Ok, so I'm completely new to the RV world. My wife and I are seriously considering purchasing a SMALL travel trailer. 15ft or shorter, for various reasons. Retail expense, vehicle towing capacity, and storage amongst the main concerns. Just don't want anything bigger than 15ft, and we're committed to not spending more than $10k.Right now we are really into the Travel Lite Idea i15 and the Travel Lite Express E15. It appears the Express (new) and the Idea (used) can be had for less than $10k.What I'd like some feedback regarding is as follows:1.) What else is out there aside from rvtrader.com and craigslist? And is there an online listing site the south-westerners prefer to use? I only ask because it seems like everything on rvtrader is either in the midwest or the south-east. 2.) My impression is that unless you drop some serious coin on something like an Airstream, that ANY brand is kind of a crapshoot in terms of overall quality and reliability. Unless my assumption is wrong and you can recommend a tried and true brand (that's not Airstream) :)3.) Buying used vs. buying new... Not opposed to buying used, but the the thing that has me worried about buying used is inheriting a lot of issues. I'm aware of the standard water damage inspection, and checking the seals on the roof, etc. Anything else I should make a priority for inspection? 4.) Any other sage wisdom for a complete newb?Thanks in advance!

First RV should always be used. Depending on your tow vehicle and load carrying capacity you may be good. But remember weight is not all of it. Height and wind resisted center also play a big part.

For a small travel trailer, I think I would at least consider a Park Liner, Egg Camper, Casita, Scamp, or similar molded fiberglass unit, probably used. (Here's a forum/site with information on these sorts of trailers in general, and a list of the current makes.)

see if you can rent one for a few trips. As you get used to it your desires may or may not change

What do you have to tow the trailer?

$10K says used, no matter what size.I don't know how long Travel Lite has been around, I've not seen their products in this part of the country. In this size range, I would be looking at "Egg" trailers with molded shells, notably Casita in the southern midwest, Scamp in the northern midwest, Escape in the far west (although Escape is no longer manufacturing smaller models). The basic structural integrity of molded shell campers in these small sizes makes them more likely candidates for being sound even when well used, compared to anything assembled as a box.There is actually a model called "EggCamper" being manufactured today (17 foot) but at $25,000 new it is out of your price range, and has not been around long enough to depreciate to $10K used.

RV Newb In Need of Advice | Good Sam Community

SuGar_Shack
Explorer
Jan 29, 2016
Lots of issues for first time besides cost but good to have a budget. Make another list of questions besides those you asked that might come from all the responses you got thus far. Then, do your research by visiting a few dealers and private sellers but do not let them suck you into a "deal" We have 20 yrs exp with RV's, now on our 6th one, and always buy used after bugs have been ironed out. Get someone experienced to go with you to look at a coupe that you might find through various searches online. I have looked all over a wide region, even nationally, to find the one I wanted, had my specs fairly well defined, and condition should always come into play. Lightly used and well maintained is best and many have not been abused, some have. Good luck and if you want more details, let me know.
bsinmich
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
One additional thing I thought of is. Are you thinking a short trailer is easier to back up when parking? That is totally incorrect. I learned from boats and then found it true of TTs also. The shorter the trailer the more difficult to back up.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jan 13, 2016
bsinmich wrote:
Along with water leaks the tires should be checked carefully. Some TT tires have a horrible reputation for blowing when fairly new. My experience has been with MHs since 1986 when we moved to them rather than TTS. I think the name was Carlisle for the bad experiences.
Agree totally. Check the manufacture date of the tires and note the brand. Being up to speed on this can give you some negotiating advantages.
Chock_Full_o__N
Explorer
Jan 12, 2016
Another vote for buying used. Most people don't really know what they want or need when they buy their first trailer. Oh, they may think they know, but until they've spent several or weeks living in the thing, slept on the beds, sat on the toidy, and tried to cook some meals in it, they really don't know if it's going to be a good fit.

Buy used and save some of the money you WOULD have spent toward your 2nd camper. Because it is not at ALL unusual for people to realize pretty shortly that the camper they chose is just not right for them and they want to trade it in. Trust me on this. :R
Gennaver
Explorer
Jan 12, 2016
logans_run wrote:
Ok, so I'm completely new to the RV world. My wife and I are seriously considering purchasing a SMALL travel trailer. 15ft or shorter, for various reasons. Retail expense, vehicle towing capacity, and storage amongst the main concerns. Just don't want anything bigger than 15ft, and we're committed to not spending more than $10k.

Right now we are really into the Travel Lite Idea i15 and the Travel Lite Express E15. It appears the Express (new) and the Idea (used) can be had for less than $10k.

What I'd like some feedback regarding is as follows:

1.) What else is out there aside from rvtrader.com and craigslist? And is there an online listing site the south-westerners prefer to use? I only ask because it seems like everything on rvtrader is either in the midwest or the south-east.

2.) My impression is that unless you drop some serious coin on something like an Airstream, that ANY brand is kind of a crapshoot in terms of overall quality and reliability. Unless my assumption is wrong and you can recommend a tried and true brand (that's not Airstream) :)

3.) Buying used vs. buying new... Not opposed to buying used, but the the thing that has me worried about buying used is inheriting a lot of issues. I'm aware of the standard water damage inspection, and checking the seals on the roof, etc. Anything else I should make a priority for inspection?

4.) Any other sage wisdom for a complete newb?

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

I picked up my refurbished Trillium 4500, which is 8x15, from someone in Ardmore Alabama for 5,500. So far I've only towed it home, (about 149 miles.) I towed with a Ford 150 truck and it went nicely.

Jen
p.s. I'm new to it also and launch into full time in less than a week.
ncrowley
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2016
If you have not lived in a small trailer before, you really ought to try it before you buy anything. Used will get you a better bang for your buck, for sure, and it does not mean you will have problems. Many people have problems when they buy a new trailer. You want a high quality, gently used and well maintained unit. But, as I said, you really ought to find a way to test the waters first. See if you can get a rental unit.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jan 10, 2016
logans_run wrote:

Right now we are really into the Travel Lite Idea i15 and the Travel Lite Express E15. It appears the Express (new) and the Idea (used) can be had for less than $10k.

Both of your choices are very nice. However, the Idea has some counter working space at the sink and the Express doesn't have any. The Idea has a shower; the Express has a tub.

Just a note on RV tubs. They aren't big enough for an adult so don't count on that. Depending on your age and agility, a tub is harder to get into. We'd choose a shower rather than a tub.

The light trailers will not be warm in colder weather and will be hot in warmer temps. They don't have double pane windows. It depends where and when you plan to use it.

Both only have a dinette to sit and usually they are not comfortable if you're stuck inside on a rainy day....but doable.

The floorplans are nice for a 15'. I really wouldn't worry about getting a used if you can check it out thoroughly. At that size many used ones might not have been used much because folks might feel the need to move up to a bigger size. If it works for you...go for it!

Best of luck finding your RV.
campigloo
Explorer
Jan 09, 2016
I think you should go to a show in your area. Look around and see what's out there. You can get some good general ideas about what you want. Leave a couple of salesmen your contact info in case they take in a nice trade. Your budget will dictate used but that works much to your advantage. You don't really even know if you'll like rv-ing. I've seen it happen many times, drop a big wad of cash to find out they hate the lifestyle or floor plan or towing or a myriad of other reasons. Good luck and have fun shopping!
bsinmich
Explorer
Jan 09, 2016
Along with water leaks the tires should be checked carefully. Some TT tires have a horrible reputation for blowing when fairly new. My experience has been with MHs since 1986 when we moved to them rather than TTS. I think the name was Carlisle for the bad experiences.
Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Jan 09, 2016
a small trailer has almost NO storage.. so storage is in Tow vehicle

and depends on you size and others staying in it...

Weekend Rent is best.. can you live in a small BOX???
you do not KNOW till you try..
and Tent camping is NOT the same. mentally.

best of luck.. and Yes .. if purchasing.. a few year old "Used" is best.. for a New person.. my opinion.

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