I am interested in a TT camper but have not went to dealers to look at specs yet. I am looking for reasonable, new / like new entry level trailer around 25' long that sleeps at least 4 comfortably. What are some features, options, or BRANDS that I probably wont reget in a year. I hope I provided something for you to base recommendations on.

If this is not appropriate please direct me to a link that may help. Thankyou

 

My recommendation is get the biggest you can afford. We got a smaller 29 ft. light weight and kept it for about 6 months and went straight to a 35.5 Ft. Coachman Chapparel. I know alot of folks that wanted a smaller one and then turned right around and traded up. Most brands are for the most part ok. You just make sure you get one with the aluminum frame and fiberglass outside. Any questions please fell free to PM me.

Kip

 

Wow, that's a pretty broad request. The are gazillions of brands, models, configurations, prices, etc. I can tell you that we are a family of 5 and we own a 26' Sandpiper TT, a Forest River brand, (approx. 900 lbs hitch weight and 6500 lbs trailer weight) that we bought used and really enjoy. There's much to consider when shopping for a TT depending on how you plan to use it, how much you're willing to spend, and what your tastes are. I will tell you that as far as quality goes, a majority of the trailers are the same, and that is, they're pretty much all of "mediocre" quality. You'll want to spend some time looking around and deciding what floor plans you like the best. And probably, after you've owned your first TT for 6 months, you'll learn a lot and soon be looking to trade it in for something else based on what you've learned.

The route we took was to rent some TT's before we bought. This gave us the opportunity to spend some real time in different makes and floorplans. We learned a lot, and what we finally bought turned out to be far different from what we thought we wanted in the beginning. We found we wanted a modest size trailer, despite the fact that we could tow much more, because we like to be very mobile. A smaller and lighter trailer allows us to travel greater distances (because it's more fuel efficient), get in to more campgrounds, and get around more cities without worry about whether our trailer can make it. A bigger TT limits your mobility, but of course offers more ammenities and vice versa.

So, I'd suggest that you first spend a lot of time at RV shows or dealerships looking at different floorplans, then rent some TT's if you can, and also spend some time reading on the RV.Net Travel Trailer Forum before you actually make a purchase. Hope this helps.

 

There are pro's and con's to the different configurations. Our trailer is wood frame and aluminum outside walls. With our trailer, we don't have to worry about maintaining the outside walls as much as fiberglass ones, but our wood frame is susceptible to rotting if it gets exposed to moisture, whereas that's not a concern with the aluminum frames. The aluminum frame and fiberglass walls are usually more expensive too. If I were to do it again (and I'm sure I will, in a couple of years, when the kids have finally beat the hell out of this trailer), I'd probably buy one with an aluminum frame and fiberglass walls, and just make sure I'm diligent about caring for the fiberglass.

 

Well since I own one I have to vote for an Airstream expensive but worth every penny. I agree with the fact that a 25 seems about right and next thing You know Your trading up. I went from a 25 foo to a 30 foot slide out in a year and a half.

 

Pick up a copy of RV Trader at a book store or C Store . You'll see a lot of dealers give some pretty good discounts.

 

Well that definately starts me off in the right direction, Sorry for having a broad question but but being a newbie in RV, I will listen to and appreciate all your recommendations to make an informed decision when I decide to purchase that first TT RV.

Renting is a great Idea. I will look for a place to rent from to help me decide on size and floor plan. I guess the local RV place could do that or know someone that can. I will also try that RV sight sdaly sent me and do a ton of reading. Thanks again and ooyah jarhead!

 

Sorry, I mean't SEMPER PARATUS!

 

There are so many options to choose from that it can be confusing. If money is not an option, buy a new, fairly large TT with a slide, and all the goodies. The biggest mistake most people make their first time buying a camper is to “cheap out”. They then end up, up grading in a year or two, (loosing a lot of money in the process). If buying a used TT the most important thing to look for is water damage. There are a lot of used campers out there that look like gems however, they are mortally damaged by interior rot. Water damage can be very hard to spot and you should do a lot of research on the subject before looking for a used one. RV.net / forms has a lot of information to get you started. Good luck, and happy camping.

 

Well I have been a Jayco Fan due to the warranty and the options available. I have had a pop up to hybyrd to a TT to a 5th wheel over a 7 year period. The problem i had was chasing the units with vehicles. I finally ended up with the 3500 diesel and will never look back.

A TT will pull behind allot different then a 5th wheel. With the 5th wheel I have to always look in the mirror to make sure it is still there. The tt always let me know it is there. Fighting the sway and pull in from 18 wheelers. This was with a reese sway system. I rv allot and the sway was just a headache. Can someone live with it ? Sure however the 5th wheel has other appealing options also.

The 5th wheel also gives you more ceiling height which does nothing for room but a feeling of having more room.

In additon the $ of a 5th these days is about the same as a tt.

Hook-up is simple and parking is easier.

As far as features as mentioned earlier get what you like now. Because I was one of them that started small and never could catch up. Mainly as the kids got older and breathing room is a premium.

Good Luck and happy Rving

 

Thanks guys, I've learned alot in the last few days reading on that RV.net link. I would like to go to some dealers and look but duty calls for a few more weeks (active duty). When I get home I think we will go look.

As with everything money will be the main concern for the bigger/better thing . Not sure how hard core RVing I'll be. Right now I was thinking a few times a year. 5ers are sweet but I need to use the bed for Mtr cycles and or four wheeler. But then again theres those toy haulers too.

I am going to do the renting thing to start with to see what we like and just go from there.

 

I had a 30ft Jayco with no slides. It was great but I sold my 03 2500 and didn't have anything to pull it. Then I bought the 93 and the wife said we should buy another camper. Well I ended up buying a year old 19ft hybrid Jayco. The good thing about the hybrid is when you say 19ft ...all of that space is living space. The beds fold out of both ends. It tows WAY easy and doesn't affect the MPG too bad too boot! My vote is JAYCO all the way.

 

2Armor, I hear ya on the using the truck bed for other stuff. When I go camping, the bed is totally full of stuff, with a 5th wheel, I don't know where that stuff would go. I think you might find yourself going camping alot more than you think. We try to go as much as possible. At the very minimum once a month for a three day weekend. It is my escape from reality. My job is very,very busy and heading out pulling that TT is my way of letting it all get off my mind. You need any more info please let us know. Also, i take it that you are in the 2nd Armor Div??? I think it was 2nd armor or MP's with them whose behind we saved in Somalia...Maybe not. Been a little while now.

Kip

 

Here is a tip. for your first TT buy a cheap used one. Believe me, you will not own it long.

We bought a 25 footer as our first. Since we were noobs, we didn't know what we wanted. after a year of camping we had a better understanding of what would suit our particular needs.

We now own a 30 footer with a super slide( Couch, and table). We went with the fiberglass outside, I think it looks much nicer IMO. Unfortunately it has a wood frame. o well, so far so good.

A 5er was not for us. I use the bed of the truck for firewood, bikes, BBQ, and other stuff.

Anyway, Happy camping

 

Check out RV.Net, it has any answer to any question you could throw at them. Of course you have gotten good answers here, but a little more info never hurt anyone.