So the wife wants a travel trailer.... what now?

[scootergmc]

I really don't know too much about them. My idea of camping consists of throwing the quad in the back of the truck and rolling out to Nevada, one cooler for dry goods, one cooler for frosty cold beverages, and a cab full of guns. My wife's definition is well, a typical female's.

I don't want a 5th wheel, and I like Airstreams (because they look cool), I've heard the pre-before-the-company-was-sold/got-bought-out models are better, but that's about as far as my knowledge goes. As far as other well-built brands/makes/styles/models, I have no clue. It would need to sleep at least four, and I don't want it overly long. No more than 28ft, but I'm partial to smaller models for the easier tow. Any help/suggestions/comments/concerns/pitfalls out there? Thank you for your replies.

 

[odinjunior]

Sounds like you have an idea what you want. Here's a website that gave me some info before I picked up my Arctic Fox.



Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum



Heres the one I look at since I got the Arctic Fox.



Northwood RV Owners Association



Good luck with your search.

 

[timroberts]

I just drove 6400 miles for a 2006 25r artic fox. It was worth the drive!

 

[scootergmc]

Sounds like you have an idea what you want. Here's a website that gave me some info before I picked up my Arctic Fox.



Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum



Heres the one I look at since I got the Arctic Fox.



Northwood RV Owners Association



Good luck with your search.

Thanks. I just got on there and read long enough to learn that I'm terribly scared of buying a used trailer with unknown/undisclosed water damage! Also, Arctic Fox sounds like a really good brand.

 

[Grizzly]

I would consider purchasing a copy of RV Consumer Group. It's a guide of all brands made in the last 10 to 12 years. It cost about $150 +/-, which is money worth spent. They have a report on every TT and 5th wheel made and they rate each one for; Reliability, Value and Highway Control. They also specify how much additional weight you can carry in the trailer. They also include very helpful paperback books on how th get the best price on an RV.



Why don't you like 5th wheels? They are much more maneuverable and stable than a TT. Once you tow a 5th wheel, you'll never want a TT again.



Arctic Fox, Nash and Desert Fox (toy hauler), which are made by Northwood Mfg. , are an excellent way to go. Most are 4 star rated. There are many other 4 star rated and some 5 star rated on the market. New Horizon is the only 5 star rated 5er, but they are spendy, $75K and up.



george

 

[Barry]

In your search, keep this in mind:



1) Buy a new one and it is worth 50 cents on the dollar of what you paid for it in 3 years.



2) RV systems have an average life span of 10 years.



3) It is better to have a 3 to 5 year old quality unit than a brand new rat box.



4) Since this is your first venture, keep in mind resale should you want to back out of RV ownership.



5) Keep asking questions... ... ..... none are stupid if you do not know!!



mi dos centavos... ... ... .

 

[AABEN]

What kind of camping ?? Need more info.

 

[Buffalo]

I agree with the other posters remarks about the Arctic Fox trailers, made by Northwoods Ind. in Le Grande, OR. These folks make the Nash line, also. The Nash is a less expensive version of the AF line with a few less "bells & whistles".

In '98, I bought a used (7 month old) Nash 25-S bumper pull trailer, which, I've towed in all the western states (numerous times) & as far east as Toronto, Ont. Can. The trailer has been back east numerous times & I live in Phoenix, AZ. This is, by far, the best trailer I've owned.



Before the 25-S, I had an Arctic Fox 19-B (19 foot model), which, I really liked. Previously, I had a Wilderness 19' that was not built very well. The AF was far better. I replaced it because the 25-S became available & I liked the floor plan much more. It also has more water carrying capacity & a bigger bathroom, along with an actual bedroom & living area.



I had (still do) a '77 Airstream 25', which, I bought because of it's history of being such a good trailer. There are things about the AS that are very good (over-built) but, other things that are weak. The livibility of the AS left a lot to be desired, in my opinion. It's like living in a "tube". The roundness of the trailer eliminates storage space. I had two friends crack their heads on the top of the enterance door. It's not very tall.



My Nash 25-S has been excellent for 12 years & lots of miles, now. I spent two summers living full-time in it. It's a reliable trailer & far more comfortable than the AS. The AS did tow very well, though. Very aerodynamic. But, with that shape, you lose a lot of livibility & storage.



If something ever happens to the Nash or it becomes un-reliable, I will buy another Northwoods product, in a minute!!!



Joe F.

 

[scootergmc]

Why don't you like 5th wheels? They are much more maneuverable and stable than a TT. Once you tow a 5th wheel, you'll never want a TT again.



george

Thanks for that info George. You think the library would have such a book?



As for 5th wheels, I like them, don't get me wrong. But I want to also keep the bed for misc vehicles, or whatever. If I wanted to bigger trailer, I would really consider the 5th wheel. But I'm trying to keep everything as compact as possible while still being able to haul junk in the bed of the truck.

What kind of camping ?? Need more info.

Wife camping=pull into spot at xxxxx campground, plug in and she's set. All the features of home on the road.

 

[JLandry]

Ditto on Northwood travel trailers. We bought a 2007 Arctic Fox model 25R based on the advice of experienced RV'ers who told us it was a great value for the money. We're put 16,500 miles on it so far and are very happy with it.

One bit of great advice we got was to be sure and get a travel trailer with a walk-around bed (as opposed to one in a corner). The 25R has this and I'm sooooo glad. It's a major PITA having to climb over your spouse / partner to get out of bed.

Have fun shopping,

John L.

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks for that info George. You think the library would have such a book?



As for 5th wheels, I like them, don't get me wrong. But I want to also keep the bed for misc vehicles, or whatever. If I wanted to bigger trailer, I would really consider the 5th wheel. But I'm trying to keep everything as compact as possible while still being able to haul junk in the bed of the truck.







Wife camping=pull into spot at xxxxx campground, plug in and she's set. All the features of home on the road.

I don't know if a library would have the RV Consumer Group Guide. I believe it's worth purchasing one and use it as a guide. It comes in CD form and it will not allow you to cut and paste. You can however make hard copies. If you don't want to purchase one, just ask me when you find a trailer you're interested in. I'm always more the happy to share the information with you or anyone that asks. Just don't be disappointed if I tell you that a trailer you're considering is poorly rated. I'll tell it like it is, nothing more, nothing less.



To each his own as far as choosing a TT or 5er. TT is what you want, then get a TT. Me, I like the stability of the 5th wheel with a basement storage. I still carry a lot of stuff in the 8' bed of my truck, including a rail height tool box.



george

 

[macdaddy]

Scooter I sent you a PM.



Mac

 

[LRutigliano]

I suggest you go to an RV Show. You both will know what you like as you start to compare all of the different models that are available.



Also, you need to consider registration costs (in OR, its by the foot) and insurance costs. These are substantial.



Whatever you get, make sure it has 16" wheels/tires from the get-go. They don't make a good quality (made in the USA) 15" tire for RVs.

 

[ChrisOlson]

my 2 cents

How often will you use the trailer. if you buy new you will be stuck with a big payment. for a long time.

I agree the nash nothwood arctic fox strong well made units.

Craigslist is full of greay buys

Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum great wealth of information.

I am a member there as well.

good luck

chris

 

[HBarlow]

I suggest you go to an RV Show. You both will know what you like as you start to compare all of the different models that are available.

Also, you need to consider registration costs (in OR, its by the foot) and insurance costs. These are substantial.

Whatever you get, make sure it has 16" wheels/tires from the get-go. They don't make a good quality (made in the USA) 15" tire for RVs.

I agree with the post quoted above.

Many of us TDR members are also RVers and have experience, knowledge, and OPINIONS but asking us to advise you on the trailer to buy is a lot like asking us to select a wife for you. You'll get lots of free advice here and most of it can be summarized as "buy the brand I bought" but realistically, we can't select a trailer for you. Only you and your wife can decide what fits your intended usage, taste, and budget. We can offer general advice and can answer your thoughtful questions after you do some looking.

You will be much happier if you take your wife and patiently look at lots of trailers starting with RV shows until you narrow the basic types, brands, and sizes down to what fits your needs.

I would generally advise a smaller trailer as your first RV and I always advise a better quality used unit that fits your budget over a new one with lots of visible glitz and glitter but poor to mediocre quality.

Glitz and glitter don't last, quality does. A high quality used unit purchased wisely will still be worth most of what you paid for it in two or three years.

 

[Barry]

Uncle Harvey speaks words of truth and wisdom... ... . take heed.

 

[DeezelDood]

I'll second Grizzly's advice. Buy the CD at RV.org. Best $80 you will ever spend. What is interesting is that some high quality mfrs have RV's that are considered to be "not safe" based on too high or too low tongue wieght and poor overall wieght distribution. The towability/safety of certain year/models of the same mfr will aso be condidered unsafe while some models will be very safe. The CD also has good pricing (buy/sell) advice for new and used units. I love my 4-star rated Nash 27F but I have to admit I am not fond of the front window. It doesnt serve much purpose and has potential for water leakage while towing in the rain.

 

[ChrisOlson]

HEED the Wisdom of the oldtimers
dont buy a forest river !!
or you will suffer Scorn.

have a great day.

Chris

 

[EricBu12]

Another thing is to rent on. . and also go to a RV show. now Dealers will wheel and deal ya but most RV's you can tell the quality. . stay away from stapled cabinets. . look for quality fit and finish. metal glide drawers and such. . most of the quality stuff will be on 5th wheels but some are on TT.

I had a 28' Desert fox. this is a TT toy-hauler. . you drive the quad in the back of it. the dinette and couch fold up. there is usually depending model, a motorized bed the comes down from the ceiling so sleeping 4 no problem. . the couch and dinette also make to a bed so 6 or more depending on child or adult.

See you live in Ca. . . One of the things you might consider is the insulation quality. my Desert fox did pretty well. It as other toy-haulers do, had a built in Generator so it was able to run the micro and A/C as well as a 30 gal. Gas tank for the Gen and a fueling pump to gas up the toys.

If you get anything near a 28' , 10-12K trailer, I would highly recommend the Hensley hitch. . for about 10% of the cost of the trailer, I had piece of mind in knowing the TT was secure and would have NO sway. . it has a built in weight distribution where you don't have to remove the bars every time. . stays on the trailer... just undo a draw bar. . (the green bar in front on the picture. ). . the pivot system makes the TT feel like a 5th wheel.

Trailer Sway Elimination Guaranteed - Hensley® the ONLY trailer hitch guaranteed to totally eliminate trailer sway.

Here is a few pics of the parts. .
New 2005 Hensley Arrow Hitch pictures from world travel photos on webshots


Now, as you have a quad, I recommend a toyhauler and in my opinion, the desert fox and others like it are wonderful... . they have the toy fueling station and usually have a built in Gen... The only drawback to having a TT where the dinette and couch fold up for the quad verses a 5th wheel with separate wall is you cant use the trailer in-route to the destination for like lunch break or whatever... Also diidn't have as much storage space. . all of it was in the back by the rear door.

Below is a few pics of my 2 trailers I have had. . the second one I have now is a 36' Raptor toyhauler 5th wheel made by Keystone... I originally had a shell on the truck and got the TT. but with the practicality of the toy-hauling, the 5th wheel with the separate wall was the way to go. . much more storage, liquid capacities. . and convenience. you see the last one with the 2 quads in it. . very cramped. cant do lunch in it on the way. .

If you don't want the toy hauler. . I would agree with the Arctic fox as a good regular travel trailer. . But again go to a RV show and look around. . there are numerous models with bunk beds, . . outside mini kitchens, etc. After you find a good trailer, DO, look at the tire situation and add up the weights on the tires and see if they add to more than the GVW of the trailer. . not, just above the unloaded weight. . also see if they are a tire of quality. . not china made.

Hope this helps you in deciding. . if you have a quad, I'd get a toyhauler. . the TT was able to fit 2 in it. . see pic. . . . Good luck and let us know what you decide to get.

 

[EricBu12]

Below is a few pics of my new raptor Toy-hauler. . you see the door going to the garage next to the ladder... the living space is 29'. . garage is 12' x 8' wide... This was the way to go for me. .