Starcraft Campers have a very long history dating back to 1903. In the early years of the company Starcraft, back then known as Star Tank Company, they manufactured livestock tanks and various other metal farm equipment. In 1915, a name change took place and the company was known as Star Tank and Boat when it introduced its first-row boat.
In the early 1960s, the company introduced to the marketplace 3 models of tent campers and a couple of years afterward changed its name again to Starcraft Corporation.
Lloyd Bontrager, the same man who founded Jayco, ran the operation at Starcraft until 1967. Around 1997, Starcraft was the first to build luxury van conversions. In 198,4 Lear Siegler of Learjet acquired Starcraft. Jayco (which was recently sold to Thor Industries) acquired Starcraft’s RV Division in 1991.
Starcraft Campers are known for having a two-year limited warranty. They operate out of Topeka, Indiana, also known as the heart of Amish County. According to Starcraft, their workforce has a large number of old-world craftsmen which has allowed Starcraft Campers to position themselves as a quality leader. Their product line includes lightweight travel trailers as well as full-size travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels.
Starcraft Campers?- Why Buy One?
2-Year Limited Warranty – Starcraft RV offers a 2-year limited warranty that covers against defects in material and workmanship from the original date of purchase. It only covers the original purchaser so it is not transferable. This warranty is longer than most manufacturers.
ECO Advantage – Starcraft RV is doing it’s best to be a “green” eco-friendly company. They are making an effort to build better travel trailers using fewer natural resources. Update to plant product helps them consume less energy, the use of recycled water helps them reduce freshwater use in their facilities. To learn more about Starcraft Campers ECO Advantage program, visit their website.
Magnum Roof System – Starcraft RV uses the Magnum Roof System on all of their models. The MRS is stronger, almost 50% stronger than the competition. The use of sturdier vertical studs and 7″ header beams help make the MRS a better roof system for their travel trailers. Starcraft performs extensive testing to ensure their roof system is stronger than the competition. Here is a sample of their testing:
Starcraft Campers Model Line-up
Starcraft RV makes tent trailers, travel trailers, toy haulers, and 5th wheels. Below, we will take a brief look at all of their travel trailers product line-up. Since we focus on travel trailers, we’ll leave the 5th wheels for some other time.
Starcraft 2017 Spring AR-ONE
The Starcraft travel trailer AR-One is a 7-foot wide camper made as an entry-level travel trailer but with many of the same amenities as the more expensive models. It includes bold exterior graphics, cherry wood cabinets, and a genuine Denver Mattress. It is a lightweight travel trailer, so it is easy to tow with an SUV or minivan. The AR-ONE comes in 9 different models each with its own unique floor plan.
Some of the Standard Exterior Features include:
- 20-pound propane bottle
- Bunk-end bed permanently attached
- Cable TV ready
- Tinted safety windows
- Digital antenna
- Electric brakes
Some of the Standard Interior Features include:
- Two burner range
- 3 cubic foot fridge
- 54-inch booth-type dinette
- Extra large window at dinette booth
- Honey glazed cherry cabinets
- Stain resistant carpets
Starcraft AR-One Model Comparison Table
| Model | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | Exterior Length | Sleeping Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR-ONE 14RB | 3,200 lbs | 16 feet 6 inches | 2-3 |
| AR-ONE 15RB | 3,200 lbs | 17 feet 6 inches | 4-5 |
| AR-ONE 16BH | 3,500 lbs | 17 feet 10 inches | 3-4 |
| AR-ONE 17RD | 3,500 lbs | 20 feet 6 inches | 3-4 |
| AR-ONE 17TH | 5,500 lbs | 20 feet 10 inches | 5-6 |
| AR-ONE 17XTH | 5,500 lbs | 20 feet 10 inches | 7-8 |
| AR-ONE 18BHS | 3,950 lbs | 21 feet 8 inches | 4-6 |
| AR-ONE 18QB | 3,750 lbs | 21 feet 8 inches | 3 |
| AR-ONE 19RT | 4,995 lbs | 23 feet 6 inches | 4-5 |
Starcraft AR-ONE Maxx
This Starcraft travel trailer is wider than the AR-One. The Maxx is 8 feet wide. Like the other Starcraft campers, it is chock-full of amenities such as solid ball-bearing drawer guides, brand name appliances, and Denver Mattress brand bunk mats. It, too, has the Starcraft 2-year warranty. This model is available in twelve floor plans. It’s a lightweight travel trailer with lots to offer.
Construction standards include 5/8 inch main floor decking, crowned truss roof rafter on 16-inch center, 81-inch interior ceiling height, and the Magnum Roof system to name a few.
Standard exterior equipment includes:
- 30-pound propane tank
- 48-gallon fresh water capacity
- 13,500 BTU air-conditioner
- Rain gutters
- Prepped for solar power
Standard interior equipment include:
- 3 burner range
- 6 cubic feet fridge
- Extra-large picture window at dinette
- High-rise kitchen faucet
- Medicine cabinet
Starcraft Launch
The Starcraft Launch is also a lightweight travel trailer with two expandable tents. One on the front and one on the rear of the camper. This model can also be towed with an SUV or minivan. The Starcraft Launch comes in 6 models shown below.
Standard construction features include:
- Main decking that is 5/8 inch
- Fiberglass roof insulation
- One-piece seamless roof
- TUFF SHELL CONSTRUCTION which features
- Vacuum-bonded laminated aluminum for sidewalls, end-walls, and slide-outs.
Standard exterior equipment is similar to the other lightweight models. For a full list of standard equipment and options visit the Launch page.
Starcraft Launch Model Comparison Table
| Model | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | Exterior Length | Sleeping Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAUNCH 16RB | 3,500 lbs | 18 feet 4 inches | 6-7 |
| LAUNCH 17BH | 3,500 lbs | TBD for 2017 model | 3-4 |
| LAUNCH 17FB | 3,500 lbs | 20 feet 6 inches | 3-4 |
| LAUNCH 17QB | 3,500 lbs | TBD for 2017 model | 3-4 |
| LAUNCH 17SB | 3,500 | 20 feet 4 inches | 5-6 |
| LAUNCH 19BHS | 4,750 lbs | 22 feet 1 inches | 6-8 |
Starcraft Launch Ultralight Travel Trailer
The Starcraft travel trailer Launch Ultralight bears the same name as the camper model with the two expandable tents but that’s about all it has in common. The Launch Ultralight is 8 feet wide and has an interior height of 78 inches. It also includes the SARMAXX Pass-Thru storage system and a black front diamond plate.
The interior of the Launch Ultralight is full of features including 3-burner range, double sink, jackknife sofa, large shower with skylight, and much more. Many optional upgrades are available also.
Standard Exterior Equipment Includes:
- 19-inch large plastic grab handle
- 30-lb propane bottle (two)
- 48-gallon freshwater capacity
- Radial tires
Standard Interior Equipment Includes:
- 3-burner range
- Oven
- 13,500 BTU A/C unit
- Acrylic double bowl sink
- Hardwood cabinet doors
For a complete list of interior and exterior equipment on this particular Starcraft camper as well as options, visit their page.
The Launch Ultralight comes in 8 models which are compared in the comparison table below.
| Model | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | Exterior Length | Sleeping Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Ultralight 21FBS | 4,900 lbs | 23 feet 7 inches | 3-4 |
| Launch Ultralight 22BUD | 5,250 lbs | 25 feet 5 inches | 4 |
| Launch Ultralight 24RLS | 6,250 lbs | 29 feet 5 inches | 4-6 |
| Launch Ultralight 26BHS | 6,250 lbs | 30 feet 9 inches | 8-10 |
| Launch Ultralight 26RLS | 7,250 lbs | 30 feet 11 inches | 4-6 |
| Launch Ultralight 27BHU | 7,750 lbs | 33 feet 3 inches | 8-10 |
| Launch Ultralight 28BHS | 7,250 lbs | 31 feet 5 inches | 8-10 |
| Launch Ultralight 31BHT | 9,900 lbs | 36 feet 11 inches | 8-10 |
Starcraft Travel Star EXP
The Starcraft RV Travel Star EXP (which stands for expandable) is long—about 38 feet long when the two tall bunk beds are expanded. But you do get a huge amount of sleeping space, up to 10 people in some of the floor plans. The Travel Star EXP has a 78-inch ceiling height, a bunk-bend system that is cable support, and has a capacity of just over 1,000 pounds. This travel trailer has fiberglass roof insulation and 1-piece seamless rubber roof material. It comes with hardwood cabinetry and the TUFFSHELL construction with the vacuum-bonded laminated aluminum frame. It also comes with the Starcraft RV Magnum roof system.
These are some of the standard exterior features of this Starcraft travel trailer:
- 2-5/16 inch hitch coupler
- 6-gallon gas water heater
- 20-pound propane bottles with auto changeover
- Aerodynamic front profile
- Front diamond plate
Standard interior features include:
- 18,000 BTU furnace with auto ignition
- Bathroom exhaust fan
- Cable and satellite TV prep
- Honey Glazed cherry wood cabinets
- Tub/shower skylight
To see all of the interior and exterior features of the Starcraft Travel Star EXP, as well as available options, visit their website.
The Travel Star EXP comes in 6 floor plans which are compared below.
| Model | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | Exterior Length | Sleeping Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Star EXP 186RD | 4,475 lbs | 20 feet 7 inches | 6-7 |
| Travel Star EXP 187TB | 4,475 lbs | 21 feet 4 inches | 7-8 |
| Travel Star EXP 207RB | 4,950 lbs | 22 feet 9 inches | 7 |
| Travel Star EXP 227CKS | 5,975 lbs | 25 feet 9 inches | 6-8 |
| Travel Star EXP 229TB | 5,450 lbs | 25 feet 11 inches | 8-9 |
| Travel Star EXP 239TBS | 6,500 lbs | 27 feet 0 inches | 8-10 |
Starcraft RV has other models, including the Autumn Ridge and the AR-ONE MAXX toy hauler. You will find many resources on the Starcraft website such as a towing guide, downloadable brochures, and travel trailer models comparison tool.
Overall, we think Starcraft makes a fine line-up of campers and travel trailers and they should be one of the brands you need to consider when buying your next travel trailer.
