2013 Gulf Stream Ridgeline 34FRSI Review
In the world of RVs, a low price tag doesn’t always mean low quality. Gulf Stream made its Ridgeline to meet the high expectations of RV veterans at a price most fifth wheels can’t compete with.
The Ridgeline is available in six floorplans, but we’ll be taking a close look at the 34FRSI, which has a layout that might deceive some into thinking it’s a cottage home. Breaking out the tape measure, the 34FRSI has an overall length of 37’5”, overall width of 96” and exterior height of 12’5”. Its gross vehicle weight rating is 16,850 lbs and its dry weight is 12,950 lbs It has a hitch weight of 2,850 lb. and a net carrying capacity of 3, 840 lbs. Tthe Ridgeline 34FRSI has a black water capacity of 40 gallons, grey water capacity of 80 gallons and fresh water capacity of 60 gallons. Heating on the unit is handled by a 35,000 BTU furnace, while a 10-gallon water heater will keep you comfortable in the shower.
Walking into the 34FRSI, you feel right at home. The beautiful hardwood stands out the most. Raised panel doors, stiles and drawers are all made of hardwood maple, making you feel like you’re in a homey cottage, rather than a wheeled abode. All copper cabinet hardware is oil rubbed and the drawer guides throughout the
interior come with full extensions. Living room overheads are equipped with decorative glass doors that have metal caning. The floor covering is Beauflor Natural Slate-Look Vinyl and the carpet is Neutral Frizzele.
On the outside, the Ridgeline 34FRSI features deluxe exterior graphics painted over smooth G-3 exterior fiberglass. The molded fiberglass rear end cap is equipped with blackout taillights, making your RV as striking as it is modern. Its front fiberglass cap comes with a led light bar. The Grand Canyon e-coated chassis comes with basement storage, which has a felt-lined ceiling and felt-lined walls. Basement floors consist of a rubberized diamond tread plate. The 34FRSI has an enclosed underbelly as well as enclosed gate valves. If the wild outdoors isn’t enough for you, then the outside docking station allows you to enjoy outdoor entertainment.
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If it’s too cold for outdoor parties, stay inside. The Ridgeline is equipped with an AM/FM/CD/DVD entertainment center, as well as slots for SD cards and ports for electronic devices. Your family members can pass long days on the road by watching movies, listening to music and playing games. You can request a 42” LCD flat screen television with high definition. If you plan on travelling during the Christmas season, then you have to upgrade to a living room fireplace (Santa needs a way to get in, after all). You can also request two dual leather recliners, which take relaxing to a whole new level.
The bathroom is conveniently located between the bedroom and the living area. Larger than most RV bathrooms, the Ridgeline gives you a china toilet and a toilet topper cabinet for extra storage space. Store your toiletries in the medicine cabinet, equipped with a mirror. Brush your teeth over the oval lavatory skink. Bath fixtures are made of oil rubbed copper, as is the adjustable spray showerhead. The one-piece fiberglass shower comes with a curved glass surround. It provides ample space to move, lather and rinse. Above, you’ll find a shower
skylight so daytime showers don’t require turning on lights and wasting electricity. Heat and air conditioning ducts in the bath area will keep you comfortable, no matter the season.
With the Ridgeline floorplan offering ample space, you’ll have plenty of room for two to cook together. It’s spacious, stylish and even has an island. Store cold cuts in the large eight-cubic-foot double door refrigerator, which comes with raised six-panel door inserts. Wash your dishes and veggies in the residential size double bowl stainless sink, equipped with a single lever high-rise faucet. If you want to leave your dishes for someone else to wash, then cover the sink with a copper-infused solid surface cover. Scramble some eggs on the three-burner gas range or bake a batch of cookies in the oven below. For lazy chefs, pop your TV dinner in the microwave for a couple minutes and enjoy your meal at the freestanding dinette located conveniently beside the kitchen.
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At the end of the day, recharge in the master bedroom. The theme of the Ridgeline bedroom is books, books and books. The comfortable Queen sized mattress comes with a decorative full body bedroom reading pillow. Our favourite addition to the room and to the entire Ridgeline interior is the bookshelf above the bed. Yes, an RV with a bookshelf! Grab a book, curl up on your bed and when you’re starting to doze off, switch off your nightlight and go to sleep. Nightstands are located on both ends of the bed and offer plenty of space to keep alarm clocks, cell phones and, of course, books. Storage space is plentiful – the bedroom closet even contains a recessed shoebox. If you’re not a bookworm, then request a 12V DVD/CD/AM/FM home theatre system in the bedroom.
For more information visit: http://www.gulfstreamtrailers.com/.
