2011 Starcraft Lexion 359BHSA Review

RVGuide.com
by RVGuide.com

There’s no need to give up the comforts of home when you hit the road – the 2011 Starcraft Lexion Fifth Wheel proves that. Jam-packed with convenience, features, quality construction and much more, the Lexion is a welcome retreat in the great outdoors.


With four floorplans to choose from, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the 359BHSA, the largest model in the series. Able to sleep eight to 10 people, the 359BHSA measures in with a length of 40.5′, a width of 96″, an exterior height of 160″ and an interior height of 77″.


Being green is pretty important these days, and Starcraft has kept that in mind when building its RV products. It’s interesting to note that the company’s RVs have been gold-rated certified by TRA Certification Inc. In the way of resource efficiency, Starcraft uses sustainable materials and practices waste reduction and material re-use and recycling. Indoor quality is exceptional, thanks to the attention to indoor ventilation and the reduction of harmful volatile organic compounds (carpet, hard flooring, adhesives, sealants, cabinets and insulation). In the way of water efficiency, the company has installed water-efficient appliances and fixtures, and for energy efficiency, they use energy-efficient design and construction and install efficient appliances.

Now that we’ve taken care of the trendy stuff, it’s time to move on to the nuts and bolt of what makes the Lexion fifth wheel a great investment for your family. Built on an I-class cambered structural-steel I-beam frame, the Lexion is constructed to provide you with years of outdoor memories. Using 5/5” tongue and groove plywood decking on a welded aluminum frames, bead-foam insulation and a Poly Flex covering, the Lexion offers a solid foundation. On the walls, you’ll find TuffShell vacuum-bonded lamination that combines gelled high gloss fibreglass, welded aluminum frames and metal backers to create long-lasting durability. The roof features vacuum-bonded lamination, plywood decking, 5” arched aluminum trusses, bead-foam insulation and a seamless rubber shield to handle the elements.

Other construction features of note include R-21 insulation in roof, R-9 in sidewalls, R-24 in floor and underbelly, R-15 in slideout floors, a rear one-piece fiberglass cap, an aerodynamic wrap-around front fiberglass cap and its frame is prepped for bike rack/cargo tray.


The drive to wherever you’re headed will be stress-free, as the Lexion comes with the equipment to get you on your way without any hassles. Just a few features that make the ride smooth include front jacks with quick-release pins, galvanized-steel wheel wells, MOR/ryde CRE3000 axle equalizer, Nev-R-Adjust brakes, polished aluminum wheels, Torq-N-Go wheel nuts, 16″ radial tires, E-Z Lube axles and electric-powered front and rear jacks.

Other exterior features meant to make life away from home more comfortable include an outdoor media center, screened egress bunk windows, Stor-Galore basement storage, lockable baggage doors, insulated and radius-cornered, amber patio lights with inside switch, Big Easy entrance step with 10″ deep treads and 30″ main entry door.


Keeping you comfortable is more than just amenities – it’s all the things that make life easier. Things like power, climate control and water. Good thing Starcraft has thought about all that. To keep living conditions optimal, the Lexion comes with a 15,000-BTU air conditioner with louvered and directional ceiling vents and auto-ignition furnace with wall thermostat. In terms of power, there’s the 120V G.F.C.I. protected exterior receptacle, 12V electrical system with deluxe 120V 80-amp power converter and 50-amp power cord. For all your water needs, it features Rotocast fresh water holding tanks, black holding tank sprayer, a hookup for city water, a water heater bypass system and a water system winterization kit.

You’ve got to come inside at some point, and when you do, you won’t be disappointed. Starcraft has thoughtfully designed this fifth wheel to feel homey. Its decor is highlighted with Brown Sugar Glazed raised-panel doors and drawers, fabric-covered box valances with drapes, wallpaper border, weathered iron cabinet hardware and weathered iron decorative lighting. Keeping your RV well lit are halogen recessed 12V lighting and a transom window with wood trim in the slideout. Finishing off the look are overhead cabinets, pleated day/night shades, residential furniture, designed and made by Starcraft and trackless carpeting with pad.


When you walk into the 359BHSA, you’re greeted by the open concept kitchen and living area. For your dining pleasure, the Lexion comes equipped with a 3-burner range with 9,000-BTU SuperBurner and piezo igniter, an oversized 21″ oven and an 8 cu. ft. flush-mount refrigerator with double door and Brown Sugar Glazed raised-panel front. When you’re getting dinner ready, you can use the Corian cover for the sink and the Corian kitchen countertops. For cleaning up after the meal, there’s a brushed nickel mixing faucet with pull-out sprayer and a stainless-steel under-mounted sink. Other kitchen features include an extra large picture window, a free-standing table with four dining chairs and a range hood with light and exhaust fan.

In the living area, the family can gather around the 40″ LCD HDTV while sitting on the hide-a-bed sofa. Snacks can sit on the free-standing end table, and an additional wardrobe provides storage space for DVDs or other entertainment essentials.


If you’ve got overnight guest, the Lexion has a place for them to sleep. Not only does the hide-a-bed sofa pull out to reveal an air mattress, but there’s also a bedroom with two bunk beds. This room also comes with a wardrobe so guests have a place to store their clothes. Right next door to it is a convenient powder room, complete with toilet and sink.


In the bedroom, you’ll always sleep soundly, thanks to a queen-sized bed with coordinated, quilted bedspread and decorative headboard. You can also store items underneath the bed – it lifts easily on its gas struts. Other bedroom features include a wardrobe, a six-panel residential-style passage door, decorative reading lights, a dresser lamp, a laundry hamper and a TV cabinet.


Last but not least is the bathroom. Clean yourself off with the ABS shower (complete with surround and radius-glass shower door) and the large sink. Other bathroom features include a six-panel residential-style passage door, a medicine cabinet with mirror, switches for all lights, a Thetford porcelain toilet with foot flush and vinyl flooring.


The 2011 Starcraft Lexion Fifth Wheel retails for $54,850. For more information, visit http://www.starcraftrv.com/.


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