2014 CrossRoads Rushmore Franklin Review
Despite its historical name, the CrossRoads Rushmore fifth wheel family is rich with modern amenities. With high quality construction and a luxurious interior, the 2014 Crossroads Rushmore lets you choose a layout that accommodates your family’s needs.
Four floorplans are available to choose from: Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, and Franklin. We decided to explore the Franklin, designed for large families and long vacations. It has a gross vehicle weight rating of 15,500 lbs, as well as an exterior length of 40’2” and exterior height (A/C included) of 12’9”. The Franklin has a fresh water capacity of 104 gallons, black water capacity of 40 gallons and gray water capacity of 85 gallons.
The 2014 CrossRoads Rushmore Franklin benefits from champagne gel-coated fiberglass sidewalls, double-layered luan backing with staggered seams and two layers of fiberglass Batt insulation in the floor and ceiling. The floor, ceiling, front cap, rear cap and seamless underbelly feature Flex Foil insulation. Aluminum floor joists are 11” on center, while the plywood floor decking features 5/8” glued and screwed tongue and groove.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 KZ Durango GoldRush Nugget
Since the Franklin is built for large families, we’ll start with the family room. Some people like reading books by the fireplace, while others enjoy drinking beer by the big-screen TV. Why not do both? The living room features a 39” LG LED TV and a fireplace, while the Premium LG Blu-Ray Dolby Home Theatre System is equipped with surround sound and a sub-woofer. Relax in the theatre seating, which has individual recliners, equipped with drink holders and a center console. Vaulted ceilings and recessed LED lighting are also found in the living room and flush-mount halogen lighting can be found throughout the space. Both the solid mitered maple cabinet doors and the v-groove glass overhead cabinet doors are equipped with hidden hinges. All the hardware comes in brushed nickel. Entertainment center by day and bedroom by night, the living area features an 84” residential sleeper-sofa that converts into a King bed.
Your family will also spend quality time in the kitchen. Fear not — the kitchen is large enough for two chefs to cook different meals at the same time. The hidden hinges and brushed nickel create a space as beautiful as it is residential. You will not run out of storage space for your kitchen hardware. Two oversized pot and pan storage drawers are located below the dual refrigerators. Cook dinner on the high-output range and bake desert in the 22” oven below. The Undermount 50/50 stainless steel kitchen sink will fit many dirty dishes. It comes with a hi-rise faucet equipped with a pullout sprayer. Enjoy family meals at the freestanding dinette table.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Lifestyle Luxury LS32FW
If you define RV luxury through residential bathrooms, then the Franklin ranks high among fifth wheels. With a one-piece molded fiberglass shower – a seat included – and a large medicine cabinet, equipped with a mirror, the Franklin’s bathroom will have family members fighting for privacy. Other amenities include a domed skylight over the shower and a brushed nickel showerhead. The deep base cabinet storage and extra large linen closet will provide your family with more than enough storage space.
Last but not least, we’ll explore the Master Suite. After a long day of driving, exploring or cooking, retreat to your bedroom. The queen bed, which can be upgraded to a king, features under-bed storage with gas struts. Both sides of the bed have a nightstand for your books and phones. The padded and stitched headboard gives the space a cozy, residential feel. A vanity mirror, equipped with a bank of cabinets below, offers another place to get ready. With plenty of storage space, organize your clothes in the walk-in wardrobe, which features built in shelving and recessed shoe storage. You can also utilize the jacket/shirt wardrobe — it comes with drawers. Before you shut your eyes for the night, watch your favourite show on the 32” LG LED television.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 DRV Mobile Suites Estates 38 RSB3
The 2014 CrossRoads Rushmore Franklin RF 39 gives you options. For a higher price, you can upgrade the rooms, add furniture and install different features. You can request dual pane windows, ceiling fan and microwave. You can exchange your refrigerator for one that has an icemaker or even request a slideout awning package with four slides or five slides. Options are endless so discuss them with your RV retailer.
The 2014 CrossRoads Rushmore Franklin sells for around $85,000. For more information visit http://www.crossroadsrv.com/.
