Choosing the right Travel Trailer for our family

I've got 5 kids and went trailer shopping last year. Here are some other factors to think about.

1) If you get a really nice spacious trailer with all the latest electronics & what not, the kids may never actually go outside and see the great place that you traveled to. We have a relatively small trailer for the 7 of us, but we use it as a kitchen and a bedroom. Our living & dining is done outside. Everyone is different, but it's something to think about. Yes, there is room for everyone if it's raining, but if its too nice, good luck ever seeing your teenagers. :)

2) I thought that having their own "space" as you mentioned would be important. We were surprised when my eldest daughter actually wanted to use the couch instead of one of the bunks. Every kid is different. The lazier of my kids like the bunks because they don't have to make their beds first thing in the morning. For the most part, our bunks don't get used during the day.

3) Storage is key. Having a place to put all the kid "stuff" is a huge deal. For my wife & I, having all of the camping gear in the trailer, ready to go, is one of the biggest advantages of a trailer. It makes it so we're willing to go more often. Finding places for the food for everyone, extra blankets, sleeping bags, chairs, baby stuff, etc, etc ,etc... it really ads up.

4) If you are counting on a dinette as a bed, will your oldest be out of the house before your youngest outgrows the dinette? This might sound silly, but do the math. Dinettes aren't very big, and only hold someone who is well under 6'. In my case, my eldest will be well off to college before my youngest is too big to fit on the dinette.

5) Not all trailer bunks are the same length. They range in length from 6' to like 6'9" depending on manufacturer. If you're kids are taller than usual, beware of this! It will be frustrating if you have 3 teenagers (this is just around the corner) , and none of them fit on any of the beds except yours. :)

6) Weight Police Alert! Watch the payload capacity of your truck, especially the weight rating of your rear axle. With all 5 of you & your stuff in your half ton truck, plus the tongue weight of your trailer, you might exceed the payload weight limit of your truck. Don't expect the dealer to sell you something that keeps you comfortably within your weight limit. With most half-tons, it's not the "towing capacity" that's the problem, it's the "payload capacity". You'll have to check your specific vehicle.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll find something that will bring great memories for your family!

We liked the following:
-weight (about 1,000 less than other similar models)
-feel/look/quality was good enough
-outdoor kitchen
-2nd door to bathroom
-a little counterspace in the kitchen (compared to some that have little or none)
-counter doesn't cut off living space like a lot of them do so it feels very open
-silverware holders (nice little feature)
-inside storage (it has a lot compared to other models - mainly the pantry next to the fridge)
-the bunkhouse will give our kids (one almost 13) the needed space to "get away" if need be and they have can friends come with too.

The 2013's have some really nice features that the 2012's don't have, too.

Good luck with your decision; it took us almost a year to decide!

just because you have a 1/2 ton truck, doesn't mean it can tow any trailer. some can only tow 4500lbs.

need to post year, make, cab size, engine, rear end ratio and if it has the factory tow package.
that way we can help direct you to the appropriate size/weight trailer.

Personally, I would shop around for a late model previously owned bunk house model that meets you current weight limitations. That way, you eliminate the initial depreciation, and get a chance to camp a bit until you figure out what you and your family really need and want. After a year or two, you will have a much better idea of exactly what will be best. I can almost guarantee that the eventual ideal trailer is going to be too big your current vehicle. I can also almost guarantee that whatever trailer you decide on first is not going to be exactly what you end up really wanting .....

Many say their kids love having own bunk. However, the bunkhouse models will cause the living area of the TT to be more compact (comparing equiv. length). You will have to weigh pros/cons..... Without bunks, kids would sleep on couch and dinette beds.

When it comes to TT you will find that the layouts are almost the same with the various brands. It is the "standard" features and creature comforts that will really set them apart. Look at what is available locally and then go compare. If weight is an issue remember that slides are HEAVY. We have a Keystone Sprinter bunkhouse and our bunkroom has a slide. They made a version of it the previous year with no slide in the bunk room and it was about 800lbs lighter. We had a half ton truck when we bought this TT last year and it got upgraded by July.

I will have a look at the models suggested. thank you.
We looked at the Coachman Freedom Express and liked it -- what do you love about it?

We are just not sure of what style is best for the children. We also like a Flagstaff classic bunkhouse model. are separate bunk areas a good thing? We do things together, but looking down the road, will teens want their own space or just leave the trailer all together and pitch a tent?

There is just so much out there!

We have a 1/2 ton with a large engine / towing package so we could go a little higher up, not sure how much you can pull with yours. We ended up buying a Coachman Freedom Express - 310BHDS. We really love it.

Clicky For EvergreenRV

Evergreen RV makes fantastic trailers too!

WoodGlue

Lance looks like a good choice.

A friend got a light weight model from Evergreen http://www.goevergreenrv.com/page.php?page_id=75

He pulls it with a Dodge Durango.