Ok we have been looking for a good under 30 ft motorhome.. just wife me and dog..didn’t want a toad so figured stay under 30Haven’t been able to find a A or a C used that didn’t have issues... thinking of going new if we can around 60k or lessNow we are seeing lots of TT’s and thinking I alread have a F150 4x4 5 liter V8 truck...What are the pros and cons of one over the other ???Do TT’s have onboard generators ??? How would my truck pull a decent sized one ???

Only a few travel trailers have on-board gens.

Truck is a 2013 crew cab Liarat with tow pkg.. also has trailer buttons on dash,,, don’t know what they do.. also has tow haul mode

Towing capacity is here:https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13flrv&tt_f150.pdfAs you can see, a lot of variables depending on rear axle ratio, engine, and other features.As for the dashboard buttons, probably the built in factory brake controller for the trailer brakes.

We had options years ago and decided, and still do to this day, to stick with a truck and a travel trailer (opposed to 5er or MH). Why? Because of the separation value. We don't have to have a Toad, and we can park the camper and use the tow vehicle to run around. There's pros and cons in every choice. This is our logic, your's can definitely be different, and that's perfectly OK. There are no rights or wrongs. All that matters is your decision fits your lifestyle and you are happy with it.From all that I've gathered, read, studied, and learned about truck size and RV trailer ownership, this seems to be a near-miss rule:F150 / 1500 vehicles OK to tow trailers (any kind) up to about 23 feet with no problem. (Gas)F250 / 2500 vehicles OK to tow trailers (of any kind) from 23 feet to 31-32 feet with no problem. (Gas)F350 / 3500 vehicles (single wheel) 31-36 foot trailers with no problem (Gas)F350 / 3500 vehicles (dual wheel) pretty much anything (Diesel), Dual wheel best for longer, heavier Fifth Wheel trailers. Diesel anything will tow the same trailer easier than it's sister gas model. Generators? I don't know of any travel trailers that come with generators, but have bumped into a few owners that modified their campers to have one permanently installed (very creative ways actually). Most travel trailer owners will carry a portable generator for those that camp off the grid.

Now we are thinking TT over MH.. need opinions | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

luberhill
Explorer
Jul 14, 2018
Yea I’m sure we will be sightseers for a few years, that and fall camping after the parks are closed, October,,the motorhome will probably be a better fit for us,,, if we can find one that isn’t best
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Jul 13, 2018
Eons ago (on this forum) someone posted these words of wisdom:

If you are sightseers and camp in a different spot each night, a motorhome is the easiest. If you are a "destination" camper - spending a few days or more in one location, then a trailer is the best setup.

For 10 years, we were sightseers and our 28' Class C was perfect. We could pull into a site in a downpour; and we never had to go outside. Just push the button, fire up the genny, and wait out the rain. Then for several years we tried snowbirding with a 28' 5er - you get SOOOO much more (usable) space in a trailer. Eventually, we tired of dragging around a trailer, so we bought a condo in FL, and now we're back to a small B-conversion for sightseeing and driving back and forth to the condo.
zcookiemonstar
Explorer
Jul 13, 2018
luberhill wrote:
I’ve towed boats and trailers before,, I’m sure I’d be fine...

It is not just about your ability towing. A boat and a camper are very different. Truck tow ratings are just a guide. Towing say 6k lbs on a open trailer is not the same as a 6k lbs tall enclosed box like a camper. That is one reason a lot a campers go unused. Dealers tell people your truck will tow this fine and it does going home but when they get loaded up to take a trip they find their truck cant handle it as easy as they thought.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
Another factor to consider are vehicle license fees and property taxes.

Here in Utah, I'd have to pay property taxes on a MH, but the TT only requires the VLF.

The trailer in my signature has some very nice features, like full access to kitchen and bath with the slide in, and lots of kitchen counter space. I also like the rear bath with a window and there's tons of storage. The model number does lie about the size, it really is a 26' box. We average 50 nights a year in ours.
luberhill
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
I’ve towed boats and trailers before,, I’m sure I’d be fine...
zcookiemonstar
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
The nice thing about having a vehicle you can tow with is as some one suggested you can go rent a couple different campers and try them out. This will help you decide what you may want and more important tell you how it is towing with your truck. If you don't have any experience with towing a trailer you may find your okay with it or it's not for you.
luberhill
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
I’m not in town now but I will... I know its a 2013 F150 Supercrew 4x4 Liarat with a factory tow package...
Locking rear diff auto 4x4 or manual.. not sure on anything else except it’s the 5.0 liter Coyote engine
bikendan
Explorer
Jul 11, 2018
Many recommend Lance but they cost more.
But until you post more info about your truck, like payload capacity, it's hard to recommend something.
luberhill
Explorer
Jul 11, 2018
So,,, whats a well made brand that my truck would pull? I’m thinking around 24 or 26 ft ??
luberhill
Explorer
Jul 10, 2018
One nice thing about a mh is drIving down the road you can be making dinner, wife could use the bathroom,, if it’s pouring rain you don’t have to go outside...pluses and minuses I guess