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Considering an RV purchase

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Two trailer connections?

My wife and I are nearing retirement and are considering an RV purchase. Specifically we have narrowed it down from a camper, motorhome, trailer, to a trailer. Some of the activities we do are road and mountain biking, skiing, hiking and time with our dogs. We live in Central WA and will be heading to destinations mostly on the west coast, Idaho and Montana.

I do not want a fifth wheel or huge trailer, thinking something in the 25-30' range, using my Class V hitch. Any personal experiences and recommendations on manufacturers?

My truck is a 2015, Crew Cab, SB, SRW, 4x4, 68RFE. I know it will be able to pull a trailer easily within the size range I'm considering. But I prefer to have things be more on the bullet proof side of things. Should I consider a 3500 with the Aisan? Or am I over thinking this?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.

Marty
 
A couple of questions for you before we can really offer appropriate suggestions.

1) Have you ever owned an RV of any type before? If you haven't owned one, have you rented one or are you willing to rent one?

2) How do you plan to travel.....do you want to spend weeks or months in one spot or do you want to take shorter trips where you move more frequently?

3) Do you plan to have guests more than you and your wife?

4) What amenities are important to you....full kitchen, convection oven, shower or tub, etc.?

5) How long do you plan to keep the unit. Are you a buy once and live with it kind of person or do you buy and sell depending on your current needs?
 
I feel you picked out an ideal length to actually travel as most start out too big and it becomes a chore vs. a vacation. Why did you write off 5th wheels? (Sure a LB pickup is a better choice for a 5th wheel.) They are 4' shorter in overall length when hooked up than a travel trailer, ride over the rear axle eliminating the Weight Distribution hitch spring setup, ride better aka have less lever bump action, easier to hook up as you can see the hitch and pin out the rear window, can turn sharper and different... I have an older Arctic Fox 5er 27-5L (still made) that is 27' hitch to bumper. The 27' is a magic max length allowing us to get dry camping campground spots like at The North Rim Grand Canyon. Sure they have longer than 27' spots, but, good luck getting one. Smaller 5th wheels than ours can be found regardless of the flood of RV park only 44' monsters out there.

As for brands I feel Arctic Fox is a notch above other brands in quality. Lance is also a consideration that is above others on quality. Airstream if you can afford it is still above and beyond everything else. There are a lot of poor quality units out there that tours of the RV's will show you. Trim pealing, bad calking jobs on the roof, stuff that doesn't fit, drawers that fall apart or will not open and close... New on the lot... :eek:

Are you planning on "dry camping" without hook ups? This makes a big difference on how you may want to option your RV: Solar, Genset, bigger water tanks...
 
Your 2500 will easily tow the vast majority of travel trailers out there so I wouldn't worry about that. Mid-winter is the time when all the big RV shows are happening and they are a great place to look at a hundred trailers in one location without much sales pressure. As was mentioned, think about what are your camping plans and what features are important. There are some quality trailers out there and a lot of junk as well. I would say you are better off buying a gently used quality camper than a new poorly made unit. Price per foot is a good indicator of the quality of materials used. For example at the Minneapolis RV show I just went to, you could buy a cheaply made 36 ft trailer for under 25K but a much smaller Airstream was 3 times as much.
 
Marty, you're getting some pretty good advice already with some good questions that you need to ponder. There is a very wide gap between weekend recreational vehicles and quality made campers. That gap is concealed behind glitz and eye-candy, and it requires time to research the difference. The options are endless, so do your homework by surfing the internet, talking to owners of different campers who can be found in campgrounds and love to talk, and do some trolling on owner's forums. Many owners have a bad case of buyer's remorse only because they didn't properly research and jumped too quick.

- Ed
 
I'm going to add a couple of additional things. If this is going to be your first RV, familiarize yourself with how to do a proper PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection). This is applicable whether or you buy new or used. Speaking of new or used. I have owned 2 used units and now a new one with my 2017. Nothing wrong with either approach as long as you are diligent with your inspection of the unit. Don't assume that everything works until you see it work multiple times. Don't take the dealer's/seller's word for it until you see it with your own eyes. Get up on the roof, look at the Dicor around all edges, get under the trailer, use the water heater in both gas and electric modes, same with the fridge, run the furnace, AC, TV, radio, all faucets, drains, etc. Open all of the cabinet doors, look for leaks everywhere, under beds, couches, around windows, etc. If you can, go and look at the unit you are interested in during a hard rain or immediately after one. Before we purchased our new Jayco, my wife and I looked at a 1 year old Airstream that had water running in through a seam above the sink. If the unit you are interested in has a slide, run it in and out multiple times. If the seller doesn't want you to, walk. Same goes if it has electric leveling jacks, tongue jack, etc. Also, and I don't mean to be alarming, but if you are buying used, look for signs of bed bugs just as you would in a hotel room. Also, hook it to your truck and make sure that your brakes function, lights work, etc.

Don't hand over any money until you are sure that everything works to your satisfaction. If a dealer tells you that you need to pay in full before they will prep it for delivery and you do the PDI, leave and find another dealer. If they want to sell a unit, they will prep it, allow you to do your PDI, and then accept payment after you are satisfied. There are multiple stories online of people who paid for a unit, found things in PDI, and had months of frustration trying to get things fixed.

Keep in mind that RV warranties and new car warranties do not function exactly the same. They are not necessarily transferable to a second owner if buying used, even if you are within the "warranty period". If you have any questions, call the manufacturer and ask. If buying new, be very aware that RV dealers will sometimes refuse to do warranty work on a unit that you didn't buy from them or put you at the end of a long line behind their customers. Many many people get in a bind by buying from one of the many online mega dealers around the country lured by a very low price and then find that they can't get work done on their new unit close to home. Seriously consider buying locally if possible if the price is reasonably close to what these mega dealers offer. Trust me that it is worth saving the frustration even if it costs you a few dollars more to buy local.
 
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A couple of questions for you before we can really offer appropriate suggestions.

1) Have you ever owned an RV of any type before? If you haven't owned one, have you rented one or are you willing to rent one?

2) How do you plan to travel.....do you want to spend weeks or months in one spot or do you want to take shorter trips where you move more frequently?

3) Do you plan to have guests more than you and your wife?

4) What amenities are important to you....full kitchen, convection oven, shower or tub, etc.?

5) How long do you plan to keep the unit. Are you a buy once and live with it kind of person or do you buy and sell depending on your current needs?

Good questions and thanks for the reply!

1. Just an old, beater Alaskan camper, the pop-up hydraulic one. A rental is certainly a good idea, especially if I can find a make/model that I might want to purchase.

2. We would likely do one to two week trips. Maybe a longer trip, once or twice a year.

3. No plans for guests. Wife, me and a couple killer Boston Terriers! :)

4. Full kitchen and a full bath, no tub needed.

5. I try to buy one time. LOL Thats why I'm considering a new truck. The RV thing is kind of new with us, but has been appealing for a few years and as we get closer to retirement, it seems like a real good option for the things we like to do.

 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Good stuff to think about and discuss with my wife.

One of the questions asked of me was why not a fifth wheel? Primarily because I have a canopy/topper on my truck and i like the convenience of the covered rear area. Alsoone of the reasons we think a trailer is a good option for us is the ability to detach and motor around. We both like the covered, secure bed area.
 
Good questions and thanks for the reply!

1. Just an old, beater Alaskan camper, the pop-up hydraulic one. A rental is certainly a good idea, especially if I can find a make/model that I might want to purchase.

If you have an RV rental place near you, take the time to rent one or two if you can and take a long weekend trip.
You can tell a lot about your needs in just a few weekend trips


2. We would likely do one to two week trips. Maybe a longer trip, once or twice a year.

Since you will be towing it often, look for something with good axles, brakes, and tires. One of the cost cutting tricks that manufactures will do will put minimal at best components under their trailers. For example, my trailer has a GVWR of 5500# and has 2 #3500 axles under it. Some trailers with the same GVWR are equipped with 2 2500# axles and expect the last 500# to be factored in tongue weight. I think you will have much better luck with something overbuilt a little than something right on the edge from the beginning.

3. No plans for guests. Wife, me and a couple killer Boston Terriers! :)

Take a look at the rear bath or rear living room models. They usually work well as couples trailers and have some extra sleeping space in the dinette and/or sofa if needed every once in a while.

On a side note, our current Jayco is a double over double bunkhouse with the queen in the front. This is our first bunkhouse and we purchased it since we have kids traveling with us. I have actually used one of the rear bunks several times and they are quite comfortable. My wife snores like 25 pigs in a barn and, as anyone married more than 15 min knows, every once in a while you just need a good nights sleep. I think that if we would buy another trailer, even when the kids are grown, we may consider another bunkhouse just for this reason.


4. Full kitchen and a full bath, no tub needed.

Many trailers don't come with a full range/oven anymore, just a cook top and convection microwaves. Our current one is that way and I can tell you that we don't miss the oven one bit. Also consider an outside kitchen if the model you are interested in offers one. Ours has one and I find that I cook out there more than inside. Just frying bacon outside in the morning saves so much mess and smell inside the trailer.

5. I try to buy one time. LOL Thats why I'm considering a new truck. The RV thing is kind of new with us, but has been appealing for a few years and as we get closer to retirement, it seems like a real good option for the things we like to do.

There are many good manufactures and some not so great. Also, there are many levels of trailers offered from those manufacturers. I don't want to start a brand war since we all have our favorites. But, shop around. There are reasons why the same floor plan is offered by the same manufacturer at different price points. I'm not telling you that you have to buy the absolute most expensive. But, you will quickly find that there are reasons why entry level trailers are so cheap.

Whatever you buy, opt for the enclosed underbelly, largest tires and axles offered, and best cabinets and interior construction you can find in your price point.





I hope this helps
 
jgillott -

Thank you so much for your insight and experience. Your reply alone will surely save me a lot of frustration. On top of that I actually snorted regarding your snoring story!!!

Sincere thanks!
 
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jgillott -

Thank you so much for your insight and experience. Your reply alone will surely save me a lot of frustration. On top of that I actually snorted regarding your snoring story!!!

Sincere thanks!

Welcome. Please feel free to ask any question that may come up while you are looking.
 
Didn't read every word of every post so this maybe a repeat. Look at length of Anything you expect to get into National Parks to camp. We had a Travel Trailer that was 32' Ball to extended bumper (that we added to carry a few things.) Most of, if Not all the National Parks we went to West of the Rockies had a length limit of 27' yet we reserverd spots as a 27' and were never turned away. We had a few times that the camp host said that we'd never get the trailer in and went to watch so we didn't tear things up EAT THOSE WORDS. :D

I usually got out of the truck with a smart xxx comment about how " A MAN HAS GOT!!!! TO KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS"


The key point is that if you don't feel comfortable with your combination Its NOT ANY FUN!! I don't know your experience but the other thing I always seemed to enjoy was sitting in our spot watching someone else try to back into a spot. SORRY ITS JUST THE XXX HOLE IN ME THAT MAKES ME THAT WAY :-laf


BIG
 
Hi, I see that I am a little late to this thread but there are a couple of items that were left off of the list that you should consider.

1. What Amperage do you want 30 AMP/50AMP. Usually but not always a 30AMP system will support one A/C, two A/C's will require 50 AMP system.

2. Do you plan on Boon docking (Dry camping with no water/sewer/electric) if so, you will need to consider holding tank capacity of the trailer?

3. Storage capacity is very important if you are going for two weeks or more! Most travel trailers in the smaller size (under 27') have very little storage capacity.

4. Do not rule out a 5ER as you can get some in the 30 to 35 foot length that would allow you to camp in a state park.

5. I have a short bed truck and I am pulling a 5er with a sliding hitch. This allows the camper to be extended away from the cab when you need to maneuver.

6. I would look at Artic Fox trailers in your neck of the woods. These are very will built units both in travel trailers and 5er's.

7. Your 2015, 2500 Ram will pull most trailers under 14,000GVW. See the Ram Body Building Guide for 2015 trucks that will provide you with the information that is compliant to SAE J2807 towing requirements.

Good Luck
 
No Big, it's just entertainment.

Yes it is!!

I will immediately go fetch a fresh drink and re-position my chair when I see the couple with the brand new motorhome drag out a pair of walkie talkies before they attempt to back into a spot.....rarely am I disappointed watching that scenario unfold.....

I am a bit jaded I admit but after years of putting tractor trailers into tight spots I feel I can sit there and snicker all I want to.....and I won't let them hurt anything....
 
Yes it is!!

I will immediately go fetch a fresh drink and re-position my chair when I see the couple with the brand new motorhome drag out a pair of walkie talkies before they attempt to back into a spot.....rarely am I disappointed watching that scenario unfold.....

I am a bit jaded I admit but after years of putting tractor trailers into tight spots I feel I can sit there and snicker all I want to.....and I won't let them hurt anything....

My wife wanted to wanted to go visit some old friends of hers (I had never met them) who are retired and traveling the country. A three hour drive, so I said okay. When we got to the resort where they were staying, we pull up to the spot with the correct number and see a four door longbox Furd pickup hitched to Mobiles Suites fifth wheel, maybe 40' long. Okay, wrong pickup, but not my deal. One of the first things he said was he was really glad it was a pull through spot because he was having trouble backing it. Okay, it's big and maybe he just needs some pointers and practice. Eventually, he tells me, "Actually, this is the first pickup I have ever owned and I've never pulled a trailer before." :eek: What?!!! Give me your man card! He's out there, and so are many others...
 
We have a 22' Lance toy hauler and have been very happy with it, they have since discontinued the 22' and now only make a 26' but still a good brand to consider. We have been very happy with it overall with very similar hobbies to yours, I have a Recurve R3 weight distributing hitch with sway control built in and very easy to hook up.
 
We started out years ago and went through two used campers that were better built with quality materials (heavy frame, real hardwood, etc.) that today might be difficult to find although with some effort they're still out there. If you decided to go in this direction the condition of the roof is very important and it's imperative that you look for any signs of water damage. Remember, that 2-way refrigerator has a life expectancy of about 10 years.

I suspect there are several hundred years of experience on this thread and the general under-tone expressed is to do your homework, and be aware that there is some junk on the market that is dressed up to be very appetizing. There are no lemon laws and very little recourse once you hand over your money. Go to pissedconsumer.com and take a gander at the over two-thousand reviews on Camping World with only twelve issues resolved. This should give you an idea on how some dealers sell and market their products, not that they all do, but....
 
Good questions and thanks for the reply!

1. Just an old, beater Alaskan camper, the pop-up hydraulic one. A rental is certainly a good idea, especially if I can find a make/model that I might want to purchase.

2. We would likely do one to two week trips. Maybe a longer trip, once or twice a year.

3. No plans for guests. Wife, me and a couple killer Boston Terriers! :)

4. Full kitchen and a full bath, no tub needed.

5. I try to buy one time. LOL Thats why I'm considering a new truck. The RV thing is kind of new with us, but has been appealing for a few years and as we get closer to retirement, it seems like a real good option for the things we like to do.

Don't wait for retirement to go RVing! You are not guaranteed a tomorrow let alone good health. After watching my folks's health go downhill to the point they were not able to go RVing like they planned in their retirement we decided to not put things like this off. So we use weekends and vacation time NOW to go RVing. This is why the smaller RV works better for us - just hook it, load up food usually in the store parking lot, and go for 2-3 days. There are two sides to the RV: of course going out in it. The other being upkeep and improvements to it. Battery maintenance, non-stop calking, tires, brakes, bearings, keeping the water system fresh or winterized, improvements like new solar controller, TriMetric battery monitor, Sofa ripped out for recliners... Yes I work on it more than I am out in it at times. Upkeep is a hobby rather than a chore. Keep in mind mobile RV repair and other independent RV repair that's out there. No reason to wait forever for your dealer and that is one reason we went used. The other being the bugs have been worked out. Plan on a local shakedown trip to get a list of forgotten things and make sure everything works over 24 hours.
 
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