We selected the Outback Terrain for its ultra-lite weight features and construction quality when compared to other brands around the same price point. A lot of our research was done online but the validation and final decision came after inspecting the travel trailers while visiting multiple area dealers and RV shows.
We bought our Terrain 299TBH in October, 2013, and we've been out in it twice. No major issues so far, as we expected. Only a couple of minor problems soon to be corrected (under warranty):
• Rivet and washer missing on propane tank cover
• Bathroom fan assembly came partially loose
• Fuse panel door latch is defective
• Wheel fender trim silicone is cracking
• Wall covering is starting to peel off on one corner
Overall, the Terrain is performing as we expected. The floor plan we selected works really well for us. We put our travel trailer to test during our first two camping trips. We had our share of warm weather (~90°F+), cool weather (~40°F+) and some light rain. The smoke detector did go off the first time we turned on the heating, as many have experienced. Our dealer warned us about this too. Happy to say we (6) were very comfortable and dry all the time. The ducted air conditioning worked well.
The different sleeping configurations proved very convenient and well designed. For example, there is plenty of room to walk around the sofa sleeper when deployed. It didn’t feel cramped even with the trailer full of people. A piece of furniture we would add when traveling with extended family and friends is a light multi-purpose table in front of the sofa bed to serve as a coffee table, foot rest, dining table, etc. I hear the front fiberglass cap is no longer present in the 2014 Terrain models. Well, lucky for us!
The aftermarket accessories we bought to solve for some inconveniences:
• Foam mattress topers for all beds
• 2 external rain covers for the fan vents
• A bunk bed ladder (Seriously Keystone, a bunkhouse model with no bunk bed ladder?)
• A tongue jack foot (Again Keystone, seriously?)
• Battery disconnect switch
• 6 Watt Solar 12V battery trickle charger
• TP Holder & Self-Sticking Towel Hooks
I’ve also made insect screens for the different vents around the trailer and a water line blow out plug with air valve for winterizing the trailer’s tanks and water lines. I found the materials at the local home improvement stores. For a set of wheel chokes with rope pulls I used 4”x4” scrapped cedar wood cut at a 45° angle on both ends and rope I had in the garage.
For winterizing the Terrain, I used the compressed air method as recommended in the following Keystone Service Tips video:
. The water heater bypass valve is located under the lower bunk bed towards the outside wall. To control the amount of compressed air supplied, I adjusted my compressor regulator to 20-25 PSI just to be on the safe side. Except for having to open the water heater pressure release valve before removing the anode/drain plug, all other steps in the video appear to be in the correct order. Upon inspecting the anode, I noticed already some deterioration. While this is expected, I’m not sure if this was the result after only 2 camping trips. Thoughts anyone? Anyways, I added Teflon tape around the thread and put it back in after winterizing. I’ll buy a spare to keep it in the TT toolbox.
Now we’re just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit to go out camping again. Happy RVing!