thekevin

My wife and daughter and I are wanting to get a camper to take 2 week long trip from Missouri to the Grand Canyon and back once school gets out. I just bought a new truck two months ago and I think it has everything we will need to pull the camper. Here is the windows sticker off my truck.



Now for the camper part. We have a few "wants" for the camper. We want a real bed and a decent size kitchen. We do not want a popup. I am thinking about a 19 or 20 foot hybrid. I figure I will buy a middle of the road weight distribution winch.

Now for the questions. Is the hybrid going to work good for the trip we are planning. Is there a better option.

How does the refrigerator work on these while they are in tow. Will we be able to keep it packed for two weeks and keep everything cool.

We will be buying a used camper, probably somewhere around the $10k range. What all needs to be checked out before we start on a 3k mile trip like this.

smokeywren

Tow rating about 7,000, GVWR 7,200, regular tow pkg.


The GVWR is probably your limiter. Ignore than tow rating and compute your own. Load the truck to the max that will be in it when towing - people, pets, tools, jacks, any campfire wood?, and the head from your WD hitch. Subtract that weight from the GVWR of the truck and the answer is the most hitch weight you can have without being overloaded. Divide that hitch weight by 0.125 and the answer is the max GVWR of any tandem-axle camper trailer you want to consider.


I used a pop-up camper trailer all the time my kids were growing up. Loved it. Maine to California and Seatle to Key West. and all the mountain ranges in between. A hybred would have been even better, except for the increased hitch weight.



There are basically three types of refrigerators in camper trailers. Most are at least two-way (propane plus 12 volt) and the expensive ones are 3-way (propane, 12-volt, and 110-volt. Demand at least the two-way that can run on both 12-volt and propane. You won't even need propane power if you promise to never park in the boondocks without electric plug-in power. But having the propane power available makes your RV trailer "self contained" so you can camp in the boonies..


Plan on using propane for the reefer only when parked with no access to electricity. Set it to use 12-volt when on the road or when camped at RV parks with electric hookups. (Electric hookups will maintain the charge in your 12-volt RV battery while you're plugged in, so the reefer can run on 12-volt without running down the RV battery}. Also the tow vehicle altenator will maintain the charge in the RV battery when on the road with the reefer running on battery power.



Yes, provided you don't run out of propane.


A camper trailer has all the aminities of a house. Check out all the appliances and electric circuits. Refrigerator, oven, cooktop, hot water heater, AC, furnace, sterio, microwave, water pump. Check the stabilizer jacks to be sure they work. Tires (including spare tire). Plumbing system to be sure the fresh water under pressure or the drain plumbing doesn't leak,

If fit includes a queen-size mattress, expect the mattress to be a cheap one. Plan on replacing it with a much better Serta EuroTop from Sam's Club or similar source. If it has bunk beds or second bedroom bed, expect cheap mattresses that can be ugraded.

Have a pro inspect the trailer for water damage from previous leaks. You probably don't have the knowledge to find water leaks that can rot the framework of a camper trailer, and the fix is very expensive, so hire a pro that's not associated with the seller.

EventHorizon

I see "Trailer Tow package" and "IBC". I'd say good to go but stay under 5000 lbs.


This is a personal preference question. Only you can say what will work best for you. Yes the hybrid will work fine, is there a better option??? Always, but do you want it is the question.

My fridge works great and I would bet others would say the same. Run min on propane while towing and always stays cold. For 2 weeks you will do some shopping along the way. We can hold about 5 days worth of stuff then needs refilling. It helps that we keep all canned and bottled drinks in a cooler to save fridge space.


If buying used then before you hand over the cash check both 12V and 110V systems. Furnace. A/C. All propane burners and oven. Fridge. Water pump and all faucets for leaks, don't forget the toilet. These are the expensive items but can be checked easily.


When at home check all tires, brakes and bearings.

EventHorizon

Think you're a bit off on this one.


Most fridges are 2-way, but they're propane or 110V. The 3-way fridge adds the 12V option.


Never seen a fridge that is only propane or 12V.

raisin

When buying Hybrid new or used inspect seals around beds that open. Looks for leaks and water damage. Look for delamination of outer fiberglass sheeting if so run.. I spent a week rebuilding front bed on my son's hybrid. Dealer had rebuilt it once before.
This was from major rv company. Many hits on web for rebuilding beds, rain gutters etc.

xcntrk

I don't think he's off, just spoiled while the rest of us poor saps only have 2-way 110V/LPG refer's

I run mine on propane while in travel and shore power electric when at the campground. I also plug my unit in the night before departing on a trip to cool the unit down before filling the fridge. As for propane, most units have x2 30# bottles. I usually burn through 1 bottle every 8 camping trips on average (no dry camping) so it lasts quite a while.

Velosprout

A hybrid is a good choice. I have a Rockwood Roo 21SS and with the two end-fold outs and the large slide out it provides a lot of space while having reasonable weight, easy towing and maneuverability.


I recommend the Fastway E2 Hitch, made by the same manufacturers of Equalizer Hitches, but quicker to connect and disconnect.


Precool the refrigerator on AC before leaving on the trip and set it on automatic. It will use propane while traveling and convert back to 110 when you are connected to shore power at campgrounds. They are worry-free and keep the food great.

I recommend a new camper, that way you have a warranty and don't buy somebody else's troubles. You should be in the $17 to $18K range for a new purchase. That will include the Weight Distributing hitch, initial dealership setup, etc.


Practice makes perfect...do at least 3 or 4 weekend trips as a minimum to shake out all the bugs in the camper, new or used, and to get used to the set-up and take-down procedures before embarking on a big trip.


Have fun and enjoy!




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Feathermerchant

You might try renting a camper. It is an inexpensive way to see which one is right for you.

thekevin

How long does your hybrid take to setup once you get to the camp ground.

Velosprout

20 minutes to 30 minutes (after practice) as follows to set up:
Back in to site, check level side-to-side
Pull onto Lynx blocks as needed to level camper side-to-side.
Unhitch, use power jack to level front to back.
Lower four stabilizer jacks with a batter-powered drill and 3/4 inch socket.
Insert a BAL X-chock between camper tires to prevent movement and tighten.
Fold down stairs
Attach and plug in shore power (if available)
Attach water hose (if available).
Attach sewer hose (if available).
Push button to power-extend awning
Push button to power-extend slideout
Lower one or two bed extensions (depending on number of people camping) and put in shepherd's pole to retain.
Put on bedding.
Turn on water heater switch.
Turn on heat/air conditioning/vent/open windows as desired.
Raise TV Antenna
If desired or needed, unroll patio rug and unfold bag chairs.
If desired, set up grill
Enjoy.