Getting back into the RV lifestyle

JimK-NY wrote:

mkenyon2 wrote:
......

I put a deposit on an F150 the other day, and I'm going to start looking for a fixed top trailer to tow. ......

That could have been a mistake. At the minimum make sure that the F150 model you ordered is set up properly for towing. Even a small hardsided trailer can get very heavy.

When you start to look, I recommend you first look at the specs for axles, suspension and tires. Many trailers are cheaply built with the absolute minimum and are in my opinion unsafe. You need at least enough capacity to be able to load up with water, propane, accessories and options that were not included and at least an additional 1000 pounds for personal items. That 1000 pound amount may sound high but realize how much weight you can add with cooking gear, food, tools, clothing, chairs, a screen house, BBQ and anything else you might want to carry.

Not planning to tow anything > 10k#, actually looking for smaller. This one has the factory tow package. I have a friend who's been a Ford Service Manager for a couple decades helping me pick the right sized truck.

JimK-NY wrote:

mkenyon2 wrote:
......

I put a deposit on an F150 the other day, and I'm going to start looking for a fixed top trailer to tow. ......

That could have been a mistake. At the minimum make sure that the F150 model you ordered is set up properly for towing. Even a small hardsided trailer can get very heavy.

When you start to look, I recommend you first look at the specs for axles, suspension and tires. Many trailers are cheaply built with the absolute minimum and are in my opinion unsafe. You need at least enough capacity to be able to load up with water, propane, accessories and options that were not included and at least an additional 1000 pounds for personal items. That 1000 pound amount may sound high but realize how much weight you can add with cooking gear, food, tools, clothing, chairs, a screen house, BBQ and anything else you might want to carry.

You're right. Our first tow vehicle was an F150 and our first trailer was a 19' Kit Sportsmaster. Heavy for its size. Flat towing, no problem, but any grade - oh boy. We traded in that pickup for an F250 and towing was a breeze.

I have never needed to put a deposit on a motor vehicle. I've bought 10 of 'em, included one special ordered from the factory. My dad told me when I was young, if a dealership ever asks for a deposit just ask them, "Why? Is there something shady about this deal?" There's always another one just up the street at the next dealer.

Glad you decided to rejoin us campers. Hope you find the right camper that meets your needs and wants.

mkenyon2 wrote:
......

I put a deposit on an F150 the other day, and I'm going to start looking for a fixed top trailer to tow. ......

That could have been a mistake. At the minimum make sure that the F150 model you ordered is set up properly for towing. Even a small hardsided trailer can get very heavy.

When you start to look, I recommend you first look at the specs for axles, suspension and tires. Many trailers are cheaply built with the absolute minimum and are in my opinion unsafe. You need at least enough capacity to be able to load up with water, propane, accessories and options that were not included and at least an additional 1000 pounds for personal items. That 1000 pound amount may sound high but realize how much weight you can add with cooking gear, food, tools, clothing, chairs, a screen house, BBQ and anything else you might want to carry.

I agree...take your time and find one you really want. Inspect carefully since Covid newbies don't always do maintenance.

Welcome back. I'm with both the posters before me, Covid is in the endemic stage now, people are going back to work, campgrounds around here are almost empty and take your time above all else to make sure what you get will work for you in the long run. After four travel trailers, we got a fifth wheel and that was after asking the salesman to pull in the slides, put out the slides, checking access with each mode, etc, etc. We kept each of our TT's probably max two years, but this FW because of our careful research have had it since 2010 and intend to keep it till we can't hookup anymore or don't want to due to old age. We just had the decals redone too.

Welcome back!

Take your time to find the best fit for you.

You'll find what you want. Covid is waning and many that bought RV's to 'escape' it are finding the lifestyle just isn't for them. The used market will slowly be populated with nearly new units, forcing the pricing on new units to get back in line. Already in the parts of the Southeast we have recently traveled we noticed TONS of inventory at most RV dealers, specifically bumper-pull's. You'll be fine! Happy travels.