2011 Coachmen Apex 22QBS Review
When you want to pick up and go, you really don’t need anything dragging you down… especially your travel trailer. Luckily, Coachmen has come up with a lightweight solution that will have you on your way in no time at all and without all the extra pounds – say hello to the 2011 Apex Travel Trailer.
Available in both regular and new expandable models, the Apex offers you and your family plenty of space for short or long road trips. With nine different floorplans to choose from, we’d like to take you for a tour of the 22QBS, one of the mid-size models in the line. The 22QBS measures in with an exterior length of 22′ 5”, and exterior width of 7′ 6″, an exterior height of 8’6”, and has a base weight of 3,293 lbs. and a hitch weight of 482 lbs.
To keep the weight of the Apex down to a minimum, Coachmen built this travel trailer with fully laminated aluminum framed walls, floor and roof, which eliminated additional pounds. To make it as durable as possible, vacuum bond lamination was utilized – this kept it light and better insulated. And with its aerodynamic design that gives you better fuel efficiency, you can tow it using smaller vehicles.
Built on a powder E-coated steel I-beam frame with full outriggers, the Apex is sturdy inside and out. Upgraded luster graphics look amazing on its smooth fiberglass exterior skin, and its radius roof with extended rain gutters transfers the rain way from the trailer. Outfitted with a 10″ electric brake tandem axle, the Apex travels smoothly on nitrogen filled radial tires with aluminum rims and super lube axle bearings. Other features that are notable include an aluminum above floor slide system, four scissor-style stabilizer jacks, insulated baggage doors with enclosed hinge, an insulated radius entry door, a fold away double entry step, two 20 lb. propane bottles and an A & E awning.
One of the things we love about the Apex is the fact that it is certified Green. Its sidewall construction features Azdel SuperLite composite sheets instead of traditional wood panels. If you’ve never heard of Azsel before, let us fill you in. It’s manmade and is 50 percent lighter than traditional wood panels (which are usually manufactured by harvested trees from natural rain forests). And because it uses Azdel in its construction, the Apex is a certified Green product from TRA Certification.
Lightweight and compact has never looked so good. Inside the Apex, you’ll find spacious and comfortable surrounding. Offering a mix of traditional and contemporary style, you’ll appreciate the two-tone Amish-crafted glazed maple cabinets that are finished with oil rubbed bronze hardware. Personalize this travel trailer as your own with a choice of three decors – Amber Wave, Lagoon and Spyro Mocha. The Apex’s layout makes great use of available space, thanks to its open-concept design that makes sure everyone has enough room to move around comfortably.
Other interior features include Armstrong linoleum flooring, hardwood interior door frames and night shades.
To keep your living environment comfortable, the Apex comes equipped with a large 20,000 BTU furnace and a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. You’ll always have hot water thank to a 6 gal gas/electric DSI water heater and demand water pump, and you’ll have power at your fingertips with a 55 Amp power converter with battery charger. And, you can keep your eye on all the levels with a handy monitor panel.
The open-concept living room and kitchen come with the necessities you’ll need when relaxing with the family. The sofa doubles as an extra pullout bed, and an overhead cabinet gives you plenty of storage space. A freestanding table is a great place for eating a quick meal or playing a game of cards. And the entertainment and storage unit houses an AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo with two in and two out speakers.
In the kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to keep the family well-fed. In here, you’ll find a large double-door refrigerator, a black three-burner slide-in stove and a black microwave oven. Meal prep and clean up is a breeze, thanks to high definition residential laminated countertops and a composite undermount kitchen sink with cover.
For your sleeping pleasure, the Apex comes with a queen-sized bed, complete with a down comforter and two pillow cases. And there’s enough room to a few changes of clothes, as there are two wardrobes and an overhead cabinet to store your outfits.
On the opposite end of the trailer is where you’ll find the bathroom. Keep clean using the shower (complete with surround, skylight and power vent). Getting ready for the day ahead is simple with a sink and mirrored medicine cabinet, and there’s even a marine foot flush toilet and extra wardrobe for your linens.
The Apex also comes with a host of options you can add on. These include a 19” LCD TV & DVD/CD/AM/FM stereo, an A & E electric awning, a Fantastic vent, an oven in place of cooktop, a spare tire and carrier with cover, and an outside spray away with a hose.
To learn more about the 2011 Coachmen Apex 22 QBS Travel Trailer, visit http://www.coachmenrv.com/.
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