Chuck & Terry’s 2005 Pilgrim 281RBS

Chuck & Terry - Maiden Voyage - 02/18/05

Maiden Voyage - February 18, 2005
Daingerfield State Park - Texas

Our Pilgrim Adventures!

2005

Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield, TX - February 18-20, 2005

Loyd Park, Grand Prairie, TX - March 11-13, 2005

Canyon of the Eagles, Burnet, TX - March 31 - April 3, 2005

Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Unit, Somerville, TX - May 26 - 30, 2005

Beavers Bend Resort - Broken Bow, OK - June 13-19, 2005

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose, TX - July 29-31, 2005

Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point, TX - September 1-4, 2005

Lake Ray Roberts - Isle Du Bois,  Pilot Point, TX - October 21-23, 2005

Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield, TX - November 20-27, 2005

Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, TX - December 29, 2005-January 1, 2006

2006

Loyd Park, Grand Prairie, TX - February 17-19, 2006

Canyon of the Eagles, Burnet, TX - March 17-19, 2006

RV Ranch, Burleson, TX - March 31-April 2, 2006

Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Mineral Wells, TX - August 4-6, 2006

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Mount Pleasant, TX - September 10-17, 2006

Loyd Park RV.net Rally, Grand Prairie, TX - October 13-15, 2006

2007

Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX - March 2-4, 2007

Canyon of the Eagles, Burnet, TX - March 16-18, 2007

Beavers Bend Resort, Broken Bow, OK - March 30-April 1, 2007

Possum Kingdom State Park, Caddo, TX - April 20-22, 2007

Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis, TX - May 13-20, 2007

Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Mena, AR - August 31, 2007-September 3, 2007

Fairfield Lake State Park, Fairfield, TX - September 14-16, 2007

Loyd Park RV.net Rally, Grand Prairie, TX - October 5-7, 2007

Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR - November 18-25, 2007

Lake Somerville State Park, Somerville, TX - December 14-16, 2007

Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, TX - December 27-January 1, 2008

2008

Lake Whitney State Park, Whitney, TX - January 18-20, 2008

Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX - February 29-March 2, 2008

RV Ranch, Burleson, TX - March 28-30, 2008

Cedar Hill State Park - Cedar Hill, TX - April 4-6, 2008

Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR - May 17-25, 2008

Hickory Creek Park COE, Hickory Creek, TX - June 19-22, 2008

KL Ranch Camp, New Braunfels, TX - September 19-21, 2008

Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek, Somerville, TX - October 9-12, 2008

Loyd Park - Grand Prairie, TX - November 14-16, 2008

Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs, AR - November 21-23, 2008

Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield, TX - December 31, 2008 - January 4, 2009

2009

Fort Richardson State Park, Jacksboro, TX - February 6-8, 2009

Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX - March 6-8, 2009

Fort Richardson State Park, Jacksboro, TX - April 15-20, 2009

Lake Ouachita State Park, Mountain Pine, AR - May 7-11, 2009

Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point, TX - May 21-25, 2009

Muller State Park, Divide, CO - August 9-16, 2009

Trailer Ranch RV Resort, Santa Fe, NM - August 16-23, 2009

Lake Livingston State Park, Livingston, TX - September 16-20, 2009

Beavers Bend Resort Park, Broken Bow, OK - September 29 - October 4. 2009

Lake Somerville State Park, Somerville, TX - October 15-18, 2009

Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, TX - December 28, 2009 - January 3, 2010

2010

Waxahachie Creek Park, Ennis, TX - March 11-12, 2010

Cedar Hill State Park, Cedar Hill, TX - April 9-11, 2010

Fort Richardson State Park, Jacksboro, TX - April 14-18, 2010

Cedar Hill State Park, Cedar Hill, TX - September 9-12, 2010

Midway COE Park, Waco TX - September 17-19, 2010

The Vineyards, Grapevine, TX - September 23-26, 2010

Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline, LA - October 7-10, 2010

Beavers Bend Resort Park, Broken Bow, OK - October 10-17, 2010

Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Spring, AR - November 22-28, 2010

Fredericksburg RV Park , Fredericksburg, TX - December 30, 2010-January 2, 2011

2011

Lake Whitney State Park, Whitney, TX - February 24-27, 2011

Cedar Hill State Park, Cedar Hill, TX - March 17-20, 2011

East Fork Pavilion and Campground, Lake Lavon, Wylie, TX - April 8-10, 2011

Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs, AR - April 14-17, 2011

Burns Run Campground, Cartwright, OK - June 9-12, 2011

Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR - June 19-26, 2011

Holiday COE Park, Benbrook, TX - September 21-25, 2011

Beavers Bend Resort Park, Broken Bow, OK - October 09-16, 2011

Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs, AR - November 23-27, 2011

Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield, TX - December 26, 2011-January 2, 2012

2012

6th Annual Regional DOG, Canton, TX - March 16-18, 2012

Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield, TX - May 17-21, 2012

Lake Ray Roberts - Isle Du Bois,  Pilot Point, TX - September 13-16, 2012

Beavers Bend Resort Park, Broken Bow, OK - September 27-30, 2012

Beavers Bend Resort Park, Broken Bow, OK - October 11-14, 2012

2012 National Dutch Oven Gathering, Canton, TX - October 14-21, 2012

2013

Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs, AR - February 8-12, 2013

Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR - May 19-27, 2013

Loyd Park - Grand Prairie, TX - September 18-22, 2013

Beavers Bend Resort Park, Broken Bow, OK - October 6-13, 2013

2014

Loyd Park, Grand Prairie, TX - February 27-March 2, 2014

Caddo Lake State Park, Uncertain, TX - May 16-18, 2014

Daingerfiled State Park - Daingerfield, TX - May 18-26, 2014

Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, TX - December 28, 2014 - January 4, 2015
 

2015

Hickory Creek Park COE, Hickory Creek, TX - June 18-21, 2015

Mother Neff State Park, Moody, TX - July 2-5, 2015

Burns Run Campground, Cartwright, OK - July 16-19, 2015

Loyd Park - Grand Prairie, TX - September 9-13, 2015

Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad, New Mexico - October 25, 2015 - November 1, 2015

Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, TX - December 27, 2015 - January 3, 2016

 

Our 2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S

January 21, 2005 was a big day for us. We purchased our new 2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S at the Fort Worth RV show from FunTime RV located in Cleburne, Texas. David Kidd, our salesperson, took excellent care of us. Terry and I are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the dealership. When we took delivery of our trailer, the dealership provided an excellent walk-through and training on all the different systems that are included on the trailer. They were in no rush and took plenty of time to thoroughly explain everything and answer all of our questions.

While we were visiting the RV show, we looked at a lot of different trailers. We were most impressed with Pilgrim's product line. One of the main features that we had to have in a new trailer was a "residential" type of corner shower. I have a couple of bad knees that don't bend too well, so the tub-shower that is normally installed in RV's was out. The standard amenities that Pilgrim included was absolutely fantastic. There were basically no options that we had to consider. Over 10 years ago, we started camping in our 2-room tent. In March of 2001 we then purchased our Coleman Santa Fe popup trailer. Now we've "graduated" to our new Pilgrim travel trailer. Below is the floor plan of our new trailer.


281RB-S Floor plan

The informational text below was taken off Pilgrim's website and sales brochure. The features listed heavily influenced our decision to purchase a model from the Pilgrim line. There just were not any options to consider.

Pilgrim RVs by Pilgrim International, provides standard features that are normally only offered on manufacturer’s products that cost thousands of dollars more. Many of our standard features are sold as options or not even available from competitors within our price range.

Standard features found on every Pilgrim RV are listed as follows:

Interior Standard Features

Glass Shower Doors - residential styling that will provide easy clean up and an elegant long lasting look.

"60 X 80" Queen bed - You'll appreciate the extra length and household queen sheets will fit snug.

Stainless Steel Hardware - Pilgrim features stainless steel cabinet hardware and residential door handles. This is an upgrade from the normal RV.

Skylights - Bathroom and Kitchen skylights have been added in most models. You’ll appreciate these when you need that extra daylight.

Dometic Americana 8 cubic foot Refrigerator - This larger refrigerator automatically sets the temperature for you. No more fiddling around trying to get the right temperature inside the refrigerator.

Lexan Interior Lights - again not the normal RV lights. These are durable Lexan lights that will withstand years of use. These are 21 candlepower to brighten up those cloudy days.

Free Standing Table and Chairs or Booth - You can have it your way.

Steel Framed Furniture - Be sure to notice the comfortable sofa. This is steel-framed with a hidden hide a bed. The Booth dinette is also steel framed, not wood framed like some.

30 oz Residential Grade Nylon Carpet with Carpet Pad - Again, not the normal RV carpet. We’ve upgraded it for you so it will last.

Residential SeaLand Toilet - Don’t put up with the normal plastic RV bathroom. We do this STANDARD. Notice the two medicine cabinets in most models.

Armstrong Canyon Creek Residential Linoleum Flooring - Residential quality that resist wear and will look new for many years. Has a 7 year warranty!

Six Panel Interior Doors - These are STANDARD too. Notice the residential pewter handles that will last for many years and are easy to use.

Atwood 6-Gallon DSI Gas/Electric Water Heater - Most manufacturers make you pay more for the electric, don’t be fooled here. This water heater lights with the push of a button.

R-7 Blanket insulation - Every Pilgrim has a full R-7 insulation pack with a heated fresh water tank. You can go camping in those extended shoulder camping seasons.

AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD System - this comes standard. Turn your RV into a theatre room.

Progressive Dynamics 60-Amp Power Converter w/ High-Capacity Battery Charger - Heavy-duty capacity for your four-season use. The extra amperage will come in handy when several appliances are in use.

Atwood Furnace - 35,000 BTU furnace- This high out put furnace combined with the tight insulation package will protect you during the four season travelling.(Most models)

Exterior Standard Features

E-Z-Lube Hubs - The hubs on Pilgrim carry a 5 Year- 100,000 mile Warranty from Dexter.

Gelcoat Fiberglass Front Cap - The fiberglass front cap provides a dramatic front look. You'll love the reflective front Pilgrim logo. It really adds class to the front cap.

Outlet for awning lights - Its a snap now to plug in your awning lights in this handy outlet. Plus, you can turn them off from the indoor switch.

Telephone, satellite and cable TV hookups - All of the conveniences of home. You'll enjoy having good, crisp TV at the campground. The phone hook up makes connecting to the internet possible. Enjoy!

Crystal Coated Side Moldings - Durable aerodynamic molding that resists chips and dents. This will also help keep road tar and debris from sticking to the bottom.

Stabilizer Jacks - Heavy-duty 5,000 lbs. capacity jacks for easy leveling and stabilizing.



In addition to the above, our Pilgrim trailer also includes:

  1. Roof ladder provides access to walk-on roof

  2. Rubber roof with 12 year warranty

  3. Roof air conditioner - 15,000 BTU Duo-Therm

  4. Large exterior entry assist handle

  5. Extra dark tinted windows

  6. Sleek exterior graphics

  7. Large entry door with dead bolt lock for security

  8. Diamond plate bumper with sewer hose storage

  9. E-Z lube hubs

  10. Convenient 3-step entry

  11. 66 gallon fresh water tank

  12. 2 40 gallon gray water tanks

  13. 40 gallon black water tank

  14. Steel I-beam powder coated chassis

  15. 5/8" tongue and groove plywood floor decking

  16. Spare tire mounted underneath

  17. Detachable power cord

  18. Exterior shower

  19. Crown molding

We would soon find out that camping was once again going to be a pleasure instead of a lot of work when camping in our popup. Terry and I loved our popup, but you can't pack your clothes and food in it before leaving for a camping trip. We always had to load up the boxes and ice chests in the back of the pickup truck before leaving. Then when we arrived at the campsite, it was time to popup, then upload the truck. With the new trailer, everything can be loaded in the trailer before hand. In fact on our maiden voyage, there was nothing in the back of the pickup truck. Even when we arrived back at the RV storage lot for the first time, unloading the left over food took a matter of minutes instead of hours like it had before. Another one of the amenities that was so nice to finally have was our very own bathroom. Before, when nature called in the middle of the night, it was time to trek down to the facilities, sometimes in the early morning cold temperatures.

Terry and I decided, as we both have gotten older, it was time we made the move to a regular travel trailer. The middle of this past January, Fort Worth was hosting its annual RV show. The weekend before the show we headed out to one of the largest travel trailer and fifth wheel dealers in the state, FunTime RV in Cleburne, Texas. FunTime RV is huge, their main lot spans 67 acres! Terry and I knew we would be able to see more models on their lot than they would be able to have at the show.

We spent about 3-4 hours with our salesperson, David Kidd looking at trailers from all the different manufacturers. Our heads were swimming with all of the different features and floor plans we viewed. One line of trailers really stood out, Pilgrim. We left and told David that we'd see him next weekend at the Fort Worth RV Show.

One of the main criteria that we had to have in a new trailer was a "residential" type corner shower. We found several models / floor plans that fit our needs. To make a long story short, we headed down to the RV show Thursday evening and then back down Friday to sign the papers on our new trailer, a Pilgrim 281 RB-S.

Below, you'll also find links to our numerous trips and adventures we'd like to share with everyone in our new "Hyatt on Wheels." That's kind of like how we think of it. As I mentioned above, we started camping in a two-room tent. When we moved to our Coleman Santa Fe popup in 2001, we thought we had hit the big time. Now with our new Pilgrim trailer, we feel like we're now staying at a Hyatt.

We Take Delivery - January 30, 2005
FunTime RV - Cleburne, Texas

 

Proud Owner - It's Huge! Terry - It's Cold and Rainy

Tow Vehicle - 2004 F150 Weight Distribution Hitch and Sway Bar

 

Side View Another Side View

 

Back Garage Storage Area - Awesome Corner Shower

 

Kitchen area Sink and Counter Top

 

Sofa - Terry loves it! Our Dinette

 

Refrigerator and Freezer Full Queen Sized Bed

 

DVD/CD/FM Surround Sound Our TV/VCR Combination

Authored by Chuck and Terry Mencke

Send mail to Chuck and Terry

"Chuck & Terry's Pilgrim 281RB-S" was last modified: April 26, 2015

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