2011 Starcraft RV-ONE 15RB is Solid and Affordable

Looking at camping trailers? Check out this 15’ lightweight hybrid travel trailer from Starcraft RV. It can be pulled by many SUV’s, crossovers, and mini-vans, so it’s a great choice for families and adults who already own an adequate vehicle and want comfort while camping. As always, get advice from experts who know your tow vehicle, and what it can safely, and enjoyably, handle before you make any towable selection. Starcraft touts the AR-One as strong and affordable, yet doesn’t include an MSRP on their site. We found the RV Show price on this was $10,000 in January 2011, and many RV dealers are listing it at $11,000.

2011 RV-ONE Floorplans

There are 3 different floorplans, the 14RB, 15RB, and the 16BH, that increase a foot in length with each plan. The 14RB sleeps 2-3 by converting the dinette to a bed and by utilizing the couch along the curbside wall that faces the kitchen. The 15RB adds a rear fold out bed that is like a pop-up out of tent material and this adds 1-2 more sleeping spots. The 16BH ditches the sofa (with storage) to make room for a permanent set of bunks, and adds a pantry – this unit sleeps 3-4.

Comparison of 2011 Starcraft AR-ONE Specifications by Model

Starcraft RV-ONE 15RB

The expandable 15RB sleeps 2-5 people because of the hybrid’s tent bunk-end that adds room for 1-2 more. Before considering this model, decide whether you even want to sleep under canvas. If you’re unsure that you’ll enjoy this feature, then it may not be worth the additional sleeping space. However if this does appeal to you, then it’s a great solution to add more sleeping space without taking up valuable floorspace.

The rear bed folds out the back end with a permanently attached tent and looks almost like a pop-up camper from the rear when it’s out. What’s nice is that if you’re not able to use that for whatever reason, there’s still the option to turn the 54” dinette into a nice size bed – if that’s not already spoken for that is. Once that bed is set up you can leave it set up and use the sofa for sitting during the day. It’s not much of a view from there, but unless the weather is poor you’ll probably be outside.

2011 Starcraft AR-ONE 15RB Floorplan

(Click on images to enlarge)

Notable Features

Pros

• Front window is great for views and adds lots of light
• Dinette table is portable with folding legs and can be used outside
• 18,000-BTU furnace with auto ignition
• Crank up antenna with signal booster for HDTV
• Expandable bunk-end has no poles and has capacity of 1,100 lbs.
• Tent material is Aqua-Shield from Aqualon with a 7-year warranty
• 3 Cu. Ft. 3-way gas/electric refrigerator
• 30-amp power cord
• Bathroom includes tub/shower
• Radio with roof antenna that also connects to iPod
• Retractable entrance step
• Patio awning
• One piece seamless rubber roof
• R-7 fiberglass insulation throughout
• Diamond plate front protector
• Spare tire with carrier

Cons, or Concessions to Keep Weight Down

• Interior height is only about 6’
• Does not include TV and you will need to determine a model that is appropriate to mount
• Bathroom does not have it’s own sink
• A/C unit inside is a little small at 5,000 BTU
• Small tank capacities

Designed to Fit into Your Garage?

I’ve seen claims that the AR-ONE was designed to fit easily into garages, especially due to installing the A/C unit inside rather than on top of the travel trailer. I measured my garage door opening and my clearance is only 6’6” in height, far short of the 8’3” of the trailer’s height. Garage door sizes vary far too greatly to make this statement so be sure to measure your own to see if you can count on storing the trailer in it.

If you can’t store it in your garage, consider a good travel trailer cover to protect your investment. What’s nice about today’s covers is that they are configured to allow access to your trailer without taking the whole cover off.

Green Certification

Starcraft RV was one of the first RV manufacturers to be awarded a Gold (out of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald) label under TRA Certification’s ‘Green RV Program’. This designation as a ‘Certified Green Capable Manufacturer’, indicates that they use materials, practices and products that are compliant with sustainability standards.

As a consumer we have more power than we sometimes give ourselves credit for. By spending our hard earned dollars with manufacturers that take greater care to protect our environment and their customer’s health, we are voting on what matter to us. Starcraft is proud that a third party certifies the fact that they build green, and that all of their products are green. Now that matters.

Overall

This is a solid, yet lightweight camper’s choice, especially if you are stepping up from tents or pop-up camper backgrounds. As always, do your homework on whether this model is appropriate for your vehicle and experience. And spend some time to determine how much you plan to pack into the trailer, including water, to decide if the carrying capacity is enough to fit your needs. Get more than one opinion until you are confident that you understand all of the trailer, hitch, and towing vehicle nuances and their ramifications.

Starcraft RV provides a 12-month warranty, and you can see these for yourself at your local Camping World, RV Show, or other RV dealership. Happy and safe adventures to you.