Is the Keystone Outback a well made trailer?

Berick · 03-09-2011, 10:26 AM

I just sold my very poorly built Travelaire and I am hoping that my research into the Keystone Outback was worth it. I bought a 2011 Outback 298RE 10th Anniversary Edition and I'm hoping I didn't buy another dud. The framing is supposed to be all aluminum except for the roof that is supposed to be galvanized steel truss'. My last trailer (the Travelaire) had less than 4,000 easy kms on it and the lino on the floor was cold cracked and lifting in the corners. One of the bottoms of a shelf fell down as well! When I went to put it back up I noticed the builder didn't even screw the bottom on... it was stapled with no glue! Didn't help that it was made out of crappy wood by-product cardboard stuff either.

Sooooo.... if anyone has an Outback and can let me know how it's done for you that would be great! Good or bad... it doesn't matter. At least I will know what to expect!

ktmracer · 03-09-2011, 06:20 PM

We have a 2011 295RE, basically the predicesor to the 298RE, same length, same layout but w/o the bedroom slide. So far I'd say the quality is great for the class of trailer it is, "medium" range. No issues and IMHO I'd say outback designers must have been actual campers based on what was done inside. someone actually knows how campers use the trailer. We did a very through PDI, took about 4 hours, found two very minor cosmetic items to be fixed while we went to lunch. Since then we've camped in it a total of 45+ days, probably 10 different trips including a 3 week trip to Zion/Bryce etc. towed great. Our only "complaint" is that the decorating "themes" that are available aren't really to our tastes, but that's not unique to outback. Seems like everyone has the same basic themes this year. It's ok, but DW did redo the bedroom drapes, headboard and bedspread as soon as it was home, and plans to do more as time is available.

When keystone asked for feedback from us, virtually all the comments I had are incorporated in the 298RE. the must be listening to customers. drawers under the couch, change the orientation of the dinette to keep from banging knees, add a real hitch for bikes, add provisions for rear ladder, add a slide to the Bedroom. were the major things I suggested. Guess what.... things they have added many across the lineup.

Check out outbackers.com

Bob Landry · 03-10-2011, 05:58 AM

When I ordered mu Outback at the Houston show, I talked to th Keystone Rep. The model we looked at had the Russet color scheme which we liked. The colors and design went with our existing towels, linens, and pillows. Not a bi deal, but we just didn't like Paisley. I told him if I couldn't have one in Russet, I wasn't interested. He said he would make it happen and it's being built now. I'll pick it up in two weeks. To me, all three of the new color schemes are ugly. I'm just trying to figure out why they have two paisley schemes just in different colors. Come on, Keystone.. This isn't 1970.

That said, we ordered the 277RL. I went through it as well as I could for people walking all over a demo, and it does look like a pretty well built trailer. I'm going to have to do some creative loading to shift a little of the hitch weight, but it's doable and that's the one DW liked the best.

ktmracer · 03-10-2011, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Landry

When I ordered mu Outback at the Houston show, I talked to th Keystone Rep. The model we looked at had the Russet color scheme which we liked. The colors and design went with our existing towels, linens, and pillows. Not a bi deal, but we just didn't like Paisley. I told him if I couldn't have one in Russet, I wasn't interested. He said he would make it happen and it's being built now. I'll pick it up in two weeks. To me, all three of the new color schemes are ugly. I'm just trying to figure out why they have two paisley schemes just in different colors. Come on, Keystone.. This isn't 1970.

That said, we ordered the 277RE. I went through it as well as I could for people walking all over a demo, and it does look like a pretty well built trailer. I'm going to have to do some creative loading to shift a little of the hitch weight, but it's doable and that's the one DW liked the best.

we ended up with Russett as well. ya, color schemes really weren't to our liking either. But then, it isn't just keystone with IMHO some pretty bad color schemes.

chuck&gail · 03-10-2011, 02:37 PM

Happy with our little Outback toyhauler so far, but only had it a year.

Berick · 03-13-2011, 11:05 AM

Good to hear so far! I went with the "moonlight" interior. I hope it looks as good in person as it did in the flyer! lol Hard to tell from a little picture. Will have it at the end of April.

paulzar1 · 06-27-2014, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck&gail

Happy with our little Outback toyhauler so far, but only had it a year.

We are looking at at 2014 230RS Outback (not Terrain) and curious if those of you that have or have had this model still pleased. We like it due to light weight and size. We know it might get cramped with 3 kids but expect we will be outside most of the time anyway.

thanks for input

Mark TC · 03-27-2014, 11:56 PM

I bought the Outback back in October and love so far

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GAGirl · 03-28-2014, 05:30 AM

We ordered Outback Terrain 273TRL in October 13 and took delivery in February 2014 - have been out on two trips - 1 long and 1 short - unit performed beautifully - only two small warranty issues - 1 light and slight door adjustment - dealer Camping World in Pooler GA handled those great! - thanks Mustafa! In short - we could not be happier with this unit and look forward to using it for many trips and have 3 scheduled soon! I love the décor, the quality of the cabinets and feel that the unit is all Keystone promised and more......

Mark TC · 11-07-2014, 12:32 AM

We love our Outback it is a 2014

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD MTC

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