Question:
Does anyone have info or thoughts, good or bad, regarding
Palomino Tent Trailers? I am looking at a 1995 Stallion with fridge and
furnace for $4800.
Answer:
-I can speak from experience. We owned a 1985 Palomino Colt. It was
not their top-line offering, so I can only speak of the quality of the one
we had. We were very dissatisfied with it. The external lifting
mechanism was a nightmare and a source of constant leaks. When you have
the external - manual lift system you cannot install a roof mount AC
either!. The floor was not marine grade plywood. If you put *any* tension
on the stabilizing jacks the floor would buckle and the dinnette would sit
off-level (cattywompus), and the door would not close without Hercules
pushing on it. Since the canvas sides were not (originally) attached to
the box, the slightest wind would cause the sides to flap in the breeze
like the earflaps of an old aviators helmet.
On the other hand, it was very light, and behind a 3/4 ton dodge, you truly
could not tell it was back there (only camper I ever pulled that I forgot
was behind me!) You also could not see it in the rear view mirror either.
But the relatively short box hieght led other problems too. The dinnette
back cushions, being taller than the sides were, would make you feel like
you are falling out of the coach when you leaned back, and they would also
push the canvas loose (until I pop-riveted them in place).
I am not trying to discourage you, but I feel that you want an honest
opinion. We sold this unit after only 1 year (it was purchased used, so we
didn't take too bad a beating on resell).
We currently own a big Jayco pop-up (love it) and have also owned a pretty
large Coleman (loved it too, but it was old).
Whatever you buy, check on parts availability-especially canvas and
wheel/axle parts.
-I own a 1996 Palomino Filly and I have been very pleased with it. It is
equipped with a 3-way fridge and furnance; both work well. I paid $5500
for it new one year ago and the dealer wired my truck at no additional
charge. In a week or so, I am having an AC unit installed on the roof. In
the year that I have had it, I have had no problems with it. Of course,
spending more will generally get you more (in quality and in size); but
really, how many days out of the year are you going to spend in the thing.
Anyway you look at it, its cheap camping when compared to the more
expensive RV's out there.
