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 ...
Forum Discussion
Really appreciate the feedback and suggestions. A few thoughts to address a few of the comments so far:
Definitely realize that the V6 Tacoma has its limitations and that my next truck might have to be a Tundra (so much for parking in my garage...) Towing capacity aside, growing kids will only tolerate the limited leg room to a point. But I think if I can transfer most of what is now a loaded bed, to the trailer and keep the dry weight, to 3000 lbs with the loaded weight to around 4000 lbs, I'll be okay in terms of what the truck can handle. I will likely upgrade the rear suspension to help in that regard too. I really love my Taco and giving it up will be a sad day.
The toy hauler idea has really peaked my interest. I hadn't really considered it before because I don't have motorized toys to haul around and have no desire to ever own any. But I quickly checked out a few online and it looks like the general theme is a bit more stripped down to the essentials and as a result a much lighter dry weight since large portion of the trailer is just empty garage space. Perfect for the outdoor gear we take on our typical outings.
Is it unlikely that I will find something in the 17 foot size that will have a queen bed (possibly in a hybrid type foldout) plus bunks for 3 kids? I really want to stick to something as compact and lightweight as possible. I would go to 21 feet if it's the only way to get 5 sleepers, but if it's doable in a 17 footer, that would be even better.
If a microwave is just for popcorn, then someone's missing out on one of the joys of camping... Jiffy Pop. Things like the 'RVQ' are also in that same category in my mind... Is that not why most campsites have a firepit?? I get it, most here are into the RV lifestyle and I can appreciate that for what it is, but I'm just saying that my priorities are a little different than most here. I'm not shopping for a camping trailer as a way to spend big chunks of our vacation time in a home away from home. What I want to get out of it is the ability to make quick weekend trips with minimal planning and preparation. To just have a trailer, packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, or not go if the forecast is for really nasty weather.
Definitely realize that the V6 Tacoma has its limitations and that my next truck might have to be a Tundra (so much for parking in my garage...) Towing capacity aside, growing kids will only tolerate the limited leg room to a point. But I think if I can transfer most of what is now a loaded bed, to the trailer and keep the dry weight, to 3000 lbs with the loaded weight to around 4000 lbs, I'll be okay in terms of what the truck can handle. I will likely upgrade the rear suspension to help in that regard too. I really love my Taco and giving it up will be a sad day.
The toy hauler idea has really peaked my interest. I hadn't really considered it before because I don't have motorized toys to haul around and have no desire to ever own any. But I quickly checked out a few online and it looks like the general theme is a bit more stripped down to the essentials and as a result a much lighter dry weight since large portion of the trailer is just empty garage space. Perfect for the outdoor gear we take on our typical outings.
Is it unlikely that I will find something in the 17 foot size that will have a queen bed (possibly in a hybrid type foldout) plus bunks for 3 kids? I really want to stick to something as compact and lightweight as possible. I would go to 21 feet if it's the only way to get 5 sleepers, but if it's doable in a 17 footer, that would be even better.
If a microwave is just for popcorn, then someone's missing out on one of the joys of camping... Jiffy Pop. Things like the 'RVQ' are also in that same category in my mind... Is that not why most campsites have a firepit?? I get it, most here are into the RV lifestyle and I can appreciate that for what it is, but I'm just saying that my priorities are a little different than most here. I'm not shopping for a camping trailer as a way to spend big chunks of our vacation time in a home away from home. What I want to get out of it is the ability to make quick weekend trips with minimal planning and preparation. To just have a trailer, packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, or not go if the forecast is for really nasty weather.
