Which Travel Trailer is BEST?

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Ditto on the 5ers. I didn't see any mention of Newmar. This company makes high end trailers and busses but also makes a mid level 5er with alot of the same features as the high end Kountry Aire or London Aire.

For less than the Jayco, which was our second choice, we got an fully insulated underbelly, larger tanks, better interior finishes and a heavier frame. The deeper frame alows me to tow with my '99 3500 4X4 with no axle modification. The trailer rides so close to level you need to look at the level to see the slight rake.

Good luck with your search and enjoy #ad


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'99 3500 4X4, Quad Cab Red w/Tinted Windows,
Automatic - 3. 54's, Stainless Ultra Boards
4" Exhaust, DD Stage I Inectors K&N Filter,Lost Silencer Ring, Pillar Mount Boost/Pyro Gauges, Cubby Mount Trans Temp

 

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I bought a ARCTIC FOX in 7 99. I checked them all out and I think it's the best any way you look at it. I have towed it over 10k and have never been back to the dealer,and have never had a problem. They also make trailers . I have a 24-5N 5er. See the 2nd reply for Co. address.

 

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To Jay,
Another Sunnybrook owner. This is my second Sunnybrook. Both were 5th wheels but first one 27' with no slide. Had it 5 years. Am in Sunnybrook camping club with eighteen members and no major complaints.
Also to Jay,
made York,PA rally this June.
PS: This Sunnybrook is 30' 5th wheel with one slide. We love it.

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Northport,AL. 1999 2500 quad cab, driftwood, 5 speed ISB. Boost and Pyro gauges. Line-x.
Amateur extra W4XH

 

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I prefer a trailer no longer than 30 feet to 5th wheels. The hook-up time is no different. 5th's tow a little better. I don't like the crap in my truck bed. I don't like the lack of headroom in the forward bedroom and refuse to have a 14 foot tall beheamoth on top of my 4X4. Also, most full timers that travel prefer short trailers because many campgrounds won't take large rigs over 30 feet. Also, at least in California, you can pull two trailers as long as no single element is over 10,000 and longer than 29 feet 6 inches. It is NOT necessary to have a 5th to pull your boat in the rear and the Cummins doesn't care! A few other rules apply like no more than 75 feet overall, brakes on all over 3,000 lbs. , 4,000 pound min. on towing vehicle, Not For Hire. Many make the mistake to buying a long heavy fifth wheel and are then prohibited from towing a boat behind it... .

 

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Paul Somers, Nice to meet you! I sent you an e-mail. Maybe we need to start a TDR/Ram/SunnyBrook sub-chapter!!

[This message has been edited by Jay (edited 08-30-2000). ]

 

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For an unbiased opinion on trailers and motor homes, do yourself a big favor and contact the RV Consumer Group. It's the Consumer Report of the RV world and the author has about 30 years of experience. No sponsors and no BS. He calls a junker a junker. Go to http://www.rv.org

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98 2500 SLT, QC 12V, 4X4, Auto, 4:10's, SB, LSD, Alpine alarm, Tekonsha brake controller, 5th wheel hitch, DeeZee stainless boards, Stull billet grille, MTX Thunder sub enclosure, Kenwood amp, Trans. temp gauge, CB radio, White/Driftwood, Camel interior. BINFORD TOOLS decal on rear window

 

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There is a difference between a travel trailer and a camper. A travel trailer is set up for two people for long term living/traveling. A camper is set up for a whole family for weekends or short camping trips.
I have had both conv. and 5th whl. I am leanin g to going back to a conventional to keep my shell on the truck for junk storage and to keep the profile low for low wind resistance.
Travel trailers-- Jayco, Holiday Rambler, Carrage, Teton all good brands. Airstream is well made but gives me the feeling of living in a decorated culvert pipe. Cabinets rounded inside, loss of storage etc.
Lots of ideas and tough to decide. Good luck.

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1998. 5;24v,3500,4x4,SLT,QC,5 spd,3. 54LS,4whl. ABS,all options,18k lb. Reese 5th whl. hitch,full length diam. plate
running boards,eyebrows & hood dam,bed edges,bedhooks;gray Rhinohide liner,Pac Brake,britebox,"deepdish"mats,
matching shell,Sandstone & camel leather,stainless fender eyebrows,exhaust turndown pipe;brush guard,SPA digital boost/egt(pre-turbo) gauge,pillar mount. Lowered rear end 4".
See My Truck
1980,W200 Powerwagon,4 door crewcab,360 gas,747 auto,68k orig. miles,4 coats of Zeebart.
The Powerwagon
My Boat

 

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Hey Jaybo what are you doing on this site!!! #ad
LOL Don't forget about Automate, the are made in Los Banos CA. Quality trailer air ride suspension and disc brakes. They are the only trailer I have found with these features. Oh buy the way I am towing a boat behind my new 34' 5er Jay. Nice to see you on the site Jay but i'm not sure why. Just kidding.

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1996 4x4 3500 4. 10 5spd, Diesel Dynamics stage 2 injectors, #5 TST plate, Govoner spring kit, 16cm2 housing with 4" exhaust, Cummins exhaust brake, US Gear overdrive, Grover air horns, Mag-Hytec cover, and more.

 

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For the answer to your question check out www.iRV2.com #ad
you will be glad you did

 

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Remember one thing when you buy. The high end unit are framed in wood. Aluminum is light but sweats. Sweat is water and it must go somewhere. Check out the frame work.
My $. 02.
Preston

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96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

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Remember one thing when you buy. The high end unit are framed in wood. Aluminum is light but sweats. Sweat is water and it must go somewhere. Check out the frame work.
My $. 02.
Preston

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96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

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Bob
I feel the way you do, it is nice to have the cap on the truck for storage.
We are going to be full timing in about a month or so.
The rig we chose was a 28' Holiday Rambler single slide. We also use the Hensley Arrow hitch. Both are top quality units. This combo pulls very well with no sway at all. It also has a good payload.
As posted prevously check out www.irv2.com
They are a tremendous help.

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2001 SLT+,HO,6spd,4x4,SWB,QC,3. 54,every option except sport and roof marker lights. White w/agate leather.
Oem molded steps,Jacobs E Brake,Espar,Quad Headlights w/guards,Century Royal cap,Manik grill guard and class V hitch.

2000 Holiday Rambler 28'aluma-lite,TT, w/slide.

 

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We looked at 2 5th wheels. The Sunnybrook (mobile scout), and the Holiday Rambler. The Mobile Scout looked good, but the wife had to have the Holiday. Big mistake. The Holiday is 2000 lbs heavier than same size Mobile Scout. It also cost $7K more! Did I just show my smarts?

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2001 TRUCK-COLOR=DRIFTWOOD--SURE AS HELL LOOKS SILVER TO ME, AND NOTHING LIKE THE COLOR REPRESENTED IN THE DC BROCHURE!

 

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Lots of good inputs. There are others I would look at and some I would stay clear of.

When I bought my first RV, I looked at a lot of used ones. You can see how they hold up. Also, visit an RV repair shop or two and ask them their opinion.

You need to look at livability - is the layout what you like and does it have the conveniences you want? Second you want a unit that will standup over a reasonable time. Some of the travel trailers are designed for a couple of weeks a year with the family and don't have the quality for towing or long time occupancy. Usually your high end units are better quality, but are not abailable in shorter lengths.

If you buy a trailer (vs a 5er) be sure to get a good set of towing stabilizers.

Good luck on your search.

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John S. '99 QC 1T 4. 11 A/T Leather Driftwood, 50 Gal aux tank/tool box, gearvendors, BD brake/autolok, BD ISB comp, guages.

Just a Little BOMBed and liking it a lot.

 

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We have had a Sunnybrook 27" fith wheel with a slide out for two years now and really love. It pulls like a dream. We have excellent dealer and MFG support. What ever type you decide on check for contruction methods and compare weights. The Sunnybrook uses all aluminium construction and weighs much less than others with the word LITE in their name.
Also be sure it has shocks. Many do not offer shocks. Things inside ride much better.
JR


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1997 2500 Laramie SLT, Ext Cab, Metalic Red, 2wd, Automatic, 3:54, No spin rear, Westin step bars, K&N, BD E-Brake, Auto-Lock, Pressure Lock, ISPRO gauges, 27' Sunnkbrook 5th wheel, RBW hitch.

 

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My two pennies... . Buy a used one and save yourself a ton of money. These things depreciate horribly as soon as you pull them off the lot. Also, it is my opinion that the old ones are built better than the new stuff.

I second the motion of the equalizer and sway control. Even if you think you don't need it with your tough truck, it will make the whole mess much safer. Especially if you get into an evasive situation.

Additionally, the equalizer eliminates most of the bucking or pushing feel you get from a travel trailer which will make those long distance trips much more relaxing.

A word of caution. If you get in some not so nice dirt roads with big dips or washes, disconnect the equalizer. In extreme situations, the equalizer will put huge stresses on the hitch and trailer tongue. I bent my hitch going through a big ditch eroded through the dirt road.

One more word of caution. Loosen the sway control if the road is icy. If it's too tight whe front wheels will turn but the truck won't turn, and that's bad!

 

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Originally posted by BIG BOB:
I am going to be looking for a good quality, 26-29 ft. travel trailer. I know that there will be alot of opinions on which is best. I am looking for input to help me make my decision. Please let me know the pro's and con's of the travel trailer you have owned or used.
We started towing in 1965 and I was a sales person. People will do a lot of strange things
when it comes to a picking there home away home. Money sometimes,but most of the time they go for the eye candy. If you can't see it
they won't pay for it. Now the round tops has always been on the top of the list Airstream and Avion they are tanks the hold up. There is a lot of stuff built in that cannot be looked at or put your hands on. There are a lot of used ones out there a buy. They are ageless when taken care of. We tow a 35ft Avion it scales out at about 11000lbs it is a 3 axle pulls like a dream wind or 18 wheelers does not seem to push it around like the slab sides,and don't let them tell you 3 axles trailers pull hard it really is the other way around. They don't bob up and down they ride softer,because the tires can have lower ply rateing simpley because there is more of them. Also the running gear is one of the first place to cut costs you can't see it. Now Fleetwood stoped makeing silver trailers in 1990. Bad move on there part they wanted more units out the door. Right now there is not a fleetwood trailer out there that does not have big troubles. That is one reason fleetwood closed one plant that made Avions and the cheaper ones(the look alikes) NOW after enjoying 2 Avions a 1987& a 1989 we are looking for a Airstream or a Teton or Travel Supreme. Ok all that been said I know these are high doller toys,but you gets whats you pays for, and there are a lot of good used rigs that someone has taken the big bit out of the price for haveing it new. Good Luck there is no right rig or price it's like females we get the one we like the best. But right now Fleetwood and Coachmen have big time troubles getting workers who care or are allowed to care Im sure there are others,but it the sales person says we will take care of that before you take delivery. ASK WHY IS NOT DONE ALREADY and don't trust sale people most just want the money and or never owned a RV. Treat sales people with a large grain of salt.

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99 3500 5SP 4:10 Ratio Limited slip Camper/Tow Packages. E Brake K&N

[This message has been edited by clem (edited 09-02-2000). ]

 

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All I can say is stay away from anything Fleetwood makes! I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here but there is not one good thing I can say about them. My trailer was a 98 24' Terry and I ended up putting about 30 hours of work into it in the 2 years I owned it redoing stuff that was slopped together, falling apart or otherwise missing. My dad has a 97 Flair motorhome by Fleetwood and it to has endless amounts of problems, everything from electrical problems to the AC not working right to lifting up the bed and seeing daylight below.
Run fast, I could go on all night with other owners I know but I won't bore you, just my observations in the past years.

 

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We just bought a Nomad 27' (built by Skyline) with bunks and love it. We looked at the Nash and think it is a very well built trailer, however, the dealer gave us a super great buy that we couldn't pass up. They seem to be very similiarly built. Have had zero problems and we were worried because we picked it up on Wednesday and left for May Madness on Friday. One thing I would like to point out to you is there is a huge mark up on new trailers. We got to see the dealers invoice on our trailer and the MSRP was 21,500. Their cost was 13,500 and we got it for 12,700 because it had set on the lot for one year and the manufactor gave a rebate. We looked wilderness which is made by Fleetwood on the same lot that we bought ours and there is definately a quality difference between the two. The only regret we have is that we didn't get the slide out. But we can't afford the one we got. Again you get what you pay for and when you look, look for the small details that will tell you how well it is built. Good luck. Bob and Val

 

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Any opinions on Sierra TT's made by Forest River? My wife and I have looked at several ones and like the Sierra. Any other tips and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.