theksmith 5,778 Posted August 28, 2025 (edited) after renting several campers over the past few year, exhaustively researching, and over-contemplating all the options - we finally bought a little travel trailer of our own! here's our new 2026 Forest River Salem FSX 167RBK - coming in at just under 22' total length and not quite 3400 pounds dry (UVW). we actually ordered this 9 weeks ago and waited for it to be built. we could only find one of this exact floorplan in the state, and that dealership wanted several thousand more for their 2025 model-year version than another local dealer was willing to order a brand new 2026 version for. we'd done a ton of research, and though there are plenty of other brands/models with very similar floorplans, this one met all of our requirements 100% and included several nice-to-have features too. Rowley White RV in Phoenix was the dealer we ordered through and they were a pleasure to work with. the floorplan and full specs... we wanted the smallest hard-side trailer we could find that still had all of our must-have "full size" features. this 167RBK is well under Freya's V8 tow capacity which should make for an easy haul and the smaller size should fit even on somewhat obscure forest roads. one of our most desired features was an "RV queen" size (or larger) bed that was oriented length-wise so we could each get in and out of it without climbing over the other person. the murphy bed arrangement on this floorplan was an added bonus, giving more seating and room in general when hiding out inside during a summer rain storm. our next requirement was a dedicated dinette without having to convert the main bed. we also wanted a larger fridge with a fully separate freezer section. the included 10.6 cu-ft unit gives more than enough space for a long weekend's worth of food and treats without playing expert level Tetris! Aimee wasn't keen on the compact wet-baths that some similar sized floorplans used. so the fact Forest River managed to fit a good sized shower, separate toilet, and little sink all in this bathroom is perfect. some of the other features we appreciate with this model are the 39 gallon fresh water / 30 grey / 30 black - larger than what many of the other sub-3,500 lb trailers included. the tankless hot water heater is a little luxury and the sliding bathroom door saves space. dimmable modern LED light fixtures are a nice touch. an enclosed underbelly and "pre-wired for solar" features save me some customizing time and the black tank flush is a great option too. we feel like this 167RBK is a really nice value for a highly usable small couples floorplan with some handy full-size trailer features. anyone that knows me also knows that mods are coming soon! right now we're still getting basic supplies and organizing storage areas. our first upgrade is a better mattress (on order now). stay tuned to see how we customize and optimize our little camper for boondocking! Edited August 28, 2025 by theksmith 8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jgaz 750 Posted August 28, 2025 Congrats Kris! Looks like a nice rig. I was going to ask about the planned mods because we all know that she ain’t gonna be “stock” for long. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbuckner 208 Posted August 28, 2025 A 6 inch lift and a set of 35's and you'll be good to go. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,897 Posted August 28, 2025 Wow you guys!! That is really really nice, and I'm so happy for you. Happy Camping!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacey and Scott 1,404 Posted August 29, 2025 Let the mod's begin! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 5,778 Posted August 31, 2025 (edited) so as has become our tradition, debadging a bit was the first mod! removed the "Salem FSX" decals from the sides. also several made in Indiana and other such labels, and about a million warning stickers (hot things are hot, don't lick the tires, etc.). we left the main logos on the front end and some on the tail end. the ends don't have many other graphics so we thought i might look too naked if we stripped those all off. it think the sides look simpler and better now though. Edited August 31, 2025 by theksmith 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jgaz 750 Posted August 31, 2025 Covered storage for the new trailer? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4WLNRN 774 Posted August 31, 2025 What it needs is a giant decal that says "it's just a forest service road" placed across the front and back of the trailer 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 5,778 Posted August 31, 2025 (edited) 11 hours ago, jgaz said: Covered storage for the new trailer? yes! we were able to find a spot at a nice family run storage place really close to our house. the space rent includes a dedicated power outlet, use of the dump station, water fill, air fill, and a bag of ice each time you're there. they also refill propane for cheap. Edited September 1, 2025 by theksmith 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladybug 699 Posted August 31, 2025 Kris and Aimee! - You have chosen the exact same requirements that we have for an rv! - excellent choices! Now you can bring the ice cream! Good job! Its a great rig! smiles, ladybug 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
