the factory. It is the only one I have toured, the KZ's are all hand built. Each is a little different on the same floor plan, I asked for wiring diagrams and was told they didn't have one, after watching the building I know why.
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Post by laknox on Aug 28, 2019 10:01:46 GMT -5
While in Indiana slip over to Shipshewana and ask to tour the factory. It is the only one I have toured, the KZ's are all hand built. Each is a little different on the same floor plan, I asked for wiring diagrams and was told they didn't have one, after watching the building I know why. ALL RVs are hand-built, which is why there's so d@mn many issues with them. I mean, how f'n hard would it be to create 2-3 common wiring harnesses and design in wiring channels or even, GASP, =conduit=, to run them through? Could be made by a 3rd party, labeled and any unused wires simply capped. Nope, they'd rather use a spaghetti-style "harness" that differs from rig to rig, even identical ones because 2 different crews made them. There are companies that use, GASP, robotic wiring harness makers. How cheap would that be? Lyle |
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Post by lynnmor on Aug 28, 2019 11:31:02 GMT -5
If you ever saw a 5/8" dull drill cutting three ways thru a 1" aluminum framing member right at the apex of its curve in order to run a single strand of wire thru the huge burrs to a clearance light, then you will understand the current state of quality.
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Post by laknox on Aug 28, 2019 23:26:09 GMT -5
If you ever saw a 5/8" dull drill cutting three ways thru a 1" aluminum framing member right at the apex of its curve in order to run a single strand of wire thru the huge burrs to a clearance light, then you will understand the current state of quality. I remember someone posting pics of the plumbing in his rig, where some idiot had just bashed holes through the cabinets to run the pex, wit a hammer. Was on rv.net about 5 years ago, or so. Lyle |
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Post by midlotexan on Sept 24, 2019 20:05:17 GMT -5
Good evening to all. After a trip to Hershey for the RV show, we have still come back to the 353RKT in a Durango Gold. While there we spoke with a KZ factory rep. He told us that floor plan was discontinued for the 2020 model.
He was gracious enough to do a nationwide search, and found only 6 units for sale. So, we are trying to determine are best course of action.
So here is the question, one unit is a 2017, never sold. It's price, obviously is far better then the other ones. Full warranty applies, do any of you see a problem with this idea?
We are traveling to look at this Thursday, and I am sure I'll miss some obvious questions.
Any opinions?
Thank you
Kirt
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Post by nvguy on Sept 24, 2019 21:01:44 GMT -5
Biggest item I could see with the 2017 would be if the dealer kept the unit sealed up, so check close for any signs of water intrusion. I say this because if the factory left any gaps, with the unit sitting idle, unused on the lot there is little chance a leak would be noticed.
Also, depending on the dealer, make sure all of the accessories such as remote controls, sink stoppers, spare tire are all there and in the case of remotes- they work. Same thing holds true for any body damage, sometimes lot porters aren't all that careful. Make sure all the slides work smoothly. Another issue is you have tires that 2-3 years old, while they don't have any real mileage on them, they are still aging (drying out), so your replacement time will be shortened.
After paying flooring for 2-3 years, this dealer should be very motivated to sell.
One of our guys here put together a great PDI checklist, so a quick search should turn it up, as it gives you a good memory tool.
Good Luck and happy hunting.
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Post by lynnmor on Sept 25, 2019 0:51:54 GMT -5
Being exposed to the elements for 3 years does some damage. Decals, plastics. rubber and paint will be aged.
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Post by laknox on Sept 25, 2019 10:02:45 GMT -5
Good evening to all. After a trip to Hershey for the RV show, we have still come back to the 353RKT in a Durango Gold. While there we spoke with a KZ factory rep. He told us that floor plan was discontinued for the 2020 model. He was gracious enough to do a nationwide search, and found only 6 units for sale. So, we are trying to determine are best course of action. So here is the question, one unit is a 2017, never sold. It's price, obviously is far better then the other ones. Full warranty applies, do any of you see a problem with this idea? We are traveling to look at this Thursday, and I am sure I'll miss some obvious questions. Any opinions? Thank you Kirt We bought a '17 unit, built in '16, that had been on the lot for 11 months. There were several issues that I had fixed, and one they refused to fix. First, when we went to look at it, the battery was totally flat. They had to get a starter box to jump it to get the slides out so we could even look at it. Dealer refused to replace it, and given the price they sold it to me for, I didn't argue it too hard. I wanted to replace with 2 6v's anyway. There were some suspicious areas on the roof that I had them put some Dicor over, as well as some of the caulking that was starting to crack, so had them shoot some Dicor on that, too. I ended up putting some tape over a couple other areas, later on. One warranty issue that they had to fix was the "rub rail" insert on the RR vertical corner. It was never attached at the top and, when it got hot here, it just slid right out of the track. Dealer replaced it, but it's not matching. Could have argued about it, but it's cosmetic and you hardly notice it unless you look. I likely could have bought the rig and sold it for $2-3k over what I paid for it. I paid =less= for it, new with warranty, than used rigs that I was looking at at the time. Owner wanted it =gone=. See if you can deal with the GM or the owner, directly, and just ask how badly they want it gone. Go for at least 40% off the retail and, as the others have said, go over it with a fine-tooth comb and, because it's under warranty, make them fix everything. Lyle |
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Post by midlotexan on Sept 25, 2019 13:47:36 GMT -5
Yes, the unit is price is nearly 50% off list. That allows me a few dollars to:
1. Replace older tires, with a surely better aftermarket
2. Do any minor repairs I can't get under warranty
3. Do any upgrades to accessories
And have money for the first trip.
The unit is located 900 miles from my home. Pulling a virtually empty trailer, is there any drama I could expect?
I'll look for the PDI list, and I will crawl thru every nook and cranny, to try and find any issue
Your help is always appreciated!
Maybe I'll be part of the family by the weekend!
Kirt
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Post by rvdude on Sept 25, 2019 21:56:44 GMT -5
I wish you the best of luck and I hope it all works for you.
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Post by nvguy on Sept 26, 2019 0:21:53 GMT -5
Good to hear like this might happen. As far as pulling it empty- nope nothing to be concerned about. I hauled mine just over 500 miles to home and it did just fine.
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Post by Chuck on Sept 26, 2019 10:01:11 GMT -5
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Post by laknox on Sept 26, 2019 10:43:58 GMT -5
Yes, the unit is price is nearly 50% off list. That allows me a few dollars to: 1. Replace older tires, with a surely better aftermarket 2. Do any minor repairs I can't get under warranty 3. Do any upgrades to accessories And have money for the first trip. The unit is located 900 miles from my home. Pulling a virtually empty trailer, is there any drama I could expect? I'll look for the PDI list, and I will crawl thru every nook and cranny, to try and find any issue Your help is always appreciated! Maybe I'll be part of the family by the weekend! Kirt Kirt, even at that price, I would push them on repairs. KZ's footing the bill if it's warranty; not the factory's fault that it sat there so long. Don't be afraid of getting a hotel for a night, or two, while they fix issues. On the PDI, video what you can, especially on operating things. Make sure =everything=, and I mean everything, works as it should. If it's got that stupid Solera awing, make sure it works from inside and outside and remotely. Climb on the roof and inspect all the caulking. Inspect caulking along the seams on the sides. Most dealers will put a rig out with at least one full propane tank, if not both, so make sure stove and oven work, make sure water heater works both ways, same with fridge; check the furnace. All of this should be on a good PDI list, but never hurts repeating. Take flashlights and extra batteries. Hell, put the fear of DW in them, and take an inspection camera to peek behind walls, and such. :-) Towing a virtually empty trailer shouldn't be an issue, though you'll likely have a bit of bounce. I might simply fill the fresh water tank to add some stability. You're going to have some water in it already to demonstrate the pump and make sure all the faucets, shower, toilet work. Lyle |
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Post by Chuck on Sept 26, 2019 11:06:35 GMT -5
Lyle All that is on the PDI list if they printed it out  But always good to remind folks of all that stuff Chuck |
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Post by midlotexan on Sept 30, 2019 19:35:34 GMT -5
Hello all, we went to look at the 353RKT last Thursday. as i had previously said it is 2017, that had never been sold. Now, the rest of the story. The seller is no longer an active dealer for KZ or any manufacture. So, they have no service dept. or make ready people. The trailer is "as is, where is" with the KZ factory warranty since it is "new" unit.
The unit appears to have never been washed, it has trim loose, doors misaligned, a reclining love seat, that reclines when it wants to, exterior baggage doors, that don't open without brute force, steps that have folded down and are now rusted tight and no batteries.
Even with the PDI reference I found here on the forum, it was impossible to fully check out the trailer.
I'm hoping that when they were a KZ dealer, these things would have been addressed at time of purchase, now your on your own.
So, loving the floor plan and knowing the possible risks and weighing the potential costs, we made a cash offer. They declined, with no counter offer.
So, we drove four hours back to Indiana for a weekend with family before flying back to DFW.
We cussed and discussed this all weekend and feel comfortable with our offer.
I understand the seller is taking a loss on the unit, but, it needs to be checked out, if nothing else to make sure it is ready and safe to pull.
So, we will continue to look and see whats out there that makes sense for us.
Thank you all again for your help<
Kirt
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