Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Bob,
I agree with Dune Racer's opinion of Fleetwood products. I have used an Avion fifth-wheel for several years and have had nothing but troubles with it.
Other considerations:
1. I agree that a travel trailer makes good sense, especially if you want to use a cap on the truck bed. We recently bought a used Holiday Rambler TT to replace the Avion fiver for that very reason.
2. If sway is a problem, a Hensley Arrow or a Pull-Rite hitch is the solution for travel trailers. Yes, they are expensive, but you retain the use of the truck bed.
3. Give some thought to slide-outs. They are nice when you are camped and can enjoy the extra space. While you are traveling, though, you may want to stop at a rest area, parking lot, or alongside the road and use the kitchen or bathroom in the trailer. Often you will not be able to use the slide-out there. How well can you get around in the trailer with the slide-out retracted?
4. Also, slide-outs require heavy frames and mechanisms. Watch the weight.
5. I agree 100 percent with Rob Hanson regarding holding tanks (and pipes too). Be sure that you will be able to use the trailer in all kinds of weather. We can't use the Avion as a guest house at Christmas here in southern Indiana because the pipes freeze.
6. Regarding which brand is best... Ask at RV parks. You'll find that EVERYONE will admit that Airstream has a reputation for excellence, even if they aren't pulling one. I also like Holiday Rambler. We owned one in the 1970's and have just bought another. The Newmar products (London Aire, Mountain Aire, etc. ) also seem to be particularly well made.
7. Remember, you will always pay a premium price for top quality, but paying a premium price will not guaranty that you get top quality. Our Avion was an expensive trailer that didn't live up to its price.
Your best source for information is the people in RV parks and these web sites. Most of us aren't trying to sell you something. Happy Hunting.
Loren
------------------
2000 Quad Cab, 4x4, short bed, six-speed.
1995 Standard Cab, 4x4, long bed, automatic. (soon to be sold)
I agree with Dune Racer's opinion of Fleetwood products. I have used an Avion fifth-wheel for several years and have had nothing but troubles with it.
Other considerations:
1. I agree that a travel trailer makes good sense, especially if you want to use a cap on the truck bed. We recently bought a used Holiday Rambler TT to replace the Avion fiver for that very reason.
2. If sway is a problem, a Hensley Arrow or a Pull-Rite hitch is the solution for travel trailers. Yes, they are expensive, but you retain the use of the truck bed.
3. Give some thought to slide-outs. They are nice when you are camped and can enjoy the extra space. While you are traveling, though, you may want to stop at a rest area, parking lot, or alongside the road and use the kitchen or bathroom in the trailer. Often you will not be able to use the slide-out there. How well can you get around in the trailer with the slide-out retracted?
4. Also, slide-outs require heavy frames and mechanisms. Watch the weight.
5. I agree 100 percent with Rob Hanson regarding holding tanks (and pipes too). Be sure that you will be able to use the trailer in all kinds of weather. We can't use the Avion as a guest house at Christmas here in southern Indiana because the pipes freeze.
6. Regarding which brand is best... Ask at RV parks. You'll find that EVERYONE will admit that Airstream has a reputation for excellence, even if they aren't pulling one. I also like Holiday Rambler. We owned one in the 1970's and have just bought another. The Newmar products (London Aire, Mountain Aire, etc. ) also seem to be particularly well made.
7. Remember, you will always pay a premium price for top quality, but paying a premium price will not guaranty that you get top quality. Our Avion was an expensive trailer that didn't live up to its price.
Your best source for information is the people in RV parks and these web sites. Most of us aren't trying to sell you something. Happy Hunting.
Loren
------------------
2000 Quad Cab, 4x4, short bed, six-speed.
1995 Standard Cab, 4x4, long bed, automatic. (soon to be sold)
