New Horizons Summit 35'

Every so often, our parking lot is graced by a rig so interesting or different that it
brings no shortage of volunteers to take it to Alaska for the season to test. The New
Horizons Summit is that type of trailer. The Summit is made to order and we tested a
prototype, immediately noting a level of fit and finish that would better many production
units. And the company’s “custom-build” scheme brings utmost flexibility in your plan. Much
like the Rolls Royce of old, for a price, you can have almost anything you want that does
not compromise safety. Collaborating with the New Horizons design and engineering teams,
you design the floorplan, number of slides, appliances and tank capacities – this
fifth-wheel had at least 70 gallons for each tank. The floorplan in this fiver was a good
showcase for the company’s potential, and we found it inherently livable for a few days and
probably equally so for long-term use. With full-timers and severe climates in mind, much
attention is given to insulation, which is the main reason the slides are not flush-floor
designs. All of the woodwork is high-grade in material and craftsmanship – solid cherry
resembling the output of a Carolina cabinet shop. Cabinet doors are hung on
“European-style” hinges that hold the door open, and most shelves have lips on the leading
edge so the shelf restrains the contents, not the door over it. The living area – recliners
in back, desk and entertainment streetside, and couch and freestanding dinette curbside –
is typical for this size, and if you think you’ve got a better idea, Horizons will listen.
We recommend you keep the windows closed when enjoying the 500-watt DVD home-theater
system, which is complemented by a 12-volt DC stereo/CD piped to living-room and bedroom
speakers. While the Dodge pictured would be fine for a lighter Summit, perhaps in the 29-
to 33-foot range, it’s only stout enough for this unit without cargo. Fifth-wheels from the
mid-20- to 45-foot range, and travel trailers from about 25 to 32 feet can be constructed
in 8- to 12 weeks. It won’t be cheap, but with the company’s input and your design you’ll
get exactly what you want, and it’s hard to put a price on that. Pick up the March 2004
issue of Trailer Life for full test impressions and details on the New Horizons Summit 35′
— then subscribe to Trailer
Life, so you can stay informed on the latest tests, previews, tow vehicles, and
technical and RV-lifestyle information. Horizons Inc., horizonsrv.com, (800) 235-3140.