KZ RV's Durango Half-Ton Fifth-Wheel Lineup Is Just What the Outdoor-Loving Doctor Ordered

Folks, the unit or units you see in the image gallery are all part of KZ RV's Durango Half-Ton fifth-wheel lineup. Oh, you've heard of KZ before? from autoevolution, you say? Well, of course, you have, as we've covered their words countless times. Considering that this crew has been active in the mobile living and camper industry since 1972, it basically makes them one of the teams you need to keep an eye on if you're in the market for a travel trailer of just about any kind.

However, the Durango lineup is a bit different than the others this crew produces. Why? Well, since these babies are designed to be light, they all come in with a weight of 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) max; some are much lighter. Furthermore, these puppies are loaded to the brim with the goods you need to survive the great outdoors and everything it throws at you.

Now, there are several floorplans in the Durango lineup, but for the purpose of this article, I'm going to focus my attention on one particular model, the D256RKT, a unit that aims all of its resources at the raw and outdoor lifestyle. Heck, take the outdoor galley as the perfect example of what I mean. It's here that you'll be able to whip up whatever meats and veggies you have in mind, all the while watching the family run around and enjoying life.

The exterior of this unit also offers an array of storage options, including some pass-through storage. But, my favorite aspect of the way these buggers are built is that you can easily add a kayak or bike rack and really take your adventures to the next level. Oh, and yes, that shell can be equipped with solar panels to recharge batteries and operate appliances. Did I mention a 14 ft (4.3 m) awning? With some of the outdoor features out of the way, let's head inside the D256RKT.

After you've made it to your destination, there's something you need to consider about the Durango lineup; the fact that these babies are equipped with varying numbers of slide-outs. For example, the D256RKT includes three slide-outs which help expand the interior into a space that's much larger than you'd expect.

Upon entering the unit, to your left, a slide-out with an entertainment center can be activated in front of the dinette and theater seating. And in the bedroom, the wardrobe is also placed on such a feature to help create more space around the queen bed. With a rough map of what we're up against, let's see exactly what's in store.

From the entry door, the left of the unit is reserved for day-to-day activities, including sitting around and doing nothing, maybe watching the game or reading a book, and obviously cooking meals. The far left of the habitat is reserved entirely for the kitchen, and what a galley! You'll find everything you need to whip up three-course meals, including a large fridge, microwave, cooktop, and massive countertop. Be sure to check out the cabinetry KZ places at our disposal.

Once meals are cooked and ready to be enjoyed, you can do so outside at the outdoor dining set you brought along or indoors at the four-person dinette. If you have some guests, bring the outdoor table inside, and sit them down on plush theater seating or that modular couch. From here, the group is bound to split up. Some folks may want to simply take a shower and head off to bed, while others will search to help their food digest with a walk outdoors.

For those of us that just want to kick back and relax, there's that entertainment center and optional fireplace, or you can head toward the other side of the unit and get ready for the day's end. But first, be sure to take advantage of the large bathroom with separate features; no wet baths here. After your shower, place the dirty clothes in the washer/dryer, throw on a pair of PJs, and it's off to sleepy land.

The next day, you rise from bed with the smell of coffee and bacon filling the air, and knowing that your batteries are charged, there are 55 gals (208 l) of water at your disposal, and your skin is dry and cool from a solid AC/heating system. What more could we ask for?

Regarding how much you can expect to pay for such a lifestyle, it all has to do with the sort of features in store in your future unit and, above all, the dealership from which you'll grab your Durango. As an idea, while searching countless dealerships, I've been able to find an average price of around $90K for a 2023 D256RKT. Just something to think about if you're in the market for an outdoor-inclined fifth-wheel camper.