2018 Keystone Springdale 253FWRE Review
Keystone’s 2018 Springdale fifth wheel gives families lots of living space and flexibility thanks the 14’ super slide.
Six Springdale fifth wheel floorplans are available and we’re checking out the Springdale 253FWRE, which has a shipping weight of 8,530 lbs, carrying capacity of 1,770 lbs, and hitch of 1,500 lbs. It can carry 59 gal. of fresh water, and 39 gal. each of gray water and waste water. It measures 32’ 10” long, 11’ 10” high, and 96” wide.
Built on a cambered chassis with a powder coated I-beam frame, the Springdale has laminated fiberglass sidewalls. A mirror above the hitch makes lining it up easier, and two large cut-outs on the front section give you a larger turn radius.
There are two separate propane tanks at 30 lbs each, allowing you to go for longer stretches before refilling. There’s also some nice wide pass-through storage.
An outside television connection and bracket are available in case you’d like to add an outdoor entertainment zone. The power awning with built-in LED lights gives you a little protection from the elements while you’re hanging out. Outdoor speakers work with Bluetooth and can be controlled by the entertainment unit inside. Around the back, there’s a bracket to add on an outdoor grill
Inside, the 253FWRE has a really great, spacious floorplan. The two large slides directly opposite each other make it very open and roomy.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Heartland Cyclone 4005
A nice feature of the dinette table is that it has an additional function beyond the typical dining table and dropping down between the dinette benches to convert the space into a bed. It slides right out from the booth altogether and can then be moved into the living area and lowered into a coffee table.
The window by the dinette is full height, giving you a great view to your campsite. Between that, the window above the couch, and windows on each end of the slide, plenty of natural light finds its way inside this fifth wheel.
Ample storage space underneath the dinette benches is easily accessible via a cupboard door at the end of the bench.
In the living area, the tri-fold sofa converts easily into a bed. Across from the sofa, in the opposite slide, two recliners offer more comfortable seating. The entertainment area is on the back wall. On each side of the television, in lieu of cabinets, there are windows, which adds a lot of light and airiness to the space. Overhead cabinets let you stash all your board games. Below the television, there’s a fireplace in a brick surround, which adds a lovely residential feel to the living space. Not only does it add great light and atmosphere, but it also acts as a space heater. Because you can use a site’s electrical, this means you can save a bundle on heating costs. The fireplace surround also houses the DVD AM/FM Bluetooth CD/DVD entertainment system and has some decent surface space on top. The fireplace is flanked by cabinets, which also have some top surface space. Ducted air conditioning helps cool down the space quickly.
Moving into the kitchen, appliances include a seven-cubic-foot refrigerator with stainless steel front panels, residential microwave, three-burner cooktop with oven, hood with vent and fan. A nice L-shaped counter offers plenty of work surface, and the sink cover doubles as more prep surface as well as a cutting board. The high rise pull-out faucet helps make clean-up a little easier. There’s plenty of pantry storage space in overhead cabinets, as well as two large drawers and under-sink space.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Grand Design Solitude 344GK
Stepping up into the front section, the bathroom is immediately on your left, with a door off the hallway as well as one that opens directly into the bedroom. A foot-flush toilet, neo-angle shower with built-in shelves, hand wand, and skylight are all standard features. Bathroom storage comprises the vanity, mirrored medicine cabinet above the sink, and a cupboard with shelving for linens and toiletries. The bathroom’s second door slides open, and this bathroom cupboard extends into the bedroom, where it is a wardrobe with a hanging rod.
In the bedroom, there’s a walk-around Queen bed with a nightstand and mirrored wardrobe on each side. There’s also a small shelf and electrical outlets at the head of the bed, and overhead cabinets. A vent in the ceiling allows a breeze in and the space is pre-wired if you want a second air conditioning unit.
The 2018 Keystone Springdale 253FWRE starts at about $26,000. For more information, visit http://www.keystonerv.com/.
