A first trailer

[rfcom]

Wifey and I decided we want to get a travel trailer but we never owned one before. I've already figured out a few things - it must be a tandem axle, not more than ~6K lbs. , be a TT so I can bring the quad with me and no slides and not more than 24' long. There's about a 1000 manufacturers and it's impossible to tell which are good and which are not so good. It seems they hold their value real well as newer used ones aren't much less than new. I've already decided to get an exhaust brake and I will also need a load equalizing hitch. We already shopped around at the dealers and to tell the truth, they all look pretty much alike. So here's my questions:

Is torsion suspension better than springs?

If buying used, what kinds of things should I watch out for?

If buying new, what kinds of things should I watch out for?

Is a load equalizing hitch that deal with the spring bars?

I'm not asking anyone to tell me what to buy, just for some info so I can make an informed decision. I really appreciate any help. Jim

 

[msimmons]

Originally posted by rfcom

Wifey and I decided we want to get a travel trailer but we never owned one before. I've already figured out a few things - it must be a tandem axle, not more than ~6K lbs. , be a TT so I can bring the quad with me and no slides and not more than 24' long. There's about a 1000 manufacturers and it's impossible to tell which are good and which are not so good. It seems they hold their value real well as newer used ones aren't much less than new. I've already decided to get an exhaust brake and I will also need a load equalizing hitch. We already shopped around at the dealers and to tell the truth, they all look pretty much alike. So here's my questions:

Is torsion suspension better than springs?Torsion bars are really no better than springs IMHO, just a different approach.



I would recommend getting a TT with shocks or a provision to add shocks easily though





If buying used, what kinds of things should I watch out for?



Water leaks, condition of the roof, soft floors, musty/mildewy smell and make sure that all major appliances (fridge, a/c, etc. ) are working correctly





If buying new, what kinds of things should I watch out for?



Quality construction... . quality contruction... quality construction. Look for the way it's built behind the scenes, i. e cabinets, etc. Avoid if possible the "entry level" brands as corners are cut to meet a price point... Also, make sure that the TT has enough GVWR compared to actual weight to haul your stuff... and did I say quality construction?



Is a load equalizing hitch that deal with the spring bars?

Yup! You will want an equalizing hitch to give you a good ride with minimum sway, just make sure there is sufficient tonque weight when adjusting the bars.





I'm not asking anyone to tell me what to buy, just for some info so I can make an informed decision. I really appreciate any help. Jim

If you would like more info, email me with any questions and I will help if I can.



Mike

 

[46mech]

If you get yourself a fifth wheel toy hauler you can still take the ATV with ya.



Not an expert, but seems like springs are better.



We bought new, so I'd say don't pay for extras you won't use. Our toy hauler has a freshwater tank of 100gals. Since we never dry camp, that's an option that I wouldn't seek out again.



If buying used, one thing I would think to check out is the roof for signs of rotting rubber which could means leaks. If buying fiberglass, check to see that the siding hasn't become unbonded to the underlayment... . possibly another sign of leakage.



If you go with the TT, the load equalizing hitch (better known as weight distribution hitch) is a must; especially if traveling long distances.



iRV2.com is a good source of information if you're interested.

 

[RustyJC]

Before you make a major decision such as this, I would suggest spending some time going through the forums over at iRV2.com. You can get first-hand experiences and advice from the owners of the various types, brands and models of the RVs you might be considering.



Rusty

 

[DBoyd]

Might wanna check out www.trailerlife.com also. Good forums there too.

 

[rfcom]

Thanks for the info. After reading some of the suggested forums, I have a better idea what to look for. Most of my camping will be boondocking so features like fresh water tank capacity are important. Also need to look into solar power, batteries, etc.



Jim

 

[exfuzz01]

1st trailer

You mention that you don't want a slideout... . My 24' 5er has one slide. . makes all the difference in the world. Plus... when you go to trade for a new one or try to sell it... ... ... . good luck... trailers without slides will not retain much value... JMHO... ... .

 

[klenger]

Since you live in the north country, you might want to consider Arctic Fox. Very well insulated and very rugged. They have several models that fall into your catagory.



Check my sig for info on my Arctic Fox, RV Solar, etc.





Here's the link to Nash/Arctic Fox

http://www.nashtraveltrailers.com/

 

[dlefebvre]

rfcom:



seeing how you are from calgary, that makes us neighbors(so to speak!) I'm from whitecourt AB. I just bought my fifth wheel last april and I found an excellent Canadian website- rvcanada.com



It has manufactures as well as dealers, etc. Hope this helps



Dean

 

[swampfox]

UAsed TT

We bought a 29 foot one year old Sunnybrook last year. It was in perfect condition and we're very satisfied. I prefer a TT over a 5th. wheel cause I can toss the ATV in the back of the pickup.

Also reconsider the idea of a slideout and not just because of the resale value. I have an old 30 ft. X 7' TT on some property in Northern MN we use as a hunting shack. It's a PIA to move around in compared to my Sunnybrook which has a slideout. The Sunnybrook seems to have twice the room.

I looked at used trailers for two years before we bought this one. Man there is lot of junk out there.

My advice on used is nothing over 4 years old, stick with the high quality ones only (Sunnybrook and Artic Fox are two of the best) and be sure to check the roof and plumbing. If the trailer has springs make sure it has shocks or that they can be added.

The torsion systems are OK... Ive got an ATV trailer with such a system ond no problems after 5 years. After purchase( if buying used) be SURE to check the wheel bearings. A weight dist. hitch is a must along with a brake controller. Finally the web sites mentioned in previous posts are excellent sources of good info. Good Luck!

 

[rfcom]

The Arctic Fox looks very promising. They have models with and without slides, axles have shocks and the insulation is better than standard. Since I'll be dragging this thing across some fairly rough roads, it needs to be sturdy. There's even a dealer in town. My only reason for not wanting the slide is the additional weight and I'm thinking the rough roads won't be that good for it. Again, thanks to all for the good tips.



Jim