Here we go...wife has spoken

[Holysmokes]

Im looking into campers now as my wife has expressed an interest in camping. Basically what Im looking for is a floor plan that has bunks,and both a bed and bathroom in the back. Travel trailer. I dont need anything rated 4 season but something that thats good to 30 degrees. Im open to slide out vs. non slide out. (still not sure how mechanically / structural sound they are. . leaking,binds ect) Im looking for a company that builds quality. I know these things can take a beating when you have kids present.

SO, if you were looking for all this with the under 20K price tag in mind, what manufacture would you buy;and why? Thanks guys.

 

[keimmmo]

I have personally owned Holliday Rambler, Jayco, and Nash. The Holliday and Nash are both well built! The Jayco is fine, just not top of the line like the other two. If you are going to use it occasionally and not tow far, it would be fine!



I recommend you head to the biggest RV dealership you can find and look and compare. You don't have to buy from them! RV salesmen can be as big a pain as car salesmen, but I have found some really good ones. I highly recommend Larry's Trailer Sales in southern Illinois as one of the best!



Happy hunting!



Steve Keim

 

[klenger]

Look into the Nash / Arctic Fox line. They are one of the only Mfg's rated for off-road use. http://www.northwoodmfg.com/2006/index.htm

 

[JimBeck]

travel trailer

Have been pleased with our Nash. Looking at specs they seem to have heavier duty axels for weight of trailer and thus more carrying capacity above dry weight of trailer. Good fresh, black, and grey water capacities, too Our 25s model has no slides but good floor plan. Have towed it cross country and around New England, to LaPaz 1000 miles down Baja Peninsula, and a couple of trips to Death Valley, and about 6 hunting trips. Going to use it at the end of the month for deer season and thenback to Baja for 2-3 months after the 1st of the year.

 

[Tony T.]

Im looking for a company that builds quality. I know these things can take a beating when you have kids present.

It does not have to be that way as long as there is a little corrective discipline involved. I was raised to take care on my stuff and have followed through with my two kids with the same principles. I remember when me and the wife was looking at RV's at dealerships, several times I seen the young ones going from rv to rv jumping on the beds and sofas and such having a good time and parents totally ignoring their actions. I'm sure the dealership really appreiated that to their new displays. Even had it happen to me while showing one we had for sale to a family, I sure did'nt appreiate it.



Tony

 

[Mad Bomber]

Look into the Nash / Arctic Fox line. They are one of the only Mfg's rated for off-road use. http://www.northwoodmfg.com/2006/index.htm

Nash TT here too but I'd go with the Artic Fox next time.

 

[woodsrat]

Here we go... wife has spoken



Yea i would have liked to being there for that conversation. Probley sounded more like honey if you let me get a camper i can take megan to the meets with me :-laf :-laf

 

[SHobbs]

Look into Forest River. I have been real happy with mine.

 

[wtfd6]

i have never looked at newer rv's. there are a lot of nice ones out there. happy hunting! lol



mark

 

[WyoJim]

Have been pleased with our Nash. Looking at specs they seem to have heavier duty axels for weight of trailer and thus more carrying capacity above dry weight of trailer. Good fresh, black, and grey water capacities, too Our 25s model has no slides but good floor plan. Have towed it cross country and around New England, to LaPaz 1000 miles down Baja Peninsula, and a couple of trips to Death Valley, and about 6 hunting trips. Going to use it at the end of the month for deer season and thenback to Baja for 2-3 months after the 1st of the year.

Geez Jim... I sure have to envy a guy that gets to travel that much!!! Enjoy!!

 

[Babyfat]

greg look at forestriverinc.com and look at the cedar creeks nice units i like mine don't know about the 20k for tt?



see ya in oct?

 

[CumminsBurban]

I would agree with one of the other posts about looking at a large rv dealer. Another thing is to look at used. You don't have to take the big pull it off the lot depreciation that way. I bought a 37' Super Slide Salem made by Forest River. It is an '03. I bought it for less than $18,000. It has bunks and a kid's table in the back, then the bathroom, the kitchen/living area, and then our bedroom is in the front. We love it. But, there are so many options. My advice would be that if you're buying used, spend the money to get the extended warranty. Otherwise, you are pretty much on your own as soon as you pull out of the lot.



Shane

 

[woodsrat]

greg



tried to get you yesterday. There is one just past rt. 40 on 37 might run over and look at it.

 

[SHobbs]

Look into Good Sams CSP protection plan it is awesome.

 

[keimmmo]

Late model used makes good sence to me as well. I bought the Nash as a 3-4 year old trailer with very little use... and paid half of what it cost new! The down side is that the selection is usually more limited. But, if you are lucky like me, you can find a great trailer at a very good price!



Another point. It sounds to me like you will be new to camping. I think it would make sence to buy a nice used trailer and see how you like camping. You will learn what you like and do not like about what you bought and be better prepared to buy "the trailer of your dreams" in a few years.



Steve Keim

 

[Dan_69GTX]

We just bought a 2002 used Jayco Travel trailer. So far, we like it a lot. As to slide vs no slide - here is what my research showed:



With slide is heavier.

With slide - camper sits higher due to construction for the slide. (more steps to get in means harder for older folks, farther to fall for young kids losing their balance. )

Slide needs more maintenance - should lube the rubber around the slide to prevent deterioration. Rubber strip WILL eventually need to be replaced - generally, it isn't easy to do. Slide mechanism will need general maintenance.

Some slides need to be out(at least partially) to be able to use the camper.

Slides give a LOT more room.

Slides increase the cost.



Since we are not "living" in it all the time and wanted to be able to pull it with our van, we decided on the 294J model which is 30', but no slideouts. I just weighed it - 5650 lbs with some gear in it, full propane tanks, no water.



Hope this helps with your decision.



Dan

 

[Holysmokes]

Thanks for the input guys. Sure gives me a lot to think about

 

[jwduke]

We have a older Holiday Rambler ('91) and if the new ones are built as well as this one, it will be around for a long, long time!

 

[Mad Bomber]

We just bought a 2002 used Jayco Travel trailer. So far, we like it a lot. As to slide vs no slide - here is what my research showed:



With slide is heavier.

With slide - camper sits higher due to construction for the slide. (more steps to get in means harder for older folks, farther to fall for young kids losing their balance. )

Slide needs more maintenance - should lube the rubber around the slide to prevent deterioration. Rubber strip WILL eventually need to be replaced - generally, it isn't easy to do. Slide mechanism will need general maintenance.

Some slides need to be out(at least partially) to be able to use the camper.

Slides give a LOT more room.

Slides increase the cost.



Since we are not "living" in it all the time and wanted to be able to pull it with our van, we decided on the 294J model which is 30', but no slideouts. I just weighed it - 5650 lbs with some gear in it, full propane tanks, no water.



Hope this helps with your decision.



Dan

One other thing if you look at some with slides you can get to the fridge. So for stopping for lunch at a rest area you have to open all the way NOT GOOD.

 

[jwduke]

Don't laugh too hard, but check Ebay. There are some deals to be had there. We bought ours for a steal of a price! Good luck!