2018 Crusader Lite 26RE Review
The 2018 Crusader Lite is the smallest and lightest of Prime Time’s fifth wheels. Plenty of residential grade features make it a great option for couples and families looking for a home on the road.
Of the seven floorplans to pick from, the Crusader Lite 26RE is the most compact, and a great size for a couple. It has a cargo carrying capacity of 2,970 lbs and an unloaded vehicle weight of 7,282 lbs, for a total gross vehicle weight rating of 10, 252 lbs. The hitch weight is 1,452 lbs. It measures 29’ long, 11’6” high, and 96” wide. The fresh water tanks has a capacity of 60 gallons, and each of the gray and black water tanks can hold up to 35 gallons.
It has a bonded aluminum structure and gel-coated fiberglass exterior, oversized pass-through baggage doors, dark tinted safety glass windows, 30-pound propane tank on each side, roof access ladder, and spare tire. Rear stabilizers are manual and the front ones are power operated. The Crusader Lite 26RE is a three-season fifth wheel, and an easy winterization and water heater bypass switches – found in the pass-through storage area – will keep the process simple for you.
One of the great features of the Crusader Lite 28RE is its outdoor kitchen. The kitchen has a two-burner cooktop with propane hook-up, a fridge, cabinet, and light. You can also barbecue – with the grill holder is mounted to the rear bumper and swings out.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Travel Lite Falcon F 23TH
A 13’ power awning with an LED light strip creates a nice outdoor living area, complete with outside speakers and television hook-up. There is also an outdoor shower with detachable hose.
Stepping up into the trailer, right inside there’s a little cubby to tuck away muddy shoes and boots so you’re not tracking it throughout. The cubby is underneath the seamless, residential kitchen counter, which has a deep double bowl sink (with cover) and high-rise sprayer faucet. As for appliances, there’s a residential microwave, a three-burner range with a large oven, range hood with a light and exhaust, and double door refrigerator. There’s also a large drawer for pots and pans. All of the trailer’s cabinets have cherry hardwood frames and a solid wood core. Flooring is premium vinyl and upgraded residential carpet.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 17RWD
Right across from the kitchen counter you’ll find the dinette booth, or you can opt for a pedestal table with four dining chairs. Directly behind the dining area is a hide-a-bed-sofa that sleeps two. It faces the entertainment center in the back corner of the trailer: a large LED television, home theater sound bar, DVD player, and plenty of storage space. The television is easily viewed from the sofa and the dinette.
Head to the front of the trailer and you’ll find both the bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom has a space savvy pocket door. Inside, there’s a residential size shower with a seat and a large skylight, as well as a mirrored medicine cabinet, under counter storage, and a bank of cubbies to stash towels and everyday essentials.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Shasta Revere 32DS
In the bedroom, there’s a nightstand on each side of the queen-size bed. A large underbed storage area is easy to access by lifting the bed up on struts. There’s also large mirrored wardrobe with drawers for clothing.
Safety features include a carbon dioxide detector, smoke detector, propane and smoke alarms, and a fire extinguisher. Owners also get one year of emergency roadside assistance.
The Crusader Lite 26RE starts at about $29,000. For more information, visit http://www.primetimerv.com/.
