Need some advice on used TTs

[tmacc]

The better half and I moved out to No. Utah last summer in part for the recreational opportunities. In kicking around various ways to enjoy these opportunities, we decided to look around for a used TT. So, what better place to go for info than here.



We've tent and truck camped for years, but it isn't practical anymore. I thought about getting a 4x4 PSD E-350 van and building it out, but that was shot down because Pam is tired of having to unload tools and stuff and then load camping stuff. Can't say I was thrilled either. Anyway, We need a TT w/ really good AC so we can leave the dogs in the TT in the summer for periods when we hike in areas where they are prohibited. So, that means a genset. It also has to be suitable for winter use. Good insulation, etc. We don't need a very big one, since it's just the two of us and two 20 lb dogs.



I'm looking for suggestions on make and mfr. and what to look for or look out for in used TT. Any other suggetions are welcome too.

Thanks

Tom

 

[KBalzuweit]

Some more info would be great... are you going to want to haul toys?? Price range?? Is a fifth wheel a possibility?? Does then generator have to be built in(that will really limit your options)?? What length is ideal?? Also having to be 4 season will also be a very limiting factor, for example I just found new 2005 25 foot fifth wheels with a pretty large slide out for under 13k NEW, ideal for a couple or small family. The biggest problem you may find is cost, the hurricanes really used up alot of new and used inventory, so the prices of used have been higher and with steel going so have new.

 

[Buffalo]

Nash Trailers advertises that they are built for more severe climates & for backwoods/off road camping.



I know for a fact (from touring the factory) that they use plenty of insulation in their units.



I had a Wilderness 19', before, & the Nash's have more ground clearance for easier towing in rough terrain.



They seem to be put together pretty well, also. In our group, we've had 5 Nash products (I've had two) & they have all seemed to be trouble free & well made.



I would not hesitate to buy another.



They have a "higher-end" trailer, also, called the Arctic Fox. More "bells & whistles" & luxurious.



If interested, you may wish to check out AFNash.com, a website dedicated to the Arctic Fox/Nash products & their owners.



When checking out generators, make sure you take into consideration the elevation you will be camping at. The higher you go, the more power you will need, especially to operate the A/C. Yamaha has a really nice, quiet 3500W unit. It's 3000 watts but, when a load is put on it (like when the A/C starts) it gives you a 500W "boost".



Good Luck.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Buffalo]

If any of the Nash products interests you, be sure to check-out the "classified's section" on AFNash.com for used trailers.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[tmacc]

K,

All good questions. Fifth wheel not an option due to large cap on truck. No big toys. Our toys run towards mountain bikes, kayaks, rafts, ski/snowboard gear, so the cap pretty well take care of that. A built in generator would be nice, but we may be able to deal w/ a portable if there was some way to secure it. Hate to find the dogs roasted due to some low down rotten bugger stealing the gen. Price? the $64K question. Since we aren't planning to use this every weekend and may not use it for months at a time, I was thinking in the $4-5k range. If we find something that is not 4 season, how hard is it to modify it for 4 season use? We rented a RV for a winter trip last year and didn't find out till we picked it up that it was not suitable for winter use. i. e. could not fill the water tank or use the toilet. Out here w/ our interests and all of the places to visit, it only makes sense to have a 4 season trailer.

 

[nps]

Don't think you'll find much in the way of 4 seasons for $4-5K. You can add electric heater strips to the tanks but these would take juice to keep running, thus your gen is running summer and winter.

 

[Grizzly]

I would rethink the, "large cap on truck", stuff and get a larger 5th wheel. Just because of the maneuverability and stability of the 5er vs a TT. I've been all over Northern Utah in the summer and winter with a 5th wheel. Having said that, I wouldn't want to take a TT into those mountains in the winter. I'd get two 2K Honda generators and chain then to your receiver hitch with a good pad-lock.

 

[TowPro]

I always direct people to http://www.nadaguides.com. If looking at a used rig, this can be a guide of value. If looking at a new rig, check out what its worth 1 year old. Some drop 1/3 of there value in the first year!

 

[tmacc]

Grizz,

Ditching the cap is not an option so we can pull a 5'ver. Most contractors don't use them, I need it to secure and protect my tools and toys. Plus it weighs about 500 lb. so it's not easily removed. We live at 7000+' and get 300+" of snow, so if it's that bad, we either don't go or go w/o the trailer. We're not planning on heading out to any really remote areas in the winter.



nps, You did note I said "used", right? I hope we can find something in that range. Although, we did see an add for what sounded like a really sweet '73 23' Airstream in cherry condition for $9500. We'll keep looking around.



Do most mfr. make 4 season trailers? I'm sure some are better than other or at least have a better rep. Any suggestion?

 

[tmacc]

Thanks, TowPro. I'll keep it in mind if we find a potential candidate.

 

[EricBu12]

Tom,



I live in Salt Lake City and I had a TT but mine was a toyhauler... I wanted a better one and got a 5th wheel with the separate wall. I had the Desert fox made by The same makers of nash and arctic fox. I will second their reputation as well made and good insulation.



Ususally a 3 season trailer has some good insulation but the tanks are exposed, outside... . If the underbelly of the trailer is closed off with a plastic cover, it is at least sorta protected with insulation... . Most trailers that are not truly 4 season have one area that never has insulation... . Just above the storage compartment... This is especially true on 5th wheels. There is good insulation on walls and ceiling, but some of the floor won't have much... .



Most good trailers most likely will have a generator that will run on the propane. I recomend about at least A 4 k GEN.



In our cilmate, it just seems you need more of a trailer so you might just have to step up and dig in a little deeper. I found that out with my set up...



I looked at RV trader.com and here is the best of 3, yes 3 matches... . Some people her in utah just don't like to part with their trailers or they trade in at the dealers. (like I did)



http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail293271.htm



good luck and be sure to look everything over very carefully when you look at one. the money is in the details...

 

[nps]

nps, You did note I said "used", right? I hope we can find something in that range. Although, we did see an add for what sounded like a really sweet '73 23' Airstream in cherry condition for $9500. We'll keep looking around.



Do most mfr. make 4 season trailers? I'm sure some are better than other or at least have a better rep. Any suggestion?

I noted the "used". Also noted the "4 seasons". Most 4 season trailers are higher end units that are both larger and much more expensive than what you state your goals are. Not many manufacturers make them.



That's also why I said that you could make it kinda like a 4 season by adding things like tank heaters, an enclosed and heated underbelly, heated water and sewer lines, etc.



A '73 trailer for $9500 should have confirmed to you what I was saying. Probably not even 4 season.

 

[gonzo2]

We were up snowmobiling by Whistler on the weekend and ran into a couple winter camping out of a 15 to 20 year old Bigfoot trailer. They seem to be a good combination of durability and weather protection with their clamshell construction. You sure see a lot of them deep in the bush come hunting season.

Nobody seems to get rid of their used ones, though that may be a good sign.

 

[gonzo2]

If you go with a smaller TT you may find a Fantastic Fan quite useful as they work well and only use 12v.

 

[tmacc]

Hmmmm. This is sort of reminding me of our quest for a hot tub. We wound up spending almost twice what we had planned once we got into the details and took our climate, amount of insulation, etc. into consideration.



Thanks guys, for the tips and suggestions. We're in the early stages of the search. That's why I came here first.



BTW Eric, As a fellow '53' owner, I hope your '53' crack repair went as smooth as can usually be expected when these things happen.