Travel Trailer Questions - thinking of a long trip

DrRod · Jun 10, 2015

I am thinking of getting a travel trailer and heading south for the winter. I have pulled horse trailers and utility trailers but never a livable trailer. I have a Dodge 1500 Thunder Road with a Hemi so I think I'm ok in the power department. I don't need anything too big -- just a simple unit with kitchen, shower, and bed. I've seen lots of models in the $10k to $16k range and I'd like any and all of your thoughts on this. Some specific questions:

- Most models have lots of beds. I don't need them. Can they come out or are their models with fewer beds and more living room?

- What sort of arrangement have you found satisfactory for TV?

- Are there models that don't try to look like a suburban house inside [like faux wood]?

- Are the water sewer systems reliable?

- What breaks first?

- What are the pitfalls?

Appreciate your thoughts and experiences.

bcp · Jun 10, 2015

I like the fiberglass trailers.

The Fiberglass RV Community

Especially Casita. Not full of beds, and the cabinets are molded fiberglass, too.

Showroom | Casita Travel Trailers - America's Favorite Lightweight Travel Trailers!

Still looking for a good used one in the NW.

Bruce

DrRod · Jun 10, 2015

They do look pretty cool. Sort of reminiscent of the Airstream on a smaller scale. Haven't seen them at local dealers but will check further. Thank you.

coobie · Jun 10, 2015

Rv.net has a lot of great info on RV trailers.

bullbreaker · Jun 10, 2015

- Most models have lots of beds. I don't need them. Can they come out or are their models with fewer beds and more living room?

1. The models that have the most beds are usually labeled BH in front of some #'S meaning bunk house model. Model's listed as RK or LRSS
are standard usually a bed and a pull open sofa or table bed.

- What sort of arrangement have you found satisfactory for TV?

2. Lap top computer or cable at sites

- Are there models that don't try to look like a suburban house inside [like faux wood]?

3. Yes some are called "toy haulers".

- Are the water sewer systems reliable?

4. For the most part yes but I would invest $10 from Wallmart and use a RV pressure valve in front of water hose going into unit.

- What breaks first?

5. The bed if your spouse is a full fiquered woman ! :laughing: Just kidding my main concern has always been with water leaks from rain.

- What are the pitfalls?

6. I have saved a ton of $ using my RV'S and had one heck of a fun time , but it's not for everybody.

Appreciate your thoughts and experiences

7. I would not buy an RV me personally without a slide unless it was an "Airstream". I also have had great success with Mobile Suites and Heartland units . Also might wanna invest another $10 in a RV amp/voltage meter . And some different RV pigtails which for different /reduced power from RV sites etc. Just some of my thoughts .

mbohuntr · Jun 10, 2015

We have a 21' trailer by keystone and LOVE it! You will definitely need a queen sized bed, and slide out if your with someone, a hallway gets pretty cramped.

I would recommend something a bit larger as by the end of a week or so, Wife, dog and I are feeling a bit cramped!
We also got two matched group 27 (larger) batteries to maximize the amp-hours available if we don't have electric.

Water and septic tank lasts a week with two of us....

westcliffe01 · Jun 10, 2015

Its not easy to get access to the details of how they are made. Ones with aluminium framing instead of wood will be resistant to rot. Externally they should have fiberglass siding (Filon). Usually they have a rubber roof. If you park it outside all year, you will be re-sealing the roof and vents annually. Maintenance adds up fast.

I also like the small fiberglass RV's. Some of the newer ones are double wall, whereas the Scamp is single wall. The head liner / lining on the scamp is a PIA the way it is attached. The cabinets in the scamp are riveted to the shell (point loads) whereas the new RV's are moulded directly into the fiberglass inner. The furniture in the Scamps is still chipboard and melamine. Sad that for the money the best available plywood is not used instead.

Depending on where one plans to go (on a regular basis) one should carefully consider whether you want the AC. All of the AC's add a LOT of weight to the roof and long term that is always trouble. The roof almost invariably fails around the AC attachment point, or sags which allows water to pool and eventually penetrate. Sorry to say, I have never seen a roof strong enough for the AC. I removed and donated the AC that was on my Scamp and put a large fan vent in instead. But then I like high altitude camping in CO or spring and fall camping in the higher lattitudes. Not Texas or Florida in summer..... LOL.

kenmac · Jun 10, 2015

If you buy 1 make sure the A/C & blower cycles on and off with a thermostat.. My compressor will cycle off ,but the fan will not .. You have to get up in the middle of the night and turn the unit off ,or freeze..

I don't know of anyone with an rv that hasn't had a roof leak.. Leaks are hard to find ,but usually easy to repair.

Good luck

JPRambo · Jun 10, 2015

I also have a 21 foot camper made by Sunliner. My wife and I spend 9 or 10 days 4 or 5 times a year in the camper. not a great amount of room but has full bath and kitchen dining table folds down for an extra person to stay. Camp grounds are notorious for bad power so I suggest a surge arrestor pigtail between power box and camper cord. also 2 batteries for the cold nights so that the heater will operate all night when boondoggled.

sseelhoff · Jun 10, 2015

kenmac said:
If you buy 1 make sure the A/C & blower cycles on and off with a thermostat.. My compressor will cycle off ,but the fan will not .. You have to get up in the middle of the night and turn the unit off ,or freeze..

Good luck

+1 on this. Our A/C does not have a thermostat. You can "adjust" the temperature, but it's either freeze or sweat.