24RB compared to 25RB

Dean Gradwell · Post by **Dean Gradwell** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 6:03 pm

Thinking about a new one.
Has anyone out there shifted from a 24 to a 25RB.
The longer wheelbase has to be a plus for sure but what else?
Regards Dean

bigdipper · Post by **bigdipper** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 10:38 am

Since you have no response, I'll report that on recent trip to Humboldt, I looked at a 25RB without slideout and concluded that main difference was entrance door location. It was not clear to me that there were any other significant differences in storage space, etc. The longer wheel base should marginally improve over the road stability, at the expense of less maneuverability. Difference in length is about 6". I questioned the salesman about how they justified having both models.
Ralph

whemme · Post by **whemme** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 11:44 am

According to the factory website, the 24' RB model is built on a E450 chassis with a 158" wheel base and the 25' RB model is also built on a E450 chassis but with a longer 176" wheel base. The longer wheel base model will have a somewhat larger turning radius but should have somewhat better handling characteristics.

charlesbell · Post by **charlesbell** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 4:46 pm

The more spacious bath on the 25' model could be a consideration.

Dean Gradwell · Post by **Dean Gradwell** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:03 pm

Does Born Free still trim cabinet openings with the iron on veneer?
A source of frustration on our 2004 RB model.
Regards dean

Dean Gradwell · Post by **Dean Gradwell** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 11:13 am

Sam,
That's too bad you are not happy.
I must make it clear I think very highly of the Born Free product. Every time I step into it I find myself smiling.
The trim I'm talking about is what is sometimes done to finish off cabinet edges. Usually works well but in my case has loosened here and there. Mostly in the upper cabinets.
Solution is to carefully glue with Titebond.
Several questions:
--New wall covering nicer than old style carpet/fabric that I have.

--I like the swivel passenger seat the 27 has, can that be utilized in 25. And is the swivel seat rock solid when driving.

--Are the lower outside storage compartments big enough too be useful.

--The fiberglass shell on older units can look "wrinkled", how about the newer shell.

--Any easier to get into the driver/passenger seat from the rear on newer models.

That's it for now
Regards Dean

bigdipper · Post by **bigdipper** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:20 pm

Dean Gradwell wrote:Sam,
That's too bad you are not happy.
I must make it clear I think very highly of the Born Free product. Every time I step into it I find myself smiling.
The trim I'm talking about is what is sometimes done to finish off cabinet edges. Usually works well but in my case has loosened here and there. Mostly in the upper cabinets.
Solution is to carefully glue with Titebond.
Several questions:
--New wall covering nicer than old style carpet/fabric that I have.

--I like the swivel passenger seat the 27 has, can that be utilized in 25. And is the swivel seat rock solid when driving.

--Are the lower outside storage compartments big enough too be useful.

--The fiberglass shell on older units can look "wrinkled", how about the newer shell.

--Any easier to get into the driver/passenger seat from the rear on newer models.

That's it for now
Regards Dean

While my observations are incomplete, I'll give it a shot.
-Re swivel seat, It must be facing forward when in transit. It ought to be solid underway since the dining captain's chairs are. So far as I know, that is feature of all units with forward side door for last year or two.
-Comparing a 2011 24RB to 2001 23 RK there is more outside storage although big compartment below sofa is not quite as high.
-Dunno about wrinkling. It has not been apparent on the few 2008 and newer units I have seen on the road.
-Some claim a little more space on most recent Ford design, but not apparent to me. Swivel pax seat should make it a breeze.
Hope this helps.
Ralph

charlesbell · Post by **charlesbell** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:26 pm

The new wall coverings may be better for those with allergies as they don't hold onto dust like the previous wall coverings.

tomzleapin · Post by **tomzleapin** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 1:41 pm

Dean Gradwell wrote:Does Born Free still trim cabinet openings with the iron on veneer?
A source of frustration on our 2004 RB model.
Regards dean

At the factory rally this summer I complained about the cheap vinyl edging on the plywood. The rep said that they are now using solid wood edging. Some of the models on display had wood edging and some had vinyl, so I don't know if all the new models are now using wood.