We are thinking about going to a smaller, lighter 5ver, or TT, since we don't go out much any more. I feel like I'm pulling my house behind me, although its only 11k.Its great to stay in, but just seems like overkill for two of us. The good thing is I have about 10k equity in it, and you know that will continue to diminish.Thanks, Gary

I have said it many times, you must like the floor plan in order to truly enjoy your RV! If you downsize, be sure everything will fit your needs. Do not think "well I will live with this ..." And expect you will ignore it. That " little inconviniance" will grow on you a cause you problems down the road. Find something that fits your needs, and enjoy it, Good luck!

I think the first thing to really think about and determine is if it's the size that is really keeping you from going out?Oftentimes, there are other things that are interfering, but the easiest reason to vocalize is "it's too big".If you determine that the size is really the issue, then downsize and enjoy. Many people camp and travel in small RVs - it can be done successfully. Just do your research first and find a floorplan that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

We never got over the 4200lb size with our OFF-ROAD POPUP setup. Its only the two of us and we really enjoy being the so called downsized. We can pull our OFF-ROAD POPUP anywhere my 4WD truck will go. Can get into any camp ground without issues and the gas mileage is great. Having the truck bed and rear seat area along with the front deck of the POPUP trailer we can carry some serious camping supplies with us... I can make it from Northern Neck VA to the Smoky Mtns south of Gatlingburg on one tank of gas. Not having the wind resistance really pays off. We have all the modern things in our setup with the only real drawback is not much moving around room inside the trailer. This makes us do more thing OUTSIDE the trailer which is a PLUS for us...We always meet somewhere every year usually Myrtle Beach for a short family get together. A couple of the family members have the big ole 5th wheels and diesel truck etc... They are wore plum out the first night we all get together... Not us - we are ready to go for not having to fight the roads getting the big rigs there all safe and sound.I still would like to go to a TT maybe a 22-24 foot size someday but right now the OFF-ROAD POPUP suits the two of us just fine.Roy and Carolyn

Sounds like some good advice from everyone, and I agree it might not be the size thats slowing us down, but definitely the weight. I might check out some Jayco's that come in at 6 to 8k.

Be careful! We went to look at smaller units, and traded for one that was 7" longer. That new camper smell will get you every time.

Is downsizing a bad idea? | Good Sam Community

RollandB
Explorer
Aug 16, 2015
I thought I'd give the first report of our downsizing comparison with the trip home yesterday from the dealer (photos will follow). As I mentioned, the new trailer is a little over 3' shorter than our old. Both are fifth wheels, the old one a 2005 Komfort 291FSG, the new a 2016 Arctic Fox 27-5L. The comparison done with both rigs empty of stuff. Night and day different, our new one is such a better fit for our truck than the old one. Less pin weight which makes the truck work less, braking better as well as acceleration. I had to laugh at backing into the driveway as I felt I was learning to back all over again. 3' doesn't sound like a lot, but from the pinbox to the wheels being 3' shortest (I measured) I could easily see how getting into smaller spots will be improved.
garyp4951
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2015
Padlin wrote:
While I've never had a BIG trailer, we went from 42' overall to 35' overall when we bought our 21' FW. Took it out for 5 weeks last fall and will be trying out 8 weeks in Sept. So far we couldn't be happier. Was looking for a 24' or shorter a couple years ago and could not find any, then Escape came out with this one. Full Queen bed, U dinette, and the kicker... small wet bath.

I like that camper, and no edpm roof to worry about.
garyp4951
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2015
ChopperBill wrote:
Really think a lot of mid entry manufactures are missing the boat by not offering more 30-32' models. Maybe a tad shorter. Darn things as are getting over 40', you have to pull them like your an over the road trucker and you always got the RV.net dually guys on your butt. LOL
Lots of us are just regular ole RVers, not looking to live in the queens palace.

Thats what I'm talking about. Thanks
Padlin
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
While I've never had a BIG trailer, we went from 42' overall to 35' overall when we bought our 21' FW. Took it out for 5 weeks last fall and will be trying out 8 weeks in Sept. So far we couldn't be happier. Was looking for a 24' or shorter a couple years ago and could not find any, then Escape came out with this one. Full Queen bed, U dinette, and the kicker... small wet bath.
laknox
Nomad
Aug 13, 2015
ChopperBill wrote:
Old Duck wrote:
We started down the downsizing thought process a few months ago and currently have a 33' 5er. We opened up the possibility for a TT we could tow with our Yukon. We figured we have two TVs to choose from. The two big things that quickly ruled out a TT is when looking at a length that has the floor plan we wanted it was just about as long behind the TV than our current 5er and we really cut down storage size. On Saturday we take delivery on a 30' 5er, so we downsized, but not greatly.

Show us that fiver when it arrives. I think there is more interest then shows up for short ones on the forum.

I couldn't agree more!

Lyle
northmeck0255
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
What kind of TT? We're considering the Airstream because of the rallies, caravans, etc. along with being able to get into small spaces.
samsontdog
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
Went from 40 ft 5th w to 26 ft TT. There are very few things that I like about the change !!!!!
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2015
Old Duck wrote:
We started down the downsizing thought process a few months ago and currently have a 33' 5er. We opened up the possibility for a TT we could tow with our Yukon. We figured we have two TVs to choose from. The two big things that quickly ruled out a TT is when looking at a length that has the floor plan we wanted it was just about as long behind the TV than our current 5er and we really cut down storage size. On Saturday we take delivery on a 30' 5er, so we downsized, but not greatly.

Show us that fiver when it arrives. I think there is more interest then shows up for short ones on the forum.
RollandB
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
We started down the downsizing thought process a few months ago and currently have a 33' 5er. We opened up the possibility for a TT we could tow with our Yukon. We figured we have two TVs to choose from. The two big things that quickly ruled out a TT is when looking at a length that has the floor plan we wanted it was just about as long behind the TV than our current 5er and we really cut down storage size. On Saturday we take delivery on a 30' 5er, so we downsized, but not greatly.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2015
Really think a lot of mid entry manufactures are missing the boat by not offering more 30-32' models. Maybe a tad shorter. Darn things as are getting over 40', you have to pull them like your an over the road trucker and you always got the RV.net dually guys on your butt. LOL
Lots of us are just regular ole RVers, not looking to live in the queens palace.

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