Travel Trailer

NJPOLKER

I am thinking about buying a travel trailer in the future and trying to lay plans on how, what and where to do this.

As usual I have come to you guys for advice. Any RV guy out there? Are there some tings to stay away from or look for?
New or used? I am thinking new. Maybe ordering one custom made to our spec's I guess will be the right thing to do.

A must is a outside or camp kitchen with TV and running water.

Nothing would make me more happy than to hook up the travel trailer to my suburban and go away. No cell phone no laptop no NOTHING. Of course that's impossible since I have children however I am going to do something like that one day.

codyc1ark

Mmmmm.... I like your style. I would think your going to have a harder time finding a used one with the outdoor kitchen. Watch out buying new, they'll give a ten year loan on a 20k unit and talk you into writing it off as a second home. I'm currently looking at a few that have been totaled out due to hail. If you know someone who buys from local salvage yards, that is the way to go.

Oldfatdogs

I am thinking new. Maybe ordering one custom made to our spec's I guess will be the right thing to do.

I think this is the way to go,you can get everything you want.
Used is always a crap shoot,you don't want to get out to your favorite spot and have unexpected problems.A leak on a cold rainy night can be a buzz kill.
Just my two cents.
Dan

NJPOLKER

Yeah I hear ya about the outdoor kitchen and buying new. When I buy it it has to be right if you know what I mean.

The outside kitchen or whatever its called is really the way to go. I plan on making a lot of upgrades to what I decide on. Obviously the sound system will be a challenge.

NJPOLKER

Thanks Dan for your thoughts. I HATE a buzz kill

Maybe I should travel to Indiana and buy one directly from the manufacture.

txcoastal1

I'm usually the guy who doesn't buy extended warranty etc. but one of my employees purchased a lightly used RV for work and play with additional insurance/warranty and saved him a bundle as the little component crap in an RV is expensive to replace. They even warranty serviced the RV as he was out of town on vacation done onsite.

EndersShadow

There's more than corn............................. in Indiana...................................

Lots of RV places out here lol.... probably because us Hoosiers want to escape the CORN!

polk500

Well as an avid camper and having own a few. Make sure your haul vehicle is up to the task as the salesman will almost always try and convince you to buy the biggest unit possible. Good for them more money bad for you if your SUV is pushed to the max trying to tow. I suggest finding out the max towing cap. And staying 20% under or you find thAt your SUV is overheating or transmission goes.

But other then that it's an blast.
We're going on our first trip of the year this weekend.

Cheers
Roger

Oldfatdogs

Thanks Dan for your thoughts. I HATE a buzz kill

Maybe I should travel to Indiana and buy one directly from the manufacture.

Man I speak from experience,a couple years ago I went with my Brother inlaw for our Bdays to the coast in January.It started raining at about 10:00 pm and here came the leak,so out in it we went with the tarps and bungee cords and rope.It took a while to get the head just right again.

amb426amb1

I'm going to reiterate what Polk 500 said. I quickly went from trying to pull with gas to pulling with diesel. Not sure if you have plans to pull long distances, but it can be unsettling when the load pushes the tow vehicle. I sold my 5th wheel rig and now have a motorized rig but pull large car trailers on a regular basis. Camping Is a great recreation... if your into maintenance but the family time is irreplaceable.

dkfreebird

I agree with the last two post,I bought to heavy for my first tow vehicle,had to upgrade.Now I think I will just go to a motorized because the gas mileage is about the same by the time you pull that much weight with a gas vehicle

amb426amb1

dkfreebird wrote: »

I agree with the last two post,I bought to heavy for my first tow vehicle,had to upgrade.Now I think I will just go to a motorized because the gas mileage is about the same by the time you pull that much weight with a gas vehicle

That is the other advantage of diesel rigs...if the cost of diesel is reasonable, they kill gas pulling for MPG and have a service life of 2 or 3 gas engines.

helipilotdoug

The tow vehicle is VERY important as others have said. A 5th wheel is the best way to go for a trailer. Much easier to control in almost any situation, and the weight on the hitch is very close to the rear axle of the truck. Don't go with the cheapest manufacturer. DO look for a EPDM roof on whatever you buy. EPDM is a roofing material that will last many years, and unless the roof is damaged, you shouldn't have any leak problems. A metal roof, is more prone to leaking. With any roof though, all the stuff on top needs to be resealed occasionally. Hatches, vents, AC, all go through the roof and the sealant will deteriorate over time, so needs to be checked every year. Get the largest water heater you can. You'll thank me later. Get Carrier AC or Carrier AC/Heat (heat pump) unit. Since you are more than likely going to order a new one, opt for the best quality options. You do get what you pay for.