THE 2024 STARCRAFT AUTUMN RIDGE RV REVIEW Feature by Howard J Elmer A known aftereffect of the pandemic is the rise in the number of younger families getting into RVing. They came because they wanted to get out of the house or apartment with the kids—but now, post pandemic, they are staying because they discovered what most of us know—its nice out here. As for which RV will best serve this younger market, that answer is based on individual needs. However, one need is universal—the lowest price. When I talk about price though it has to be understood that spending less is everyone’s goal, but for younger families getting out into the wild is the real goal—they are not as concerned with the trip as they are the destination. Not to mention that when they get out there, they will spend most of their time outside and that makes them a little less concerned about all
the aesthetics and the build of the trailer. With young kids the trailer is a means to the end— that end being outdoor fun. I recently reviewed a number of family focused travel trailers and settled on the Autumn Ridge line from Starcraft to review. These trailers fit the family bill. Lower-priced, with everything you need and nothing you don’t. This has been the mission of the Autumn Ridge line. The line itself is not new—but it is extensive, with a variety of floorplans and lengths that will accommodate four to 12 sleepers—and even serve as a toy hauler. Weights of these units are not the lowest, as that would require more aluminum, which is expensive, but they are proportionate to their size. Across the weight range many of these trailers can easily be towed by smaller trucks and SUVs—even minivans. Right about now you’re thinking—“Starcraft, I’ve seen that name for decades—right?” Yes you have—Starcraft was put on the map by Lloyd Bontager who invented a breakthrough lifter system for towable tent campers in the early 1960’s. It was that innovation that led to the explosion of pop-up campers on North American highways which, in turn, brought tens of thousands of new families into the
RV REVIEW
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024 | 27
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