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Camper shopping.

1luckydad

By 1luckydad
in Camping & RVing

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1luckydad Enthusiast

1luckydad

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My wife and I recently started travel trailer shopping. We started looking into used ones but found new ones for a few $s more. Some used ones are even more than the new ones of comparable size.I assume there is a lot of quality ranges in campers like comparing Cadillacs and Chevy s. Any one have any pointers? Hope to learn a few things at the camper show.Right now we have been camping with 4 of us in a 1988 8' popup, so any travel trailer will seem like a castle I guess. grin Don't need anything fancy.

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Powerstroke Grand Master

Powerstroke

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My first suggestion would be to sit down with your wife and make a list of the things you NEED to have in your new camper and some things you WANT in your new camper. I know this sounds silly, but it will really help you when you start looking at new campers. The things that should make your decision are not what the camper has but what the camper doesn't have. You will most likely get plenty of things you don't need, but it has to meet your minimum requirements or you won't be happy and you'll be talking about a different camper after the first season.

Step 2 will be to evaluate your tow vehicle. What do you have? How is it equipped? You will need to know not only the tow rating, but also the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR). That is the rating of the vehicle, trailer and any cargo combined. Those numbers should be in your owners manual, otherwise it can be found online. Just because your vehicles says it can tow 5000lbs doesn't mean you can tow a 5000lb trailer. There are many more variables and every salesman is going to tell you your vehicle can pull it.

So, this step will help you narrow down your choices based on size and weight. Options add weight, slides add weight and you will add weight. Once you have a camper that you don't have to "pack" every time you move (like your popup) you will find more things to keep in the camper. Take 10% off the tow rating as a starting point. If you find you're pushing the limits you will need to consider all of your weight such as your family and the things you pack in the vehicle, such as a pet.

Looking at your tow vehicle, consider you will need to purchase a trailer brake controller and most-likely a weight-distribution hitch.

So, now you should have an idea of the maximum weight you can safely pull and the features you need to have. Now you can shop the things that are available to you.

If you like the popup campers but need more space and more features, consider a hybrid or expandable trailer. They are a travel trailer with fold out beds. You turn a 18ft camper into a 25ft camper just by folding out the beds. You can still sleep under canvas and have the shelter and convenience of a full travel trailer.

Slideouts add lots of floor space but also add weight. Bathrooms tend to vary in size and shape. Find one you like but decide how you're going to use it. Ours has a shower and I've never used it. I'm glad I didn't get one of the "tub style" showers cause it would take up more space. I like a booth dinette rather than a U-shaped dinette.

I purchased a Rockwood Roo M19 in 2009. I bought it based on my tow vehicle at the time. I ended up buy a bigger tow vehicle to handle my trailer and now I wish I woulda bought a bigger trailer. That's not just cause I want to upgrade, its cause I found a trailer that fit my vehicle (so I thought), and I was wrong. If I knew I would be buying a bigger vehicle we would've gotten a bigger trailer. I'm just trying to share some tips that I learned the hard way. I'd be happy to answer more specific things if you want. I will be at the show also, possible shopping a bunkhouse model camper in fifth wheel or travel trailer.

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chasineyes Grand Master

chasineyes

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Don't forget to consider storage options. Don't want to "sucking" up the driveway when not in use. As long as the family enjoys camping, it probably doesn't matter what you get! Good for you guys!

We have a 10 foot pop up and really like it. The ONLY thing we miss is a toilet (especially with the wife and 2 daughters). Having a stocked refridgerator would be nice also. Other than that for the 20 times or so you use them I really don't see needing a 28' ++ hardside. Love the Hybrids though!

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1luckydad Enthusiast

1luckydad

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I am in a rural area so storage not a problem. Toilet and gas/elect. fridge are 2 of our major reasons for upgrading. Looking to stay as small and light as possible, but still have enough sleeping room so we don't have to take the table up and down all the time. We looked at a 26' last weekend that we really liked, but are waiting to see what we see at the camper show. My kids on the other hand do not understand what the heck we are waiting for. I think they have there stuff packed and are ready to move in as soon as we bring a camper home. smile Thanks for your thoughts chasineyes.

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Powerstroke Grand Master

Powerstroke

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If you still like the feeling of the popup, but want the modern features, check out the Hybrids. ROckwood Roo, Jayco, Cub, Palomino, KZ and a few others.

I liked the Roo the best and it has the best insulation.

Many of them also offer a setup with 3 beds instead of 2. They all should come with a furnace, AC, stove, dual power fridge, hot water, bathroom TV antenna and hookups.

Good luck. There are many options to be had for less than 20K new.

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Wish-I-Were-Fishn Grand Master

Wish-I-Were-Fishn

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I'm jealous! Have fun at the show!

I was thinking about getting a trailer, but found it hard to get one that was big enough and light enough. Then the whole storage thing bummed me out to. Decided to stick with the tent and occasional camper cabin. I'm still jealous though smile

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zamboni Grand Master

zamboni

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I have had my 89 Rockwood pop up for 3 years now. Gonna get one more year out of it and and going to go with a hybrid.

EDIT- I just noticd the poster above me's post, not trying to sell it to you, just stating what I am going with. Couldn't agree more with Powerstrokes assessment on hybrids, they are the cat's meow

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