Our new 2014 StarCraft AR-One FB21 travel trailer

We finally got a camper! Made by manufacturer Jayco, our new travel trailer is 21 feet long and features a bathroom with shower, a queen size bed, an excellent kitchen, dinette, and a couch. The kitchen features a microwave, 3 burner stove, oven, double well sink, fridge and freezer, lots of storage and enough counter space to prep dinner.

The model year is a 2014, and this purchase was off of Marketplace.

The camper RV sleeps 2-3 adults or 2 adults and 3 kids.

I’m the third owner of this travel trailer and the gentleman we bought it from install the bike rack on the back bumper which I’ll be removing as it seems completely unsafe! I certainly don’t want to be adding extra weight to the back of the trailer, which is just dangerous and would make sway more pronounced, while hauling down the highway.

Upgrades

One of the things I’m going to be installing right away, is a Friction sway control bar. This really helps with stabilizing the trailer when a semi passes or in high wind situations. I also found out that before leaving on each trip, I also want to check the tire air pressure on both the camper and the Ridgeline tires. Here’s a quote from the Honda Ridgeline Owners Forum at https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/posts/523937/

“A friction anti-sway bar will generally help, but you will find that there is always a “push” when you are passed by (or pass) a big rig. I find that if I limit my speed to 60 my gas mileage is better and my sway issues are less.”

The previous owner put in a lot of upgrades, including a new queen size mattress for my Kia, as well as a new water pump and a new toilet. He also installed an extra battery and an extra propane tank.

I was able to use the VIN to contact Jayco to ask about what options the original owner had installed upon purchasing. One of my favorite upgrades is the diamond plated from cover. Here’s all the upgrades:

Our StarCraft AR-One is 21 feet long and it’s also a widebody so there’s lots of room inside. There’s even a power awning and pass through storage in the front which is also accessible from underneath the queen size bed.

I pull the travel trailer with my 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL with factory upgraded towing package. The trailer weighs around 4.3k lbs loaded and 3.8k dry.

Here’s all the photos from the interior and outside.

Matt Sweeny at Linden Campground, Apple River, IL May 2023

Northern Illinois Camping Oasis – Linden Campground

During the Memorial Day weekend, we spontaneously felt the itch to immerse ourselves in the sunny warmth of Apple River State Park in Illinois. With all the campsites in Wisconsin fully booked and Apple River Canyon’s family campground bursting at the seams, we weren’t about to let our spirits be dampened. So, with a little determination and the help of my trusty Hipcamp App, I embarked on a search for the perfect campground near Apple River, IL. And guess what? I stumbled upon the hidden gem known as Linden Campground!

(The Hipcamp App link above provides you with a $10 credit towards your first trip.)

We had a great time at campsite #5 at Linden Campground. The site did not have a lot of shade so we set up our screen porch for shade. Our site was on the end of the campground, with only 1 neighbor, ample privacy and so relaxing. The Campground host, John, is a fine and friendly man who we enjoyed his company. Ask John for firewood and eggs!

Other Linden Campground Features

  • Showers
  • Gazebo with chairs
  • Frogs and ducks
  • Stocked panfish pond
  • Small swimming Beach
  • Delivered firewood and eggs
  • 10 minutes from Apple River State Park
  • The beat sunsets in northern IL
  • 30 minutes from Galena, IL
  • Stop by Sullivan’s in Stockton for great groceries and beer!