On the launch pad…

[gearhead]

I think we have a downsizing deal. After looking at different Keystone models at 3 different dealers we have a deal on a Keystone Arcadia 288SLBH. We got the best deal on a 2024 model at Great American RV in Breaux Bridge Louisiana.
There are some downsides…it is 3 hours away if we need warranty work. It feels like it is made of cardboard and I will have to buy a RV carport to keep the sun off it.
They were $10,000 cheaper than a dealer just up the highway in Livingston TX. That’s a good thing unless we get into a chit storm at pickup.
Also going with the Curt Cross Wing hitch. We will see how this little adventure goes…..

[sourdough]

Congrats! I bet it all works out. In the scheme of things 3 hours to the dealer isn't "horrible", not ideal but not horrible - especially if there's money to be saved! If it has the spare in that front compartment I would be looking into a BAL hide a spare or something that puts it under the trailer.

[gearhead]

Yes it does have the spare in the front storage. I need to look further in to what my alternatives are. I have thought of using the rear receiver with a spare mount. I’m thinking the receiver has a 300# limit.
I had a bad experience with a BAL carrier and the Sailun LR H tire on a solid steel wheel. We are talking heavy. North of Albuquerque, early September, very hot, etc. The spare tire and wheel bent the carrier at the tire store. Even those animals were cussing it.
Hopefully the little 15” spare will be more accommodating.
Driving to Louisiana is a pretty regular occurrence for us. Breaux Bridge and Lafayette are old Reeves country.

[sourdough]

Yes, that undercarriage tire carrier is not sturdy enough for a 100lb. spare. Trying to get our 16" LRG Sailun out from under there is a HUGE pain. I thought of it due to the smaller tire.

Time your trips to Breau Bridge in May? for the crawfish festival. Course, that's one of those "been there done that" kind of thing to me. You're familiar with that country so there will be stuff to make the trip worthwhile I'm sure.

[notanlines]

T-coons over on I believe Pinhook for breakfast will make your trip worthwhile. I know these things!

[gearhead]

Yes, you do know these things! We haven’t been there. Whenever we get on Pinhook Rd., Cafe Vermillionville calls us in. But sadly they just closed. The site of Cafe V was the site of the Reeves brothers tavern in the 1820’s. I assume not the same building, but I enjoyed the old part of the Cafe V building….pine floors, low ceilings, old bar, etc.
Thanks for the tip.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by notanlines

T-coons over on I believe Pinhook for breakfast will make your trip worthwhile. I know these things!

Per Google T coons is 3 minutes down Pinhook from Cafe V.
Tcoons.com

[notanlines]

Originally Posted by gearhead

Per Google T coons is 3 minutes down Pinhook from Cafe V.
Tcoons.com

Word from my nephew is that Cafe V closed some time ago.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by notanlines

Word from my nephew is that Cafe V closed some time ago.

Yes it did. Hate it but I think their prices just got unbearable.

[LadyCPA]

Originally Posted by gearhead

I think we have a downsizing deal. After looking at different Keystone models at 3 different dealers we have a deal on a Keystone Arcadia 288SLBH. We got the best deal on a 2023 model at Great American RV in Breaux Bridge Louisiana.
There are some downsides…it is 3 hours away if we need warranty work. It feels like it is made of cardboard and I will have to buy a RV carport to keep the sun off it.
They were $10,000 cheaper than a dealer just up the highway in Livingston TX. That’s a good thing unless we get into a chit storm at pickup.
Also going with the Curt Cross Wing hitch. We will see how this little adventure goes…..

Congrats Gearhead
I realize that many on the forum don't support this, but remember it is possible to get warranty work from a dealer that you didn't buy it from. We have found that Camping World is a Keystone dealer but not for 5th wheels, but both locations we have been to were more than happy to take the warranty and recall work.
Also if an authorized dealer is not within 100 miles, Keystone will pay a mobile technician, you just pay the trip charge. Which has worked for us a couple of times.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by LadyCPA

Congrats Gearhead
I realize that many on the forum don't support this, but remember it is possible to get warranty work from a dealer that you didn't buy it from. We have found that Camping World is a Keystone dealer but not for 5th wheels, but both locations we have been to were more than happy to take the warranty and recall work.
Also if an authorized dealer is not within 100 miles, Keystone will pay a mobile technician, you just pay the trip charge. Which has worked for us a couple of times.

Thanks! Good info. We have Keystone dealers all around us. But we don’t really mind driving to Breaux Bridge. Oysters on the half shell for me. Thinking about Abbeville this winter.

[Ibdagriz]

Originally Posted by gearhead

Thinking about Abbeville this winter.

Can't remember the name but there's a shop where you can get blood boudin. Been a long time since I was there but really good stuff.

Griz

[notanlines]

Probably Hebert's Slaughter House and Meat Market in Abbeville, La.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by notanlines

Probably Hebert's Slaughter House and Meat Market in Abbeville, La.

I think we have bought from them.