Walking into the Timberlodge 26RLS seemed very familiar, and the reason quickly became apparent: This conventional travel trailer shares features with fifth-wheel trailers, such as forward bedrooms and baths, mid-coach curbside kitchens, and large curbside slideouts housing a dinette and sofa/bed. The floorplan used in the Timberlodge is interesting and functional, and is typical of what the manufacturer, Timberland RV Company, has been producing as a relative newcomer to the RV industry.
The company has grown rapidly by offering a a variety of floorplans with full-livability features in conventional and fifth-wheel trailers, including bunk models. Set against the backdrop of Valley of Fire State Park, north of Las Vegas, Nevada, our Timberlodge test trailer was a comfortable home away from home for a few days, in combination with a Lincoln Blackwood.
Slideouts have transformed most RVs during the past few years, and the Timberlodge is a good example — it’s made very spacious by a slideout that was nearly half the length of the trailer. Large rear windows, popular in fifth-wheel trailers, enhance the effect.
The Blackwood has been discontinued by Lincoln, although a number of the luxurious SUVs may still be on dealers’ lots. It features a $53,780 window sticker, is based on the Ford F-150 SuperCab truck chassis, and it performed summer-heat towing tasks like a seasoned pro. Tweaked and tuned suspension components give the Blackwood the ride and handling a luxury-car driver would expect, but it’s still a pickup at heart. The combination is smooth and very quiet running solo, yet it’s firmly fixed to the road and keeps the operator in touch with the drive.
For full details on this test, pick up the November 2002 issue of Trailer Life on the newsstand. Then subscribe to Trailer Life — so you can stay informed on the latest tow vehicles, tests, previews, and technical and RV-lifestyle information.
Timberland RV Company, (765) 475-9500
