Vista Cruiser 19ERD - Pros, Cons & Mods
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- In this episode, as we begin the process of putting Vinnie to bed, we thought we'd sit down and talk about the pros, cons and mods of our Gulfstream Vista Cruise 19ERD. We've had Vinnie a whole season now so it seemed a good time to go over what we like, what could've been done better and what we changed.
#gulfstreamvistacruiser #19erd #rvlife #rvtravel #rv
Camco Lights Out RV Vent Shade
Oxygenics Shower Head
Better Living Clear Choice Soap Dispenser (Amazon)
Rnuania Car Storage Net Bag Boat Mesh Net Holder Car Pocket Organizer Net Car Mesh Framed Net Pocket, 14 x 7 Inch 2 Pack black (Amazon)
Organized Obie 8x16 Plastic Framed Pocket Net
Shoe Organizer (Camping World)
Hi and welcome to Season 2!
We’re Frank and Janet and this is Frank and Janet’s Adventures. Travelling when we can in our 2021 Gulfstream Vista Cruise we call “Vinnie” and our 2019 Nissan Frontier we call “Frannie”.
Not all our adventures are epic. In fact, most are life in general type outings. We like to hike, bike, and kayak.
We hope you’ll find some entertaining moments (there’s bound to be a few!) and even some educational things you might find interesting. We’ll upload a new video each month of our travels or adventures so, please subscribe to our channel and if you click the bell icon, you’ll get notified when our next video is out.
Thanks so much! We’ll see you soon.
Our rig:
2021 Gulfstream Vista Cruise 19ERD, 2019 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, Leer Cap
#Nissan, #Frontier, #Leer, #Thule, #gulfstreamrv, #19erd
Used in this Video:
#GoproHero8Black, #GoproHero9Black, #SamsungS20, #CamparkDashcam, #djimavicmini, #intekexcursionpro
DISCLAIMER: All opinions expressed in this video, including those on products we may feature, reflect our own personal opinions, good or bad.
Frank, can you say something about how made the table stationary? Thanks!
Hi, Gisele.
First, we put the table on a double stantion base. Then, I installed a cleat along the back wall of the trailer that I fastened the table to using 4 small "L" brackets. This makes our table a permanent fixture. It can not be used as a bed, which is fine for us.
Thanks for watching! If you need any more info, let us know.
Safe travels. 👋🇨🇦
So much great info 👍
Cheers
Thank you!👋🇨🇦
I agree about the 3 drawers (two and a half, really!?!?) I moved the three drawers to the left, replaced the cheap drawer side wood with higher quality drawer sides and made a cabinet drawer on the right side of the drawers. All 3 drawers are the same size now. Under the sink I added a water filter and changed the faucet to a combination filtered water and sink faucet. At Home Depot there are wall planks with the same silver’ish color as the inside on my 19ERD. Added a shelf between the back cabinet and the kitchen cabinet. Added a switch to the bedroom light. Switch is located next to the cable and outlet (used cable covers to hide the wire. Added reading lights on each side of the bed. Replaced the outside handle of the bathroom door with a flat handle. Replaced the small range back splash with a better looking back splash. I’m now in the process of adding a thermostat to the A/C (gets hot in Texas). Thanks for the mishap above the fridge, I was wondering if there is room there, now I know there is.
Oops, made a cabinet door on the right side of the drawers.
Wow! You've been busy.👍 Love it when folks personalize their units. There's so many great ideas and mods out there you'd think the manufacturer would adopt some of them. Thanks for watching and safe travels!👋🇨🇦
I have added a high exhaust fan into the bedroom skylight, and it helps with the heat buildup and ventilation. I hooked it into the 12V pucklight for power but I have to have the main light switch on to use it. The 4 ceiling puck lights get turned on/ moff individually when the fan needs to be on. I will definitely add the drawshade to it to cut off the light in the morning.
Hi, Stan.
Thanks so much for watching!
We had the fan installed at the dealer and use it often. We didn't want to put a dark cover on it because we wanted the light back there. Hence the need for something to cover opening. The drawshade was a game changer! Safe travels!👋🇨🇦
A lot of the quality on these campers is all dependent on the individual that is performing the task. Most people don’t care because they aren’t buying it. So many campers now lack quality. They build them too fast and push them out onto the RV lots knowing most buyers have no clue. These manufacturers should be held to a higher standard.
Hi, Ronnie and thanks for watching! Agreed! We've owned several RVs over the years, including Airstream. There are always issues no matter the brand. Arguably, some are better than others. That said, the Airstream was one of the most problematic. So far, we have no complaints with the Gulfstream product. Safe travels. 👋🇨🇦
The first time I walked into this model at a camper show I loved it. But then I laid in the bed and at only 5’9” I thought I’d wack my head on the cabinets above the bed every time I have to sit up in bed. If you are 6’+ how do you not hit your head when you sit up in bed??
Lol, it happened a couple of times! We just figured out how to get in and out without bumping our heads. We definitely think they could've cut the bed base down by a couple of inches. Lots of folks have actually removed the top cabinets but we didn't want to lose the storage. The alternative is the same floor plan with the twin beds. We would've chosen that one but couldn't find a unit in our area anywhere. As with all models, there are always compromises. The cabinets over the bed was ours. Thanks so much for watching and safe travels!👋🇨🇦
Thanks for sharing your experience with this camper.
T Y forr the videos. We are a retired couple and recently bought a 2024 Vintage 19CSK at the Hershey RV show. Your insight as owners will be a big help once we take it home and go on our shakedown cruise.
Hi Stan and thanks for watching! Congratulations on your new Vintage!! You're gonna love it. If you haven't already, join the Gulf Stream Vista and Vintage Cruiser Club on Facebook. It is a wealth of information and ideas from owners all over. Have fun on the shakedown and don't hesitate to reach out with questions. We'll help if we can! Safe travels.👋🇨🇦
😅
Thank you
thanks just watched it full length
appreciate the tips about underside
Thanks. It's the little things that help prevent big things down the road.😉👋🇨🇦
Maybe the window is off center because the booth is off center? (due to the shelf on the driver side)
Yep, I was going to point that out, but you already did it.
Window placements in RV designs are based on interior design, not exterior.
And the offset booth is matched by the off-set window.
BUT, the big screw-up was to not center the light over the dinette table, which would have simultaneously centered it relative to the window :)
The location of the radio shoots lots of light down the hall, right into the pillow area. We manage the light issue by running a kitchen towel through the two cabinet handles across the radio.
Lol, pretty much what we do, too. I wish there was a way to dim or turn off that display!
We just have a vista cruiser with the back bathroom and we love it we are just a couple so for me and my wife seems to be perfect we will find out this weekend with our first trip to Mobile Al
Hi, Mario. Thanks for watching! We love our Vista Cruiser. They really are the perfect couples trailers. Hope your first trip out is a success!👋🇨🇦
appreciate your feedback on the trailer. we are considering the 19rbs version but items you mentioned are probably applicable to that model as well. we will be towing with a 2017 Frontier so was happy to learn how it handled the trailer.
Thanks for watching! We're very happy with the unit and the way it handles with the Frontier. Safe travels.👋🇨🇦
Thank you for the video. Very informative. We are looking for a no slide unit with twin bunks. I prefer dual axles. How does single axle compare to dual axle units you have had in the past? The dual axle version has a slide which we do not want.
Hi Richard and thanks for watching. The Vista Cruiser does come as a twin bed model. Look for the 19TWDS. We would've chosen that model ourselves but there were none to be found near us. As far as the single vs double axel question, we have found that the single axel unit will respond quicker when backing into a site. Other than that, the Vista Cruiser's towability and road manners we find to be comparable to a dual axel. The 19ERD was the best model we found to fit our needs and tow vehicle without a slide. Hope that answers your question. If there's anything else you'd like to know, don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels. 👋🇨🇦
Awesome video! Thank you for making it, it has really helped . I was wondering, with the axle being a drop style axle, have you had any problems with clearance hitting anything or getting hung up ? Love this trailer, but that's my only concern. Thank you, Johnny.
Hi, Johnny and thanks for watching! Yup, we're really enjoying this unit, too. We haven't had any issues with clearance. We're pretty much "glampers" so no dirt roads, etc. We do watch when entering some gas stations and try to do so on an angle to mitigate any potential drag. It's a great trailer. Good luck with whatever you decide and safe travels!👋🇨🇦
Thanks for the response, given that your in BC , figured I would ask as we are in Alberta and pretty close to same roads with all the mountains around 🙂. Thanks again .
Would you share how you made the attachments for the table?
Hey Carey, thanks for watching.
In regards to your question about mounting the table....I secured a kleat against the wall and used 4 angle brackets to secure the table to the kleat. It's quite easy, one just has to make sure it's all lined up. I don't think it would properly with the folding legs.
Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. Also, any more questions, give me a shout.
Cheers
Frank
They put the blue lights in the vintage version too. I never understood that. Lol! 🤣
They drive nuts! I just wish they'd used color changing leds. Then we could choose what works for us. Enjoy your vintage and safe travels!👋🇨🇦
We just purchased a 2018 Vista Cruiser 19ERD. It might explain why only a half drawer. In this case it was the top drawer. It is short to allow for the drain pipe for the left side sink bowl since it has two basins instead of just one. Mystery solved?
Thanks for your videos on the 19ERD. I think it will make a great trailer for my wife and my needs. Well though out design for it's size for sure. George.
Hi George and thanks for watching! Yes, we could understand the half drawer if there was plumbing in the way, for sure. In our case, there was absolutely no reason for the half drawer. We've since redone that drawer and made it full size. Enjoy your Visa Cruiser and safe travels!👋🇨🇦
Hi! Thanks for the video. Do ERD's and does Vinnie have screens???
Hi, and thanks for watching! Yes, all the Gulfstream units come with screens. Safe travels. 👋🇨🇦
Thanks for the video! We are considering this model as our first RV (not counting my wife's Eurovan, or my motorcycle camper, which is just a big bed on wheels) with 2 purposes in mind:
1. my part-time "winter home" down south (Texas, and maybe Mexico)
2. a summer rental by our new home (which is 2 blocks from a private beach)
and the interior look of the Vintage Cruisers is certainly the type of "eye candy" that would help make a listing stand out on AirBnB, etc.
I'm looking at used ones, but recent (a 2022 in particular)
I was looking (online) at a used Gulfstream 19' with the exact same layout for only $10k in the Chicago area, but I was too slow on that one. I think that's a "Vista Cruiser" rather than a "Vintage Cruiser" ??
I've watched reviews of these, and nobody else has pointed out that the bathroom door can be left open and it makes the "bedroom", shower, and toilet one large, but closed-off, space. That is very clever design, and if we had tenants with small kids put to bed on dinette bed, it would also close off the bedroom and possibly TV noise from the kids.
Thanks for pointing that out.
QUESTION: Does the door latch in that position?
No other questions -- you've done a super fantastic job of covering this rig in great detail!
PS: My wife and I are also both over 6' tall (I'm almost 6'5") so its also nice to head feed-back from others on clearance.
Oh, that brings up an issue: the 19CSK has a sky-light over the shower, increasing the headroom.
The reviews that I've seen of the 19ERD show no sky-light above the shower.
Does yours have that? If not, how is the headroom in the shower?
Hi Brian, and thanks for watching! To answer your question, yes, the door does latch open. There is a barrel latch at the top of the door to secure it in the open position. It's a small design detail but we liked it. The19ERD does not have a skylight in the shower. Frank is 6ft 2 and still has headroom. Vinnie is all wrapped up for the winter, so we can't measure the space exactly for you. Hope you find a unit you like. If we can answer any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels!👋🇨🇦
It has been awhile is this video, so I hope you will answer. I plan same model with twin beds, with mdx sh all wheel drive. Did you have to up grade the tires and what type of tow bar is installed? Thank you for the video
Hi Dom, and thanks for watching! We didn't make any modifications to the tow vehicle or the trailer, so no change in tires. Not sure what you're referring to with respect to the tow bar, however, we use a Curt weight distribution hitch rated at 6,000 lbs and a sway bar (strongly recommend).The hitch is a little overkill but would rather be over-rated than under. Hope this answers your question. Feel free to reach out if you have any others. You're gonna love your new trailer! Safe travels. 👋🇨🇦
Hello, Frank and Janet. I want to upgrade our light fixture for a more subtle glow. May I ask where you found your fixture? Please and thank you!
Hi there! Yes, that light fixture is amazing and made such a difference! We got it from Amazon...
Dream lighting LED 12Volt DC Fabric Light Fixtures/Vintage Dining Lights/Vehicle Decorative Lamp with Brown Burlap Elliptical Oval Ceiling Light Shade - 0.49A, 6W, no Switch a.co/d/hfSwGiz
This link is for the Canadian site but hopefully they have it Stateside as well. Good luck and safe travels!!👋🇨🇦
Hi! I see it says “ no switch” how does it turn on then?
I noticed that the fridge is on the passenger side of the trailer. I was wondering if you have to turn the propane gas off when filling up Frannie with gas?
Morning, Carey! Frannie's tank is driver's side so it's not really an issue. We tend to run with the fridge off anyway. It's a we do/we don't kind of subject so you just need to decide what works for you. Cheers!
suspence and cliff hangers?
How could you not tell us the blue light theory? what will you show us outside that you did? We can't wait!
Lol, I'm not sure if the blue lights are a conspiracy but I really don't like them. As for the outside issue...you'll have to stay tuned! Thanks so much for watching.👋🇨🇦
Agree! Retro somehow?
They turn white push and hold in and then release
Hi, and thanks for watching! I'm not sure what you're referring to. The blue lights in Vinnie are on a rocker switch, so there's nothing to push in. If you've got a switch you can change the color with I'm very jealous! Safe travels. 😊👋🇨🇦
@@frankandjanetsadventures Oh okay. I thought maybe the Vintage and the Vinnie would have the same features.
There doesn’t appear to be much prep space in the kitchen. Is that a problem?
Hi and thanks for watching. As is usually the case in these smaller units, there isn't much prep space. I haven't had any issues as the dinette table is very close and I use that a lot. The sink cover helps to provide a bit more space, too. 👋🇨🇦
Since both of you are over six feet tall did you consider and dismiss the 19TWD (twin beds) which would have given you wider total bed width 64" vs 60" (queen) and longer bed of 80" vs 74" (short queen)? This also gives a wider common walkway than the two narrow side walkways on the queen.
Thanks for watching, Peter! We did consider the twin floor plan as previous units have had that layout. There weren't any 19TWDs in the area where we would consider traveling to and, as we've never had a queen bed in our trailer, we went with the ERD. It's worked out great so far!
As for the window, it's possible. Just one of those things that once you notice it's hard to un-notice (at least for Janet🤣).
Cheers!👋🇨🇦
Any complaints on cooling the trailer?
Hi, and thanks for watching! No, we've not had any issues with the a/c or how it cools the trailer. 👋🇨🇦
Is this trailer equipped for outdoor cooking?
Hey, Donald thanks for watching. No, this unit doesn't have any outside mounted cooking features. 🇨🇦👋
There isn’t a propane hookup available? Our 23RSS has a quick connect near the rear bumper.
@Theresa Holz Hi Theresa. Yes, we have the quick connect on this unit. I took Don's question to mean an outdoor kitchen type set up. We had that in our last unit.😉 Sorry for the confusion. 👋🇨🇦
Thank you! This floorplan is GREAT. My wife and I will be shopping for one of
these trailers...Happy New Year!
Awesome. Happy hunting!👋🇨🇦
How much did VINNY cost?
As a recent retiree, I am ready to sell my '94 4cyl Toyota and find a truck to pull this exact model of Vista Cruiser.
Some of my friends say a V6 is adequate for mountains some say it'll struggle.
Other friends are die-hard "Nothin' but a full-size truck with a V8!" fans.
My question is simple:
If you WERE to pick a preferred pick-up to pull your 19ERD, would you pick the Frontier again? Or perhaps a full-size truck with a V8?
Thank you in advance for your helping me to get it right the FIRST time! 😄
Thanks for watching and the question.
First of all, that's a loaded question! It really is very subjective. Yes, we would buy another Frontier for a couple of reasons. One, we find the power more than adequate for the way we tow. We are not pedal to the metal drivers. The Frontier will tow the trailer, on cruise control, at 60 mph on rolling hills and straights. 60 is our max. Now, living in British Columbia we have lots of mountains to get over and find that, again, if you don't feel the need to be the first to the top, the Frontier does just fine. So, in our opinion, the Frontier is a good choice.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your new trailer and safe travels!👋🇨🇦
After have Vinnie for few years now, any additional thoughts, issues , problems, you may have encountered?
Hi, and thanks for watching! Actually, no. We've been very pleased with Vinnie. Everything has worked as it should (except for the awning issue) and there haven't been any issues. Overall, very happy with the unit.👍
Thanks for the great review. Looking at the same model. Could you tell me the vista Facebook page. Can't seem to find it
Hi, Scott. Thanks for watching! Yes, the Facebook group is Gulfstream Vista and Vintage Cruiser Club. Lots of info on the site. Good luck with your shopping!👋🇨🇦