Any RV'ers? I need help...

[pbwalker]

So now that we have a baby, our 'quick trips' to Vegas or an extended trip to Europe are out of the question until Baby Emily is a little older. We want to go the 'Travel Trailer' route and be able to go camping with some creature comforts.

I have NEVER owned a Travel Trailer (herein referred to as 'TT') and don't know the first thing about them. What I do know is that we want a TT that can sleep 8 to 10. We'd prefer bunks in the back and the Queen up front (but are open to others). I have found several that we like but I keep finding more and more each day. There are so many manufacturers that I don't even know where to start.

Also, there is a HUGE difference in prices between states. I'm willing to travel a bit, but it's got me wondering if a trip to Iowa is in order. For example, one Keystone TT was 20k in TX and 14k in Iowa. That's worth a drive to me (especially since I wouldn't need a hotel on the way back )

Can anyone point me in the right direction or maybe clarify the price differences? I feel completely lost in this process...

[Oldgringo]

...sleeps 8-10...???

[pbwalker]

...sleeps 8-10...???

Yes sir. Am I limiting myself (again, I don't know a thing here...)? I'm counting the take down table and sofa sleeper in the equation. We won't always have that many, but I'd like to have that option (in case extended family want to go...so the little ones can sleep on the table sleeper)

For example:
Keystone 31BHS


or
Keystone 30BHS


I'm finding 4k to 6k price difference between states. Is this normal? Can anyone recommend a good dealer in TX?

[carlson1]

1. Don't buy the first one you look at.
2. Make sure you tow vehicle is MORE than capable of pulling the total weight. The water, clothes, toys, etc. . .
3. Don't buy one with the kitchen in the rear.
4. Buy one that has gas or electric to run hot water heater, refrigerator, etc. . .
5. Make sure it has the jacks to level in the rear and well as the front. A lot of times they try to sale these extra.
6. The size of tires are very important. Don't buy one with the smaller tires.
7. Read things on this forum for help. - http://www.rv.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good places in Texas are Mays RV in Lewisville and Hayes RV in Longview. I also like the place in Idabel, OK (Can't remember the name.) I pull a 5th wheel. I started with a TT and the 5fh wheel is much easier to tow, but you will need at least a 3 quarter ton. Let us know what you get.

Hope this helps some.
Carl

[surprise_i'm_armed]

carlson1
#3 - What's wrong with a kitchen in the rear?

[carlson1]

carlson1
#3 - What's wrong with a kitchen in the rear?

The rear catches most of motion while driving. When you reach your destination ALL OF THE FOOD from the front to the rear. Learned the hard way.

[gmckinl]

Couple of comments.

8-10. Wow. That sounds like a medieval torture. Once they're all asleep like good little sardines it might be ok, but you need a to feed them (room to prepare food, eat, and then do dishes). Not to mention one (1) tiny RV toilet for the whole crew.

With a TT like those you pictured, I would HIGHLY recommend a one-ton crew-cab dually diesel for a tow vehicle. Keeping a big TT under control during a "traffic incident" takes a big heavy truck - don't ask me how I know this, it's a long story and my TT is still in the shop getting twisted parts replaced with straight ones. When the TT is full of the family's junk, the weight adds up surprisingly fast. My F250 CC diesel is a perfect match for my 26' unit (GW 10,800 lbs.), I wouldn't want to pull it w/ anything less than a HD 3/4 ton truck. Remember too that a 40 mph gusting crosswind on the 30x10 side wall is a lot of pushing that you have to be able to keep in check. Just MHO, you do what you feel comfortable with.

Good luck with your search. Hope you find what you want and enjoy it a lot.

[Oldgringo]

Our 1998 Alpenlite 34 Cypress RK is in beautiful Lake City, CO and is available for $18 k (+/-). It is a 5th wheel and it:

* Drinks 8
* Feeds 6
* Sleeps 2

And that's "the way we like it...uh huh, uh huh".

[gmckinl]

Our 1998 Alpenlite 34 Cypress RK... It is a 5th wheel and it:

* Drinks 8
* Feeds 6
* Sleeps 2

And that's "the way we like it...uh huh, uh huh".

That sounds about right to me.

[bpet]

Some nice to have features to consider if you are going to try to keep 8-10 people comfortable include.

1. 50 amp service verse standard 30 amp - will allow for two A/C units and the ability to run micro-wave with television and coffee pot all at the same time. With 8 people on a hot day/night, you will need 2 air conditioners.

2. 8-10 people will use a lot of water. Get the largest holding tanks you can. White - Fresh drinking water, washing/shower, toilet flush should be at least 40 gal. Gray - kitchen sink, shower, bathroom sink, will fill up fast with that many people. Some models offer two separate gray water tanks or over sized single tank. With 4 people, I have to drain my 40 gal gray (shower/bathroom sink) every two days. Black - toilet waste is not that big a deal. Trailer toilets are pretty efficient. With 4 people, I can go 5 days before having to drain. These issues become critical when you are dry camping (primitive campground with no water/sewage hookup). If you plan on using RV parks, its not nearly as big an issue because they provide water and sewage hookup at each site.

3. Shocks on axles are nice in that they limit the bouncing that causes dishes to fall out of cabinets and shelves to collapse in the loaded refrigerator. They "limit" they don't eliminate.

4. Two doors are very nice with that many people. Not many models provide this feature but it is nice to have not just for entry/exit but also for improved ventilation on those nice days when you don't need the noisy air conditioners.

5. Gmckinl is spot on regarding tow vehicles. Don't overload your truck and don't expect to pull anything that will sleep 8-10 people with a 1/2 ton pickup.

[carlson1]

Couple of comments.

8-10. Wow. That sounds like a medieval torture. Once they're all asleep like good little sardines it might be ok, but you need a to feed them (room to prepare food, eat, and then do dishes). Not to mention one (1) tiny RV toilet for the whole crew.

With a TT like those you pictured, I would HIGHLY recommend a one-ton crew-cab dually diesel for a tow vehicle. Keeping a big TT under control during a "traffic incident" takes a big heavy truck - don't ask me how I know this, it's a long story and my TT is still in the shop getting twisted parts replaced with straight ones. When the TT is full of the family's junk, the weight adds up surprisingly fast. My F250 CC diesel is a perfect match for my 26' unit (GW 10,800 lbs.), I wouldn't want to pull it w/ anything less than a HD 3/4 ton truck. Remember too that a 40 mph gusting crosswind on the 30x10 side wall is a lot of pushing that you have to be able to keep in check. Just MHO, you do what you feel comfortable with.

Good luck with your search. Hope you find what you want and enjoy it a lot.

I am under the impression a dually is not needed unless your cargo is shifting around such as cattle, etc. . . A Dually would cost a lot more in gase or diesel. I am with you on a two vehicle finding one that will pull what you buy or will want to buy later. It is a lot better to have more tow vehicle than needed than not to have enough.

[Oldgringo]

First off, I think you're going to find 8-10 people an unmanageable and unwelcome mob most everywhere you go. Pets?

Secondly, why don't you rent a rig to see if RV'ing is something you want to do? The internet, and nearly every corner, has pre-owned RV's for sale by folk who bought before they actually tried it...alas.

Thirdly, RV'ing ain't cheap.

Good luck and God Bless.

[carlson1]

: Thirdly, RV'ing ain't cheap.

Just the upkeep on the rig itself is costly.

[TxRVer]

I don't have a lot to add since you've already gotten some great advice. I want to reiterate a few points.

1. RVing IS expensive. I no longer own an RV even though it was so important to me at one time that it's in my name. If you won't use it constantly (once a month or more) don't bother. You can stay in some nice resorts for the same money. We found we didn't have time for it anymore and were just throwing away money. BTW, it's hard to sell an RV when you have to.

2. I'd recommend staying in the 28 to 30 foot range. Anything smaller is too crowded and anything larger is a real pain to get into some of the best campsites. Those dinettes will sleep two munchkins, but not even one adult.

3.Definitely 3/4 ton truck. Diesel is the best way to go for towing.

4. Fifth-wheel is a LOT easier to hook-up and tow. You'll give up the use of your truck bed though in case you bring scooters or something.

5. Buy used. The new mark-up is something like 30% and RVs depreciate fast.

6. Rent before you buy. Although it's hard to find a rental trailer, you can rent a motorhome and see if you like RVing. Not a whole lot of difference in the experience. Motorhomes are actually easier to handle on the road.

7. Do you have a place to park the RV when you aren't using it? If you plan to park it at home, check local laws. You'll get a ticket in most places if you park in front of the house.

8. You don't want to travel in an RV with 8 people for more than a weekend. You'll hate each other before long.

9. RVing IS expensive.

[pbwalker]

Thank you, everyone, for all the input. I wound up putting the cart before the horse. I *should* have check my towing capacity PRIOR to getting excited.

I can only go up to 5200lbs. And I chatted it over with my wife and the 8-10 is not needed...So we've got that covered. I'm going with the 'Drinks 8, Feeds 6, Sleeps 2 (and a half)' equation. :)

I thought about the 5th Wheel, but I don't want to give up use of the bed of my truck...I use it way too much.

I'll keep everyone updated!