Shopping for first RV...need guidance
My wife and I are going shopping for our first RV. We are going to large camper retailers this weekend just so we can get an idea of what is available. Here is what we know: - We are pretty sure ...
Forum Discussion
Some questions (these will help provide more specific answers):
- What is the makeup of the 6 you will be sleeping?
- What is your prior experieince towing?
- How often, how many miles and where will you be towing?
- What is the engine package on the truck? (is there truck actually already purchased or is there an option to swap it out for a one ton)
If you want to stay in your weight ratings, you probably need to stay below somewhere around 28-32' but weights can vary a lot between models, so length is only a rough guide.
With 5th wheels, it is almost always the LOADED pin weight that limits the size of the trailer.
5th wheels tow nicer so if you are going to start out larger, it's a good option. Just take it easy until you are comfortable.
- Take turns wide.
- Make up a checklist that must be followed before pulling out.
- When backing in to a site, if in doubt, hit the brakes until you are sure.
- It's far more embaressing pulling the branch out of the side of the trailer than taking 5-6 tries to get her lined up right.
If there are kids involved, it's not hard to come up with sleeping space for 6. Most couches pull out and tables break down to become beds. Adults are a little trickier.
I would lean towards aluminum but there are good and bad in both materials.
As you are new to this, I would definetly lean towards used. Theres a good chance you won't buy what you like long term anyway so no reason to lose 20-30% when you drive it off the lot. If you aren't mechanically inclined, find an RV maintenance guy and pay him $100 to go over the unit looking for problems (make the sale contingent on this).
If you have kids, not a lot of need for fancy levelers and the like. Set up tasks (ie: junior gets to crank the stabilizers down by hand) and rules (ie: never pass between the truck and trailer). With 6 of you setting up should go very quickly with just a bit of organization.
- What is the makeup of the 6 you will be sleeping?
- What is your prior experieince towing?
- How often, how many miles and where will you be towing?
- What is the engine package on the truck? (is there truck actually already purchased or is there an option to swap it out for a one ton)
If you want to stay in your weight ratings, you probably need to stay below somewhere around 28-32' but weights can vary a lot between models, so length is only a rough guide.
With 5th wheels, it is almost always the LOADED pin weight that limits the size of the trailer.
5th wheels tow nicer so if you are going to start out larger, it's a good option. Just take it easy until you are comfortable.
- Take turns wide.
- Make up a checklist that must be followed before pulling out.
- When backing in to a site, if in doubt, hit the brakes until you are sure.
- It's far more embaressing pulling the branch out of the side of the trailer than taking 5-6 tries to get her lined up right.
If there are kids involved, it's not hard to come up with sleeping space for 6. Most couches pull out and tables break down to become beds. Adults are a little trickier.
I would lean towards aluminum but there are good and bad in both materials.
As you are new to this, I would definetly lean towards used. Theres a good chance you won't buy what you like long term anyway so no reason to lose 20-30% when you drive it off the lot. If you aren't mechanically inclined, find an RV maintenance guy and pay him $100 to go over the unit looking for problems (make the sale contingent on this).
If you have kids, not a lot of need for fancy levelers and the like. Set up tasks (ie: junior gets to crank the stabilizers down by hand) and rules (ie: never pass between the truck and trailer). With 6 of you setting up should go very quickly with just a bit of organization.
