As tow-vehicle manufacturers continue to improve the fuel economy on everyday commuters
such as half-ton pickups and SUVs, RV companies continue to build platforms that can take
advantage of these dollar-saving advances in technology. The Sunset Trail UL (Ultra Lite)
series from CrossRoads RV is a brand-new line of trailers designed to offer
lightweight towability without sacrificing build quality and amenities.
Sunset Trail UL
trailers are constructed using all-aluminum 16-inch on center studding in the floors, walls
and roof. Lightweight tongue-and-groove plywood for the floors and an I-beam frame round
out the weight-saving measures. A seamless, fiberglass exterior makes for easy maintenance.
But the first thing we noticed about the ST27FB seen here wasn’t the build quality and
pound-trimming techniques; it was of a more “personal” nature. Granted, it’s not often we
list the lavy as one of the top draws of a new trailer, but the ST27FB’s rear-bathroom
configuration is worth some attention. The large walk-through bathroom features its own
entry door, which means adventurers won’t have to track dirt and grime from their days’
journey through the interior to use the commode. The corner shower offers plenty of room
for personal grooming, and doesn’t intrude on the large, open area surrounding the toilet,
meaning two could easily use the bathroom at the same time (provided they know each other
quite well, that is). The bathroom also houses a sink with medicine cabinet above and two
cabinets/wardrobes for linen/clothes duties.
Walking through the Sunset Trail, it’s
apparent that CrossRoads has paid attention to detail, and designed a practical,
family-friendly floorplan without scrimping on quality.
Few options are offered, ensuring
CrossRoads is able to select higher-quality fixtures, wood work and amenities. The Formica
counter surface nicely complements the Tuscany Maple cabinetry, and brushed-nickel cabinet
pulls add to the classy feel of the trailer.
The 6-cubic-foot double-door fridge is located
curbside, while the microwave, two-burner stove, oven and dual-basin sink are housed in the
streetside slideout. Just enough counter space is available to handle most routine
food-prep duties, which is to be expected in a trailer this size.
Also part of the
streetside slide is a jackknife sofa, offering a nice conversation/TV-viewing area and
additional sleeping space for one or two.
Across from the slide, a 94-inch dinette seats
four diners, and is another comfortable spot to view the 19-inch LCD TV housed in the
entertainment center (E-Center) that backs against the master bedroom.
The queen bed is
comfortable enough, with overhead storage and wardrobes surrounding it, and once the little
ones hit the sack, the TV in the E-Center can be swiveled around to let mom and dad watch
the evening news, a popular configuration that’s a good use of space. Curtains are drawn to
separate the master bedroom from the rest of the trailer.
The Sunset Trail ST27FB features
efficient use of space, quality appointments and enough room for a family of four to bring
along a friend or two. Plus, the innovative bathroom layout has space in spades –
especially for a trailer this size – which goes a long way toward increasing livability
beyond a weekend excursion. And the fact that it’s towable by many practical commuter
vehicles makes it a solid choice for a family trailer.
CrossRoads RV, (888) 226-7496, www.crossroadsrv.com.
Quick Info
ext length: 31′ 2″
ext width: 8′
ext
height: 10′ 6″
int height: 6′ 6″
freshwater cap:
32 gal
gray-water cap: 40 gal
black-water cap: 40 gal
lp-gas cap: 10 gal
hitch weight: 560 lb
gvwr: 7,560 lb
msrp:$21,595
