Springdale 5th Wheel Trailers

• The 4m slide-out basically doubles interior space
• Break-away switch fitted
• Top-of-the-line appliances and fitments
• Self-containment certificate
• Normal trailer WOF means saving time and money

Kiwi RV Imports, owned and operated by Milton and Karen Kilgour, has its origins back in 2005 and specialises in importing Springdale models, manufactured by Keystone RV Company, Goshen in Indiana, USA. Milton and Karen saw a gap in the market for a mid-size, lightweight 5th wheel trailer here in NZ, so decided to set up Kiwi RV Imports Ltd, 30 minutes’ north of Auckland, and go into the business of importing, converting and then selling the lighter weight Springdale units. It initially started out being a part-time operation, importing to order for customers but has now progressed to being a full-time operation as buyers discover the merits of the Springdale brand. Milton and Karen decided to concentrate on only two models, the 242 rear lounge the 249 rear bunk floor plans, as they both fall within a WOF and retain the 4m slide-out room, which basically doubles your inside space. All NZ-arriving Springdale 5th wheels go directly to have their compliance work done. This includes having all the wiring replaced to suit New Zealand standards and having appliances fitted. Air conditioning is rebuilt, and gas cooker fitting and cabinet changes are carried out. All of the work carries a NZ guarantee. There is a manual hand-brake fitted for parking and the 5th wheelers are set up with a break-away switch, which activates the brakes should the 5th wheeler ever break free. All of the internal fitments, including appliances, are top-of-the-line and add to a very comfortable living area. The slide-out carries the dining area and lounge seating, which can convert, in both cases, to double beds. The 242 model also has two free-standing swivel rocker chairs at the rear. Water is carried in a 227-litre fresh water tank; 128-litre grey water and black water are contained in separate tanks and are all monitored inside the trailer. A black tank flusher is fitted to help eliminate tank smells and false water level readings, and all trailers have a mains water connection allowing the trailer to be connected directly to a fresh water tap. Springdale trailers comply for a self-containment certificate. There are many internal appliances, including ducted air con, satellite dish, decoder and a revolving 26” flat screen TV. A large awning is standard, an outside hot/cold shower and the unit has four landing legs with the front two being electric. It also has a level indicator for length and width levelling. The Springdale trailers weigh in with a GVWR of 3493kg, seven kilograms under the legal limit, allowing it to qualify for a normal trailer WOF. “We started out importing one unit for ourselves and now, several years on, we have a busy operation with Kiwi RV Imports Ltd. Our Springdale trailers are a coach-built product that has been refined over many years. The Springdale factory produces many trailers on a weekly basis and it is a proven product with good quality control measures in place before they leave the factory door. We have full USA dealer network back-up, which assists us with our parts ordering service,” says Milton. Read more about Fifth Wheels here. To read in-depth RV reviews see the latest issue of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine, on sale now. Specifications GVWR 3493kg Length 7.92m Width 2.46m Height 3.45m Gross vehicle mass 3450kg Hitch weight 390kg Fresh water 227L Grey water 256L Black water 113L