Drago
Alta Loma,Ca.
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Joined: 10/19/2004
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The DW and I are looking at the Stellar T28DBLG by Eclipse and the T29FBSP by Forest River. I will be towing the trailer with a 8.1 2500 4x4 Suburban with a 4.10 rear. What are the forums thoughts, pros and cons likes and dislikes,quality, warranties, servicing and most important customer service. Thanks in advance
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V10 man
Mesa, AZ
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Joined: 06/15/2001
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I have the T29FBSP Shockwave model. I can tell you this thing is big!. Overall length is over 34'. I tow it with a Dodge diesel. Your Suburban will have it's work cut out for it. Fit and finish is so so. I've had to tighten several water lines and a handfull of screws. The T29FBSP has a 15,000 gvw while the Stellar is 12,000. I'd imagine the Stellar is dual axle while the F29FBSP is tripple axle.
2007 Dodge 6.7 Cummins, 6sp auto, Quad cab, long bed, white, Prodigy
2009 Shockwave T29FBSP, white & blue, tan interior, 4000W Onan, Reese Dual Cam 15K/1,500.
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EnFuego
Lodi, California
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Joined: 07/21/2008
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I was looking at the Stellar 28' and also looking at the Sandstorm 29'. We loved the side hallway. I spent hours looking at both and found the Stellar to be more superior in fit and finish and as far as warranty, Eclipse has a very good reputation. Look at the threads for Attitude and Stellar and you will see. As it turnned out, They were both a little heavy for my TV so I went with a Attitude (Made by Eclipse) 27'. The Stellar just seemed to be more comfortable as in decor and finishes. I do think it is better built and greater attention to detail is present.
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RVpullinGuy
North Ogden, Utah
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Joined: 07/01/2006
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I have the Forest River T28 trailre in my signature. I was going to get the T29 and at the time had a 3/4 ton suburban with 4.10 rear end. It was too big for that so I went with the one I have. My trailer is smaller and lighter than that trailer and I eventually made the decision that it wasn't safe to pull it. I upgraded to the Duramax. There is no comparison. I don't think you will be happy with the Suburban pulling that big of a trailer... and it's probablly not very safe. I would highly reconsider.
As for the quality of Forest River. Mine has been fine. I think a great trailer for the money. It's not the top of the line and definitely not even close to the bottom of the line. I haven't had any major issues, just a few minor things that were easily fixed and I think totally common with any brand you go with. Good luck in your decision.
RVpullinGuy
2006 Chevy 2500HD Duramax/Allison CC SB
2005 Sierra T28 Toy Hauler
YamRaptor700, KawiKFX700, (2)Hon400Ex, Hon250EX, SuzLT80
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MQUnlimited
California
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Joined: 08/20/2008
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Id go with a stellar then anything made by Forrest river. My first experience with Forrest River was horrible.
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD DMAX
2008 Weekend Warrior SLC3905 (LOADED)
2007 MQUnlimited YFZR-600 (GSXR-600 powered)
2008 MQUnlimited Custom one-off quad 1000 (GSXR-1000 powered)
2005 Alba Factory Racing YFZ450
2008 E-Z-GO gas golf cart (6 inch lift)
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mrat
San Diego, CA
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Joined: 04/28/2007
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I second the skipping Forest River. Took my trailer up to their factory in Rialto to get warranty repair done on the flooring. Picked it up a month later with over $500 of stuff missing, it's been a nightmare ever since. Have never been treated so disrespectful and dishonest by a manufacturer before.
07 F-250 PSD Crew Cab Lariat
07 Salem T27BHSS
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KaseyKahneFan
Oregon Coast
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Joined: 06/28/2008
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My Sandstorm (in sig) has been awesome. I had a problem with a slide in the field and one call to Jim @ Forest River and a Mobil RV guy was in contact with me in 15 minutes, problem solved. Great customer service (thanks Jim!).
On the other hand we have some very good friends who just bought (2 months ago) a Stellar (from the very same dealer I bought my Sandstorm) that has developed Wall cracks around their slides. It was taken to the dealer where Stellar told them to "patch the cracks". When they went to pick it up while moving the trailer across the lot with a forklift the cracks re appeared. The service guy says, " We will need to contact Stellar to see what they want to do now". We will contact you in a day or so to let you know. That was 14 days ago several calls to the dealer have gotten "we have not heard back from Eclipse" on what they want to do. Two calls to Eclipse has not been returned. I find that very poor Customer Service and I really think this is not "one of those little things" we get with all trailers. Seems they have a major problem with this trailer and don't want to deal with it.
I would buy Forest River again in a heartbeat and given my friends experience I would not even look an Eclipse product. It's sounding like they will end up filing with the State to get this handled.
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2008 GMC 2500HD Duramax Allison 4x4 Crewcab
2008 Sandstorm F40SPTS 5er
2006 North River Seahawk 21'
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Drago
Alta Loma,Ca.
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Joined: 10/19/2004
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Thank you to all who took the time to reply, I have always been given very good advice from this forum and rv.net. I'm still comparing apples to apples,but I think I'm leaning towards the Stellar. The over all weight and length of the Sandstorm concern me and that's the last thing I want to have to worry about when I take my family out for a good time. Thanks again and I look forward to more advice on this topic and others in the future.
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V10 man
Mesa, AZ
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Joined: 06/15/2001
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Just a bit more info on my Shockwave. Loaded with a Rhino and 2 atvs, full water and gear she weighed in at 12,140 pounds, 1180 tongue weight. I found it impossible to get a 60/40 split weight wise over the axle center line like all the decals inside say. We took a 9 day trip from AZ to CO with the Rhino and 1 atv, no water in the tank, just 1/2 full black tank. On the road, she did OK. No sway to speak of but the wind did push us around some. If the highway was in bad shape she bounced around. Of all my travel trailers, one 18', a 27' & a 30' this one sure lets you know she's there.
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midnightsmoker37@aol
Azusa, California
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Joined: 11/30/2007
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I have a Forest River Sandstorm similar to the Shockwave. I have had it for almost a year. So far only a few minor issues with some trim and bedroom door. I have 6 trips to Glamis already staying out at wash 14 and I am happy. This is my 2nd Forest River product and I have yet to have any major issues. Dealer has fixed everyting and the factory has been great for both products. My first trailer was a 2001 Forest River T21 Salem. Great trailer and I have heard the new owner are very happy with it. The biggest problem with the new trailer is I wish I had more time to use it.
2006 Ford F350 Lariat SRW CC LB 6.0 and Proud!,Diesel, leveled front with 35" extreme all terrains,4" turbo back, Nexus gauges, Kenwood DVD/Navi.Firestone Airbags & 18k Reese Signature Series.
2008 Forest River Sandstorm F34SP 5er axle Flipped.
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