Keystone Bullet 3-Year Review & Dometic Disasters

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In this video, I'll talk about the ownership experience with my 2020 Keystone Bullet 243BHS travel trailer over the past three years. These three years include over 400 nights of use, including three longer multi-month trips. While owning the Keystone Bullet has generally been good, my ownership experience hasn't been without several annoying issues. We'll get to it all, and at the end of the video, I'll reveal if I would buy the same trailer over again.
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Опубликовано:

17 дек 2022

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Комментарии : 74

@hotchickenbone Год назад

2018 Rpod 176 bought new. Knock on wood, havent had any issues with any of the components! Just have been upgrading things like power jack, beds, fan cover, pipe holders and all the fun stuff! Thanks to your videos, I am prepared for the converter to go out, which Im surprised its lasted 5 years due to comments. The only main issue is the front separation of the corners. Its not too much, I have to tighten screws every trip. I have be trying for 2 years to figure out a remedy. Ive tried larger screws, they eventually fail, vibration. but all in all very satisfied. A lot due to your videos John! Thank you so much.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Don, thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear you have enjoyed your R-Pod 176. Have you posted on the owners forum concerning the separation issue. There are a few very knowledgeable engineer types on that forum and you may find a solution. rpod-owners.com

@tufftrails Год назад

2004 Holiday Rambler Admiral SE 30PDD, w/workhorse chassis. Rating A+,... we have the 18,000 GVWR, Light weight, only 30' fast and powerful with the 8.1 liter engine. Perfect for operating out west with all of the mountains. 20 years old and still has a look and style that works today in comparison to all of the plastic and fiberglass RV's being made these days.

@danski4144 Год назад

We purchased a 2021 Bullet 243bhs in the fall of 2020. Our unit has a 12 volt GE refrigerator and GE air conditioner instead of Dometic. It no longer has the slam latch cargo doors either. It has a few interior updates as well. We haven't experienced any major issues so far in around 100 nights of use. Iv just had to do a few minor repairs like any RV. It does still have the Domestic 300 toilet however. No issues with it yet but I'm expecting them to arise. The build quality is fair, better than many others at the same price point I've seen. Overall we are happy with it, we continue to upgrades little things here and there. The outlet by the slide is a great idea, I will be adding one on ours. Thanks for the videos

@JohnMarucci Год назад

That's great to hear. I just passed 500 nights and it is holding up well. My main issues have been with appliances. Structurally it has held up very well. The hyperdeck floor is a game changer and is still very solid even after so much use, even at main wear areas. I am on my fourth Dometic 300 toilet, but the fix I put out holds up very well. All the best!

@whatfreedom7 Месяц назад

Your lucky. We have a keystone 3 years old now and purchased brand new. The fridge never has worked as it should and now seems to have a bad thermister when it checked fine last year. The fan stopped working also after bringing it home from our last trip. A pea trap broke. The shower makes a gurgling and hissing noise like it has a leak or something. The charge system never has worked right and boils the batteries killing 2 batteries in the first 2 years. I just disconnected the battery for now till I get it figured out. The wall mounted AC is leaking inside the cabin now. Not to mention other little issues with build quality. I’ll never buy another keystone after this.

@1966spyderco Год назад

Changed out my toilet to Dometic 310 porcelain first year. Best changeout and no more crap plastic. We bought our Class C Coachman Freelander 26DS one year pre covid. I couldnt afford the prices now. Chevy cutaway. Its awesome. Great video John

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Good choice on changing to the 310 toilet. Thanks for sharing your experience!

@randyndawna Год назад

I wondered about doing that. 👍

@henryfam58 Год назад

Hello John, I still view your R pod videos to figure out any kinks with my 2020 R pod 192. While I have not had any of the issues you experienced with your Keystone, there have been many small repairs to the wood work. Random screws falling out, cabinet hinges loosening up, stapled panels assembled without a stitch of glue. Happily a bottle of Tite bond III glue and a box of screws and dress washers took care of 99% of it. In total I have used my trailer for 28 weeks in 3 years. Thank you for the great videos.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m glad the R-Pod videos have been helpful. Here is a link to 37 of the R-Pod videos on my site for future reference: johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/

@michaelferver5707 Год назад

Hi John. I’ve owned a keystone flagstaff 21 DS for slightly over 3 years. Overall medium quality build quality. However, very good experience in reliability; only major problem was a failed awning motor ($640 replacement). Some minor problems, such as loose screws and trim strips, I easily repaired. I would definitely buy again. Thanks for your excellent channel, it’s a standout for top quality information and advice. Bravo! Please keep the great videos coming.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Michael, thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation!

@gchappz418 Год назад

Flagstaff is a Forest River product not Keystone.

@Fuuntag Год назад

Appreciated this very much, great attention to detail and objective assesment and presentation.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for the encouragement!

@sundogbc8603 Год назад

We bought our 2015 247BHSWE off the lot in 2015 and use it for about 15-20 trips a year, usually only for 3-4 days. We haven't had any serious issues beyond regular wear-and-tear that I usually end up fixing myself. From what I've seen and heard, no matter what type, price-point, brand, model, etc. it's a crap shoot if you'll get a diamond or a lemon. I would give Keystone/Bullet a grade of B and would definitely buy one again.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Thanks for sharing your experience!

@tbloutdoors3014 Год назад

2018 Open Range UL2510BH. Similar experiences to you during the first 2-3 years. In fact, exact same thermostat. My axles and springs went flat, but Lippert upgraded the 3500# axles to 4000# axles and reimbursed me for the labor charges to have them installed. Slide out large window came without a lock and the dealer replaced the window but didn't remove the weep hole plugs. Discovered the leak too late and a new floor was required. The dealer charged me for the floor, but not the labor. Pin-size holes in hot/cold pex lines where they came through the floor were discovered on the very 1st trip when we awoke to water on the floor in the morning. I flex-sealed the pex and the dealer replaced it under warranty. The fridge door broke at the bottom hinge, called Norcold, and they shipped me a new door and upgraded hinges. The rear roof trim was not preformed to the arch of the roof. This caused the ends to be under tension, like a spring. One side eventually popped the end screw loose and I only discovered after I observed a small bubble in the roof. I had it inspected by an RV repair tech who determined that my repair had stopped the leak and that no further damage to the roof would occur. The small soft area in that corner does not affect the structural performance and it is not worth replacing the entire roof at this time. The past year's trips have been virtually without issue and the most enjoyable. I feel like I now have a great RV, but it took 3 years to work out the issues.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Pretty much similar story here. I feel like my Keystone Bullet is dialed in now but it was a long journey getting here. Thanks for sharing your experience!

@TrailRunning-CampingYeti Год назад

Great info and honest review

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Thanks Jason!

@patrickmckowen2999 Год назад

Great vid John 👍

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Thanks Patrick!

@Joe-cu4hi Год назад

Hi John, thank you so very much for sharing what would be embarrassing frustration experiences with your travel trailer and with your previous models too, it cant be easy but rest assured it benefits many of your subscribers. I firmly believe the issues with Dometic and other branded appliances is they are no longer made/ manufactured in US. My son and two other friends have Airstreams 2013-2015 and every appliance, refrigerator, A/C, water pump, hot-water heater, stove, etc is manufactured in China and most if not all have been repaired or replace in all three Airstreams. My 1999 Bambi still has the original Dometic refrigerator made in Sweden, original A/C, hot water heater, furnace, Magic Chief stove and radio. In the 22 years of ownership I replaced the water pump and this year the Dexter axle and LP tanks. Of course tires and brakes but I consider those regular maintenance. I remember as a kid in the 60’s Japanese produces were made fun of because they were cheap and broke but they continually improved and today they are among the best. Unfortunately China is not there yet and many of their products do not hold up. US companies know they are inferior but are in love with the profits of such cheap manufactured items. I work in an industry that uses many Chinese subparts and many come broken, not working or do not pass the testing phase but the owner is drunk with the insane profit of such cheaply priced components. It saddens me that his name and company reputation is not a consideration just the enormous annual profits. John keep doing what you are doing we all appreciate and learn a lot from your videos. BTW your Toyota Tundra still turns heads that was an awesome choice for a truck 😄

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Joe, thanks for sharing both your experience and opinions in your comment. It's strange that none of my Dometic components went bad in my 2017 R-Pod but pretty much all have had issues in my 2020 (May 2019 Manufacturing date) Keystone. Not sure if anything changed in that time period. I think cheapening the inputs has gone on for some time in line with industry consolidation. Glad to hear that your 1999 AS Bambi has had minimal issues. My 2017 Toyota Tundra, unlike all of my trailers, has been stellar. I recently test drove a new Ford F-250 and a new Tundra and was disappointed in both quite frankly. I was actually told by someone at the Toyota dealership to wait a couple of years to buy one, believe it or not! Prices are super high due to limited supply and neither truck felt all that good in terms of build and ride. Sticking with my Tundra for now. I don't think I'll seriously consider another truck until there are several to choose from on the lot and discounting returns. Thanks again!

@Bronco2Cj Год назад

@@JohnMarucci Not me... No azdel, no keystone, no thank you. Glad you were able to get your issues resolved

@Joe-cu4hi Год назад

@@JohnMarucci John I forgot to mention I spoke with a Dometic technical assistance rep and he said some refrigerators are made in US and some in China and the Chinese models had several recalls. As to your Tundra, there are at least 5 that have made 1,000,000 miles with original engine and tranny unrepaired or replaced

@JohnMarucci Год назад

@@Bronco2Cj I had an Ember that had Azdel walls and roof and a composite floor. I had several other issues that had little to do with the structure that ruined my experience. What RV are you going with?

@JohnMarucci Год назад

@@Joe-cu4hi I think the control board in my Dometic fridge went out after 18 months. It has been stellar since. I am now having issues with my Dometic furnace and there is no service hatch to change out the sail switch, so it will mean removing the furnace entirely to change the small sail switch! This will make every Dometic appliance except the water heater have some issue. Constant expectations management!

@PhotographybyTimWMoore Год назад

Every unit from every manufacturer can be a hit or miss when it comes to build quality. Luckily, our Arctic Fox has been a real hit for us.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Tim, glad to hear that your Arctic Fox is doing well for you. All the best! Feel free to email me at: john@johnmarucci.com

@WilliamNau Год назад

2015 Shasta 21CK. In 7 seasons of ownership, the only issue was the awning motor needed to be replaced under warranty. 2022 Rockwood 2608BS, only issue during first season was the microwave stopped working after 1 trip. Replaced under warranty.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Thanks for sharing your experience!

@911yerdaddummy 11 месяцев назад

My bullet premiere 25RKPR is a 2021, I’ve had for less then a year. My issues started the day after… break issue, loud screeching, magneto was stuck and destroyed everything just bare metal left. First night was a shower with scorching hot water then only cold water. Dealer repaired and winterized. 7 months after when opening the unit, noticed water leak on wall at 2 places. One in bedroom where manufacturer screwed the awning and caused an issue creating a leak. Near the door next to slide was another, this was brought to dealer and was noted this unit needed go back. When a few weeks later as seasonal camper water heater let go again within a week, mouldings have detached on a weekly basis, cargo doors both leaked during rain, slide floors wet during rain, kitchen table fell of wall, fridge freezes or thaws. Slide failing scratch all the side, other slide sometimes wouldn’t Power. Literally saw water leaking inside, bedroom ac vent had water come out, 11 months after it’s returned to manufacture and they tell me the axle suspension are shot, not bad for less then 12 months… so now they want to disassemble and rebuild! 1 full wall 2 slide floors possibly slide walls etc… ask me if I’m impressed!

@JohnMarucci 11 месяцев назад

Wow, that’s tough to read this, very sorry to hear this. My 2020 Keystone Bullet has been good overall except most of the Dometic components. Mine was built in May 2019 which was when things were very slow. If the will pay for everything, I think you probably would want to let them have your unit in to fix.

@Livefreewhileucan 4 месяца назад

Yep. Had to change my toilet as well

@JohnMarucci 4 месяца назад

I am 4th Dometic 300 toilet!

@youcanthide004 7 дней назад

Thanks for for sharing your experience. Unfortunately, this seems to become a recurring theme in newer travel, trailers craftsmanship quality of work and equipment. Use seems to be some poor. And often times leading that list unfortunately. And any rate I wish you safe travels.

@JohnMarucci 7 дней назад

Thanks for sharing!

@michaelcorey9890 Год назад

We have a 2018 KZ Spree Escape 191BH that we've been quite happy with; the trailer has quirks but nothing mechanical or electrical has failed in two years of ownership (bought used). I've replaced vinyl trim in the front of the trailer that cracked. I'd rate the trailer as a 7/10. The transverse mounted queen bed is awful for two grown-ups, what a mistake buying it. Mechanically I can't complain about the trailer.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Michael, thanks for sharing your experience. Good to hear that you haven’t had any major issues in your two years of ownership!

@jeffreybowman5184 Год назад

Hey John, I am currently in the process of purchasing the 2020 243BHS used from a dealership. I must admit though, this video has shined a light on a few items that had concerned me upon the initial inspection. The best price they can give us is $26,470 out the door. That price includes the trade in of our 2021 Forrest River Salem 174bhs. It's funny how a few days to stew on something can drastically change ones mind. I immediately gravitated to your comment regarding ever buying a Keystone again, and I believe your answer was that you would, but only based on what you paid for it in 2019. I typically do not comment on much, but in this particular instance, I believe your advice would be tailored to our situation. Would you pull the trigger on this unit, or would you suggest an alternative? Thank you John for your videos, as a 4 year camping veteran...lol...your videos have helped alot...especially winterizing!

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Jeffrey, do you happen to know what the last 6 digits of the VIN are? This will determine if the unit has the hyperdeck floor. I wouldn't touch the unit unless it has the hyperdeck. The last six of the VIN need to be 430998 or higher if it is an east coast version. Let me know.

@jeffreybowman5184 Год назад

@John Marucci yes, they are higher

@BlackhawkPilot 9 месяцев назад

Own a 2008 Keystone Springdale 256RLL. Came with a broken toilet flush valve that took multiple visits to the dealer to fix. The main problem is getting an item fixed after a trip and then later that the dealer did not do a good job and the dealer wanting to be paid a second time for the error, I.e. insurance installed a new roof after a limb penetration but the TV antenna was not installed correctly and then the dealer wanted me to pay to fix it. Bought insurance so items like the refrigerator, axles, etc we’re covered at no expense to me. Love the Rear Living room design but hate the poor design and waste of storage, i.e. poor wing and plumbing design resulting in either dead space or minimum cabinet/drawer space.

@JohnMarucci 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience with your 2008 Springdale.

@jerseyshorescannernews 10 месяцев назад

My father is about to purchase an older unit. I need to make sure he is not being hosed!

@JohnMarucci 10 месяцев назад

You may want to consider an independent RV inspector prior to purchase: nrvia.org/locate/

@tazoury Год назад

Can't comment on the keystone but I have an 2018 rpod 182g and would tend to agree about overall quality being poor on virtually all travel trailers. I've chalked it up to it to "hey at least I'm taking the family out and it's still better than tent camping." Thanks for all the helpful videos, espexially back when you had the pod. You mentioned bearings, haven't done that on mine yet but what are you thoughts on e-z lube w Lucas red n tacky over full bearing pack?

@JohnMarucci Год назад

I used the e-z lube with the Red grease without issues with my 179. I don't do my own service anymore on the bearings just due to dealing with the mess. I have a full repack done on my Keystone Bullet annually due to the mileage I put on it for winter escapes. Not sure if you know about the R-Pod video list: johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/

@kenj.8897 Год назад

Just two years on a Flagstaff 25 fbls. No major issues just loose pipe threads caught before an issue. But what I paid 2 years ago and what they want now for the same unit no I would not buy at this price level. And I'm very happy with the unit. But I'm no fool

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am pretty sure the price of my unit is close to 50% higher now than in May of 2019. Much higher increases than the rate of inflation.

@roadtripwarriors7458 Год назад

@@JohnMarucci Which is one reason that I did not buy new. These prices are crazy, although they are coming down. I recently bought a 2019 E-Pro 19BH for $15,000 and it looked like it was hardly used. New ones have discounted prices around $25-29,000. I also wanted something that was "pre-Covid".

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Makes sense!

@darylwaynebrady Год назад

I'm an aspiring rv'er....meaning ive never owned a travel trailer, but have done a lot of research trying to prepare. How does the cable operated slide hold up on these units? Is the lighter weight a fair trade for the maintenance? Many thanks.

@JohnMarucci Год назад

My Keystone Bullet has this type of slide mechanism and has worked well for over four years and over 500 nights of use.

@darylwaynebrady Год назад

@@JohnMarucci Wow that's great to hear Thank you

@andrewmoore6521 Год назад

Our 2020 Bullet 290bhs had the same oven issues and replacing the main Propane regulator fixed many of the propane issues we were having

@JohnMarucci Год назад

There was a recall on the propane regulator and I have had mine replaced hoping that would solve the oven issue. Unfortunately, it is a Furrion issue with the pilot light going out as the over warms up. I can still use my oven, but it does go out 3-4 times as it warms up every time I use it now. Thanks for sharing your experience with yours!

@herminiovitorbrasil3396 Год назад

Hi, How many miles per gallon do you get towing your RV?

@JohnMarucci Год назад

Between 9 and 10 mpg usually at 60-65 mph on average with the Toyota Tundra.

@herminiovitorbrasil3396 Год назад

@@JohnMarucci Thanks for replying and the excelente videos!

@GMCB-pu8pk 7 месяцев назад

Hey John i just found your channel because im doing research on the bullet. I have never owned a TT before, the wife and kids love to camp so we are thinking about getting a TT. We want to get a 250bhs bullet would you recommend this as a first time trailer? Im a carpenter/contractor so i should be able to fix most problems myself. It seams any trailer purchased will have problems. Also how does it handle in wooded areas/bumpy dirt roads?

@JohnMarucci 7 месяцев назад

Sorry for the delay getting back to you. My Keystone Bullet has been a mix experience with the structure being sound but most of the components needing to be replaced. It was made in May of 2019, so pre-pandemic. The industry has had a quality problem since this time, in my opinion, so make sure you are thorough in your inspection before paying. In some ways you are in the driver’s seat as sales are very slow, so you should be able to bargain, especially on any 2023 models on the lot. Also, I would avoid ordering an RV, dealers need to unload older but new units. All the best!