Today’s review is of the East to West Alta 2600KRB, a travel trailer that is a really popular floor plan. In fact, I have shared the same description of the floor plan that so, so many fifth wheel manufacturers use. This is almost the travel trailer equivalent of that same idea.
If you’re a company that makes this floor plan, how do you differentiate your product? If a prospect comes into the dealership, what factors are you using to differentiate yourself from the others?
Those are the questions I was asking myself when seeing the East To West Alta 2600KRB, which is a couple’s larger camper that features a bathroom at the rear of the trailer and a bedroom in the front. In between those two is an “L”-shaped kitchen across from a dinette, and theater seats across from the TV.
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Differences in the Alta 2600KRB
One of the things that sets this trailer apart starts in a place that’s particularly appealing for taller travelers. The ceiling height in this model is 6’9”, about three inches more than is typical in a laminated travel trailer.
This also translates into a roomier shower, thanks to the additional height. And that shower is pretty large, as is the whole bathroom, which spans the entire width of the trailer. I’ve seen this layout in the Heartland North Trail 25RBP, for example. As someone who basically doesn’t watch TV, I loved the desk/dining setup in that trailer. But back in the bathroom they had the silly two sink setup, which wasn’t usable as such. The Alta 2600KRB has a single sink bowl and then counterspace. See, that’s how it’s done, son.
On the subject of larger spaces, this trailer is available with a king-sized bed that measures 70” X 80”. As you might expect, the bed takes up much of the space in the bedroom, though there are drawers on either side of the bed. There are also hanging closets that extend a bit over the bed. I can see this being a prime headache maker. It seems an odd design.
Good use of space under the bed
East To West did make good use of the space under the bed in the Alta 2600KRB. There you’ll find a cabinet that features a recessed well on the top and two drawers underneath. There’s also an open space next to the drawers which could be a pet kennel, just storage or whatever.
East To West put both USB and 120-volt plugs on the sides of the cabinet. When you plug something in there, the plug will also intrude on the bed space.
What I’m trying to tell you here is to just get a queen-sized bed in this thing already. There seem to be far too many compromises with the king. Sort of like medieval peasants had in England. The king was a pain in the neck.
Let’s get cooking
One of the things East To West did that seems so difficult for RV makers is to make the counter extension for the “L”-shaped kitchen counter actually flush with that counter when it’s up. Hoorah!
Or, if we’re keeping in the medieval feel, Huzzah!
There’s certainly a decent amount of space here in the kitchen, and you would expect that since we have the smaller oven. There is also a large pantry immediately to the left of the entry door, which is certainly useful.
There are no floor ducts for the heating system, which I like.
The dining table is just like the one I had in my previous trailer. There are two slots mounted to the wall and then proper table legs on the entry edge. This was always fiddly to me. I would have much preferred just two table legs so the dinette table is freestanding.
The build on this trailer also features inner and outer layers of Azdel substrate in the wall construction. That’s a plus.
Boondocking and travel access
The bathroom in this trailer is accessible with the slide in, as is much of the main living space. But, if you want to get to the bedroom with the slide room in, as they say in those gangster movies, fuggedaboudit. There will be no accessing the bedroom with the slide in.
There is a standard 50-watt solar panel with an additional panel available as part of the “West Coast Power Package” option. This also includes a 30-amp charge controller and a second battery.
In summary
I have never seen a better sales pitch for a queen bed instead of a king-sized bed than this trailer. With the plugs facing the bed and the cabinets hanging over the bed, I just can’t see a real reason to want that king-sized bed, quite frankly.
Yes. It’s larger. And that goes very well with the taller 6’9” interior ceiling height. In fact, this rig is spacious all around.
So, would I rather have this or the Heartland North Trail? Hands down, I like the North Trail better for a number of reasons.
The pricing information I was able to get on this trailer comes from NadaGuides.com and I suspect it’s way off, quite frankly. I did see dealers advertising these with an MSRP much higher and more in line with the price of the competing Heartland North Trail.
But my own priorities may be different than yours. What’s your take?
More from Tony
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Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. You can find his writing here and at StressLessCamping .
You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy.
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
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##RVDT1889
I have the 2600krb. First thing we did was pitch the king bed, cut the plywood down under it and go to Sam’s and get a queen size. Better bed and more room around. Put fantastic vent in living room. Changed the bath sliding to hinged (still access with slide-out in). Keeps outsiders from looking around door when main door open plus added regular lock. Added 2nd battery, put additional tv in bedroom (air very loud over original tv). Improved airflow in A/C with styrofoam baffle. Had dealership swap out couch for dual recliner (a must). Added box on floor next to wife’s side of bed per utube design. Gets her up higher and provides shoe storage. Love love it now.
Over all, I like this floorplan. Cheesy ceiling fan in the living area, but then, most trailers don’t even HAVE a fan there. It’s just a noise maker.I think the drawers under the bed will be a PITA to actually use. Better to have NO drawers and have more storage space. Good sized fresh water tank. Tony is right about the king bed not being right in this trailer. No place for stuff next to the bed, and hard to make the bed (for those of us who DO make the bed every morning). I also like the clear glass in the door, This seems to be the way every mfg is going. I’d like to see a couple outside shots to see the drain placement.