Forum Discussion

brianosaur's avatar
brianosaur
Explorer
Sep 12, 2017

My Shopping TT Check List. Anything Else?

So we are off to Hershey Saturday morning to explore, examine and look over TT's. Thanks for all the input on my other thread about TT quality & builds.

We are looking into fiberglass sided 27 to 31ft TTs w/ BH. Seems like most in the category we want are very similar, if not the same FP. Road side slide-out U-dinette. Rear bunks, rear bath, curb side kitchen with peninsula counter. No island. We want a front BR with a wall & doors (no Murphy bed). Probably want a love seat couch too next to the dinette.

I know at an RV show I will eventually get zombie eyes after looking at a ton of TTs and not really examine the meat and bones of the RV.
I also don't want to get sparkly eyes and ignore the important stuff.

So after hours and hours of videos and reading, I created a check list of thing to look for. I realize some things on my list don't all come standard, nor are they a must have; and others may just be a gimmie.

It is a list to force me to look at, inspect, measure, count, or inquire about things that may or may not be possible to have.

Looking for input on things I have missed.


Dry Weight
GVWR
Length
Tongue Weight
Fresh H2o Gal
Black Tank Gal
Grey Tank Gal

A/C BTU
A/C Zoned
Water Heater BTU
Water Heater GPH

Power Tongue Jack
Diamond Plate Rock Guard
Shocks
Equal Flex Suspension
Chassis PassThrough Frame
Spread Axles
Tire Size
Radial Tires
Fender Material
Spare Tire
Spare Tire Cover

Floor Deck Material
Enclosed Underbelly
Walk on Roof
Roof Gutters
Wood-Aluminum Framing
Wall Insulation Thickness
Vacuum Bond /Pinch Roll Fiberglass

Slide Out Width
Slide Out Depth
Slide Out Toppers
Slide Seals No.
Slide Toppers

Outdoor Kit - Grill
Outdoor Kit - Sink & Ref
Outdoor Kit - Drawer
Outdoor Kit - Counter

Awning Length & Depth
Power Awning
Awning Lights
Awning Full Coverage over Door & Outside Kit

Exterior Shower
Exterior Shower w/Hot H20

Piano Hinge Storage Doors
Magnetic Storage Doors
Slam Lock Storage Doors
Inside Storage Lighting

Large Entry Grab Bar
Entry Step Material
Friction/No-Slam Doors

Cable TV Port
TV Antenna
Solar Ready


Backlit Control Switches
Ceiling Height/Curve
Ceiling Lights Number
All LED Lights


2-Way Water Heater
2-Way Refridgerator
Refridgerator Cu. Ft.


Counter Material
Drawer Material
Triangle or Square Penninsula
Raised Panel Cabinets
Upper Cabinet Depth
Flip up Counter Extension

Backsplash
Stove Top Cover Plate
Sink - Double or Single
Sink Cover
Microwave & Size


Bath Skylight Size
Toilet Material
Corner Medicine Cabinet
Tub
Vent Covers


Television Size
Flip Wall TV
Pull Out Swivel TV
Bluetooth Radio
USB Wall Chargers
Outdoor Speakers


Actual Bed Length
Bed up to Wall
Bedroom Side Stands
Bedroom Mirrors


Dinette Size & Seating
Under Dinette Storage
Cushion Thickness


UV Window Tint
Windows Open/Slide
Bunkhouse Ladder
  • "I wouldn't sweat solar ready."

    I'm not sure any manufacturer is supplying any quality solar equipment, wire etc.
  • Besides tire size you might check for Brand, speed rating and load capacity.

    On the A/C subject. Depending on where and when you are camping dual A/C may be warranted and if so only a 50 AMP service will do. 30 will not run both at the same time. Hopefully some one can chime in on that.

    Brand and size of batteries included. May need 2 DS 6 volt will appropriate controller. Again depends on what kind of camping.

    Brand and size of electric converter. Batterie charging options and total power capacity.
  • Wow.. Quite the list...

    I don't really have any comment.. Started this thing a long time before any of this stuff, but glad you are researching it before jumping in.

    Good luck!

    Mitch
  • You don't mention what TV you have or will have!

    If you have your TV check the label on the drivers side pillar for weights your TV can handle. Then eliminate those you can't pull.

    If you don't visit a dealer and check out those you might buy, don't take the salesman word for it, read the sticker.

    I just checked your previous posts, and you seem to be thinking of the TV, as others have stated you need to match the TT to the TV or visa versa, but they need to be matched to have a good camping experience.
  • ...was hoping for anything I can add so I can remember to look for it.

    Even a small convenience that somebody went "oh that cool- I'm glad we have that" when they got their rv.
  • mbopp wrote:
    Our last trailer had spread axles and I hated them. Too much tire scuffing on tight turns. I wouldn't sweat solar ready. And tank size only matters if you plan to dry camp.


    Thanks

    These aren't all a must have.
    There are many on the list that are just a "yes or no" so when I have 10+ sheets in front of me, from different TTs, I can compare them next to their price.

    I wont be able to remember all their details.

    I plan on taking photos and/or vids of TTs I am interested in.
  • Our last trailer had spread axles and I hated them. Too much tire scuffing on tight turns. I wouldn't sweat solar ready. And tank size only matters if you plan to dry camp.
  • I'd do it a little different and prequalify the TTs for close inspection, ignoring all others...using Hershey for fit and finish only. Crawl under those chosen TTs too.
  • ScottG wrote:
    Just a thought but the U dinette looks great but the sides are often short and the back long. This makes room for the same 4 people that normal dinettes seat but it's harder to get to the back seat than to slide into the traditional side seats.
    The other side-effect of a U dinette is that the table itself is often much smaller.


    Interesting.

    U-shape isn't a "must have". I just saw them on most of the FPs I looked at. Will change to a 'U vs Normal' on my list and check sizes.

    Thanks
  • Just a thought but the U dinette looks great but the sides are often short and the back long. This makes room for the same 4 people that normal dinettes seat but it's harder to get to the back seat than to slide into the traditional side seats.
    The other side-effect of a U dinette is that the table itself is often much smaller.