Travel Trailers

SlammedZero · Jun 6, 2020

Well, I got sucked into the possibility of joining the travel trailer world. I've been kicking around the idea of buying one but I may be researching myself out of the idea. I've looked at quite a few, done a lot of looking and researching, and am still up in the air about it. I have a few friends with them, and while I think it could be a nice luxury to have to get me out and about, I do realize how cheap these things are built. I read story after story about people experiencing issues, across all brands, and horrible warranty repair turn around times.

So.....while I know it is not a financial investment, it could be a life experience investment. I just don't want it to be a headache. If I do go through with it I've come to the conclusion that I just need to pick a floor-plan/model I like, and go with it. Most the trailers are all under the same mammoth parent company anyway and they all seem to lack good quality control. So, expect issues, pack tools with you, and prepare to be a handyman when waiting for warranty isn't practical. Kind of sad that this is the mentality to go in with, especially when you are paying a chunk of money for something, but, it just seems to be the price of joining this world.

Curious on anybody here who has/does own one. Advice, good stories, bad stories, etc etc. I am all ears!

Runwildboys · Jun 6, 2020

SlammedZero said:
Well, I got sucked into the possibility of joining the travel trailer world. I've been kicking around the idea of buying one but I may be researching myself out of the idea. I've looked at quite a few, done a lot of looking and researching, and am still up in the air about it. I have a few friends with them, and while I think it could be a nice luxury to have to get me out and about, I do realize how cheap these things are built. I read story after story about people experiencing issues, across all brands, and horrible warranty repair turn around times.

So.....while I know it is not a financial investment, it could be a life experience investment. I just don't want it to be a headache. If I do go through with it I've come to the conclusion that I just need to pick a floor-plan/model I like, and go with it. Most the trailers are all under the same mammoth parent company anyway and they all seem to lack good quality control. So, expect issues, pack tools with you, and prepare to be a handyman when waiting for warranty isn't practical. Kind of sad that this is the mentality to go in with, especially when you are paying a chunk of money for something, but, it just seems to be the price of joining this world.

Curious on anybody here who has/does own one. Advice, good stories, bad stories, etc etc. I am all ears!

I've never owned one, but I have friends who have older ones. They seem to like them. Maybe you should buy an older one, so you save enough money to fix anything that's wrong with it. :laugh:

rags747 · Jun 6, 2020

I had the hots for a Class C motorhome about 2 years ago, have since dimmed on the idea for a couple of reasons. Are you set on towing?

NorthoftheRedRiver · Jun 6, 2020

I'm a full-time RVer. Something to consider in your purchase decision is the state of the marketplace right now. It has never been crazier. Lots and lots of people are buying RVs. RV dealers are selling RVs on the phone regularly to people that have never even set foot on the lot. People are shopping at rvtrader.com and just asking dealers across the country to ship units to them. The demand is enormous for the things (and there are fewer and fewer available campsites to be found). So, with this enormous demand, don't expect any dealer to bend over backwards for you. There will be a long line of frantic buyers in line behind you that seem to be ready to buy anything for any price.

It's a strange time for this industry. The demand has been pretty high over the last couple of years--a baby boomer thing maybe. But, the Covid craziness magnified it. Manufacturers are pumping them out as fast as they can, but quality is understandably dropping--especially in the least expensive brands. It's not necessarily an issue with the manufacturer, but often with the components that are being produced for them by outside suppliers. So, expect some system failures and component replacements. The more technologically complex unit you buy, the more susceptible you will be to these service issues. So, give some thought to whether you are maintaining/fixing problems yourself or whether you are relying on service centers. With the volume of issues out there, waiting time at service shops can be pretty long. Again, it's just a sign of the times.

But, RVing is a great lifestyle. It's worth it for us. Your mileage may vary.

Runwildboys · Jun 6, 2020

NorthoftheRedRiver said:
I'm a full-time RVer. Something to consider in your purchase decision is the state of the marketplace right now. It has never been crazier. Lots and lots of people are buying RVs. RV dealers are selling RVs on the phone regularly to people that have never even set foot on the lot. People are shopping at rvtrader.com and just asking dealers across the country to ship units to them. The demand is enormous for the things (and there are fewer and fewer available campsites to be found). So, with this enormous demand, don't expect any dealer to bend over backwards for you. There will be a long line of frantic buyers in line behind you that seem to be ready to buy anything for any price.

It's a strange time for this industry. The demand has been pretty high over the last couple of years--a baby boomer thing maybe. But, the Covid craziness magnified it. Manufacturers are pumping them out as fast as they can, but quality is understandably dropping--especially in the least expensive brands. It's not necessarily an issue with the manufacturer, but often with the components that are being produced for them by outside suppliers. So, expect some system failures and component replacements. The more technologically complex unit you buy, the more susceptible you will be to these service issues. So, give some thought to whether you are maintaining/fixing problems yourself or whether you are relying on service centers. With the volume of issues out there, waiting time at service shops can be pretty long. Again, it's just a sign of the times.

But, RVing is a great lifestyle. It's worth it for us. Your mileage may vary.

Maybe it's a regional phenomenon, because I go by a few RV lots during the week, and I see the same RVs and trailers. It doesn't seem like they sell a whole lot, and there are a lot of them in the lot.

NorthoftheRedRiver · Jun 6, 2020

Runwildboys said:
Maybe it's a regional phenomenon, because I go by a few RV lots during the week, and I see the same RVs and trailers. It doesn't seem like they sell a whole lot, and there are a lot of them in the lot.

Just google articles on the RV sales surge. I did so and found articles on this phenomenon from the national news outlets and from all over the country. I chatted with my dealer a week ago in the San Antonio area and they're getting over a thousand website hits a day. That's quadruple their peak from years past. It's a thing.

Here's a recent one: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-st...ndemic-indianas-rv-industry-sees-demand-surge

Creeper · Jun 6, 2020

My RVs usually go by names like Marriott, Hilton or Four Seasons. :laugh:

Tabascocat · Jun 6, 2020

Make sure you have the correct truck to pull one :thumbup:

ksadler1 · Jun 6, 2020

I had a 5th wheel several years back. As long as you go into RVing knowing that it's a horrible investment, you'll be fine. My advice, try and find a decent used RV from a private owner that you can pay cash for, but don't settle for something you don't like. Don't sink alot of money into something until you know you'll like the camping lifestyle and you're going to use it. You can always upgrade down the road.

Take into account that you'll also need to buy accessories like a generator (highly recommended), sheets, comforters, dishes, etc etc etc. That can really add up. Ask the private seller about throwing some of these things in with the sale.

You mentioned some of your friends have RVs. For your first year or so RVing, go camping with your friends. They'll help you set up, level, and not make expensive mistakes, such as leaving your awning out in a wind storm. You'll learn alot from them and pick up on alot of "needs" rather than "wants".

I bought my 5th wheel so l could take my daughter and grandson camping. I wouldn't take any of those trips back and they always talk about their childhood memories of camping.

RVs can be money pits but l dont regret the one l had for one second. It's just like a house or car, you have to take care of it or it will fall apart. Learn to do all the maintenance yourself. My friends also taught me that. With the internet, it's not that difficult. Join a site like RVonline. Alot of good people on those sites with 100s of years of knowledge and experience.

Good luck on whatever you choose to do. I have few regrets and actually miss mine now. Who knows, some day l may buy another one. And like someone above mentioned, make sure you have the right vehicle to tow your RV. Nothing worse that getting to the mountains and finding out you can't make it up the hills...

SlammedZero · Jun 6, 2020

rags747 said:
I had the hots for a Class C motorhome about 2 years ago, have since dimmed on the idea for a couple of reasons. Are you set on towing?

Tabascocat said:
Make sure you have the correct truck to pull one

Yup, I'm good. I have the F-150 Ecoboost 3.5 that has a max tow capacity of 13,200 lbs. Mostly been looking at trailers in the 6k-8k range.

NorthoftheRedRiver said:
I'm a full-time RVer. Something to consider in your purchase decision is the state of the marketplace right now. It has never been crazier. Lots and lots of people are buying RVs. RV dealers are selling RVs on the phone regularly to people that have never even set foot on the lot. People are shopping at rvtrader.com and just asking dealers across the country to ship units to them. The demand is enormous for the things (and there are fewer and fewer available campsites to be found). So, with this enormous demand, don't expect any dealer to bend over backwards for you. There will be a long line of frantic buyers in line behind you that seem to be ready to buy anything for any price.

It's a strange time for this industry. The demand has been pretty high over the last couple of years--a baby boomer thing maybe. But, the Covid craziness magnified it. Manufacturers are pumping them out as fast as they can, but quality is understandably dropping--especially in the least expensive brands. It's not necessarily an issue with the manufacturer, but often with the components that are being produced for them by outside suppliers. So, expect some system failures and component replacements. The more technologically complex unit you buy, the more susceptible you will be to these service issues. So, give some thought to whether you are maintaining/fixing problems yourself or whether you are relying on service centers. With the volume of issues out there, waiting time at service shops can be pretty long. Again, it's just a sign of the times.

But, RVing is a great lifestyle. It's worth it for us. Your mileage may vary.

Yes!! That is what the local salesman have been telling us. In fact, at one lot the guy was struggling to find any open models to walk us through because his units were either sold or pending sale. He said it has been a crazy time. Attributed it to maybe the COVID craze and people afraid to stay in hotels. I don't know how true that it, but definitely one theory.

ksadler1 said:
I had a 5th wheel several years back. As long as you go into RVing knowing that it's a horrible investment, you'll be fine. My advice, try and find a decent used RV from a private owner that you can pay cash for, but don't settle for something you don't like. Don't sink alot of money into something until you know you'll like the camping lifestyle and you're going to use it. You can always upgrade down the road.

Take into account that you'll also need to buy accessories like a generator (highly recommended), sheets, comforters, dishes, etc etc etc. That can really add up. Ask the private seller about throwing some of these things in with the sale.

You mentioned some of your friends have RVs. For your first year or so RVing, go camping with your friends. They'll help you set up, level, and not make expensive mistakes, such as leaving your awning out in a wind storm. You'll learn alot from them and pick up on alot of "needs" rather than "wants".

I bought my 5th wheel so l could take my daughter and grandson camping. I wouldn't take any of those trips back and they always talk about their childhood memories of camping.

RVs can be money pits but l dont regret the one l had for one second. It's just like a house or car, you have to take care of it or it will fall apart. Learn to do all the maintenance yourself. My friends also taught me that. With the internet, it's not that difficult. Join a site like RVonline. Alot of good people on those sites with 100s of years of knowledge and experience.

Good luck on whatever you choose to do. I have few regrets and actually miss mine now. Who knows, some day l may buy another one. And like someone above mentioned, make sure you have the right vehicle to tow your RV. Nothing worse that getting to the mountains and finding out you can't make it up the hills...

Thank you for the solid advice.

ksadler1 · Jun 6, 2020

SlammedZero said:
Yup, I'm good. I have the F-150 Ecoboost 3.5 that has a max tow capacity of 13,200 lbs. Mostly been looking at trailers in the 6k-8k range.

Also understand that your weight capacity is not just the weight of the trailer you're towing. You have to account for everything in your towed vehicle (water, food, supplies, generator, etc) along with everything in your truck (people, extra water, fire wood, etc). This can add up really quick. One of my friends use to tow with his water tank empty and would stop at a fuel station and fill up with water when we got close to our destination. I didn't do that because I liked to know where my water came from, although I just used it for showering and dishes. I always took bottled water for drinking.

If you're ever curious about your weight, stop at a semi weigh station (if available) to get your weight. I never did that but you'd surprised how many people on the roads are way over their weight limits. Also consider installing air bags on the rear of your truck because the weight will drop your vehicle quite a bit. I installed Timbrens rather than the much more expensive air bags. The Timbrens worked great for me and were very easy to install by myself.

If you do buy from a dealer, don't trust a salesman who tells you, "your truck will tow anything on my lot". All they care about is the sale, not your safety...

jsb357 · Jun 7, 2020

as with all travel less is more. resist getting a trailer bigger than you need. those mountain passes will be much easier and remember WHEN fuel prices jump again, you'll have a hard time unloading it

Travel Trailers

SlammedZero

Well-Known Member

Runwildboys

Confused about stuff

rags747

Well-Known Member

NorthoftheRedRiver

Well-Known Member

Runwildboys

Confused about stuff

NorthoftheRedRiver

Well-Known Member

Creeper

Well-Known Member

Tabascocat

Dexternjack

ksadler1

Well-Known Member

SlammedZero

Well-Known Member

ksadler1

Well-Known Member

jsb357

Well-Known Member