Hello, I am looking into purchasing our first TT. The wife, two boys (6 & 11), and I have been tent camping for years, but we'd like to move up to a trailer now. Plans include weekends and occasional week long camping trips to campgrounds and/or national parks and possibly an occasional longer trip out west to meet up with the outlaws (seasoned motorhome travelers). We also own a small piece of property near an Army Corps lake which is 30 minutes from home. We would plan to store the trailer there, and also use for overnight stays from time to time. Figuring on having electric, but no water/sewer on the property. There is a campground in the area, so I'm hoping they will allow us to dump the tanks for a small fee. We've looked at a lot of options regarding floor plans, and the front runner at this time is a Coachman Freedom Express 292BHDS. Coachman Freedom Express 292BHDSWe really like the layout, very roomy inside with the large slide out, plenty of room for the boys in back even if they bring a friend or two. Looking for any opinions on the Coachman model, and any other options with a similar layout that we should consider. We will be purchasing at TV to suit whatever we decide on. Currently, we're thinking that a 1/2 ton pickup with tow rating around 10,000lbs should be fine.

Without knowing exactly what the tow vehicle will be, will make any inputs here almost redundant. Do NOT get fooled by the towing capacity advertisements of the truck manufactures....it is just a selling gimmick. Concentrate on the tow vehicle's payload capacity, RAWR, and its GVWR. Those are the important figures that will determine how much trailer you can tow. You will max out one, if not all, of these ratings looooong before you max the advertised tow capacity.In my opinion, the truck's payload is the most important figure. That is the amount of weight you can put in and/or on the truck including the trailer's tongue weight and hitch system. You can pretty much figure around 12% to 15% of the trailer's GVWR for the tongue weight. Subtract that from the truck's payload rating and see what is left for you, passengers, equipment, tools, and everything else you plan on taking with you.Good luck in your quest and please do keep us informed of your decisions. Lots of very experienced people here to help you out along the way.Ron

On that particular TT, the two things I noticed are that the grey water tank is a bit small at 33 gallons, especially for 4 people. Not a deal killer but something to consider; you could just buy a portable tote tank though. The other thing is that looks like you can't access the bathroom or fridge with the slide in. A lot of people like to use their own restroom and get to their food when stopping en route to their destination. This may not be a big deal for you but it is for some. Otherwise looks like a pretty good floor plan for your needs.As for the tow vehicle, disregard the "10K" tow rating and look at payload capacity. Plus, with 4 people, I bet you'll load the truck and TT down with gear, which eats into your payload capacity.Also, once the TT gets over 30' long, I would get a 3/4 ton truck. The TT you're considering is 34' long, which will be affected by cross winds a lot more with a 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton. The 3/4 ton truck will be a lot stiffer, weigh more, and probably longer, all of which help with stability. For example, I had a 2012 F150 and now have a 2013 F250. The F250 weighs 2000 pounds more than my F150, per a CAT scale. That's literally a ton more weight to keep the TT in line. If you were only going to take short trips, a 1/2 ton might be okay but any long trips and you'll be VERY happy to have a 3/4 ton. Look around the campgrounds for people towing 30+ foot travel trailers and you'll 3/4+ ton trucks. There's a reason for that.

Everyone has their own preferences, but for me, the #1 factor (once I broke down and agreed to a slide-out), was to make sure the trailer was 100% functional with the slides in. Before signing on the dotted line, I spent considerable time inside the last camper we purchased with all slides out and all slides in. I then envisioned being inside the camper with the slides 'in' under the worst conditions. And this actually happened this summer when tornadoes were forecasted and I pulled in all the slides to make the foot print smaller, and we were still able to function inside the camper until the storm blew over. Sometimes, you just cannot extend the slides. With 2 boys (and possible friends too), how cramped and unusable is your selected floor plan in the event you're in a similar situation some day? Can the kids access the bunks with the slides in? Can you access the bathroom? Can you access all the kitchen cabinets, stove and refrigerator? Although this is not necessarily a big issue, still .... the one time it happens, you'll be pulling your hair out!Even with the slides out ... how functional is the camper? Sit at the table and the couch for 30 minutes and watch television? Is your neck cramped up now?And for us men (especially me) ... when sitting on the "Porcelain Royal Throne", can you spread your knees? (Oh after experiencing this on our first 2 trailers, my last one... spreaded knee room on the "throne" was #2 on my list of "MUSTS!"Its raining outside, everyone is inside. The kids are antsy as can be. They start poking at each other. Tempers flair, and you and your wife are trying to get lunch ready. um ... actually ... no camper is big enough ... but still ... is it functional? Better bring along a Game Boy!

The layout of the trailer looks as though it would work very well. The length may limit your choice of campgrounds and/or sites but that depends on where you are looking to camp I.e. state/county or private. Although the TT weight may be only 7,500 lbs. loaded, you have to consider the weight of bikes, firewood or other stuff you are going to haul in the truck bed. So, a 3/4 ton truck would be a better option and get a good weight distributing hitch with way controls. Depending on the truck you buy, you may need some towing mirrors.Good luck with your search and once you are outfitted....ENJOY!

Agree on the 1/2 vs 3/4 ton. We have a 28' (6000#ish) bunkhouse and both a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck. For short flat trips, I'll consider using the 1/2 ton since it is a crew cab, but for anything over an hour or two away or hilly, the 3/4 ton is much preferred, feels much more stable. Towed with a 3/4 ton across country (NC to Wy) and only really had wind issues driving across Kansas.

First TT - Looking for Opinions on Model | Good Sam Community

wintersun
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2014
lanerd wrote:
Without knowing exactly what the tow vehicle will be, will make any inputs here almost redundant.

Do NOT get fooled by the towing capacity advertisements of the truck manufactures....it is just a selling gimmick. Concentrate on the tow vehicle's payload capacity, RAWR, and its GVWR. Those are the important figures that will determine how much trailer you can tow. You will max out one, if not all, of these ratings looooong before you max the advertised tow capacity.

In my opinion, the truck's payload is the most important figure. That is the amount of weight you can put in and/or on the truck including the trailer's tongue weight and hitch system. You can pretty much figure around 12% to 15% of the trailer's GVWR for the tongue weight. Subtract that from the truck's payload rating and see what is left for you, passengers, equipment, tools, and everything else you plan on taking with you.

Good luck in your quest and please do keep us informed of your decisions. Lots of very experienced people here to help you out along the way.

Ron

Did you actually read the post in its entirety? He is planning to tow it 30 miles and have it sit at a lake. He really does not even need to own a tow vehicle with that type of planned use. He could pay some to tow it from the dealer to the lake.

A friend sailed a 3,000 lb. sailboat and used a VW beetle with its 40 HP engine to move it from the storage yard to the boat ramp. It was all he needed over a period of many years.
4x4Bob
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Mikeshu42
Asking questions before jumping in a very good idea. Because, salesmen will talk forever while leaving out important information you should want and need.

Here is an example based on the 292BHDS that you were looking at.

The base weight is 5,492 dry. The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) which you should not exceed is TBA (not posted).

The cargo capacity (CC) is 1,306 from which you must subtract the weight of at least one battery, one propane tank, and a full tank of water. So, you are down at least 450 lbs from the 1,306 before you throw in your stuff.

With a family of 4, stuff adds up real fast. You can still have empty storage space and be exceeding the 856 lbs of CC you have left.

And experience has taught me to share this information with your family because they will not understand why you are standing at the TT door with a check list and scale weighing their stuff. :W

Bob
Sillybugs2
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
My kids are 9 and newly 13. Both hate single bunks. Our next trailer will have double over double. We have been looking at a Jayco Eagle and a Keystone Hideout that have that without being a hybrid.
davosfam
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
Our friends have the Keystone Bullet 272BHS and we really liked it. Very open floorplan and large bunks.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
"how much more difficult is it to setup the slideout vs. just climbing into the beds?" As the previous poster said, the slides are run on a motor (12 volt) - your TT battery. They slide out at the push of a button and yes fairly quick.
APT
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
Most TT slide motors operate on 12V DC batteries and take less than 30 seconds each way by way of a toggle switch. It should not be a problem for quick access. You may need to consider the space the slide comes into, say a neighboring parking spot at rest area. That said, our TT has access to everything with our shallow slide in which has been helpful for grabbing snacks on the road. Also, quick bathroom access while traveling may be important. It was for us several times with three young children. At 5/6/9 ages now the we-just-passed-a-rest-area or in-the-middle-of-corn-fields emergencies are less frequent.
mikeschu42
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
APT wrote:
I have always liked and will hopefully purchase a Keystone Outback 301BQ Diamond package.

I really like to layout of that 301BQ - thanks for the suggestion!

Couple people have mentioned that the kitchen/bathroom may not be accessible with the slideout retracted. I'm wondering if this is really a problem... How much work/time is involved in running a slideout out? If stopping for a quick overnight at a rest stop, how much more difficult is it to setup the slideout vs. just climbing into the beds?
handye9
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2014
Couple things to consider:

A 3/4 ton tow vehicle will open up a lot of options for floorplans.

We had a TT, with pretty much the same floor plan. It is true, the bathroom, as well as the bunk room, are not accessable when slide is pulled in. We also found the front bed to be a bit uncomfortable, because, mattress length (RV queen) and having a wall at both ends of the bed, made it impossible to stretch out. We are not tall people. Making the bed required running back and forth around the wall at the foot of the bed.
lanerd
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2014
I agree. With a 3/4 ton pu, your TT options are greatly increased. Even so, don't forget to research weight distribution and sway control options. Very important!

Visit different dealers who have different makes of TTs. Listen to the advice given here on things to look for that will make your TT experience so much better.

It's been quite a few years since we had our TT and I know many advances have been incorporated into the different designs. Also, don't pass over getting a 5th wheel as they are easier to tow and for a given length, are shorter when hauling.

Good luck

Ron
APT
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
If you commit to a 3/4 ton truck, then there are a lot of options in the 7000-8000 pound dry that open up for similar pricing, say $20-25k. I have always liked and will hopefully purchase a Keystone Outback 301BQ Diamond package. A little more space and privacy for mom and dad, large tanks, lots of great features and favorable reputation. If you like the outdoor kitchens, I really like Primetime Lacrosse 318BHS.

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