Considering a Chinook: got a couple Qs for seasoned owners

[CKnDave]

Hello everyone. My husband and I are looking into a Chinook Concourse with two twin beds. We currently have a 26.5 Lazy Daze Class C which we love but are considering downsizing to a smaller model “B”. We have been looking at Roadtreks and Pleasureways but that Chinook with the bigger fridge is a magnet to this foodie. I have a couple questions that maybe you can help me with?

On the twin bed model, if I understand correctly, you cannot pull the two couches together? In our LD, we pull two couches together to make a king size bed and just use the cab over for storage.

Is there a table with this model that goes between the two couches? Where does it hide? LOL

Also if the two couches are stationary, is there storage underneath them? I am having a hard time finding brochures, owners manuals, etc online.

I understand Chinook is out of business. My husband is an RV Tech and I am an RV inspector.. how hard is it to find parts etc to fix anything along the way?

OH, last q. I understand the rear steps fold up… we have a standup trailer that we use to pull two Vespas on….. will that be a simple setup or do the steps and rear tire get in the way..

Thanks!

[caconcourse]

Welcome to the Chinook world. The twin bed units are the least common, and the beds do not combine. I think the table is stored when not in use, and is placed between the twin sofas. The Dinette plan, on the other hand allows the dinette benches and table to form a bed that does combine with the jackknife sofa to create a king-size bed. The club lounge plan has a more open feel, but the only bed is the jackknife sofa, which is a full-size. There is also a rare "side-entry" Concourse model with a full-time bed in the back, but they were only made for three or four years in the mid-late 90's, and are very hard to find.

The Chinooks were high end for their time, but use the same components as all of the other manufactures, such as Dometic fridge and Air Conditioner, Suburban furnace and water heater, etc. So everything is upgradable or repairable.

There is a trailer receiver between the steps which uses an extender for towing. When the hitch is in use, the lower step is not used, and just rests on top of the top step.

The most popular models are from the late 90's to the end (2005) and are all Class C. The 21' Concourse and Premier are sometimes called a "B+", but technically they are small Class C, made from a short wheelbase cutaway Ford E-350. The Concourse was more expensive and had better standard fixtures (bigger fridge, more cabinets/shelves, etc) then the Premier, but now there is not much difference in value.

There is a good history of the Chinooks here, with a lot of information: https://tincantourists.com/wiki/chinook ... f8N9dxmmt0

[68camaro]

I understand Chinook is out of business. My husband is an RV Tech and I am an RV inspector.. how hard is it to find parts etc to fix anything along the way?

OH, last q. I understand the rear steps fold up… we have a standup trailer that we use to pull two Vespas on….. will that be a simple setup or do the steps and rear tire get in the way..

Thanks!

I don't have twin bed model but will address other two questions from my experience.

I have done many upgrades, fixes and replacements and have not had any issues replacing or repairing what was there. I am sure there are items not available but most here have found alternative or work arounds.

I have a cargo box with swing away arm in my hitch and a lift with bigger tires so when I travel with wife or daughter I bring small two step stool and put by cargo box extension to make easy to get in and out for safety issue since I cannot lower back stairs.

Good luck on search.

[CKnDave]

[/quote]

I don't have twin bed model but will address other two questions from my experience.

I have done many upgrades, fixes and replacements and have not had any issues replacing or repairing what was there. I am sure there are items not available but most here have found alternative or work arounds.

I have a cargo box with swing away arm in my hitch and a lift with bigger tires so when I travel with wife or daughter I bring small two step stool and put by cargo box extension to make easy to get in and out for safety issue since I cannot lower back stairs.

Good luck on search.
[/quote]

Thanks. We have a cargo hitch box as well that we have never used. It will be now!!!