Forum Discussion

HikinHoosier1's avatar
HikinHoosier1
Explorer
Aug 27, 2017

Request input (rookie)

Hi! Looking to retire in the spring. Have always tent camped but ready to upgrade. I'm wanting to travel out west and explore Nat'l Parks, etc. I've never towed anything {I'm female and my traveling companions are too). I've tossed around the idea of a hybrid travel trailer which will require an upgrade of my present vehicle. Then I've also considered a used motorhome but I can't afford or want something huge. I'm wanting to be comfortable if away from home for a stretch but don't want to be in over my head with maintenance, etc.
Whew, so many questions...
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2017
    Rent a few of each and give it a try. If you go with a class c you need to think of some way to see all the sights with out having to use the C (breaking camp to do day trips).
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Take a look at the Lance trailers which has a variety of small Trailers. Light, small but well built. Look for a used one but they are hard to find!
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Suggest you narrow down what you want to do first.

    # of residents on most trips
    Duration of most trips. ( 3 days, weeks, months)
    Conditions of most trips. (resort campgrounds, state and nat parks, boondocking in middle of nowhere)
    Your trips will not always fall within the same parameters, but you want to ensure you have the most frequent ones covered.

    My reason for the questions is because we dont know how large your water and wast tanks need to be, how many beds, Or where your going. All can change how you may want to get there.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2017
    "but don't want to be in over my head with maintenance"

    Maintenance is part of RV life. Those "in over their heads" are the ones who let the maintenance slide on their RV....such as checking tire air pressure daily.
  • maddog348's avatar
    maddog348
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    How many 'Companions' do you plan on travelling with. Even 2 xtra people can make a lot of difference JM2ยข
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Hybrid as in tent pop out sections? No way. Upgrade tow vehicle to pull a real TT.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2017
    Don't go too small. You might think you'll be out of it all the time doing things, but real life traveling is at times you need to stay inside for a while. This might be because it's raining terribly for the week, maybe cold and a few snow flakes, you may have eaten some bad food that's made you sick and you'll be in bed for a couple of days, it may be too hot outside (get a decent air conditioner), just don't buy something too small.

    Bill
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    If you are looking at a new tow vehicle and a trailer you might be better off with a gently used Class C. Then it's only one unit to maintain. Easy to drive, nothing in tow and can go to almost any state or fed park with ease. Good luck and enjoy your retirement..
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 27, 2017
    Hi,

    If not taking long trips a class B would be wonderful.

    For longer trips a 26 foot class C is what I chose.

    Do not buy new.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Tear Drop Camper? I consider that the first step up from tent camping.
    What is your present vehicle?

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