Kodiak or Keystone Hybrids?

[indybp57]

Hi, just joined this forum.  We have been popup camping for about 25 years and are finally looking to move up to a hybrid.  There are so many manufacturers and models it makes your head swim.  Does anyone have any opinions on Kodiak or Keystone hybrids?  We will be towing with an L6 Trailblazer so would like to keep the weight below 4000 with a WD hitch.  Are there any manufacturers that we should avoid like the plague?  We are looking to buy used.  Thanks for any advice.

[bikendan]

you'll have a hard time finding a used Keystone hybrid, unless you find a Zeppelin from back in 2005.
they stopped making hybrids back in 2005. they recently started making them again in the Passport Express line, but they aren't a big seller like other brands.
so, i doubt if you'll find many used ones.

now, Kodiak or its twin, Aerolite Cub, has been making hybrids for years. but they've recently cut back the number of floorplans they offer.
the Cub actually has more hybrid floorplans that Kodiak.
but in the used market, from 2010 and older, both brands have twin floorplans. you should be able to find used Kodiak/Cub hybrids much easier.
but stay away from the ones with the Thermarest bunk ends. Thor only kept those around for a few years and went back to traditional canvas bunk ends.

you need to find a floorplan that you like and can be towed by your TB.

[indybp57]

There is a dealer on Craigslist posting an '07 Keystone Zeppelin Z2 for $8900.  We haven't looked at it but it is supposed to be a repo that is in good shape, but you know how that goes.  There are so many options it's hard to tell what is a good deal and what isn't.  I didn't find an exact match on NADA.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Thermarest bunks.  There is an '08 Kodiak for sale by owner they are asking $9500, but it has the Thermarest bunks.  They look rather intriguing, and Thermarest is supposed to be a quality product in other areas.  What is the issue with the Thermarest bunks?

[bikendan]

There is a dealer on Craigslist posting an '07 Keystone Zeppelin Z2 for $8900.  We haven't looked at it but it is supposed to be a repo that is in good shape, but you know how that goes.  There are so many options it's hard to tell what is a good deal and what isn't.  I didn't find an exact match on NADA.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Thermarest bunks.  There is an '08 Kodiak for sale by owner they are asking $9500, but it has the Thermarest bunks.  They look rather intriguing, and Thermarest is supposed to be a quality product in other areas.  What is the issue with the Thermarest bunks?

which Zeppelin model is it? that sounds high to me if it's the 190 or the 180 model.
can't be an '07. the last model year for Zeppelin hybrids was the '06 model line. i know because we had considered the 190 model and were shopping in 2006. we were told that no more were being made.
you can check NADA to verify. you DON'T add value in NADA, for things that came standard with it, like awning, oven, spare tire, a/c, radio and so on. that's only for those that have those things added later on.

you'll need to search the various hybrid forums about the Thermarest. some loved them and some hated them.
not sure why Thor dropped them.

are you in Midwest? if so, those used prices are close to what you could get a new one for.

[indybp57]

We are in the Indianapolis area.  Here is the Keystone link: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/rvd/3029951025.html

We are going to try to look at it tomorrow so we will know for sure.  Wouldn't an '07 model have been built late '06, which would jive with what you are saying? 

[bikendan]

We are in the Indianapolis area.  Here is the Keystone link: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/rvd/3029951025.html

We are going to try to look at it tomorrow so we will know for sure.  Wouldn't an '07 model have been built late '06, which would jive with what you are saying?

don't believe the "thousands cheaper" statement.
have you priced a new similar-sized hybrid from RVW, RVDirect or House of Camping?
seems like you won't know if a 5-6 year old hybrid is worth that amount until you know what you can get a new 19' hybrid for.

that is the 190 model but if you check out NADA, there are no Zeppelin expandables in the 2007 model year, only regular TTs. as far as i know, none of the Zeppelin hybrids were built late enough in 2006, to qualify as a 2007.

[indybp57]

Yea it is probably an '06.  The average retail on an '06 190 is 6200, so I know he is high.  We just wanted to start looking to get the lay of the land.

[bikendan]

Yea it is probably an '06.  The average retail on an '06 190 is 6200, so I know he is high.  We just wanted to start looking to get the lay of the land.

private owners usually overvalue their rigs. they don't take into consideration how much depreciation affects the price and how cheap similar new models are in this economy.
they often also use NADA incorrectly but the RV dealers don't when you want to do a trade-in.

[Laurab83]

I have a 2006 Kodiak 235 with the thermarest bunkends.  The only problem I have had is that the thermarest self-inflating mattresses aren't thick enough.  I have replaced one with a regular air mattress.  I have had this camper since 2007 and I love the domed bunkends, they provide a lot of head room and we haven't had any problems with leaks.  My DH has had to go around and tighten most of the screws, but other than that I like the camper.