Which Travel Trailer?

[David Pendleton]

Hello all.



I've recently begun shopping for a bumper-pull travel trailer in the 25-30' range. Price is an object, but isn't relevant for this discussion. Construction quality is my #1 requirement.



I've already looked at a few manufacturers, and I am extremely disappointed with the quality of construction.



While looking at one (brand-new) trailer, the salesperson left us alone for a bit. I decided to remove an outlet cover and examine the wiring and construction.



There was a sheet of paneling, an inch or three of yellow fiberglass insulation and the aluminum skin. I could push on the skin and make it buckle. The outlet was screwed to the paneling with fender washers on the other side.



This was a 25K+ trailer.



I wouldn't have paid 2500 for this beer can, forget 25000!



I know everyone has their favorites, but I would like to know what manufacturers to consider where quality matters.



Thanks all.



David

 

[Ramtough]

If price is an object, you probably don't want to look at Airstream or Holiday Rambler - the high end towables. For my money, its Fleetwood. Prowler, Terry or Wilderness.



I know the construction seems flimsy but these guys have been making trailers for a long time. All of them are very road and weather worthy. If they were built like your house you wouldn't be able to tow them.



I have had problems with Fleetwood products and the way they stand behind their products is incredible. They are well known for taking care of things well after a trailer is out of warranty - especially if you bought it from them new.



They are the largest and have the largest dealer network around the country.



For my money (which is an object) you can spend a lot more but you cannot buy a better trailer than a Fleetwood product.

 

[bombero]

A few I would look at would be: Artic Fox, Nash, Alpinlite, Sunnybrook and now Montana is making a TT but I cant remember the name. Anyway this gives you a start. make sure you shop around. A buddy of mine just bought a 28ft Artic Fox and saved 4000K by going to a dealer 90miles away.

 

[DBCooper]

I'll second the Nash/Artic Fox (same company I think) and Sunnybrook. I'm not aware of any Alpenlite conventional trailers, just 5th wheels, but I could be wrong. Haven't had exerience with the Montana. Nash has a very strong following around here. If you can find one the Artic Foxs usually are built for the cold weather you have in your neck of the woods.

 

[wcjp]

My neighbors have the Arctic Fox. They're very proud of it's cold weather abilities. They told me all about the extra insulation on something that did something cool.

 

[klenger]

See sig

 

[nunya]

We have a 32` Cardinal made by Forest River and love it! Its really well built, its 2+ yrs. old with 10,000 tow miles on it and no problems! I`m leavin in 3 days to take it from Co. to Pa. to S. Carolina n back and have no worries about doin it! Have had great luck with Forest River, had a Rockwood ultralite before for 3 yrs and no problems either. Good luck

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

For the price($12,000 new), my Dutchmen has held up well. I do some heavy beach camping and bouncing around the dunes for the past three years has yet to show any signs of problems. Interior trim is a bit flimsy, but the important stuff (fridge, oven, furnace, ac, h2o heater) are the same units they put in high end trailers. The suspension and frame are pretty stout also. No stained or etched glass cabinet doors or hardwood trim, buy I'd rather put the extra money into my truck and vacations to take the trailer on.

 

[RustyJC]

I've had 3 Jaycos - our current one is a 2000 Designer XL 3610RLTS 36' triple slide 5th wheel. For the money, they're tough to beat. None of them are going to be built like permanent residences (weight IS a consideration), but our Jaycos have been pretty bulletproof. A friend of mine bought a Designer 5ver early last year based on our experiences, and when we were camping with them last weekend, he said that he and his wife loved it - no problems whatsoever.



Should you have a problem, Jayco has a top-of-the-line reputation for standing behind their products. They really work hard to satisfy their customers. They're a family-owned business that has been building RVs for a long time, and they don't have to worry about answering to Wall Street.



The Nash/Arctic Fox and Sunnybrook products have excellent reputations as well, as has been noted above.



Rusty

 

[boonsur]

I think Forest River builds good units. Use good materials, and know how to laminate them. I went with their Sandpiper line, which has aluminum frames/gelcoat sides. Platinum series gives better doors, along with a bunch of other upgrades. Forest River's Sierra line is very similar, but I didn't care for the interior colors. Also, I liked my Sandpiper dealer much better.



Check them out (forestriverinc.com).

 

[socal_rattler]

Since you said for the sake of this discussion, price was not relavent, I would suggest you go look at an Airstream.



When we were looking at different makes, I was amazed at the difference in quality of construction. Walk into an Airstream, and then go walk into any other make... . the difference will be immediately obvious.



I talked to the guy that preps all the different makes at the local RV 'supercenter'. He said with most of the other brands, there are usually 30 or more items he must fix when they get the unit from the manufacturer. He said the Airstreams rarely have anything he needs to touch.



Also, the Airstream will tend to hold it's value much better than many other makes.



It tows very well too, and when you go to the campground, you will get people stopping by wanting to look at it and asking about it.



Maybe I am a little prejudiced, but I am real happy with the Airstream I bought.

 

[Grand Creek]

I love the air stream my father has had for 12 years but i could do without the plywood doors...



I'm looking at the new K-Z toy hauler for myself. looks good to me. .

 

[Jay]

Sunnybrook... see signature...

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Watch out for storage space - many of the later trailers try to give the illusion of openness by seriously reducing cupboard and closet space. Whatever you look at, try to visualize what stuff you will be carrying along with you in your travels - not much long-term happiness with an "open and airy" floorplan, if you then hafta carry yer groceries and spare undies in the tow vehicle...



Also be very aware of the trailers dry weight and it's gross weight rating - again, might not want a rig that is so near it's maximum weight rating EMPTY that an extra roll of paper towels puts ya over the limit!

 

[rblomquist]

IMO DO NOT repeat DO NOT buy anything constructed in a border state. Also, you're right, many trailers are dog crap in the quality department.



I'd challenge any non-believers to just pay a visit to any of the plants in Cali and I bet you'll be horrified at the day-labor workforces that conregate. I took mine to the factory for warranty work and I was shocked and I mean shocked at what I saw. On the bright side I no longer have to wonder how things are so cheesy and/or poor quality.



Do it right and buy something made like in Indiana or somewhere inland.

 

[Servis]

If you have the time, take a trip to Middlebury, Indiana and go through all the trailer factories and see how they put them together. And then pick out the company you like the best and purchase a trailer from them. We went throught several factories

and saw how they put them together. Then we walked across the street from the factory to one of their dealers and purchased the trailer we wanted. We did this in 2001, we purchased a Sunnybrook which is the same as a Mobile Scout. We are well pleased.

 

[Bob4x4]

Hey Socalratler,

I am with you we have had our 25"Airstream safari for about a year now and I am impressed with the way it tows at any speed. The gusty winds are not an issue. It takes anything I throw at it and enjoys it. It looks like it will hold up as well as the slightly overfueled Dodge has.



Bob

 

[Wardog]

We just bought a Titanium 5th wheel. The construction (made in Ontario), fit and finish on these is the best we've seen with the exception of the Airstream. Their unique cab over style gives extra length without adding extra tow length. Worth a look.



http://www.glendalerv.com/products/Titanium/2004/Specs.asp?ModelID=29E34MS

 

[Spoon40]

Originally posted by David Pendleton

Hello all.



I've recently begun shopping for a bumper-pull travel trailer in the 25-30' range. Price is an object, but isn't relevant for this discussion. Construction quality is my #1 requirement.



I've already looked at a few manufacturers, and I am extremely disappointed with the quality of construction.



While looking at one (brand-new) trailer, the salesperson left us alone for a bit. I decided to remove an outlet cover and examine the wiring and construction.



There was a sheet of paneling, an inch or three of yellow fiberglass insulation and the aluminum skin. I could push on the skin and make it buckle. The outlet was screwed to the paneling with fender washers on the other side.



This was a 25K+ trailer.



I wouldn't have paid 2500 for this beer can, forget 25000!



I know everyone has their favorites, but I would like to know what manufacturers to consider where quality matters.



Thanks all.



David

Alpenlite now makes a 28' conventional trlr in three floorplans for about what you want to spend. I have had one of their 5ers since '97 and it has been a good unit. Their web is www.wrv.com. Good luck-John

 

[msimmons]

I will 2nd the vote for Jayco! We have had our Eagle since new for five years and have had zero problems. WE belong to a local Jayco club with 20+ members and all have had zero problems. Jayco is like family!



Mike