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Post by gabebillings on Sept 2, 2020 13:44:23 GMT -5
I guess since no one else is going to start, I'll jump in. I've got a 2020 Stratus SR231VRB. My wife and I are new to RVing, and this is our first trailer. We'd been thinking about it for a while, then finally got serious a couple of months ago. I don't know what the market was like previously, but apparently everyone is buying RVs because of Covid, since no one is taking vacations involving air travel and hotels.
Lots of the dealers I looked at had most of their stock in a state of 'on order' or 'pending sale'. I'd come back after a week and several of the RVs I'd been looking at were now sold. We'd pretty much made up our minds about an Imagine XLS model, but the salesperson we were dealing with was slow to get back to us, and one morning my wife came across a Sonic Venture RV in a Facebook Marketplace ad. I spent that day going down a new rabbit hole, and tracked down a deal on the Oregon coast that had a bunch of Venture models. It'd never even seen the brand before, and was soon overjoyed because some of the Stratus coaches seemed exactly like what we'd been looking for.
I'd been doing a lot of research involving the various capacities of my 2019 Ram 1500 and what I'd be able to tow. We'd pretty much settled on the sweet spot being a coach around 26' with a single slide, which would give us the room we needed but still be in the realm of what I could tow. My towing limit is about 8,600 lbs, and my hitch is rated at 1,000. The SR231VRB was exactly what we were looking for. We've got kids, but if they go camping with us they're staying in a tent. As such having a separate bedroom is a waste. It just adds a little size and weight to the coach that we don't need. We wanted a bed, a decent kitchen and a functional bathroom.
The model we found had a loveseat instead of a dinette, which works pretty well. The kitchen is also wonderfully big for this small a trailer, since it has a higher section with a couple of stools that you can sit at if need be. We tend to go eat outside anyway, so the dinette wasn't a must have.
So far we're very pleased. It seems like everything is working well. Let's hope it continues that way.
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ZanderMan
Weekender RV’er
Needs monitoring
Posts: 63
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Post by ZanderMan on Sept 4, 2020 12:00:17 GMT -5
Cool! My wife would soooo like to switch out our dinette for a loveseat. And knowing her, it will happen.
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Post by philmontmike1 on Sept 9, 2020 14:53:11 GMT -5
I picked up a left over 2019 same model in April. Have used it for about 2 weeks total in South Florida and love it. She is our 3rd trailer and largest. I tow with a Tundra and have had no issues. Check under the kitchen sink and behind the toilet. Had to have the plumbing connection clamps all replaced under warranty. Had slow leaks. Otherwise still loving this unit.
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Post by jazmateta on Oct 26, 2020 10:10:38 GMT -5
Hi All,
Yes, my husband and I just purchased a Stratus 23VRB as well. Found the one with the theatre seating in Florida. The breakfast bar is plenty of dining area for us as well, no kids. We had a few main criteria which this fit exactly - walk around bed, kitchen counter space, plenty of storage. We have two Aussie mixes with us, so the outside 'dog tie out' is great too. We are looking forward to taking delivery in about a week. Then we get to put stuff in that we took out of our toy hauler. Yes still have the toy hauler, but it has become our home away for home at our future retirement property. The Stratus is a bit smaller in length so much easier to pull - besides, we no longer have the toy for the toy hauler. Between my husband and I, this is our 5th rv - ranging from Chalet (a-frame), pop-ups, Trail Manor, and the toy hauler.
I'm pulling with a Ram 1500 Big Horn, toying package as well.
Thanks for the tip about checking for the water - saw that on the FB forum as well. Something about the connections not being tight enough there. During the walk through, we will definitely look for that. This will be our first slide rv.
Take care,
Jazmateta
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Jim
Seasonal RV’er
Ready to Camp!
Posts: 210
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Post by Jim on Nov 28, 2020 14:28:28 GMT -5
Late to congratulate you, but Congratulations! Hope your delivery and set up and first trip went/goes well. Almost same as you we downsized a bit too from a Montana 3820FK
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Post by jla956 on Feb 6, 2021 23:35:48 GMT -5
Hello everyone - we just picked up our 2021 Stratus SR261VRL yesterday afternoon and are back home trying to figure out how everything works on it. Once we do that then we can start getting it stocked up and outfitted for camping. Hopefully, we can all share ideas and experiences to help each other out.
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Jim
Seasonal RV’er
Ready to Camp!
Posts: 210
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Post by Jim on Mar 19, 2021 11:55:02 GMT -5
Hello everyone - we just picked up our 2021 Stratus SR261VRL yesterday afternoon and are back home trying to figure out how everything works on it. Once we do that then we can start getting it stocked up and outfitted for camping. Hopefully, we can all share ideas and experiences to help each other out. |
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Post by lexiandtom on Jun 19, 2021 17:30:18 GMT -5
Hi everyone! We just recently purchased a used 2019 Stratus 261VRK in April. It was the floorplan we were "eyeing" for a while. We have just recently taken it out on our first trip on Memorial day weekend. We love it and are still trying to figure things out LOL!! Maybe with some help from the friendly folks on this site :-)
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Jim
Seasonal RV’er
Ready to Camp!
Posts: 210
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Post by Jim on Jun 20, 2021 11:13:38 GMT -5
Lexi and Tom, Congratulations on your new Stratus and your first trip. You are in the right place here for anything RV. Your fellow "Venturers" here are a great group of folks and always willing to help, give ideas, or just share good times. Happy Trails from the NW.
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dlakeman
Weekender RV’er
Please delete my account. I have sold my Stratus.
Posts: 75
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Post by dlakeman on Jul 6, 2021 15:55:25 GMT -5
Since I'm thinking about a Stratus SR231VRB or the SR261VRL, I'd like to know if people who have bought these models have had any problems. I read above about the plumbing connection problems.
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Jim
Seasonal RV’er
Ready to Camp!
Posts: 210
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Post by Jim on Jul 7, 2021 9:31:12 GMT -5
dlakeman,
As stated before on Stratus and the other Venture models , sometimes there are some plumbing connection problems. From what I have learned and experienced this is more of a PDI problem from the dealer than from the factory. At the factory the installs are done, possibly not completely tight and checked for leaks there.(I'm not sure about Venture's factory quality inspection or if they actually do it). In transit while bouncing along the road on the way to the dealer sometimes connection,etc loosen up, just comes with being rolling earthquakes.
It is the dealer that should ,but not all of them do, a very good predelivery inspection upon arrival to make sure everything works, and no leaks,etc. So with poor dealer inspection, the customer, us, are unhappy when we have a problem the first time we want to use our rigs. The dealer could have been headed off most of the problems by doing their job and making sure your rig is ready to use for you. Also remember you don't hear from the vast majority of owners that have had no problems, just the few that have, so please don't let it discourage you from getting any Venture RV.
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dlakeman
Weekender RV’er
Please delete my account. I have sold my Stratus.
Posts: 75
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Post by dlakeman on Jul 7, 2021 9:40:12 GMT -5
dlakeman,
As stated before on Stratus and the other Venture models , sometimes there are some plumbing connection problems. From what I have learned and experienced this is more of a PDI problem from the dealer than from the factory. At the factory the installs are done, possibly not completely tight and checked for leaks there.(I'm not sure about Venture's factory quality inspection or if they actually do it). In transit while bouncing along the road on the way to the dealer sometimes connection,etc loosen up, just comes with being rolling earthquakes.
It is the dealer that should ,but not all of them do, a very good predelivery inspection upon arrival to make sure everything works, and no leaks,etc. So with poor dealer inspection, the customer, us, are unhappy when we have a problem the first time we want to use our rigs. The dealer could have been headed off most of the problems by doing their job and making sure your rig is ready to use for you. Also remember you don't hear from the vast majority of owners that have had no problems, just the few that have, so please don't let it discourage you from getting any Venture RV. Thanks Jim. My preliminary discussions with the dealer (Salt Lake City) indicate they do a thorough PDI, including a trailer leak test and installing dual 6v batteries. I have an appointment next week to visit them. So far the salesman (with 2 months on the job) has been very responsive to all my questions. I am disappointed that I was told none of the models come with a built-in surge protector. A complete solar installation is $1295 by the dealer. I asked if the dealer knew when the SR241VRK could be ordered. Waiting for an answer. |
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Post by WrkrBee on Jul 7, 2021 12:40:44 GMT -5
It is the dealer that should, but not all of them do, a very good predelivery inspection upon arrival to make sure everything works, and no leaks, etc. I'll have to disagree with that. They should be checked and proven at the manufacturer, before rolling off the build site. What other industry (maybe the housing industry now that I think about it) can build crap, then expect another business to fix it. Quality has to be designed and built into the manufacturing process. Quality is not a band-aid. Do it right one time, every time, the first time. |
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dlakeman
Weekender RV’er
Please delete my account. I have sold my Stratus.
Posts: 75
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Post by dlakeman on Jul 7, 2021 13:03:34 GMT -5
It is the dealer that should, but not all of them do, a very good predelivery inspection upon arrival to make sure everything works, and no leaks, etc. I'll have to disagree with that. They should be checked and proven at the manufacturer, before rolling off the build site. What other industry (maybe the housing industry now that I think about it) can build crap, then expect another business to fix it. Quality has to be designed and built into the manufacturing process. Quality is not a band-aid. Do it right one time, every time, the first time. Having worked in the aircraft engine manufacturing industry, I agree it's the manufacturer who should be responsible for quality. Quality does have to be designed and built into the manufacturing processes. In my former world, every engine is tested, then it's shipped to the aircraft manufacturer where it's tested on an airplane again. Then the airline tests the whole aircraft before taking delivery. Since RV manufacturers don't "get it" or care about QA then the dealer (for whom I'm a customer) should ensure my RV is "road-worthy" by testing all systems before I take possession. Only way things will change is if consumers stop buying a manufacturer's product. And that's not happening any time soon. |
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Jim
Seasonal RV’er
Ready to Camp!
Posts: 210
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Post by Jim on Jul 8, 2021 10:29:03 GMT -5
Points well taken. Not trying to start a big debate on who is to blame for what. I just want to share, support, enjoy , and be part of the VFF Family.
I'm not making excuses for the manufacturers, I agree with all of you that they should have better quality control when constructing and checking the whole unit before delivery. We have all seen problems that should have been fixed when checked at the factory.
All the builders including Venture, should have better control since with the advent of Social Media word can get around fast and while not immediately affect them it can give them a bad reputation. I think Venture could deliver better built coaches,and have them checked out before delivered to the dealer, but it depends on them listening and doing it.
This all being said the selling dealer still has control on most issues being fixed before delivering to the customer. It is good for them and the RV's brand.The good ones take care of it, insuring a repeat customer for them and the manufacturer. The lazy ones don't, and the customer is the one hurt most when trying to enjoy their new coach.
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