With so many Canadian families looking for a travel trailer that can do double duty as a touring vehicle, or a park model, we went on the road to select one RV that would be a good example of a spacious 21st century full-featured lightweight.
Our quest took us to Oro-Medonte, Ontario, to visit the newly opened showroom at Bella Vista RV, where we had the opportunity to examine and tow-test the 2008 Starwood LX 30CKS by McKenzie RV.
This is a particularly interesting category of travel trailer – large enough to accommodate four to eight people, yet light enough to be towed by today’s mid-size SUV’s, it offers an ideal combination of comfort and economy that promises to remain ideal for touring for years to come.
Construction
It is critical in the era of weight conscious RV engineering, that the RV buyer take special care to select a vehicle that is durable enough to withstand the rigors of long-range touring. The Starwood LX embodies state-of-the-art construction technology from the Monaco RV engineering division – lightweight yet strong enough to endure years of travel, the trailer is a fine example of what the industry can produce to answer the challenges of modern RV design.
Beneath the smooth fiberglass exterior walls the Starwood LX features a 2” laminated sidewall construction with welded tubular aluminum studs. Above your head, a framework of 5-inch roof trusses on 16-inch centers supports a 3/8-inch full “walk on” roof covered with a seamless rubber membrane. Completing the structure is a sandwich construction floor with a 5/8-inch Sturdi-Wood sub-floor layer that neither flexed nor squeaked on our test vehicle.
The structural cage is built on an I-beam frame and incorporates generous pass-through storage as well as an enclosed and heated underbelly. Completing the exterior appeal of the trailer is an aerodynamic front fiberglass cap with a stylish front window cover that opens to provide a solid awning.
White trailers are often plagued by drip stains as rain water runs off the roof – on the Starwood LX the use of rain gutters and down spouts should minimize the “black streak” effect.
Our test vehicle was outfitted with a number of very useful options, including a power hitch jack complete with courtesy light, a roof ladder, and full LP bottle cover. The optional stylish aluminum wheels add a touch of flair to the trailer, and when carefully balanced will contribute to a smoother ride… the optional shock absorbers would be a good addition if you plan to travel on less than perfect roads. The standard 15” radial sport wheels, with chrome center hubcaps are also quite attractive. A spare tire with bumper mounted carrier and vinyl tire cover are standard equipment.
On The Road
We towed the McKenzie trailer behind a late-model Chevy Tahoe with a standard V8 engine. Needless to say, at approximately 7,500 lbs. dry weight the trailer towed like a dream – a class IV equalizing hitch with equalizer bars and a set of adjustable air assist suspension helper springs would be ideal for this combination.
Depending on your traveling weight, tire inflation, and the state of tuning of your vehicle’s engine, you should achieve reasonably good fuel efficiency with this type of combination – our gasoline fuelled test vehicles typically log 16 -18 mpg (highway) on their own, about 15% less when towing a fully loaded trailer.
The McKenzie travel trailers are part of the Monaco Family Advantage network, with more than 350 qualified service centers throughout North America who are available 24/7 to help you out should you require assistance.
In the Campground
Once you have docked the trailer, and cranked down the rear stabilizer jacks, it is a simple process to connect your water, sewer and electrical hook-ups, cable TV and/or exterior connection for satellite TV dish. The McKenzie Advantage Package provides an exterior water management center (complete with exterior shower) that helps you select the water supply configuration that is appropriate for your situation – fill the tanks and use the 12V demand system for “dry” camping, or bypass the fresh water tank and operate directly from the campground’s water system… the choice is yours. Ask your dealer to demonstrate the optional “no fuss” holding tank and rinsing system and you’ll be a happy camper for years to come.
The electrical management system is rated for 30 Amp/12V with 55Amp converter. You can select optional 50 Amp service, which would be appropriate for hot climates where twin roof air units would be used on a regular basis. Built with an eye to the future, the Starwood has optional prep components for solar power.
Once you have hooked-up and stabilized the trailer, you can remove the travel safety locks from the slide-out room, and in a matter of seconds your campsite castle is ready for the family.
Décor, Comfort and Convenience
It is obvious when you look around the Starwood LX that the trailer benefits from a very long and illustrious RV heritage – despite its affordable price tag, the McKenzie line incorporates many of the highly desirable features, including quality cabinetry and fittings, accent trim, and a range of thoughtful design elements. We really liked the Newport Cherry cabinet finish, and the colour coordinated upholstery and window treatments, one of a very attractive palette of décor selections.
The master bedroom in this unit occupies the front of the vehicle, with queen bed and nightstands placed to provide easy access. Overhead cabinets and under-bed storage (with gas strut lift system) are generous for a vehicle of this size, and the opportunity to close the master bedroom off from the remainder of the vehicle is a nice touch – it creates a “three room” suite on wheels – master bedroom, central galley and entertainment area, and rear “kid’s quarters”.
The central section of the floor plan is quite spacious with a large slide-out room holding a dinette and a jack-knife sleeper sofa. The galley opposite the dinette and sofa is compact, but fully featured, with standard 6 cubic foot refrigerator (8 and 10 cubic foot models are optional), microwave, and a high output 3-burner range with oven. The optional bi-fold range cover adds to your available counter space, as does the optional kitchen countertop extension. We liked the stainless steel sink with high profile double handle brushed nickel faucet.
Flooring in the Starwood LX featured linoleum in the kitchen, bath, and entry area, with carpeting throughout the balance of the vehicle.
You can dress up the trailer with the optional Designer Accessory Package – if you ask your dealer to show you this range of options, you will probably add the package to your dream unit. You can also include an optional Euro Chair and ottoman in the living room area, and upgrade the jack knife sofa to an optional Hide-A-Bed sofa – try the two versions to see what is most appropriate for your needs.
Our test unit, a 2008 model, featured bunk beds in the rear bedroom that were ideal for children of all ages – toddlers on the lower bunks, older campers up top – the windows and reading lights helped provide a roomy space for the kids, and the central closet was ideal for storing all of their gear. Entertainment options include a range of LCD TV and home theatre surround sound systems, which you can add to the trailer as you see fit.
The RV washroom is a critical element of a trailer designed for up to eight people, and the Starwood LX includes an extra large lavatory, with an ABS bathtub with surround and glass door. The standard 6-gallon water heater can be upgraded to an optional 10-gallon in some models – but not the 30CKS - this would be a good idea in a bunkhouse trailer like our test unit.
The lavatory fittings featured satin nickel shower fixtures and double handle faucet, which is a pleasant change from the typical RV installation. A tinted skylight in the bathroom brightened the area enough to effectively reduce the need for electrical lighting – one more area where energy efficiency has been incorporated into the overall design of the vehicle.
While our RV road tests focus on a full range of features and characteristics, there are times when a very simple design element makes a trailer stand out. We were particularly impressed with the inclusion of a laundry hamper chute in this unit – something that an active family will certainly appreciate.
The McKenzie line includes a wide range of décor combinations, floor plans and options that can fit the needs of any RV family. To select the ideal model for your needs, visit the website at www.mckenzierv.com and contact a dealer in your area.
For warm weather camping, the Starwood LX is equipped with a standard 13,500 BTU Carrier central roof air unit with dehumidifier and remote control – optional equipment includes a 15,000 BTU Carrier central A/C with dehumidifier and remote control, and a second Carrier 13,500 central A/C, also with dehumidifier and remote.
For cooler weather, the 30M BTU Hydroflame electronic ignition furnace provides forced air heat ducted throughout the trailer.
We like to enjoy camping throughout the year, and climate control is a major consideration. The Starwood LX promises to be an excellent 3-season trailer, with ideal specs for spring, summer and autumn use… for camping during the Canadian winter we would suggest that heading south might be a good idea, or ask your dealer to customize the vehicle with a range of cold-weather aftermarket products.
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