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Posted: 12/30/2023 9:45:50 PM EDT
I'm considering buying a Travel Trailer something in the 20' range, I have a F250 with both receiver hitch and Gooseneck Ball and a GVW>8,600 so the Truck is heavy enough.
There seems to be as many Trailer Manufacturers as there are cars made, I'm not opposed to used, but honestly i don't know one brand from another, and don't have the budget for an Airstream. Brands to avoid? Worth looking at? There's a Gander Outdoors 45 miles down the road from me, but I don't get the warm & fuzzies about them. What say you? 
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LA, USA
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Posted: 12/30/2023 9:57:48 PM EDT
[#1]
From what I have read, QC on travel trailers plummeted during Covid. I know Thor has a reputation for being very shoddily assembled. Jayco is lower tier but is supposed to be okay if you know how to do your own repairs. Grand Design is a good brand but it's big money. You're really going to have to do your homework on this one. Hopefully some other guys will be able to give you more thorough info.
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Posted: 12/30/2023 10:11:37 PM EDT
[#2]
All of them have made good ones and bad ones, even airstream.
Sadly.. its a matter of going with a friend who is experienced if you have one, and looking over the models you like. I've owned many brands... all of them had issues, but good points too. Whats a budget for you look like? $20K? $50K? |
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Posted: 12/30/2023 10:17:47 PM EDT
[#3]
iMessage sent.
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Posted: 12/30/2023 10:31:51 PM EDT
[#4]
Stay away from Gander/Camping World, look at a smaller dealer to work with. I also concur, avoid Thor, I haven’t looked at their trailer but Their class A & Cs are low quality.
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Posted: 12/30/2023 10:45:29 PM EDT
[#5]
We bought ours from Wilkins in Victor. Service department was good, though the welder they used for some warranty work wrecked our brake magnets. Make sure the dealer doesn't charge any prep fees.
There's a big difference in quality depending on your budget. We went for a low end model, knowing it was going to be one that would have lower build quality, but it was what we wanted to spend, and I'm good with doing repairs. So far, it's been good. I've seen some models that are 3x the price of ours, about the same size, but really have some exceptional quality built into them. |
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Posted: 12/31/2023 12:26:29 AM EDT
[Last Edit: fp1201]
[#6]
I found the web site for the Local Dealer here and they are much more expensive than I thought..."used" ones were a bit closer to what I was thinking.
We haven't used a Travel Trailer in like 30 years, even then it was a small one rented from Outdoor Recreation on Ft. Drum. There's a strong possibility I'll go back to traveling around, and no longer having a House anywhere else and Hotels being tiresome, the thought of a Trailer or even a Class -C is intriguing. (The Parents of my neighbors live in TX and they've come up here several times in a Ford F450 pulling a Jeep Wrangler and there lies the inspiration) I used to see Sprinters made into campers, really liked the looks and versatility, but not the price...I don't want to dive in spending 30-40-50K and have it end up the way Boats and Airplanes do. (used progressively less each year until they haven't been used in years) FB Market place seems loaded with them, most are probably junk.  https://wrattenrvsales.com/inventory/?condition=used-cars |
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LA, USA
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Posted: 12/31/2023 9:47:35 AM EDT
[#7]
The conventional wisdom is that a used one in good condition from around 2016, if you can find one, would be a fairly safe bet. It would be old enough to have come down in price but would be better quality than something new if it has been properly maintained. I'd avoid anything made from 2020 to present unless it's a highly reputable brand.
I'd love to have one myself but maintaining one would be a real chore. And I don't have anywhere to keep it where it would be out of the elements. It'd be cool to have one especially during long power outages after hurricanes. |
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Posted: 12/31/2023 1:35:01 PM EDT
[#8]
There is a nice one in the St louis area that keeps going down in price. It was listed last fall. It is larger than what you are looking for but the price is dirt cheap. I am only watching it as it is a step up from mine. 2018 28BHS for $12,000. I was wondering if the bottom had fallen out of RV's again. Looks good in the pics. We bought a 2019 SLX as a leftover on the lot in January of 2020 just before the SHTF. The SLX is the lower end of Jayco's line but since I am a DIY I went into this knowing I could fix most things better than factory. I am happy with the build of my camper as long as the structure is sound I can deal with the cosmetics and mechanical things.
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USA
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Posted: 12/31/2023 2:01:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SteelonSteel]
[#9]
Save your money and MWR/OR borrow one when you want it!
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Posted: 12/31/2023 7:40:15 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SteelonSteel: Save your money and MWR/OR borrow one when you want it! I concur, but they might not be happy with my taking it out of State...."If it Floats, Flys, or Fornicates: rent it!" You're retired by now aren't you? I'd expect you to travel around, certainly GTFO of NY. |
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Posted: 1/1/2024 6:58:35 AM EDT
[#11]
I bought a Winnebago Minnie 2500FL May of 2020. Most of our trips are 1-3 hours one way, but have been as far as to Yellowstone from Kentucky.
Repairs so far: Replaced the Dometic 300 toilet with a 310 due to an internal crack/leak that caused a sewer smell. Replaced all wheel bearings/races March of 2022. When I was inspecting and repacking wheel bearings, I found one wheel had a bearing with a rough surface. The pull cable on one of the recliner seats came loose from the release mechanism. Never did find the retaining pin. Reconnected the release cable an installed a new R clip. All in all, happy with the camper. We use it monthly from April until the first week of November. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/1/2024 8:16:58 AM EDT
[#12]
Originally Posted By fp1201: I'm considering buying a Travel Trailer something in the 20' range, I have a F250 with both receiver hitch and Gooseneck Ball and a GVW>8,600 so the Truck is heavy enough. There seems to be as many Trailer Manufacturers as there are cars made, I'm not opposed to used, but honestly i don't know one brand from another, and don't have the budget for an Airstream. Brands to avoid? Worth looking at? There's a Gander Outdoors 45 miles down the road from me, but I don't get the warm & fuzzies about them. What say you? Gander=Camping World. They are the biggest chain of dealers nationwide. Every dealer has problems (my own included) but I’d do my homework before dealing with them. Been in the industry around nine years, am happy to help any way I can. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/1/2024 8:25:09 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TheLASwamp: From what I have read, QC on travel trailers plummeted during Covid. I know Thor has a reputation for being very shoddily assembled. Jayco is lower tier but is supposed to be okay if you know how to do your own repairs. Grand Design is a good brand but it's big money. You're really going to have to do your homework on this one. Hopefully some other guys will be able to give you more thorough info. One of the more confusing (frustrating?) things about my business is that sometimes it’s hard to separate the parent company from the brands. For example: Thor Industries owns tons of brands, from the excellent like Airstream and Entegra to house brands like Coleman. Each has separate budgets, QCs, managers, and expectations. Jayco (part of Thor) makes some budget stuff, but also makes some very nice towables. |
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Posted: 1/1/2024 8:34:43 AM EDT
[#14]
Just before Covid we went with a new Forest River GeoPro FBS19. Few minor issues but so far nothing major.
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LA, USA
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Posted: 1/1/2024 11:37:28 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: One of the more confusing (frustrating?) things about my business is that sometimes it's hard to separate the parent company from the brands. For example: Thor Industries owns tons of brands, from the excellent like Airstream and Entegra to house brands like Coleman. Each has separate budgets, QCs, managers, and expectations. Jayco (part of Thor) makes some budget stuff, but also makes some very nice towables. |
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Posted: 1/1/2024 4:10:21 PM EDT
[#16]
inspect closely upon taking delivery. I bought a 2023 East to West Della Terra 200RD (another Forest River brand) . Plastic fender on one side had small cracks around the screws, Awning was starting to rip and had pin holes in it, and blackwater rinse hose was kinked. I fixed the kink with a pex elbow and RV dealer warranty replaced fender, and awning. Installer and I were surprised and disgusted to find that the brand new replacement awning had a pinhole in it. Seeing as I have a six year warranty, i let the repair guy put some sealant on the hole and will get a new awning if this one doesn't last six years.
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Posted: 1/1/2024 4:18:56 PM EDT
[#17]
Having toured and worked with a number of RV companies and their subs , I'm surprised many of them last five years without major malfunctions.
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Posted: 1/1/2024 5:05:26 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Sajer: Having toured and worked with a number of RV companies and their subs , I'm surprised many of them last five years without major malfunctions. I think RV's are like Boats: First year, it's every weekend/time possible, second year couple times a month, third year maybe once a month, and the fourth year it doesn't get used at all and by the fifth, it's filthy, need service/maintenance/repair and isn't worth a fraction of what you still owe on it. Boating/Camping/RV here is Memorial day to Labor Day with bonus days on either end...which is discouraging to ownership. |
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Posted: 1/1/2024 11:13:37 PM EDT
[#19]
I would look at Arctic Fox, Outdoors RV, Airstream, and Lance.
They all have problems, we have a Lance and it has had a few issues but on balance has been ok. My uncle has an Outdoors trailer and loves it, but supposedly quality has slipped the past few years. Airstreams are beautiful, we will probably get one once our kids are older, but they have had quality issues as well. Arctic Fox seems to be the best build at this point. We have 3 trips booked this year, planning on dropping our Lance off at a dealer this month to get a full inverter/solar setup installed. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/3/2024 2:09:21 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TheLASwamp: What's your opinion of Grand Design? I have an uncle who has one. He's retired and he and my aunt travel in it quite a bit. They seem happy with it. Grand Design is one of the better mainstream brands for quality control and customer service. Another brand that doesn’t get a lot of attention in the towable world is Winnebago. |
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USA
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Posted: 1/6/2024 4:26:14 PM EDT
[#21]
Just about anything built during Covid and after has allot of issues. Made the mistake trading in my 2017 fifth wheel to a 2022. My 2017 had 1 issue, period. My 2022 was in the shop 8 times the 1st year. Still not completely fixed. Stay away from keystone if you’re going new. My previous 2 keystones were great though. I camp allot in last 8 years. Talk to most about there brand of rv. The crap I heard in the last 3 years would make you decide to not get a camper. Had one guy last year just bought his 1st pull behind RV. On his way to campground I was at. Parked real close to setup. His thermal underlining came off on his way. Suggest you stay away from camping world. Find a small local rv seller. They will take better care of you. My first 2 were from a small rv shop. My last nightmare rv was from camping world. Never again. Find one 2017 or earlier, inspect the shit out of it, hook up everything, open everything. Here is one for you about my POS Keystone. Was camping late last fall. Needed heat as temps dropped to 30. Heat worked throughout the 5th wheel except the bedroom up front. Keystone didn’t complete the duct work to the bedroom up front. Been thinking of going to a class A or B. After talking to allot of owners at the campgrounds who bought fairly new or new, same kind of issues. Currently on the hunt for a 2017 or older. Good luck.
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USA
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Posted: 1/25/2024 10:33:05 PM EDT
[#22]
I think they suck. Meaning every name brand is basically a cheap lightweight shell on a crappy trailer. The Amish crank them out as fast as they can on the assembly lines.
Even the high end grand design ones will have rats nest for wiring when looking behind the walls or from underneath when the cheap plastic “thermal” barrier rips off going down the hwy(happens 2x to us). Currently have a 21 or 22(?)Phoenix 5th wheel 38 or 40’ can’t remember. It’s made by or at the forest river factory. Friends and I have had decent luck with forest river. It’s really hit or miss and ford Chevy type debates. Bring some tools and if you’re somewhat handy you’ll be ok. Recently spent Christmas in TX and our electricity went out second day. Stupid converter went bad. Used You tube to diagnosed it and swapped it out from local camper place. A lot of the electronics or appliances are used by all companies.i hear about fridges going bad or awning motors dying etc. things like that. I think we put on 20k miles in 2 years owning it. For us that justifies the cost. I think I’ll keep this one till I can’t fix it anymore since I don’t think any new ones are any better. Like others have said stay away from camping world! Small guy that has good service will be better in the long run! |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 1/29/2024 1:47:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Fuchi]
[#23]
I would buy a moisture meter from Amazon if buying used.
They tell no lies. My experience is buying any trailer is somewhat luck. Something will be wrong eventually and you want a minor issue vs something big. |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 2/20/2024 4:31:09 PM EDT
[#24]
NuCamp appears to have a good rep for what it's worth.
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Posted: 5/9/2024 10:34:05 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By astrocreep96: I would look at Arctic Fox, Outdoors RV, Airstream, and Lance. They all have problems, we have a Lance and it has had a few issues but on balance has been ok. My uncle has an Outdoors trailer and loves it, but supposedly quality has slipped the past few years. Airstreams are beautiful, we will probably get one once our kids are older, but they have had quality issues as well. Arctic Fox seems to be the best build at this point. We have 3 trips booked this year, planning on dropping our Lance off at a dealer this month to get a full inverter/solar setup installed. |
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USA
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Posted: 6/2/2024 8:02:54 PM EDT
[#26]
We just got an 23' Airstream. 2.5 years old. Newer model with composite, not wood floor.
Been out a few times in in. Very happy so far. First guy took the big depreciation hit, and extrapolating with used pricing, for the next 8 or so years, looks like I'm expecting about 4-5% depreciation on Airstreams. Not too terrible in the world of RVs. |
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Posted: 6/2/2024 8:14:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FALARAK]
[#27]
We own a 26-foot Jayco SLX. Bought a 2017 model in 2020. Been taking it out 6-7 times a year since then. Just got back from a trip.
Zero issues, zero maintenance required. Most of the "bugs" are worked out in the first year of ownership. We store under a fully covered parking/storage area, which makes a huge difference. We really wanted a 28-foot Grand Design Imagine, but it was just a tad over the safety numbers for towing with my truck. You can pull a much bigger one without much issue. In hindsight, I probably would have just gotten the 28-footer and dealt with the weight. The dealerships are STOCKED and if you don't let them lie to you - you can get much better deals now.                     
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FL, USA
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Posted: 6/5/2024 3:21:19 PM EDT
[#28]
I keep hearing "everything made after covid sucks" but my experience doesn't reflect that.
We ordered early 2020 and weren't able to take delivery until 2021. So it got built during the lock downs and we've had no issues on our Forest River. QC in the industry has always been hit or miss unfortunately, but there isn't anything magic about being built before a certain date. We aren't talking pre-64 Winchesters here. Find a floorplan that works for you and do a good inspection. |
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Posted: 6/7/2024 3:55:18 PM EDT
[#29]
We have a 2019 Outdoors RV 24RLS-this was our 2cnd trailer and I knew what things I wanted in a trailer.
Very robust unit, well built- we bought it new in December of 2019. Just stay away from Jayco  Jayco Building A Jayco Travel Trailer In 7 Hours |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 6/7/2024 10:19:06 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shadowgrouse: I keep hearing "everything made after covid sucks" but my experience doesn't reflect that. We ordered early 2020 and weren't able to take delivery until 2021. So it got built during the lock downs and we've had no issues on our Forest River. QC in the industry has always been hit or miss unfortunately, but there isn't anything magic about being built before a certain date. We aren't talking pre-64 Winchesters here. Find a floorplan that works for you and do a good inspection. As someone who’s been around these things for nearly a decade now I have to say I couldn’t agree more. What we saw at the dealer level was two things: deliveries from the factory taking forever as they waited for specific items to be delivered to them (i.e. two hundred campers waiting for water heaters) and using different brands of appliances than usual spec. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 6/7/2024 10:22:17 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By hockeysew: We have a 2019 Outdoors RV 24RLS-this was our 2cnd trailer and I knew what things I wanted in a trailer. Very robust unit, well built- we bought it new in December of 2019. Just stay away from Jayco  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLHux4SuXbYI’m not a Jayco dealer, so this is not a defense of them, but what I’ll tell you is that you can’t paint with a broad brush in the rv business. This is one of multiple plants they have, and a Jay Flight’s quality and attention to detail are miles apart from that of an Eagle. The same goes for companies like Forest River and Keystone et al. |
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Posted: 6/13/2024 6:54:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: rodical]
[#32]
 Traded truck and 5th wheel in for a slice of easy motoring... Winnebego Travoto... |
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Posted: 6/14/2024 9:58:21 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fp1201: I found the web site for the Local Dealer here and they are much more expensive than I thought..."used" ones were a bit closer to what I was thinking. We haven't used a Travel Trailer in like 30 years, even then it was a small one rented from Outdoor Recreation on Ft. Drum. There's a strong possibility I'll go back to traveling around, and no longer having a House anywhere else and Hotels being tiresome, the thought of a Trailer or even a Class -C is intriguing. (The Parents of my neighbors live in TX and they've come up here several times in a Ford F450 pulling a Jeep Wrangler and there lies the inspiration) I used to see Sprinters made into campers, really liked the looks and versatility, but not the price...I don't want to dive in spending 30-40-50K and have it end up the way Boats and Airplanes do. (used progressively less each year until they haven't been used in years) FB Market place seems loaded with them, most are probably junk. https://wrattenrvsales.com/inventory/?condition=used-cars If you are planning on using it a lot and no longer having a house, then I’d recommend spending a little more than the low budget versions and get something with a solid frame. Most things can be tinkered with and upgraded anytime but not so much with the frame. Look at the frame material, weight and support system such as jacks and bumpers, ladder or framing to add a ladder to get on the roof. Some bumpers don’t allow for weight to be added even for a bike rack so it can limit your storage options for travel. |
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Posted: 6/16/2024 5:52:36 PM EDT
[#34]
Great topic OP
I'm considering take a year or two off and traveling around the country and am looking at the options Have a 2020 GMC 2500 HD diesel as tow vehicle, but that Winnebego Travoto looks nice Will be traveling with just me and the dog... I used to travel all over the USA when I was working for a living. I'm old and retired so I want to take my time and see the national parks and whatnot out west |
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USA
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Posted: 6/18/2024 7:51:08 PM EDT
[#35]
One problem with a drivable RV is you have to disconnect everything if you have to go to the store. That van does look nice though. Been contemplating a drivable but don’t want to tow a toad. A 5th wheel is optimum as far as I can tell. A 3/4 ton can do either. Go tow behind, you deal with the anti sway hitch. Good ones are a heavy bitch. 5th wheel requires a 5th wheel hitch but stability is better, especially on cross winds. If you have a short bed, the older 5th wheels will knock out your rear window on a 90 degree turn. The newer ones moved that plate up so no contact. Good luck on your decision.
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Posted: 6/18/2024 8:13:16 PM EDT
[#36]
I have a 19 ft 2021 Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser. No major problems with it, but you can tell it was assembled by folks that didn't give a shit.
All the water line connections were only hand snug and leaked. No biggie...easy fix. One of the four screws holding the water pump access panel in place sinks into nothing. Again, not a big deal, but it's obvious the assembler didn't care. One of the inside speakers wasn't connected to the radio. Aside from the piddly shit, it's been a great camper and we're happy with it. Oh, and avoid Gander/Camping World like the plague. Facebook is full of horror stories about their sales and service.  Attached File |
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Posted: 6/18/2024 9:18:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Burnsome-]
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Bearcat24: One problem with a drivable RV is you have to disconnect everything if you have to go to the store. That van does look nice though. Been contemplating a drivable but don’t want to tow a toad. A 5th wheel is optimum as far as I can tell. A 3/4 ton can do either. Go tow behind, you deal with the anti sway hitch. Good ones are a heavy bitch. 5th wheel requires a 5th wheel hitch but stability is better, especially on cross winds. If you have a short bed, the older 5th wheels will knock out your rear window on a 90 degree turn. The newer ones moved that plate up so no contact. Good luck on your decision. Good points...thanks I plan on spending a lot of time out in the western deserts shooting rocks and coyote hunting and being able to disconnect to explore in the truck would be better for me. A while back I was looking at this one after seeing one being towed down the interstate. I like the idea of the fiberglass shell concept for structural integrity. Escape 5th wheel |
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Posted: 6/19/2024 9:20:33 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: Grand Design is one of the better mainstream brands for quality control and customer service. Another brand that doesn’t get a lot of attention in the towable world is Winnebago. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: What's your opinion of Grand Design? I have an uncle who has one. He's retired and he and my aunt travel in it quite a bit. They seem happy with it. Grand Design is one of the better mainstream brands for quality control and customer service. Another brand that doesn’t get a lot of attention in the towable world is Winnebago. Google Grand Design and frame failures. Having seen it first hand, I would not touch one until they sort it out. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2024 12:04:54 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FreeAmerican: Google Grand Design and frame failures. Having seen it first hand, I would not touch one until they sort it out. I’ve heard about this, but haven’t seen it first hand. As a percentage of total units, how many have had this issue? I work for the largest retailer of Grand Design in the country and I haven’t seen one come through my shop with the frame issue. Is it a Lippert problem or a GD problem? |
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Posted: 6/19/2024 12:49:42 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: I’ve heard about this, but haven’t seen it first hand. As a percentage of total units, how many have had this issue? I work for the largest retailer of Grand Design in the country and I haven’t seen one come through my shop with the frame issue. Is it a Lippert problem or a GD problem? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: Google Grand Design and frame failures. Having seen it first hand, I would not touch one until they sort it out. I’ve heard about this, but haven’t seen it first hand. As a percentage of total units, how many have had this issue? I work for the largest retailer of Grand Design in the country and I haven’t seen one come through my shop with the frame issue. Is it a Lippert problem or a GD problem? My understanding is it is a combo Lippert GD. YouTube RV miles, he does very decent and honest reporting on parks and RVs. He has several bits on the issue and I think GD is now extending the frame warrenty. I've seen 3 in the last year myself. All had cracking at the corner of front slides (in the upper deck portion and seams separating. One had cracks radiating from the corners of the slide all the way to the roof line. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2024 1:38:35 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FreeAmerican: My understanding is it is a combo Lippert GD. YouTube RV miles, he does very decent and honest reporting on parks and RVs. He has several bits on the issue and I think GD is now extending the frame warrenty. I've seen 3 in the last year myself. All had cracking at the corner of front slides (in the upper deck portion and seams separating. One had cracks radiating from the corners of the slide all the way to the roof line. Sounds exactly like the issue one of customers had with his Keystone about five years ago. Lippert frame as well. Where are you in Virginia? Heck, we may have the same clients |
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Posted: 6/19/2024 1:56:01 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FreeAmerican]
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: Sounds exactly like the issue one of customers had with his Keystone about five years ago. Lippert frame as well. Where are you in Virginia? Heck, we may have the same clients Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTOMike87: Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: My understanding is it is a combo Lippert GD. YouTube RV miles, he does very decent and honest reporting on parks and RVs. He has several bits on the issue and I think GD is now extending the frame warrenty. I've seen 3 in the last year myself. All had cracking at the corner of front slides (in the upper deck portion and seams separating. One had cracks radiating from the corners of the slide all the way to the roof line. Sounds exactly like the issue one of customers had with his Keystone about five years ago. Lippert frame as well. Where are you in Virginia? Heck, we may have the same clients Richmond area I'm not in the business, I just camp a lot (every other weekend), I saw one example end of last season at Cosey Acres in the site next to me, then at Bugs Island then James river state park. One guys was taking his back to the factory himself to see if they would fix it. The rest of the fit and finish for GD looks solid. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 6/27/2024 7:01:49 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Burnsome-: Great topic OP I'm considering take a year or two off and traveling around the country and am looking at the options Have a 2020 GMC 2500 HD diesel as tow vehicle, but that Winnebego Travoto looks nice Will be traveling with just me and the dog... I used to travel all over the USA when I was working for a living. I'm old and retired so I want to take my time and see the national parks and whatnot out west If you are considering a 5th wheel make sure you really look at your hitch weights. Speaking as a fellow GMC 2500HD Duramax owner. You run out of payload pretty fast. A 5th wheel puts 25% of it's weight as hitch weight vs. the 10% of a bumper pull. |
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Posted: 7/9/2024 7:21:05 AM EDT
[#44]
Not so much a trailer but a tool:
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Moisture Detection in Drywall, Wood, and Masonry; Detects up to 3/4-Inch Below Surface https://a.co/d/0fkMYC3x We went to look at a Nucamp that the owner claimed had a new floor. It was hitting 50% to 60% or just plain soaked with water. We've had a few days of heavy rain in Ohio and he stores it outside. Saved us alot of trouble and we would have bought had we not had the meter. On trailers though it's the luck of the draw. Had a new rpod that leaked thru a window and a new MPG that had all the plumbing fixtures that were loose. |
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Posted: 7/9/2024 7:27:31 AM EDT
[#45]
First ask yourself HONESTLY how much you will really use it. Then ask yourself where you will store it.
Most are money pits just as bad as boats, especially if they sit 50 weeks out of the year. |
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Posted: 7/9/2024 7:36:31 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By hockeysew: We have a 2019 Outdoors RV 24RLS-this was our 2cnd trailer and I knew what things I wanted in a trailer. Very robust unit, well built- we bought it new in December of 2019. Just stay away from Jayco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLHux4SuXbYLots of screwed together wood bouncing down a road always seemed like a horrible idea to me. Only the Brits are still stupid enough to build a [partially] wooden car. [Morgan] |
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Posted: 7/10/2024 5:46:40 AM EDT
[#47]
I'm considering either the Northwood Nash or Arctic Fox. Does anyone have direct knowledge of either?
I want to stay 30' or under. I need a generator and they say only the Nash comes with one as an option. I like the floor plan on the Arctic Fox 25W better because you don't need to go through the bathroom to get to the kitchen, but if there is no generator option it looks like the Nash may get the nod. |
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Posted: 7/12/2024 12:59:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: snubfan]
[#48]
Fiberglass travel trailers hold value very well and can last a lifetime. Some 40-year old or older units are still on the road.
Brands to consider 18' to 25' (Fiberglass): Bigfoot 21 or 25 Escape 19, 21 and 23 Oliver 18 or 23 Smaller Fiberglass Trailers 17' or under: Casita 17 (other floorpans exist) Scamp 16 Bigfoot 17 Escape 17 |
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Posted: 7/12/2024 10:42:53 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By budasc: I'm considering either the Northwood Nash or Arctic Fox. Does anyone have direct knowledge of either? I want to stay 30' or under. I need a generator and they say only the Nash comes with one as an option. I like the floor plan on the Arctic Fox 25W better because you don't need to go through the bathroom to get to the kitchen, but if there is no generator option it looks like the Nash may get the nod. I'm just some guy who's researched and toured both. Go with the layout and features you want. Build quality between those two is a wash, and that's a good thing. Either one will hold up well. Arctic Fox seems to be a little better equipped for really cold weather, but I don't know if that's a concern for you. |
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USA
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Posted: 7/24/2024 4:49:13 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By astrocreep96: I would look at Arctic Fox, Outdoors RV, Airstream, and Lance. They all have problems, we have a Lance and it has had a few issues but on balance has been ok. My uncle has an Outdoors trailer and loves it, but supposedly quality has slipped the past few years. Airstreams are beautiful, we will probably get one once our kids are older, but they have had quality issues as well. Arctic Fox seems to be the best build at this point. We have 3 trips booked this year, planning on dropping our Lance off at a dealer this month to get a full inverter/solar setup installed. These are the top brands as far as quality and insulation and materials for construction. A few newer ones to the game are alliance, brinkley, and Intech. If you are full on mainstream, Grand Design or Rockwood are pretty solid choices. |
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