2018 Gulf Stream Track & Trail 17RTHSE Review
The 2018 Gulf Stream Track & Trail toy hauler has everything you need to get out and enjoy your toys in a straightforward package. Of the three floorplans to pick from, we’re taking a closer look at the smallest of the group, the 17RTHSE.
The Track & Trail 17RTHSE has a dry weight of 3770 lbs, a hitch weight of 780 lbs, and a net carrying capacity of 3845 lbs. It measures in at 20’3” in length, 8’ wide, and 11’6” high. The fresh water tank can hold 51 gallons, and the gray and black water tanks can hold 37 gallons each. The water heater has a 6-gallon capacity.
Starting at the front of this toy hauler, you can opt for a power front hitch jack to make hook-up easier at the end of a long day. Behind the hitch, two 20-pound propane tanks are easy to access by unscrewing the tank cover. A generously sized powder-coated steel generator rack sits between the propane tanks and the trailer.
The trailer itself has black diamond plating on the front end to protect it from debris that gets kicked up while on the road, as well as a mounted light to help out after dark.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Heartland Cyclone 4005
The Track & Trail RTHSE has a patio awning (optional: power awning with LED lights) so that you can extend your living space to the outdoors. If you want to make it a bit more of a party, you can upgrade with the CD/DVD stereo and two outside speakers. There’s also a hook-up for an outside television.
The 96” wide ramp door is rated for 3000 lbs and has an easy incline for moving your wheeled toys in and out. Inside, a rubberized garage floor keeps your toys from shifting around when in transit and is easy to clean.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Travel Lite Falcon F 23TH
Two flip-down sofa beds fold up and out of the way when it’s time to haul your toys, and then they flip down and turn the garage into your living area. A table slides in between them to give you space to eat, work, and play a hand of cards. At the end of the day, the sofas fold down further into sleeping quarters for four. If you want extra sleeping space, there is an optional lift-assist pull-down Queen-size bed over the sofas which lifts up and out of the way when not in use then pulls down easily with a couple of handles.
Windows above each sofa allow a nice cross breeze on warmer days and nights as well as some natural light. If you’re planning on venturing places where there is no access to shore power, you might choose to opt for the low-cost LED interior lights, part of the Lite Value package along with the stereo and power awning.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Eclipse Attitude 32GSG
In the kitchen area, there’s a refrigerator/freezer with automatic switchover between propane and electric, microwave, two-burner cook top with a hooded vent/light, and a double bowl sink with high-rise faucet. A residential-style backsplash lends a glamorous touch, and a window allows for light and ventilation. As for kitchen storage, there are three full-extension drawers, under counter and under sink cabinets, another cabinet beside the microwave, as well as pantry shelving. If you want to put in a television, it will go above the sink and window.
In the bathroom, there’s a foot-flush lever toilet, a small neo angle shower with handheld wand and skylight/vent, and a mirrored medicine cabinet.
The Gulf Stream Track & Trail 17RTHSE starts at about $16,000. For more information, visit http://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/.
