Starcraft Launch Trailers - Opinions/Experiences

[Swacer]

Hello

I am looking for a camping trailer. Originally, I was looking for a teardrop trailer, but further consideration determined that it wouldn't be big enough for our current family (my wife & I, along with 2 wheaten terriers) now or when we expand in the future.

As such, I started to look for something a bit bigger, while not diving head into HUGE trailers. What we want is to be able to camp for a weekend every couple weeks. A trailer that will support a family our size (plus 1 down the road) for a couple days, give us a kitchen and bed that can be used, and make it a home away from home. Another important thing is that I need to be able to go down a dirt road because we do not like campgrounds, so we will be going to more secluded camp sites.

SOO, I came across a StarCraft Launch 17SB. Now, I do not know a lot about the brand, and that's what I'm here to ask. Does anyone have experience with these trailers? What is the quality? Based on your experience, does this trailer meet your needs? Do you believe it would meet mine? I noticed it has a lot of amenities such as AC/Heat, Fridge, Stove, Stereo, DVD Player, how does this work with the battery supply? Is there a way to make this work when I'm not plugged into a 120V connection at a campground?

Thank you!

 

[CXS]

I don't know anything about that specific model but I own a Sportsmen hybrid which we really like. We've gone from RTT to pop-up to hybrids. Our first was destroyed by hail but we likes it so much we stuck with it. We really like the feeing of sleeping "outside" while having the luxury of a hardside with kitchen, bathroom, heat, a/c etc. Besides the features ours is light and tows like there's nothing behind us except for the mpg hit which is understood.

My mistake was using a full hookup site on our first use and now I can't get my wife to camp in any other way so I can't say anything about living off the battery. I can say with the hookup life is easy. Some folks will take issue with the fold-out beds in cold weather but we've used ours when the temps we in the 20's and jusr cranked up the heat when we got up. If conditions are too cold you can sleep with the beds closed but that's limiting.

My only caution is to examine slide-outs to make sure they works properly and have good support. I don't have any but have seen enough problems with them to be careful.

We take a couple long trips most years and have a friend with us so I can say it fits three adults just fine.

Hope this helps.

 

[T5RUNNER]

Starcraft is one of the better of the "stick built" camper brands. If you are going backcountry camping your limit will be water/waste tank capacities so check those, some campers has twice as much as others. You will also want a solar kit and lift, so if you find one with those already installed that is a bonus.

 

[Swacer]

Starcraft is one of the better of the "stick built" camper brands. If you are going backcountry camping your limit will be water/waste tank capacities so check those, some campers has twice as much as others. You will also want a solar kit and lift, so if you find one with those already installed that is a bonus.

This model comes with Solar Prep, so what do you mean for kit?

And at those current capacities, how quickly would you estimate 2 people would go through that?

 

[T5RUNNER]

This model comes with Solar Prep, so what do you mean for kit?

And at those current capacities, how quickly would you estimate 2 people would go through that?

"Solar prep" is just an outlet, I think it's mostly a gimmick to get you to buy a proprietary solar system that fits the outlet. You will want a permanent solar panel mounted to the roof and hard wired to the battery.

I can't estimate your needs, but more is better. Keep in mind it is easy to carry extra water but not so easy to store extra grey/black waste.

If I could make one more suggestion it would be to buy used, you can find them in near mint condition, sometimes with all of the little useful mods already done, for half the price of new. Campers depreciate like bananas.

 

[Swacer]

Since water seems to be the biggest issue, for 2 adults, how much water would you expect to have used on a 2 night stay? Probably go Friday night, sleep there Friday night, shower Saturday, sleep Saturday night, drive home and shower at home on Sunday. How much fresh water usage and gray/black disposal would you expect for this? We wouldn't use it for drinking water, we would bring bottles of water for this.

Also, for the AC and microwave, I think a generator could be used to support them, are these trailers pre-wired to allow a connection from a generator? Also, does it just provide straight power, or can you use the generator to also recharge the batteries?

Finally, feelings on the Winnebago Micro-Minnie? Or the Coachmen Clipper? These both have MUCH larger water tanks, and look like good offerings.

One question I have, and please forgive my novice question, but looking at the Winnebago site (https://winnebagoind.com/products/travel-trailer/2016/micro-minnie/specifications), for the 2106DS plan, it says it is 3700lbs dry weight, but GVWR is 7,000. How is that possible? Is that saying that there is 3300lbs worth the stuff in it (fluids, couch, stove, fridge, ect)? I found this link: http://trailertraveler.net/towing-travel-trailer-with-6-cylinder-4-runner/ and their trailer was similar dry weight and came in at 5000lbs loaded.

Thank you!

 

[ndcent]

I have a Fleetwood E2 toy hauler pop up camper and like it quite a bit.

Happy to answer any questions you may have if those are of interest.

 

[GangsterOfLove]

Water is going to be tight with that unit but do able. The tiny gray tank is a larger issue. The size of the black tank is fine. Some guys let the gray tank drip on the ground overnight but of course I can't recommend that. Showers when dry camping are going to be out of the question but everything else should be fine unless you go crazy with dishes. Throw in a few 5 gal water cans and use paper plates and it could work.

A lot will depend on what your significant other considers an acceptable dry camping experience. I've spent 4 days in a dry camp with 5 men, eating like kings on 15 gals of water. My wife has trouble achieving the same goal on 60 gallons.

The single propane tank and single battery are gong to be an issue if you expect to use the furnace a lot - assuming the furnace has a blower, which I suspect it does. Bring a generator or look in to solar.