rv review
You don’t need more than a half-ton truck to tow this well-furnished fifth wheel KZ Durango
K Z Recreational Vehicles is now in its fifth decade in business. That’s a significant accomplishment, consider- ing the ups and downs of the RV industry. To prosper, man- ufacturers need to listen to their customers and build the kind of RVs they want. KZ has done just that, particularly with its crowd-pleasing lineup of Durango fifth wheels. I tested the 34-foot Durango D326CS. It’s part of the 1500 series, which simply means these fifth wheels can be towed by half-ton pickups. KZ has adopted the labels 1500 and 2500 to identify which of its fifth wheels can be towed by half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks. Interestingly, the main difference between similar length 1500 and 2500 Durango fifth wheels is the height. Inside, KZ has done a fine job of maximizing the space in both versions, so that’s not a key consideration, but the height does play a big role in terms of basement storage. We all have “stuff,” and the longer you plan to be on the road, the more stuff you need. The basement storage on my tester was a pass-through design, but it was fairly narrow. For snowbirds and full-timers, the 2500 models may be the better choice. Of course, that also means owning a larger, more
expensive truck to haul the additional weight. Entering the D326CS was a squeeze until the two large slide-outs were extended to open up the living room. With its L-shaped hide-a-bed couch and opposing twin recliner lounge chairs, this room is an inviting place to sit and visit with friends. Attractive hardwood crown molding draws the eye up, giving the impression that the trailer has more interior height than it actually does. Another interesting feature is the pair of tall windows that frame the entertainment center and fireplace on the rear wall. Typically, the entire wall would be taken up with cabinetry, but in this case the two windows really brighten up the space. Even the kitchen is oriented toward this common area, with the L-shaped counter back-to-back with the couch. Twin sinks come topped with covers, plus there’s a three-burner stove, an oven, and above them a microwave and vent hood. Taking up the other half of one slide-out, the dinette sits across from the kitchen, with a hardwood table and four free- standing chairs. Full-size windows make this a pleasant spot to eat or just sit and sip a cup of coffee. Right across from the entrance door is a counter with
20 COAST TO COAST Summer 2013
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