Travel trailer ideas from experienced owners?
02-23-2017, 02:22 PM
#22
I'll just throw out there that my Husky Centerline HD has spring bar brackets that can be attached without drilling/welding/bolting to the actual trailer frame.
The brackets "sandwich" the trailer A frame and go on and off with a wrench or the lever tool itself.
You can bolt it on a rental trailer, tow and take it off when you return it with no damage to the trailer itself.
You just have to set it up and use the right weight spring bars.
An extra set of brackets (can be ordered separately) and you can use the one hitch head on more than one trailer without even needing a wrench.
Can't speak for other brands, they may be similar.
Point is: you're going to need to buy a WDH either way, with one like my Husky, you can just transfer it right over. As long as the trailers are similar weights so the spring bars will work (they have a range for weights per bar).
Anyways, just something to think about.
The brackets "sandwich" the trailer A frame and go on and off with a wrench or the lever tool itself.
You can bolt it on a rental trailer, tow and take it off when you return it with no damage to the trailer itself.
You just have to set it up and use the right weight spring bars.
An extra set of brackets (can be ordered separately) and you can use the one hitch head on more than one trailer without even needing a wrench.
Can't speak for other brands, they may be similar.
Point is: you're going to need to buy a WDH either way, with one like my Husky, you can just transfer it right over. As long as the trailers are similar weights so the spring bars will work (they have a range for weights per bar).
Anyways, just something to think about.
Last edited by Great white; 02-23-2017 at 02:24 PM.
02-23-2017, 03:03 PM
#23
As always, any advice welcome. I live in WV and primarily will be going to a nice lake about 20 to 30 miles up the road. But you never know where we'll decide to go. So I wanna be light but roomy, and of course safe for everyone including the truck. Itll pull whatever is back there at 325/375, I could even add a tune but don't feel it's necessary at all.
I am going to buy though because even if the girls don't care for it anymore that just means I'll be trout fishing more in the hi ground lol..
I'll look up that hitch and some more TT when I get home shortly. Appreciate yall.
I am going to buy though because even if the girls don't care for it anymore that just means I'll be trout fishing more in the hi ground lol..
I'll look up that hitch and some more TT when I get home shortly. Appreciate yall.
02-23-2017, 05:02 PM
#24
I don't see where anyone has mentioned Airstream. You should consider these. I bought a used AS for the same price as a new "white box" and when I sold it after two years, (to replace) it brought about what I paid for it.
02-23-2017, 07:49 PM
#25
Mine:
That's a 2011 Forest river Flagstaff classic superlite. 831RLBSS
It's only set up for two though really. The second bed pulls out of the couch and has an air mattress. You'll probably want something with a little separate area for your daughter to call her own cubby.
Haven't towed it with the 2016 EB yet, but it has better specs than the truck you see it hooked up to in those pics so I'm not worried at all.
Not sure if you're new to towing or not, but make sure you get a good, quality, weight distributing hitch and take your time to follow the directions and take the time to read the directions and set it up properly.
I use a Husky centerline HD, but equal-i-zer and any other number of good hitches are out there.
A quality, properly set up WDH is the difference between a safe and relaxing tow and a white knuckled "never again" nightmare....
If you do buy, I recommend you pop a few extra bucks for at least one Maxair vent:
There's only one in this pic, but I have three on mine:
There's one on the rear main area vent, the bathroom vent and the forward bedroom vent. Great little things! You can leave the trailer roof vents open while moving without having to worry about the vent cover ripping off. Trailer is fresh and cool when you pull in, not hot and stuffy. Also lets you leave them open in the rain so you get good ventilation while all three of you are cooped up in there breathing out moisture. It's also nice when you're sleeping at night, have the vent open and if it starts raining you don't wake up to splatters on your face.
I also keep a tube of Dicor sealant on hand. It;s what they use to seal the roof seams and components. Lets you pop up and seal a leak if you get caught away from home with a leak. It'll suck getting up there int eh rain, but it will suck more if a wall or roof panel gets water logged. I check the Dicor every spring as well. Check your roof membrane out very closely if you buy used. Most trailer structural problem start with a roof/membrane leak.
That's a 2011 Forest river Flagstaff classic superlite. 831RLBSS
It's only set up for two though really. The second bed pulls out of the couch and has an air mattress. You'll probably want something with a little separate area for your daughter to call her own cubby.
Haven't towed it with the 2016 EB yet, but it has better specs than the truck you see it hooked up to in those pics so I'm not worried at all.
Not sure if you're new to towing or not, but make sure you get a good, quality, weight distributing hitch and take your time to follow the directions and take the time to read the directions and set it up properly.
I use a Husky centerline HD, but equal-i-zer and any other number of good hitches are out there.
A quality, properly set up WDH is the difference between a safe and relaxing tow and a white knuckled "never again" nightmare....
If you do buy, I recommend you pop a few extra bucks for at least one Maxair vent:
There's only one in this pic, but I have three on mine:
There's one on the rear main area vent, the bathroom vent and the forward bedroom vent. Great little things! You can leave the trailer roof vents open while moving without having to worry about the vent cover ripping off. Trailer is fresh and cool when you pull in, not hot and stuffy. Also lets you leave them open in the rain so you get good ventilation while all three of you are cooped up in there breathing out moisture. It's also nice when you're sleeping at night, have the vent open and if it starts raining you don't wake up to splatters on your face.
I also keep a tube of Dicor sealant on hand. It;s what they use to seal the roof seams and components. Lets you pop up and seal a leak if you get caught away from home with a leak. It'll suck getting up there int eh rain, but it will suck more if a wall or roof panel gets water logged. I check the Dicor every spring as well. Check your roof membrane out very closely if you buy used. Most trailer structural problem start with a roof/membrane leak.
Let us know how it tows after your first few trips.
02-23-2017, 08:53 PM
#26
Senior Member
General advice:
1. Buy a trailer that is smaller and lighter than your truck capacity. Towing should be enjoyable; not white knuckle.
2. Buy a trailer just large enough for the family to sleep and cook in. The smaller quarters will foster family togetherness instead of allowing kids to retreat to the back bunks with their mobile devices.
3. A smaller trailer will allow travel down narrower, winding roads, more mountains, and stop to visit roadside and remote attractions that otherwise you would have to pass by as there isn't room to turn around or park.
4. If you are like me, you want to keep great care of your toys. While hand waxing your camper twice a year, you will wish you had opted for the smaller of two options.
5. The idea of a vacation is to get away from it all and not to take it with you.
6. Get the best quality WDH you can get...not a place to save $$.
7. Order new to get the exact wood finish, flooring, textiles, and accessories you want (like night shades, stainless steel appliance package, heated tanks, larger AC unit). Don't buy the show special that thousands of people have traipsed through, or the "new" unit that has already sat outside for two winters on the dealers lot.
8. Get the optional extended manufacturer warranty if available (not the aftermarket dealer-sold options).
9 Shop, shop, and research. Then shop and research some more. Attend a lot of regional RV & Boat shows to see all that is available.
10. Visit, read, and participate in forums, such as www.forestriverforums.com
11. Remember, each family's needs and wants are different. Find what is best for you instead of taking brand & model specific advice from others.
12. If financing, shop around. Some rare lenders will provide financing for the same rate as other new cars while others charge a surcharge interest rate for boats and RV's that are higher than for new car rates. If the lender doesn't give the same rate for an RV as for new cars, walk and keep searching for another bank or credit union.
13. Model years for RV's start earlier than cars or trucks. The first 2018 models are probably already being built and delivered for early April 2017 delivery. My 2015 model has already seen three full seasons of camping.
14. Take a lot of photos and notes, and keep a camping journal during the purchase and afterwards. https://journalsunlimited.com/produc...mpers-journal/
1. Buy a trailer that is smaller and lighter than your truck capacity. Towing should be enjoyable; not white knuckle.
2. Buy a trailer just large enough for the family to sleep and cook in. The smaller quarters will foster family togetherness instead of allowing kids to retreat to the back bunks with their mobile devices.
3. A smaller trailer will allow travel down narrower, winding roads, more mountains, and stop to visit roadside and remote attractions that otherwise you would have to pass by as there isn't room to turn around or park.
4. If you are like me, you want to keep great care of your toys. While hand waxing your camper twice a year, you will wish you had opted for the smaller of two options.
5. The idea of a vacation is to get away from it all and not to take it with you.
6. Get the best quality WDH you can get...not a place to save $$.
7. Order new to get the exact wood finish, flooring, textiles, and accessories you want (like night shades, stainless steel appliance package, heated tanks, larger AC unit). Don't buy the show special that thousands of people have traipsed through, or the "new" unit that has already sat outside for two winters on the dealers lot.
8. Get the optional extended manufacturer warranty if available (not the aftermarket dealer-sold options).
9 Shop, shop, and research. Then shop and research some more. Attend a lot of regional RV & Boat shows to see all that is available.
10. Visit, read, and participate in forums, such as www.forestriverforums.com
11. Remember, each family's needs and wants are different. Find what is best for you instead of taking brand & model specific advice from others.
12. If financing, shop around. Some rare lenders will provide financing for the same rate as other new cars while others charge a surcharge interest rate for boats and RV's that are higher than for new car rates. If the lender doesn't give the same rate for an RV as for new cars, walk and keep searching for another bank or credit union.
13. Model years for RV's start earlier than cars or trucks. The first 2018 models are probably already being built and delivered for early April 2017 delivery. My 2015 model has already seen three full seasons of camping.
14. Take a lot of photos and notes, and keep a camping journal during the purchase and afterwards. https://journalsunlimited.com/produc...mpers-journal/
02-24-2017, 08:54 AM
#28
02-24-2017, 09:58 AM
#29
good advice- Velo
the RV market is saturated- they have more to sell than buyers- if you can't get a deal, move on, then come back to leverage more-
a 1 or 2 year used is nice, as families selling so quick ended up not using it.
mine was a leftover 2002 bought at the end of 2003- new. got a helluva deal on it.
a 1 or 2 year used is nice, as families selling so quick ended up not using it.
mine was a leftover 2002 bought at the end of 2003- new. got a helluva deal on it.
02-24-2017, 10:27 AM
#30
True North Strong & Free
As always, any advice welcome. I live in WV and primarily will be going to a nice lake about 20 to 30 miles up the road. But you never know where we'll decide to go. So I wanna be light but roomy, and of course safe for everyone including the truck. Itll pull whatever is back there at 325/375, I could even add a tune but don't feel it's necessary at all.
I am going to buy though because even if the girls don't care for it anymore that just means I'll be trout fishing more in the hi ground lol..
I'll look up that hitch and some more TT when I get home shortly. Appreciate yall.
I am going to buy though because even if the girls don't care for it anymore that just means I'll be trout fishing more in the hi ground lol..
I'll look up that hitch and some more TT when I get home shortly. Appreciate yall.