Keystone Passport Ultra Lite

By Brent Peterson

Keystone RV's new line-up of Passport travel trailers is clearly targeted at the industry's lone sweet spot – lightweight, highly versatile towables that are long on choices with a accessible price tag. While the motorized RV market struggles to overcome the one-two punch of higher sticker prices and volatile fuel costs, those in the waifish towable business continue to make the case for low-cost travel. With ten models available for 2010, ranging in lengths from 24'-34', the Passport should be able to win over any number of prospective travelers, from retirees to young families to those looking to get a larger crew to and fro.

The baby of the bunch, 195RB, weighs in at less than 3,900 pounds, yet delivers nearly 25 feet worth of interior space. All the basics are represented, including a queen-size bed and pair of wardrobes, booth dinette, small kitchen, and bathroom/shower. Every Passport Ultra Lite comes equipped with at least one slide-out, although its size and location varies greatly from unit to unit. Room configurations vary greatly as well, as one might expect with this many available models. For instance, the 280BH and 290BH feature bunk beds and bar stools, while the 296RB offers a full-width rear bathroom and U-shaped dinette. The 300BH, boasting nearly 35' of space, can probably sleep up to eight passengers, and comes with the largest entertainment center of the group and a double pantry. Ah, decisions, decisions. And while every unit offers a queen-sized bed, wardrobes, pass-thru storage, flat screen TV, and a rather useful slide-out cook center, that's really where the similarities end, whether it be trading in a massive kitchen for larger living room, one set of bunk beds for two, or a double-wide living room slide-out for a pair of smaller ones. All this, and still not a single Passport Ulta Lite weighing in at more than 5,500 pounds. Is this the Golden Age of towables?

Keystone RV clearly understands that in this hostile buying climate, this is not the time to be rigid. The Passport features choices and lots of them, in a towing package that won't require a monster truck to transport it where you want to. This should leave this brand – and the manufacturer – poised to survive whatever this economy dishes out.

Models: 10
Length: 24'5"-33'6"
Dry weight: 3,880-5,484 lbs.
Exterior height: 10'1"-10'4"
Tanks (gallons)
Fresh: 30
Black: 30
Gray: 30 or 60
LP gas: 40
MSRP: Starting at $
Contact: Keystone RV at www.keystone-passport.com