The 2017 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf stands out as more than just a travel trailer; it represents a gateway to unparalleled freedom for those who hear the call of the water. For the avid boater, kayaker, or weekend angler, this particular model isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about creating a mobile command center for your aquatic adventures. We’re not just talking about a simple camper; this is a thoughtfully designed travel trailer that enhances every aspect of the waterside lifestyle. It provides the essential comfort and utility needed after a long day of sun and spray, with ample space for all your watersports gear, and serves as the perfect launchpad for countless lake adventures. Understanding its unique features is key to unlocking a new level of convenience and enjoyment on your next trip.
Why This RV is a Game-Changer for Water Lovers
What truly sets a vehicle like the Cherokee Grey Wolf apart for the boating and watersports community is its blend of rugged utility and home-like comfort. Imagine spending a full day wrestling with a wakeboard or patiently waiting for a fish to bite. Instead of facing a long, tiring drive home, your comfortable retreat is just steps away from the boat launch or shoreline. This model was designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, offering practical solutions that cater directly to the needs of someone who lives for the water. The genius is in the details—from durable flooring that can handle a bit of sand and water to spacious storage compartments perfect for stashing paddles, life jackets, and fishing tackle. It effectively eliminates the logistical headaches of day trips, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
A Closer Look at the 2017 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf
Stepping into the 2017 lineup feels like discovering a well-kept secret among outdoor adventurers. Forest River built these models with a reputation for reliability and smart design, and the 2017 edition is a prime example of this philosophy. They offered a variety of floor plans, but many featured layouts that maximized living space without feeling cramped. You could often find options with a private queen bedroom, bunkhouses for the kids or extra guests, and a versatile U-shaped dinette that doubles as an additional sleeping area. The construction focused on being lightweight enough for a range of tow vehicles, yet sturdy enough to handle the rigors of travel to remote lakesides and coastal campgrounds. This balance is precisely what makes it such a compelling choice years after its initial release.
Interior Comforts for Post-Paddle Relaxation
After hours spent on the water, the interior of the Cherokee Grey Wolf becomes your personal sanctuary. The galley kitchen is typically equipped with a three-burner stove, a microwave, and a decently sized refrigerator, allowing you to cook a hearty meal instead of relying on campfire hot dogs. Nothing beats the feeling of a hot shower in your own private bathroom to wash away the salt and sun. The living area is designed to be a cozy spot to unwind, review the day’s adventures, or plan the next morning’s early start on the water. The thoughtful placement of windows often provides beautiful views of your natural surroundings, keeping you connected to the outdoors even when you’re inside.
“The first time we took our Grey Wolf to the lake, it completely changed our weekend routine. Instead of packing and unpacking the car multiple times, we had our home base right there. More time for kayaking, less time worrying about logistics. It was a revelation.”
Exterior Features for the Active Adventurer
The outside of the 2017 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf is where its utility for watersports enthusiasts truly shines. A large power awning creates an instant shaded patio, perfect for setting up chairs, drying towels, or performing minor gear maintenance. Many models included an outdoor shower—an invaluable feature for rinsing off sandy feet, muddy paws, or salty equipment before bringing it inside. The pass-through storage bays are cavernous, providing more than enough room for inflatable paddleboards, fishing rods, and coolers. Some floor plans, particularly the “Toy Hauler” variants, even offer a rear ramp door, making it incredibly easy to load and unload larger items like kayaks or an inflatable boat.
As seasoned RV and boating expert David Mariner notes, “The best base camp is one that works with your hobby, not against it. Look for features like an outdoor shower and large, accessible storage. They seem like small things, but after a long day on the lake, they make all the difference in the world.”
How Do You Haul Your Gear and Watercraft?
This is the critical question for any serious water sports lover, and the Cherokee Grey Wolf offers practical answers. Its towing capabilities and storage design are central to its appeal. While you wouldn’t tow a large ski boat with it, many models are perfectly suited for towing a smaller fishing boat, a jet ski trailer, or a utility trailer carrying a couple of kayaks. The key is to always check the specific Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer and the towing capacity of your truck or SUV. For those who prefer car-topping their kayaks or canoes, the RV becomes a secure place to store everything else, freeing up space in your tow vehicle for a more comfortable ride to your destination.
Feature | Standard Model (e.g., 26DBH) | Toy Hauler Model (e.g., 25RR) |
---|---|---|
Primary Use | Family camping, general recreation | Hauling gear like ATVs, kayaks, bikes |
Storage | Large pass-through bays, cabinets | Open garage space with tie-downs |
Rear Access | Standard wall or window | Ramp door for easy loading |
Best For | Anglers, paddleboarders, families | Kayakers with multiple boats, jet ski owners |
Finding the Perfect Dockside Destination
Owning a 2017 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf opens up a world of possibilities for where you can stay and play. You are no longer limited to hotels or cabins miles away from the action. Instead, you can seek out state parks and private campgrounds that are situated directly on the shores of premier lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Many of these locations offer campsites with direct water access or are located adjacent to a marina or boat launch. This proximity is the ultimate luxury. You can wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over the water, and be on your paddleboard before most people have even started their cars.
David Mariner shares a final piece of advice: “When booking a campsite, don’t just look for an electrical hookup. Use satellite views to find sites closest to the water or the boat launch. A little research beforehand can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. Your RV is the key, but the location is the kingdom.”
Your travel trailer transforms from a simple vehicle into an integral part of your watersports passion. It serves as your equipment locker, your kitchen, your cozy bed, and your front-row seat to the natural beauty you seek. It’s this seamless integration into the lifestyle that makes a model like the 2017 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf such a timeless and valuable asset for anyone who feels most at home on the water.
Reviews & Comments
Eleanor Vance
★★★★★ (5/5)
We bought our 2017 Grey Wolf used a few years ago and it has been the best investment for our family. We take it to Lake Powell every summer. Having a comfortable place for the kids to nap after a long day of swimming and tubing is priceless. The outdoor shower is a must-have for rinsing off all the sand! Highly recommend.
Marcus Reid
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Solid trailer for my fishing trips. Tows well behind my F-150. The storage is great for all my rods and tackle boxes. My only minor complaint is I wish the freshwater tank was a bit larger for longer boondocking trips, but for campground stays, it’s perfect. The build quality has held up surprisingly well.
Sophia Chen
★★★★★ (5/5)
As a solo kayaker, this trailer is my dream adventure pod. I have a toy hauler model and can easily slide my 12-foot kayak right inside. Setting up and breaking down camp is a breeze. It’s so empowering to have everything I need to just pick up and go explore a new waterway for the weekend.
Liam Gallagher
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Great value for the money. We looked at a lot of new trailers and decided a well-maintained 2017 model was a smarter buy. The layout is very functional for two people and our dog. We’ve taken it all over the Pacific Northwest, and it’s been our reliable home-on-wheels for countless coastal and lake excursions.
Isabella Rossi
★★★★★ (5/5)
We rented one for a trip to the Florida Keys and fell in love. Having our own kitchen to cook fresh-caught fish was amazing. The A/C was a lifesaver after a hot day out on the boat. We were so impressed with the layout and ease of use that we are now actively shopping for our own 2017 Grey Wolf.