Forum Discussion

logans_run's avatar
logans_run
Explorer
Jan 09, 2016

RV Newb In Need of Advice

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!
  • Riverside RV - custom trailers is in Northern, Indiana. That's a little distance from where you're located. But, these campers are absolutely fantastic! We stopped in on them this last summer. Have you considered a tear drop style camper, or a new remake of a "retro" model?





  • Often times buying new comes with some issues. The manufacturers rush them through, letting dealer, and new owner repair the shoddy workmanship. It will be done under warranty, but a pain taking back to dealer, then waiting, when you could be camping. This is one reason a lightly used, couple year old model may work better for you. It should have these issues resolved, and will have already taken the depreciation hit.

    Jerry
  • Travel-lite had some mfg issues. A few horror stories with 2011 to 2013 models,I think. Do a search here on the model you are looking at.

    I had a 2004 TC and the quality was OK.
  • $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.
  • see if you can rent one for a few trips. As you get used to it your desires may or may not change
  • 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.)
  • 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.