Travel Trailer Opinions

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by efogs400, Aug 4, 2018.

  1. efogs400

    efogs400 Platinum Level Contributor

    So as I move toward retirement in a few years, I have been considering hitting the road with the wife and dog to see more of our great country. I have considered a Motor Home, however, they are expensive and depreciate rapidly, plus, then you have to think about a tow vehicle, MPG's maintenance, storage, etc,,,,just might be more than I want to get in to.

    I am thinking about a travel trailer as this is a cheaper option and would not have the maintenance of a motorized vehicle, although I understand that when these things sit, the problems can arise. I also would like something that I could tow with my 1/2 ton 2017 Ram truck, as I do not want a 3500 as a daily driver and like the convenience of leaving the trailer and taking the truck for errands at once our destination.

    After years of boats and classic cars, I am a novice in this area and would respect the opinion of those on this board that have experience with travel trailers, again, likely just my wife and I but want something with decent size and options, easy to tow.

    Thoughts on brands, size, must have options, etc?

    Thanks

    Ed
     
  2. woody1640

    woody1640 Well-Known Member

    We have a 25' (or so) 5th wheel camper and love it! The 5th wheel makes it so much easier to pull, night and day difference, I highly suggest getting one. And when we want to go on a little camping/4 wheeling vaca, we hitch up the snowmobile trailer loaded with our wheelers to the camper and have us a little choo choo train lol. We pull it with our 06 chevy 1/2 ton pickup no problems. We also bought a portable generator so we can camp wherever we want and here in Mn there is a lot of DNR campgrounds that are free to camp at but have no power or water.


    Keith
     
  3. toymobile

    toymobile Retired knuckle buster

    My nephew has 5th wheel for sale, not sure of the price or anything but being the kind of person he is I'm sure it's nice, he lives in York S.C., let me know if interested and I will try to put the 2 of you together.

    Johnny
     
  4. Big Bufford

    Big Bufford Well-Known Member

    With a 1/2 ton truck you have to be very conscious of your payload capacity. Your trucks stated payload capacity will be posted on a decal inside the drivers side door jamb. Most 5th wheels have too much pin weight for a 1/2 ton. So start by figuring out how much payload capacity your truck has, subtract your weight, all passengers and “stuff” and what you have left over is your available capacity for the trailer hitch weight. Most travel trailers have a tongue weight in the 600-1,200lb range, whereas a 5th wheel is typically 1,200lbs and up. Typically a 5th wheel trailer is more stable because the trailer pivot point is just ahead of the rear axle. However, a travel trailer with a Hensley or Pro-Pride hitch is just as stable.
    As far as brands, Airstream is the Cadillac of travel trailers (very expensive). Other good brands include: Northwoods (Nash, Arctic Fox), Outdoors RV and Grand Design RV. Most other RV’s are made by one of just a handful of companies: Forest River, Thor, Winnebago etc. I have owned two Thor products; a Jayco and Keystone and have had good luck out of both of them. There are little things that arise from time to time but if you’re halfway mechanically inclined it’s nothing to worry about.
     
  5. stangman

    stangman Well-Known Member

    I had both 5th wheel and currently have a 30' Heartland Wilderness travel trailer. I did go from a 08 ford diesel to the Ford f 150 ecoboost max tow package. I actually pulled my fiver with the ecoboost. The 5th wheel is easier as far as maneuverability. Know what to look for on a used trailer. Water damage and delamination is a bad sign. spongy floors. Walk on by those.
    I don't care what you drive gas mileage sucks sucks sucks. Whether your driving your Rv or pulling it, you still have vehicle maintenance. Shop around a few places.
     
  6. TexasT

    TexasT Texas, where are you from

    The first question I have is whether you have pulled a trailer before. Hooking it up by yourself can be an obstacle. You get good after some practice. You will need a jack and spare tires and of course a lug wrench for the trailer.

    The trailer is general taller, wider and longer than the tow vehicle. Awnings are expensive. Poles and fire hydrants don't tend to move. All are expensive if you hit them. So some good insurance is a wise investment .

    Here is a pole one of my coworkers hit with a company trailer. Pole didn't move but it sure tore up the trailer.
     

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    Last edited: Aug 6, 2018
  7. efogs400

    efogs400 Platinum Level Contributor

    Thank guys, I would prefer to stay away from a 5th Wheel due to the towing concern, yes, comfortable with towing large boats and utility trailers so not a problem there.

    Appreciate the tips on brands.
     
  8. John Codman

    John Codman Platinum Level Contributor

    I would look for a used Airstream. New, they are very pricey, but you get what you pay for. I remember an Airstream ad from the '60s that said that if they did the hitch installation, they would guarantee that the trailer would track perfectly at 100 mph. The aerodynamics are the best, and providing that you don't wrap it around a tree, the depreciation is slow.
     
  9. faster

    faster Well-Known Member

    Keith[/QUOTE]
    Not trying to start an issue just making people aware; hooking a trailer to a trailer is illegal in some states unless you have a CDL for multiples and have braking on each trailer. Most LE's don't ticket for it but if you ever have a collision you will be cited and at fault.

    Mikey
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2018
  10. woody1640

    woody1640 Well-Known Member

    Mikey is right, hooking a trailer to another trailer is NOT legal in all states without a CDL. Here in Mn we are lucky, it was 1 of many many stupid laws that our great Governor Jesse Ventura fixed for us while he was in office!


    Keith
     
  11. John Codman

    John Codman Platinum Level Contributor

    Not sure that it's a stupid law. There are some who can handle two, but there are a lot more who can't.
     

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