2012 Palomino Traverse Sequoia Review

When it comes to RVing these days, going with something compact and towing a light load has become a very important factor for many. Fortunately, the 2012 Palomino Traverse Folding Trailer has packed all the necessities into a comfortable, easy-to-haul package.

Recently, we got the chance to take a look around the Sequoia floorplan (there are seven other plans to choose from). The Sequoia weighs in with a hitch weight of 365 lbs, a shipping weight of 2,839 lbs and a carrying capacity of 721 lbs. It has an exterior open length of 23’3”, an exterior closed length of 19’2”, an exterior closed height of 4’8” and an exterior width of 85”. It also comes with a 20,000 BTU Suburban furnace, 23-gallon under floor water tank and a gas/electric DSI hot water heater.

Built on a 4” tubular steel frame, the Traverse Sequoia is made using laminated filon fiberglass walls that are designed to be better able to resist dents and scratches, and are also easy to clean. It also comes with diamond plate front walls and lower side walls that add to this trailer’s durability. Under the bunks you’ll find laminated bunk ends that are lightweight, strong and feature foam insulation. For its tent, the Sequoia features Omnova and Sunbrella 302 material. Omnova is a high-grade vinyl tenting that is waterproof, strong, durable and easy to clean. The Sunbrella 302 tenting is used in the bunk ends of the trailer, where it’s more important for air flow. The tent system itself uses the three-flap bunk closure design. The exterior rain flap comes first, which allows for rain runoff. The second flap seals under the bunk areas and the third attaches right under the mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep. Overhead, the Traverse Sequoia’s roof is sealed and coated with Line-X, which is designed to keep you dry no matter how hard the rain is coming down.

Another perk we were pleased with is the electric lift motor. This handy feature makes it easy to set up –all you have to do is push a button and the roof lifts up. And speaking of setting up, the Sequoia comes with B.A.L. stabilizer jacks, complete with round sand pads that are attached at the corners. When you’re assembling the bed, self-storing bed support poles attach to the bottom side of the area. Plus, with the easy-to-use Backsaver bed system, you won’t need to bend to put the support poles in place. As well, we liked the exterior storage boxes on either side of the trailer. You can bring along extra essentials, or if you want to travel light, the boxes can come right off.

For your outside enjoyment, the 2012 Traverse Sequoia has a few features that will have you “roughing it” in comfort. You can listen to your favorite music courtesy of the outside marine grade speakers while lounging under the A&E awning. When you get hungry, put some burgers on the Blue Rhino grill that’s mounted on the trailer and hooked up to the exterior LP gas tank.

Other exterior features of note include one-piece screen doors, aluminum wheels, electric brakes, entry step, 120 Volt GFI outlet, LP bottle and cover, a patio light, torsion independent suspension EZ-Lube axle, and spare tire, bracket and cover.

For a trailer that’s so compact, you wouldn’t expect much in the way of interior amenities. But we were pleasantly surprised to find a host of comforts inside. Storage was ample and accessible, with large cabinet doors and smooth operating drawers. Easy to clean and maintain, the 2012 Traverse Sequoia has one-piece Congoleum vinyl floors that can withstand heavy traffic. As well, this folding camper comes with clear windows, which means you can enjoy an unobstructed view and plenty of natural light.

Meals cooked at the campground are made easy, thanks to a host of features and appliances that come standard in the 2012 Traverse Sequoia. A Dometic three-way refrigerator and a Suburban cooktop make cooking simple. And, the cooktop comes with covers to give you extra prep space. The kitchen area features a large high-pressure laminate countertop that is designed to be durable and easy to clean, easily accessible drawers on full-extension guides and no-spill swing level galleys. When it’s time to eat, take a seat at the dinette area. Here, you’ll find a Formica Table with freestanding legs (so you can use it inside or out) and dinette cushions that lift off to give you added storage space.

There’s extra seating provided in the Sequoia as well – it comes with a slide gaucho that can double as extra sleeping space. Another extra bonus is the AM/FM /CD/MP3 player that comes with interior and exterior speakers.

One of the great things about the Traverse Sequoia is that it comes with two king-sized beds on either end of the trailer. These 4” heated mattresses with quilted tops are made from high-quality hypoallergenic polyester. As well, these areas come with vented bed end curtains and solid fabric window curtains to offer privacy.

Other interior features include a bunk light with a fan, a hanging storage pantry, a hanging wardrobe, and a kitchen faucet with a water pump.

The 2012 Palomino Traverse Sequoia Folding Trailer retails for around $17,995. For more information, visit http://www.palominorv.com/.

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