New TT Purchase Recomendation

Hey NJ neighbor...

They look like typical large large travel trailers.. Id go with the cruiser as its got a lighter tongue and 600 lbs more capacity...( put more stuff in it.

With bother your looking at over 1000 lbs tongu weight when loaded...

1. Get a good WD hitch with the right weight bars... 1200 lbs maybe 1400lbs.
2. I hope you have a 3/4 or 1 ton truck... With that camper I am sure you have people coming with you .. Its all about the payload...
3. I dont think cruiser is owned by Forrest river or thor so I cant be sure... This would be a good thing...
4, Cruiser has the better tub... not that angles junk...

Thats a lot of trailer man!!! This is going to be your first one????


You want something a bit nicer IMO look at the apex 289TBSS is you have a coachmen dealer near you..

These are lighter and I prefer the decour better... But thats me.. But 1800 lbs carrying only.. But only a 7500 lb trailer... Can whip it around better IMO and less white knuckles..

http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=62&ModelID=2076#Main

probably can be had for around 18,ooo$

https://www.keystonervcenter.com/2018-coachmen-apex-289tbss-new-travel-trailer-pa-i2137409

II like a full wall seperating the master too... I dislike that split desighn TV thing...


If you got $$$$ look at the grand designs...

But very heavy...

https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2018/travel-trailer/reflection/floorplans/312bhts

Let's first start with what tow vehicle will you be using and its specs, including payload capacity.

Hello Lawrosa,

Thanks for the info! The whole thing has definitely been an interesting process, there is so much info out there.

This will be our first TT, but by no means first towing experience. I have owned/trailered boats for years and construction equipment on trailers. I do realize that TT's handle completely different than boats etc., but I feel comfortable trailering in that range. I purposely rented a 33ft Forest River Surveyor so I could be within that range and try it out. I haven't 100% given up on a 33ft, but I feel we can get everything I want in that 35ft length.

WD will be an Equal-I-zer set up. I want the 1,400, thats what we used when we rented and I liked the set up and ease of use with the bars.

F250 tow vehicle, so should not have a problem there. Just trying to get a feel on the thoughts on the trailer brands. I will definitely look at your recommendations.

Thanks

Search this forum for the make/model to see what has already been posted. Much faster and more thorough that waiting around hoping someone will see your post.

Things to look at with campers...

1. Campers with sinks in slide have a flex hose that are prone to breaking.. Flooding
2Finding models that work with slides in are hard to find, but they are out there... Some block the bath or TV, or refridge etc.
3 refridge in slide common to have cooling issues due to no roof top vent
4 TV positions pretty much stink in most RV's..

Im partial to coachmen so I posted that model.. Not sure where you are in NJ.. Dealers dont carry all brands. My SBX I got from PA becuase no one could beat the 1299 price tag.. Everyone in NJ ( South egg harbor) were 2500-3000 more, and would not speacial order mine with the full wall separating master and rest of RV. They all came with that 1/2 wall cut out thing...

Plus those outside kitchens? Love them or hate them... I hate them and reater have the storage... You need to think where to put the chairs, grills, games, small generator, etc etc etc..

I like the LE here... Plain and simple. Slide in doesnt block movement.

3 colors to chose from, and light weight...

Not sure how many kids you have or where you plan to camp..

IMO camper is for sleeping... your out most the time doing stuff...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi3xXF1RpKc

There are other one off brands too..

Palamino
Crossroads
grand design

since you're in NJ, check out RVDirect. they are a huge online RV dealer but have sticks and bricks dealerships in your area.

Others have given suggestions on trailer selection and have offered valid points, Let me suggest you consider another area. Selection of your dealer.
If you plan to remain in the area where you are currently living, check the dealers you have visited for reviews, and BBB ratings. Yes, sometimes they can mislead, many folks say throw out the one or two highest and lowest and then look at the averages, but it may offer insight.
Call each dealers service dept, posing as someone with a trailer needing repair, and inquire as to how soon they could get you in for maybe a refrigerator replacement or roof sealing. If its months, you'll know what to expect for delays. Looking at units with license plates still attached on the lot to determine how much dirt is on them can help determine how long they have languished there also.
Ask the dealers for a list of all their Fees and add on items. Unscrupulous dealers advertise low prices, but then add thousands of dollars to the final contract for items like, Shipping, Dealer prep, PDI fee, Documentation fees, these are all negotiable, and should be put on display up front, not after the price is determined.

Take some time to consider each step along the way to your purchase, I can gurantee you the dealers have, some will make it an easy experience and try to make you comfortable. Some will put their effort into high pressure tactics and squeezing every dollar from you that they can.

We have a '13 Premier 31BHPR which has served us well. It is the lightest trailer you'll find for its size and tows great. Build quality is good to. No issues at all for the first few years. I have noticed recently that the storage doors up front are showing signs of water damage. Can't see where it's coming from but it's a minor fix.

Thanks everyone, this is really great info. I did try to search for the premier and shadow cruiser prior to posting but I did not find a lot of info on either brand in the forums. Most of the shadow cruiser stuff was related to slide in campers.

I realize that all companies have their issues with builds from time to time. I just want to make sure we are not getting a brand that would be a nightmare to get service on. I know there are a decent amount of keystone dealers, but I have not seen a lot of cruiser dealers.

KerrlakeRoo, you are absolutely correct. I think I have found at least two dealers that I would like to do business with. But there have definitely been a few that I could not get out of quick enough!

Camp-n-family, thanks for the info on the premier. I haven't seen a trailer yet that has that weight with the same offerings.