2017 Raptor 398... thoughts...

[Bordercreek]

Close to purchasing a 2017 Raptor 398 The dealers have some good incentive to move the last of the 2017. One of the few rigs I have been able to come across with 11/13/14 foot garage with a half bath that does not encroach into the garage. The rig appears well built. A few questionable things, than they all do. Not as flashy/finished as some, fuzion seems to stand out a bit more in the finishing department. But like I have consistently read from you good people here, find the floor plan that works and go from there.

Please, if anyone has some last minute input on this rig, recommendation and things to look for during the final paperwork/ walk throug, I would appreciate hearing from you...

Thanks

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the forum :wlcm:

It's actually called a RAPTOR, but if your like most RV shoppers the names all seem to run together after a while. Floor plan is the most important in my opinion, trim levels can be a factor but its also something more to go wrong.

If/when you do decide on the unit of your choice, print out this PDI checklist and take it with you at delivery. It will help alleviate any issues that may stop you from full enjoyment:
http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5129&highlight=checklist


I see someone fixed your title...I was thinking it may be the end of the world as we know it!!!

[JRTJH]

I changed the title of your thread to RAPTOR (I don't believe anyone builds a "Rapture" toy hauler).

When comparing the Fuzion to the Raptor, there are probably more things that are the same than things you'll find different, both in construction and in components. That said, you've "hit the nail on the head" with your comment about floorplan. Find one that works for you, look at the other stuff, but realize that if the floorplan makes you miserable or if you can't use it as you want, it really doesn't matter if the cabinet corners look better or if the color is more pleasing.....

I don't think you'll make a mistake buying the Raptor over the Fuzion and I'd also say, I don't think you'd make a mistake buying the Fuzion over the Raptor. Buy the one that fits your needs, your wallet and your tow vehicle.

[Bordercreek]

Thanks. Lol. Been looking at so many for long that the name/numbers are all .... lol

Thanks again

[PARAPTOR]

:wlcm: to The Forum From Western PA

In order to minimize headaches down the road, take your time and insist on a thorough walk through Inspection. As stated there is a PDi list on the forum you can start with and add on the unique things associated with the Raptor. My guess you should anticipate about 3-4 hours for this inspection. I also recommend you make the dealer aware of your intent to have a complete walk through inspection. If I recall some have provided the dealer with the list before the inspection. May get the deer in the head light look:hide:

[chuckster57]

In all my years, I have only had 1 customer produce a PDI sheet at walkthrough. I completed my walkthrough and then he sat down and started marking off what I had covered. He spent an additional 2 hours climbing under around and over stuff...I guess I did good as he didn’t have any complaints. ;)

[rcmike]

Hi, I got a 2017 398,bought it back in January 17. Only problem I have had is the thermostat wire in the living room that goes to the control box near the ac cowling in the ceiling was wired to freeze and the freeze wire was plugged into thermostat. long story short we finally figured it out after having a nervous head banging breakdown. I love the 398 out of any that I looked at when I was shopping, jayco, Winnebago, grand design. I looked at them all. I put a sxs in the back or my victory bike. one thing I caught on to was, just about 2 feet is the dove tail on any of the garages. so a 10 or 11 foot garage is really a 8 foot of level floor and the front bumper is going to be up against the wall. Big no no for me after I started looking at the possibilities. With my 398, I can load up my sxs and walk completely around it while its tied down to the floor and open the bathroom door and the door to the living area. Not a big deal for some but it was for me. You can never have to much space in a mans cave garage on a Toyhauler. I also liked that the washer dryer hook ups are up in the front bedroom instead of taking up garage space which would prevent you from loading a sxs in the garage cause of the w/d combo sitting on the side of the garage. Yes I have a w/d combo and love it. The 1/2 bath in garage is all tucked away behind a door that's level with the wall dividing the garage from living area. On some models the camode is behind a door and the sink is out in the open in the garage area. Its all about what you can live with or like the most. I liked the big garage is the main reason I went with the 398. theres not very many at all that are made with a 14 foot garage by any brand. On the walk thru when your fixing to take home, just make sure everything does come on and stays running for the time while looking over rig. and I still overlooked a fault that I didn't catch before I left. Just my 2 cents

[Tinner12002]

Close to purchasing a 2017 Rapture 398 The dealers have some good incentive to move the last of the 2017. One of the few rigs I have been able to come across with 11/13/14 foot garage with a half bath that does not encroach into the garage. The rig appears well built. A few questionable things, than they all do. Not as flashy/finished as some, fuzion seems to stand out a bit more in the finishing department. But like I have consistently read from you good people here, find the floor plan that works and go from there.

Please, if anyone has some last minute input on this rig, recommendation and things to look for during the final paperwork/ walk throug, I would appreciate hearing from you...

Thanks

We also looked at the Fuzion line but ended up with the 2018 428SP Raptor instead though I liked the 398 layout also. The 18s had a couple things on it I liked as well, but she liked the layout a little better on the Raptor 428 than the Fuzion and the fact it had full body paint on the model we looked at. If the Fuzion 417 had a different counter setup without the swinging stools we might have stayed with it as it had a layout I liked with a bigger garage. We've had ours out a couple times now and are very pleased with how everything has worked, no real issues at at all! Had a couple very minor things that I found which they have taken care of while I've had it in the shop getting slide toppers installed. Still figuring out the level up and how to operate the zone thermostat for the 3 ACs but other than that, very pleased.

[Bordercreek]

The 14 ft garage is my selling factor. RZR / Harley

My wife really wants a side patio... 428SP, fuzion 420, and momentum 399 have her interest. Not sure at the moment who’s going to win this one. Lol. Are pleased with the SP set up, is it user friendly.

Thanks again for the input.

[Tinner12002]

Not sure how you intend to use your toy hauler but keep in mind access to the bedroom and to the bathroom and maybe even the refrigerator with the slides in. That's where I dropped the ball on ours because without running the slides out you can't get to the master bedroom or the master bath or the refrigerator, the plus side is that when we load the toy hauler for a trip the refrigerator is on the curb side of the RV so we're able to run that slide out without having slides sticking out in the street

[Bordercreek]

Tinner12002,
With the 428sp, We are wondering if you are having any issues using the side patio at RV parks? We will be using ours in both open areas and in parks. We have been back and forth on if it will be practical or if it will be closed most of the time.
Thanks,
Bordercreek

[Tinner12002]

Tinner12002,
With the 428sp, We are wondering if you are having any issues using the side patio at RV parks? We will be using ours in both open areas and in parks. We have been back and forth on if it will be practical or if it will be closed most of the time.
Thanks,
Bordercreek

No issues to date. The patio actually doesn't stick out as far as the awning so I don't think it will be an issue. It's actually the only patio we've used. It's a great place to drink your morning coffee and watch the news!!

[Bordercreek]

Thank you for the quick response. That helped a lot.

[Racebug]

My 417 does not have the side patio, but I can tell you we have been in 3-4 sites where we couldn't open both awnings or either awning on a few trips. May be something to keep in mind.... and 9 out of 10 time, your not gong to have the choice to move to a different site. usually only a few sites per campground big enough.

[Tinner12002]

My 417 does not have the side patio, but I can tell you we have been in 3-4 sites where we couldn't open both awnings or either awning on a few trips. May be something to keep in mind.... and 9 out of 10 time, your not gong to have the choice to move to a different site. usually only a few sites per campground big enough.

Darn, those are pretty tight camp spots if you can't even get your awnings out! Not had that issue yet. I think the tightest spot I've been in was at the Homestead Nascar track a couple yrs ago but I still had room for my awning to extend out, but just barely!

[Racebug]

state parks are tight! other than that trying to get spots close to the pool or something else the kids want usually ends up in a tight spot.

[Prowler59]

We have a 2017 Raptor 398ts. It has every option that was offered then along with the full body paint. I have had some minor issues, new awning fabric and a new LED light inside, but overall we like this unit. I had a 2015 Raptor 424ts with the same options but it was totaled in a flood. I had paid for the extra insurance and we replaced it with this new 398. I will say to keep in mind these Raptors are well built but are very heavy. The 398 has a 3700 lb pin weight, and 19,000 lb gross. Also, kudos to Keystone for actually installing quality tires from the factory, all Raptors come with G rated tires. Good luck with your choice!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/94273da5b3b398c8e80c196b3af33428.jpg

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[Tinner12002]

We have a 2017 Raptor 398ts. It has every option that was offered then along with the full body paint. I have had some minor issues, new awning fabric and a new LED light inside, but overall we like this unit. I had a 2015 Raptor 424ts with the same options but it was totaled in a flood. I had paid for the extra insurance and we replaced it with this new 398. I will say to keep in mind these Raptors are well built but are very heavy. The 398 has a 3700 lb pin weight, and 19,000 lb gross. Also, kudos to Keystone for actually installing quality tires from the factory, all Raptors come with G rated tires. Good luck with your choice!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/94273da5b3b398c8e80c196b3af33428.jpg

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Good looking setup if I say so myself!!

[Prowler59]

Good looking setup if I say so myself!!Thank you!

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[Tinner12002]

We could almost be twins, Prowler59...well except for the ham in the middle of my pic! Lol!

[Tinner12002]

Your next Bordercreek!!

[Prowler59]

We could almost be twins, Prowler59...well except for the ham in the middle of my pic! Lol!Lol! Very nice, I was a little late on the blue we wanted but I liked the red also. However, if I could have found another Orange one I would've bought it. This was our 424. We had a RZR 1000s inside and a 900s on the trailer. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/8ac8ea984941dad34820f98944266737.jpg

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[Tinner12002]

Lol! Very nice, I was a little late on the blue we wanted but I liked the red also. However, if I could have found another Orange one I would've bought it. This was our 424. We had a RZR 1000s inside and a 900s on the trailer. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/8ac8ea984941dad34820f98944266737.jpg

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Great setup also...the orange was actually our preference as both bikes are orange but it would have taken too long to get so we settled on the blue since it was in stock.

[JRTJH]

Prowler59,

I see you're "double towing" a trailer with a RZR behind your fifth wheel. I typically tow a boat behind our trailer. My rig, (a F250, 31' trailer and 18' boat) measures 74' from front bumper to prop on the outboard. I'd suspect that your rig is even longer than that. Some states have a 65' max length, Michigan's limit is 75'. Because of that limit, we usually don't tow out of Michigan since we don't want to deal with the potential of being stopped and measured and face any of the host of problems that could happen.

Have you measured your rig and if it is longer than mine, have you had any "second looks" or "problems" with towing through locations that "watch for revenue generators" to tow through their area?

[Prowler59]

JRTJH, that was my old rig. We sold the 2 seat RZRs and bought an XP4 so we don't have to triple tow anymore. However, I have never been stopped or had any issues with towing like that. I have had issues getting in smaller gas stations, parking areas, etc. The setup in that pic was right at 77' long, so technically it was illegal everywhere. I did get nervous about towing like that in FL tho, but we went all the way to Disney and back with zero issues. Maybe lucky lol!

[JRTJH]

Thanks for the info. We usually go back to Louisiana, then on to Texas or some other place warm every year. I'd love to have the boat along and do some fishing around the intercoastal waterway or the marshes in south Louisiana, but we've been reluctant to get stuck somewhere with the choice of leaving the trailer or the boat on the side of a highway because of a "speed trap in Woodworth" kind of situation....

It's good to know you didn't have any problems. That may "color our decision" on whether to haul the boat to Lake Charles this coming trip.

[Prowler59]

No problem. I think you'll be fine, but that's up to you. There so many people in this area that double tow, as long as you're not speeding and all lights work, you should be good.

[jimthemosaicguy]

I’m a first time RV owner and got one of the early Fuzion 416. Pre-in command.
I wish I had known more about the PDI and what to check.

Some of this might not apply.

Leveling system -
Make them level it, then step back and look from a distance. Is it actually level.

Hydraulic system -
check the pump reservoir for fluid running down the side. Check the all 6 pads for fluid especially the one under the pump reservoir. And connections.

Patio system -
now that you know it’s level. Make them set up the patio and look at it from a distance. Is it straight out? My cables were too long which made it have a slight downward slope.

A/C(s) -
Make them pull off the ceiling assembly. Make sure they did a good job putting foil tape around the edges. Mine looked like someone covered the whole vent with foil and poked their fingers thru it.

Also, make sure the panel between the cold air and return air is positioned properly. Mine wasn’t and the cold air was escaping right back out they the return.

Vents -
Can you feel air coming out when a/c is on?

Heat strip -
if you have one make sure they hooked it up. Mine wasn’t.

Shower -
Door slide bottom rail. Check the inside and make sure it’s sealed where the track meets the shell. Mine wasn’t. The water would hit the inside glass, slide down to the track, thru the little slit then in between the rail and shell, then out and down to the floor.

Awnings-
Extend all, turn on the leds and check for burned out lights.
Do they extend smoothly? Make sure the ends don’t wobble.

Wireless woofer -
Ask where it is. I didn’t even know I had one until I had to find my water pump and it was right next to it.

Gray, black water valves. Run water thru the black tank if you can to make sure they’re labeled correctly. Mine weren’t.

Heat pads -
Are they labeled so you know which one goes to fresh, gray etc? Labeled correctly?

Fuel station -
Are the tanks labeled correctly to the generator and wired correctly to the monitor panel?

Despite all of the issues I had I really love my unit.

I’ve added a pic of the disconnected heat strip and crap job done on the a/c.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171215/867367f3a30d69ead7ea07e48925fb5b.jpg14863


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[Tinner12002]

I had asked about a woofer in mine and they told me they didn't know if it has one so I guess at some point I'll check that out. Not a big deal as I use a Samsung soundbar when were at races to Bluetooth music to.