mountainkowboy
Socal/NE Oregon
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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Anyone have one? What do you like and dislike? Would you buy it again? How do you use it and what do you tow it with?
I think we've narrowed it down to this unit...it's big enough for the 2 of us and has a good CCC, 2 axles so it should tow well, the layout and floorplan is pretty smartly done, you can use it with the slide in. It seems to be checking all the boxes as far as we can see.
Chuck & Ruth with 4-legged Molly
2007 Tiffin Allegro 30DA
2011 Ford Ranger
1987 HD FLHTP
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SoundGuy
S Ontario
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Joined: 02/11/2015
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We purchased a new 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS in July 2013 and have used it extensively since then. This generation had a short queen bed but I improved that significantly by extending the bed platform. The inexpensive stock mattress was rock hard but adding a 3" gel memory foam topper turned it into a soft pillow top. Mine doesn't have a vent over the main cabin so I instead use a window mounted fan, current models do have a vent in which you could mount a powered vent fan. In later model years (2016 ?) Coachmen changed the profile of the front wall so although the trailer is still 22' 6" coupler to bumper the bed is now an 80" full length queen bed. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
The bathroom is about as small as it could be and although I'd prefer a bit more space it serves the purpose just fine. I did invent a shower curtain shaper so the shower curtain won't stick to us when showering. The toilet is angled so there's plenty of clearance between it and the bathroom door when sitting on the throne.
I love the massive front pass through storage compartment where I have plenty of space for our needs - even carry my spare tire in there rather than under the A frame.
Current models have a useless ommi directional OTA antenna, mine came with a Winegard Sensar III which I upgraded to a Sensar IV, adding a Winegard SignalPro as well so performance is about as good as it gets in an RV antenna. The current antenna I'd probably replace, but with what I'm not sure.
A trailer this size isn't going to have both a dinette and sofa but our reasoning is we'd be better served with a sofa as we often eat outdoors anyway. The trailer does come with a stand alone table but it's awfully big so we instead use a couple of lightweight TV tables anytime we may want to eat inside. Unlike many trailers this one offers a reasonable amount of kitchen counter work space which can be further improved by placing a cutting board atop the stove. Interior cabinet space is generous and we've never been able to use it all, though I did add a third door to the cabinet next to the entry door.
At 22' 6" this trailer is not only easy to tow but can be parked on pretty well any campsite, an important factor for us as we often go camping last minute, without a reservation, which during the busy summer months means we often don't have much choice in which site we get. With a trailer this size I know we'll always fit and I must admit I do enjoy watching those with 30 footers trying to squeeze on to their campsite. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/awink.gif "awink")
CCC is far more generous than with many similar models from other manufacturers, in excess of 2000 lbs. I typically run ~ 4800 lbs loaded & ready to camp with an average gross tongue weight of ~ 625 lbs. I do use a trunnion bar Reese WD system but no sway control.
This trailer comes stock with off shore Chinese tires (Trail Express in my case) and not surprisingly one them failed earlier this summer - simply split, exposing the steel belt inside. Further inspection showed a large, oval shaped bubble where the interior ply had separated from the rest. I replaced all four with the new US made Goodyear Endurance and expect I won't have any further tire issues. I understand Jayco is now fitting Endurance tires to many of it's new models so if I were buying another Freedom Express I'd want to consider this as well.
Mine has an open underbelly, which I prefer, but I believe current models have an enclosed underbelly. That may be a drawback as it would be difficult to ascertain whether new models suffer the same issue as mine did - a sagging fresh water tank. I solved that on my own trailer but I'd bet there are plenty of these trailers running around with the owner not realizing just how poorly these tanks are installed. As far as I know Coachmen has done little to improve this situation so it's one I'd look at carefully myself should I ever want to buy another Freedom Express.
The only major failure I've had is the frame cracking on both sides, just aft of the rear tires. Turns out this is a pressed together Lippert frame and although Coachmen was forced to issue a recall for some models to install missing frame stiffeners my particular unit isn't on the list and therefore isn't covered for repair. My dealer is nonetheless going to repair this damage anyway but I'd caution anyone buying a used model to be aware of this issue. Newer models have a different frame and shouldn't have this issue.
Coachmen has really stepped up the game by improving the look of the Freedom Express series with a profiled front wall. Personally I don't care for some of the current interior colours and the exterior white trim but others of course may disagree.
Overall this trailer serves our needs really well, tows well behind our Silverado, and I have no plans to replace it. Forum member Last Train tows his own 192RBS with a Honda RIDGELINE but I personally wouldn't want to tow any trailer this size with anything less than a 1/2 ton truck. JMO.
Anytime we camp with others they have their own camper so accommodating other couples isn't an issue for us. For those for whom this is an issue I'd instead suggest the somewhat larger Coachmen Freedom Express 231RBDS which has an especially large dinette that can be converted to a full size queen bed for night time use by a visiting couple.
Further details are illustrated in my gallery. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
* This post was
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2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380
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TheHound
Toronto
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Joined: 08/31/2017
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Tagging in here as this trailer is on our short list of couples campers as well. Great info Soundguy. Just curious, with the sofa, is it comfortable sitting down to eat or do you end up leaning back? My layout choices are down to a murphy bed with dinette or this style where you are using the sofa at meals.
PS I'm in your neck of the woods, so if you have any intel on a good dealer it would be appreciated
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SoundGuy
S Ontario
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Joined: 02/11/2015
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TheHound wrote:Tagging in here as this trailer is on our short list of couples campers as well. Great info Soundguy. Just curious, with the sofa, is it comfortable sitting down to eat or do you end up leaning back? My layout choices are down to a murphy bed with dinette or this style where you are using the sofa at meals.
PS I'm in your neck of the woods, so if you have any intel on a good dealer it would be appreciated
No issues with the sofa, your question has never even crossed our minds. Personally I'd steer clear of any Murphy bed models as you'll lose a significant amount of front pass through cargo compartment space which isn't even close to the space offered by the 192RBS.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/5rZccUFl.jpg)
You'll also have additional storage space under the bed itself, not so with a Murphy bed.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/1SqlccYl.jpg)
FWIW, my dealer is the second largest Coachmen dealer by volume and the 192RBS is his most popular model. For sure, larger models still sell but there's a definite trend toward the 19' - 23' class, at least in this neck of the woods. I'll PM you with dealer details.
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TheHound
Toronto
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Very helpful. Thanks!
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jjjandrbaker
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 03/12/2012
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SoundGuy is an awesome person to answer for those of us with this model. If you decide to get one, visit his site and look through the many mods he has made.
I absolutely love mine. It is easy to tow, easy to set up, and very spacious for a couple. I am usually by myself, but my wife joins me occasionally and we are very comfortable in it.
I like that it is high off the ground, so speed bumps and hilly ramps into gas stations, etc. aren't a threat.
Like SoundGuy said, the bathroom is small. But, it does what it is supposed to. I can close the door when sitting on the pot. The shower is tight for a big guy, but I manage.
I was trying to think of something I don't like about the trailer. I can't think of anything.
Jim Baker
San Antonio, TX
travel blog and photos
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BC4277
Colorado
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Joined: 03/18/2017
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We have a 2017 192RBS. SoundGuy is right on about most everything. Coachmen must have improved the mattress, as we've found it very comfortable. I'm in the 180 lbs. range.
I like the sofa better than a dinette in this size TT. I'm not a big fan of the Jack Knife sofa/bed. If more counter space is needed, we just move the table closer.
I also replaced the Chinese tires after about 10k miles with the GY Endurance tires. I had no problems with the Chinese tires during my trip to Fairbanks, AK. but after reading the issues, I thought better safe than sorry.
I may replace the stock antennae next year, it works fine in metro areas, We don't watch that much TV, so it is not high on the "Honey Do" list.
My fresh water tank also sags, why they didn't put some sort of cross support brace is beyond me. This also means that I'm dragging around a gallon or two that I can't use. Also, to winterize, I have to run the left side of the trailer up on blocks to drain the tank as the "Low Point Drain" is on the right side of the TT.
The 192 RBS tows great behind my 2003 Tundra. Gas mileage is in the 10mpg range, with a low of 8.9 mpg. It is a full 8' wide & taller than most TT in this market segment, so it pushing a little more air.
The floor plan really works for my wife & I. I like the fact that we can utilize the TT without moving the slide out, i.e. stopping for lunch or quick overnight stop.
2017 Freedom Express 192RBS
Fastway E2 Trunion Hitch
2003 Tundra 4.7
Where ever I am,
is where I'm supposed to be
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jjjandrbaker
San Antonio, TX
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BC4277 wrote:I like the fact that we can utilize the TT without moving the slide out, i.e. stopping for lunch or quick overnight stop.
YES! I like that, also. If I ever had to use a site that was not conducive to using the slide, it would be no problem. The clock would be blocked, but you have two other ones (stereo and microwave).
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SoundGuy
S Ontario
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BC4277 wrote:I like the fact that we can utilize the TT without moving the slide out, i.e. stopping for lunch or quick overnight stop.
jjjandrbaker wrote:YES! I like that, also. If I ever had to use a site that was not conducive to using the slide, it would be no problem. The clock would be blocked, but you have two other ones (stereo and microwave).
I keep our 192RBS parked on the driveway here at the house during the camping season and use it virtually every day as my "man cave" so being able to do so with the slide in was at the top of my "must haves". We also often stop while driving to our destination to use the bathroom, make lunch, etc so full interior access without having to deploy the slide was also a "must". Annoyingly, Coachmen still mounts the tank monitor / water heater control panel where it's blocked by the slide when in the travel position. I actually removed mine in order to move it but there was a mass of wires running to the control box so I just left it. I've since made note which switch is the water heater electric element, which is the gas, and which is the water pump and just control the switches by feel when the slide is in, important for me when I camp alone with just the dog and don't bother to deploy the slide. Dumb planning on Coachmen's part though to not recognize that owners will use the trailer at times without the slide out and will want to see and operate that control panel. I did however replace the stock bi-metal thermostat with a Honeywell RTH5100B digital version, mounting it where I can see and operate it even when the slide is in.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/aebs8rDl.jpg)
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/flqHxzzl.jpg)
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mountainkowboy
Socal/NE Oregon
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We are looking at it for a full-time unit for travel in the lower 48 and possibly Canada and Alaska if we want. It will be towed by an F250 diesel with a Harley in the truck bed for the most part. I also like that it can be towed by our Ranger, 5,900lb tow capacity, with a moderate load out for local and weekend play too.
Thanks for the heads-up on the water tank issues, I will have to remove the underbelly cover and see if they have addressed that. If not, I will make supports for it similar to SoundGuy's.
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