Retired and ready to get into travel trailer camping

If you haven't RV'd before I'd suggest renting a few times to get the hang of it B4 investing in a vehicle that only depreciates.

Do some serious reading in the towing section, especially the Can I tow this with my truck" type posts. Once you understand the considerations in matching a truck to a trailer (Payload, Hitch wieght, Weight Distribution and sway control systems, etc) Then go pick out a trailer you like. Then find a truck that will give you a nice safety margin of a couple thousand lbs in towing and 400-500 of payload is my suggestion.

If your going to use the truck mainly for towing, consider a rear gear with more grunt, a 3.73 or 4.10, depending on weight of the trailer. Will give you more "get it moving/merging power" and not work the engine to death on hills.

Agreed. The biggest difference maker for 'happy' towing would be having more TV than you minimally need for your selected trailer. Towing with confidence is important, especially when new to towing.

For long distance towing, it is also very important to have a good quality reliable weight distribution / anti-sway setup. Start your search with the Equalizer 4-point hitch. It is the popular, been around forever choice. Several other good choices available with different selling points and price points.

Resist the urge to take the whole house with you when you travel. In these forum pages you can also find examples of 'lists' of what people pack into their trailers, what they consider 'essential' to have with them, etc. Also lots of good ideas for efficient storage.

On picking a TV, we went from a Dodge 1500 (big block V8) to a Chevy Duramax/Allison . Regardless of brand, I would go with a 3/4 ton weight truck for stability and really consider the extra $$ of diesel. The torque difference is amazing and is not just extra umphhh that you don't need. It makes a difference.

Happy Trailering.

ricskinner wrote:
We're retired and want to get into travel trailer camping to visit family in LA, MD, MA and National Parks. Considering used/new 22-28 ft ultra-lite TT. Seeking guidance on trailer as well as tow vehicle (do not currently have). Live in MA.

A lot of the decision-making depends on your personality. I think forums attract people who are really into optimizing and even perfecting things. I know I am like that. It's great when it all comes together, but it's an obstacle some times too. Not knowing you, we might want to know your priorities. The bottom line is, it's practically impossible to get it right the first time. OTOH, My parents just went out one day and bought a new TT, and got a lot of enjoyment out of it. It is definitely possible to over think it.

Most people say to decide on the TT first, then buy a suitable TV (tow vehicle). So that's probably good advice, except if have your heart set on a particular size or style of TV. But it's very easy to end up needing a bigger TV if you buy a combo that is near the upper limits of the TV. My first cardinal rule would be to buy more TV than you need. It will make for a MUCH happier experience.

I personally favor buying a used TT to figure things out, then upgrade in a year or two. Used trailers are notorious for leaking as they get older. A good rule of thumb IMO is to buy a three year old RV and sell it when it's eight years old. You get a good value in that range, and then get rid of it when it still looks decent but is getting to be a senior citizen.

My only suggestion is to not buy a TT that is also the same weight that your tow vehicle is able to tow. After several decades of carrying too much junk I am now at the point that most of my lower storage compartments are empty and I haven't missed anything yet. Be cautious when a salesman says "With that vehicle you can tow anything" unless it says Mack or Peterbuilt on the front. If you come here before purchase you will, most likely, find someone who has the same combo you are looking at.

We own a Jayco Jayflight and a F150 with the Eco boost engine,heavy duty payload package and tow package. We love the combination and haven't had any complaints.