RV Newb In Need of Advice

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.