2012 Starcraft AR-ONE 18FB Review
Hit the road with less weight in the 2012 Starcraft AR-ONE Travel Trailer. Towable by most standard and crossover SUVs and minivans, the AR-ONE is a strong, affordable travel trailer designed to fit into your family’s budget.
With five floorplans to choose from, the AR-ONE ranges in length from 16 to 21 feet. We’re going to take a tour of the 18FB, which is the largest model in the series. It can sleep five to six people, and measures in with an exterior length of 21’6”, an exterior height of 102” and an interior height of 73”. In terms of weight, it has an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,125 lbs, a hitch weight of 410 lbs and a cargo carrying capacity of 625 lbs. For your water needs, it comes equipped with a fresh water capacity of 26 gallons, a gray waste water capacity of 15 gallons and a black wastewater capacity of nine gallons. Allowing you to travel during any season, the AR-ONE comes with an 18,000-BTU furnace with auto ignition and an 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
Starcraft proves that it’s easy being green, especially when it comes to RVing. That’s why the AR-ONE is built using green, eco-friendly practices. Rated gold by TRA Certification Inc., the AR-ONE was constructed using sustainable materials, as well as material re-use and recycling practices. Starcraft also utilizes new practices that help to increase green capability and performance, so you can rest assured your camping lifestyle will have a minimal impact on the environment. And when it comes to energy efficiency, the AR-ONE does its part. Using energy-efficient design and construction, this travel trailer also features efficient appliances which helps cut down your energy costs. And you can breathe easy – Starcraft has taken care of indoor ventilation by reducing harmful volatile organic compounds found in RV materials, like carpet, hard flooring, adhesives, sealants, cabinets and insulation.
The AR-ONE boasts a host of construction features designed to give your family years of amazing camping memories. Starting at the bottom of this travel trailer, its base structure uses 5/8” main floor decking on 2”x2” longitudinal floor joists, as well as a Poly Flex one-piece underbelly covering. Ensuring that the walls are tough and durable, it’s built with wooden studs on 16” centers, .024” aluminium exterior siding and R-7 fiberglass insulation. Finally, the roof features crowned roof trusses, 3/8” roof decking, a seamless rubber roof and R-7 insulation. Other exterior features that add to its durability include a bumper with drain hose carrier and end caps, a front diamond plate, and an AquaShield Aqualon water-repellent sectionalized tent with a seven-year warranty and rain guttering molding with drip spouts.
Other exterior features of note include a front window with flush-mounted stone guard, rear stabilizer jacks and outside storage.
Just because the AR-ONE is compact, it doesn’t mean that it scrimps on the amenities. It still comes with a host of power and water equipment features that offer you many of the comforts of home. To keep this trailer powered up, it comes with a 120V G.F.C.I. protected exterior receptacle and a 20-lb. propane gas bottle. In the way of water features, it comes equipped with a six-gallon gas water heater, as well as a water heater bypass system and a water system winterization kit. To keep everything organized and give you easy access, the AR-ONE also features a systems monitor panel.
Moving inside, the AR-ONE makes the most of the space it has available. Even though you may be planning to spend most of your time outdoors, you will have to come in eventually, and when you do, you’ll find that comfort and style surround you. In the way of storage, the 18FB comes with Bourbon Glaze beech wood cabinetry and hardwood cabinet doors. Other interior features include pleated night shades.
Walking into the 18FB, the first room you enter is the kitchen. It comes with the bare minimum in the way of equipment, which is a two-burner range and an acrylic sink with faucet, so you can get all of the basics taken care of. There are some options you can choose to add on, but if you’re just using this travel trailer for weekend getaways, you may not need them.
In the lounge area, you’ll find a dinette with ample seating and overhead storage. This area is also prepped for cable TV, in case you can’t go without entertainment for a few days.
For your resting pleasure, the AR-ONE has two separate sleeping areas on either side of the trailer. On one side is a rear bunk, perfect for the kids or overnight guests. On the other is a full bed that serves as the master bedroom. Next to this is the bathroom, which comes equipped with a tub/shower combo, a toilet and a linen closet.
If you want more from your AR-ONE travel trailer, you can always choose to go with the Customer Convenience Package, which comes with a three cubic foot three-way refrigerator, an awning, a bathroom skylight, a microwave, a range hood, a spare tire with carrier and a stereo with AM/FM and iPod/MP3 input jack.
The 2012 Starcraft AR-ONE 18FB Travel Trailer sells for around $12,950. For more information, visit http://www.starcraftrv.com/.
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