Forum Discussion

tbkfan's avatar
tbkfan
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015

First time buyer questions

Looking for some advice and answers with regards to our first RV purchase. We are a family of 5. Our 3 kids range from 4 to 13 years old. I don't think I am the typical RV buyer though as every floor plan I have looked at online seems to include lots of things that I would find to be a waste of space/weight while not providing the key features that I am interested in.

We are not looking for a home on wheels. When we camp, we are there to spend time outdoors, being active,not sit around a campsite doing things that we would normally do at home. For example, I do not need or want a TV or audio system. I can't understand what I would want a microwave for either. AC is something that I suppose I would consider but definitely in the not needed category.

A shower is a must, but it doesn't need to be much more than a hose with a drain in the floor. A toilet is also on the must have list according to my wife, although I am indifferent to that.

Basically, I am looking for ultra lightweight, sleeps 5 comfortably (one bed must be a queen) and has lots of storage space.

I would consider a tent trailer but just have concerns about how rain proof they really are. For example, I'm not as worried about an actual leak as I'd be concerned that just touching the side of it during a good rain would wick moisture through... Is that even a possible issue?

Any suggestions or ideas would be really appreciated. Thanks.
  • NorfolkCounty's avatar
    NorfolkCounty
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2015
    Moisture wicking through from something touching the tent fabric is a possibility with any canvas tenting. Sounds like an ultra light hybrid camper would meet your needs, just clear the bunk walls when rain is on the way. There are many 3 bunk hybrids available that sleep 6+ people utilizing the sofa/dinette. Welcome to RV.NET and good luck in your pursuit.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2015
    First thing you need to do is determine what you can tow, which is normally limited by the cargo capacity of the tow vehicle. Whatever you buy should have 10-15% of its weight on the tongue, which becomes part of the cargo. Then you add 5 people.

    So far as the cooking and bathroom amenities, the smart thing there is to defer to your wife. If she doesn't like it, she won't be happy and then no one will be happy. Chances are she will be the one to deal with the logistics of meal prep & taking kiddos to the bathroom---and if you do very much of it you will come to appreciate a handy toilet.

    If you don't want the TV & sound system, don't use them. I've never used them in a camper either.
  • tbkfan's avatar
    tbkfan
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2015
    I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/ 4L V6. I think it will tow up to 6500 lbs but I have to keep in mind that it will have 5 occupants and I will likely be filling the bed with other gear. I think a 3000 lb trailer is what I should be aiming for, 3500 tops.

    Hybrid is definitely the favourite I'd say, just the concerns about moisture wicking I guess. Don't the mattresses themselves typically touch the sides?
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2015
    When our kids were that age we used a pickup camper for the storage and the bathroom and a 2 room wall tent to sleep in.
  • PopBeavers's avatar
    PopBeavers
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2015
    Somewhere around age 10 the kids, boys especially, would prefer to sleep in their own tent. That saves bed space but not cargo space.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2015
    tbkfan wrote:
    I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/ 4L V6. I think it will tow up to 6500 lbs but I have to keep in mind that it will have 5 occupants and I will likely be filling the bed with other gear. I think a 3000 lb trailer is what I should be aiming for, 3500 tops.

    Hybrid is definitely the favourite I'd say, just the concerns about moisture wicking I guess. Don't the mattresses themselves typically touch the sides?


    Again, check your cargo capacity!
  • dvitale300's avatar
    dvitale300
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2015
    Great advice so far - make sure you know what you can tow. Then - don't just think of what you would consider the 'ideal' camping trip. Also think of what you might want to have for resale value. Also - in case you find it raining sideways for a day and a half (unexpectedly), sure no TV or audio to keep the kids (and yourself) from going crazy? Microwave is very handy for popcorn and quick lunches when locked inside during a downpour or really raunchy weather.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2015
    tbkfan wrote:
    I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/ 4L V6. I think it will tow up to 6500 lbs but I have to keep in mind that it will have 5 occupants and I will likely be filling the bed with other gear. I think a 3000 lb trailer is what I should be aiming for, 3500 tops.


    Well you certainly have picked a challenge for yourself, expecting to transport a family of 5 in a V6 powered Tacoma (three of whom are still growing day by day :E ) while also dragging along another couple of tons in trailer weight. :E If it weren't for your TV's limitations I'd otherwise also point you in the direction of a triple bed hybrid, one model being the Coachmen Freedom Express 21TQX but it sure won't weigh anywhere near just 3500 lbs once loaded and ready to camp. Keep in mind also that there isn't much in the way of cargo storage in any hybrid simply because there isn't a large front pass through storage compartment as there will be with any travel trailer with a front queen island bed. Unfortunately (in your case) any camper like this will in most cases be fully equipped with an entertainment centre, microwave oven, A/C, etc but of course there's no reason you can't remove any you really don't want, which in turn would obviously help reduce the trailer's UVW a bit.

About RV Newbies

4,026 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 15, 2017