The CrossRoads of RVing

Storage has always been an issue with travel trailers — especially those designed for use
by a sizable family. With a week’s worth of clothes, food, supplies and other necessities
such as bicycles and ice chests, it’s easy to see how an average family could pack every
nook and cranny in short order. Recognizing this problem, CrossRoads RV has employed some
interesting, effective storage solutions in its new, affordably priced Sunset Trail ST30BH.
“The Sunset Trail features more interior and exterior storage options than other trailers
in the lightweight segment,” asserts Larry Weaver, national sales manager for the Sunset
product line. “It has pass-through storage up front, as well as bunkhouse storage in the
rear, and loads of space inside.” But cubic amounts of storage are really only half the
story — it’s how they’re used and accessed that makes the Sunset Trail stand out. For
example, the pass-through storage can be accessed not only from the exterior, but from
underneath the front queen bed as well. During travel, the rear bunk beds can be folded up
to stow larger items like bicycles, which can be accessed through a 43 x 43-inch “pack and
play” exterior door. The kitchen area has abundant under-counter storage as well, even
incorporating a dedicated cabinet for a trash can — something many manufacturers neglect.
The Sunset Trail featured here is the model ST30BH, which has a forward queen bed with a
shirt closet and nightstand on either side, as well as overhead cabinets and a TV shelf. A
laundry chute that terminates in the storage area underneath (with space for a laundry
basket) is a nice touch. In the living area, a large streetside slideout houses a sofa (a
sofa bed is optional) and a booth dinette. The kitchen features a dual-bowl sink, a
three-burner stove, a pantry and a 6-cubic-foot refrigerator with a dry-erase board for
shopping lists, notes, etc. There’s also another nod to family-friendliness: a
counter-height microwave. “That’s a feature that customers have been screaming for,” says
Weaver. “Smaller people and kids can’t always reach a unit that’s over the range.” The
microwave is located on the counter in its own cabinet, with space in front to place hot
plates, and room above for a DVD player and a color TV. All the way at the back of the
unit, on the streetside, is the bath, which incorporates a shower/tub, a cabinet, a toilet
and a lavatory. Curbside there are dual folding bunks and a separate wardrobe. Standard
features include six-sided aluminum framing, a fully enclosed and insulated underbelly and
dual 7-1/2-gallon LP-gas cylinders. Options include a 10-gallon water heater, stabilizing
jacks, an outside shower and aluminum wheels. At presstime, the Sunset Trail was available
in a total of five floorplans, with three more to be introduced by the time you read this.
Light enough to be towed by a half-ton truck or SUV, yet roomy enough to sleep six-eight
(depending on occupant size and options), the Sunset Trail ST30BH is a viable option for
RVing families. CrossRoads RV Inc., (888) 226-7496, crossroadsrv.com.