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Old 01-11-2014, 05:36 PM   #1
RichR
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Passport Ultra Lite Questions

I have been checking out Passport Ultra Lite trailers and have a couple questions. Has anyone had any major issues with them or have any complaints that I should know about? Is the aluminum framing and the laminate flooring of good integrity?

I would like your help in making my decision. Thanks!
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Old 01-11-2014, 06:13 PM   #2
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The only real complaint I have with ours is the tires, wheels and axles... They are just too light for a trailer this size and weight. I should have paid more attention when I bought it, but I was so happy that the DW was actually going to try camping I bought what she liked.

I'd really suggest that you pay close attention to the tire size and axle limits on them. My tires are actually under the GVWR of the trailer so they are using the tongue weight shift to get by.
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Old 01-12-2014, 06:51 AM   #3
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I`m happy with mine so far. I had a few minor warranty issues but other than that, it`s been great. This one pulls a heck of a lot easier than my old Dutchman.
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Old 01-12-2014, 06:59 AM   #4
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No problems with mine. So I've been able to spend lots of time doing mods.

I'm not sure if Javi has been having issues with his axle setup, but mine have held up well and are within specs. My trailer's Gross is 7200, but it tends to hover at about 6000.
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Old 01-12-2014, 11:52 AM   #5
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No problems with mine. So I've been able to spend lots of time doing mods.

I'm not sure if Javi has been having issues with his axle setup, but mine have held up well and are within specs. My trailer's Gross is 7200, but it tends to hover at about 6000.
No I really haven't had a problem but my engineering background and gut tell me that although technically not unsafe I don't want to push the tires and axles on this trailer. The axles are rated 3500 lbs and the tires are rated 1760 lbs while the GVWR of the trailer is 7200lbs. Dry weight of 5420lbs and a payload of 1780lbs.

We are very careful with loading this trailer and never, never haul it with full tanks as that 900 lbs alone would eat up most of the payload. Add propane, battery, electric tongue jack, chocks, leveling blocks, water hoses, regulators, waste hoses and connectors, small folding table and a couple of chairs and there is not much room for food, clothing, drinks and cooking utensils. Much less a few books, DVD's, games, computer, fishing gear, toiletries and the DW's awning lights and you have a recipe for disaster.

I find myself loading much of our gear that probably would stay in the trailer into the pickup just to take a little off the trailer tires. Frankly I just don't like the idea of always having to think before I load an extra tackle box or a sack of potatoes into the trailer.

I've researched the options for tires and axles and there isn't an economical solution to the problem.

Living in Texas where it can get to 110 in the shade I don't care to pull this trailer during the heat of the day as that only exacerbates the issue.

The DW is wanting a larger trailer and that is probably going to be the best solution as we really want to be able to travel further than a couple of hundred miles from home.
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Old 01-12-2014, 02:08 PM   #6
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I see that your wheels are wider than mine. Good to know since I'd like bigger ones. Other than dry weight, we have similar specs.

At full gross weight, we should still have only 6500 lbs. on the axles. The other 700+ should be on the hitch.

But who are we to argue with DW? Get a bigger trailer. Your 250 can handle it.
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Old 01-12-2014, 03:25 PM   #7
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3050 bh

I have had no problems with mine at all. Survived a 5" rainy vacation dry as a bone. Its been a great camper...
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Old 01-12-2014, 05:15 PM   #8
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We've only had our's for 1 season but we really like it.
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Old 01-12-2014, 05:24 PM   #9
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We've had ours since 2011. We like it. does pull well. I have had to touch up some chaulk on the roof, but that can be normal. I've had to replace the electric tongue jack. the one provided with the trailer wasn't that good. they are prone to failure. I knew it was coming cause it sounded off. I had a jack with me when it happened, so not that huge of a deal. Would of been if I wasn't ready. all apliances, a/c and heat work fine. Bed is not the most comfortable. a mattress topper helped. Lots of storage. Not top of the line, but still niuce and functions well. Just keep a close eye on the seals and chaulk. Water intrusion in the ultralite style of trailers can cause huge, expensive issues. This is not anything you wouldn't have to watch for with any other brand.
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Old 01-13-2014, 04:53 AM   #10
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After a few of the posters mentioned axle ratings, I had to check out mine. My axles are within specs and have room for a cushion. Axles are rated 4400pds, tires 2200 pds for tandem, trailer GVW -8200pds. So I feel safe towing this particular unit around. I in no way will be traveling at any speeds over 65 mph tops, I normally cruise at 60 mph. Just wanted the OP to have more info and check out everything on your unit you are looking at.
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Old 01-13-2014, 05:45 AM   #11
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Thanks to all for the good info. Now my main hangup is that the closest Model 252BH is over 300 miles away and to get warranty work done would be a real pain. They have a super price on it "but" that may not be the best thing in the long run.
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Old 01-13-2014, 07:11 AM   #12
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Good luck with your trailer shopping! We have only had our 2650bh one season, but love it so far!
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Old 01-13-2014, 09:55 AM   #13
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RichR,

Put all the numbers together for the rig that's 300 miles away, take those figures to your local dealer and see what he says. This time of year, many dealerships are "hungry" and will deal closer to their profit margin than they are willing to do when customers are "lined up waiting to buy" in the spring/summer camping season.

You just might be pleasantly surprised
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Old 01-13-2014, 09:59 AM   #14
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Javi is correct. Pay attention to the GVWR and the suspension under it. The larger models have the same axels and springs as the 19 ft. models. We bent an axel on our Passport 2910BH a year and a half ago. It's weight was 300 lbs. below the GVWR. The suspension was only rated to 7,000 lbs. yet the GVWR is 7200 lbs. I put 5,000 lb. axels and 2,500 lb. springs with 15 in. tires and wheels on it. It rides and pulls much better now. Note that the Passport Elite series have heavier axels and wheels under them. I will look more closely at what's under, as well as what's in our next camper. We do enjoy our Passport though, or else I would not have spent the money to upgrade and keep it.
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Old 01-13-2014, 03:54 PM   #15
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Muddynoll,
You did not deduct the tongue weight from the GVW, that should bring the weight down below the axle limits. That is still cutting it close.
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Old 01-13-2014, 05:27 PM   #16
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RichR -
Personally, I would rather have a trustworthy, knowledgeable and customer service oriented dealer that is 300 miles away than one who meets none of these criteria but is 30 miles away.

Almost always, you can't put a price on an excellent dealer and service department. In the long run, such a dealership may end up saving you money. The best deals are not always the cheapest ones. Do your homework and research the dealership before you buy.
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Old 01-13-2014, 05:49 PM   #17
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RichR -
Personally, I would rather have a trustworthy, knowledgeable and customer service oriented dealer that is 300 miles away than one who meets none of these criteria but is 30 miles away.

Almost always, you can't put a price on an excellent dealer and service department. In the long run, such a dealership may end up saving you money. The best deals are not always the cheapest ones. Do your homework and research the dealership before you buy.
Okay, has anyone had experience with D&D RV in West Alexandria, OH.?
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Old 01-13-2014, 06:03 PM   #18
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I love the laminate flooring in our Passport. It seems to be of good quality, and above all, it is very easy to keep looking clean .
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Old 01-13-2014, 07:26 PM   #19
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Okay, has anyone had experience with D&D RV in West Alexandria, OH.?
It's funny that you ask about them. I talked at length with a salesman there about a couple Passports that they have. The guy seemed super nice and was willing to work out a great deal. In the end, I got a comparable deal from my local dealer (Colorado), but I was ready to hit the road to buy from them.
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Old 01-15-2014, 03:11 PM   #20
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Muddynoll,
You did not deduct the tongue weight from the GVW, that should bring the weight down below the axle limits. That is still cutting it close.
No I didn't because the camper's weight on the scale was the same sitting hitched to the truck ( truck off the scale ) or unhitched ( tounge jack on scale ). So the weight is what it is. Deducting the hitch weight just allows manufacturers to put cheaper suspension components under their campers, and make more money in the process. JMO. The capacity of my suspension now exceeds the trailer weight by 3000 lbs. Not so much that it would cause it to bounce like a basketball. But enough that I can fill the water tank without having to unload several hundred pounds of supplies to keep from being over weight and bending another axel.
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