Hello, first post to the forums, browsed a bit, and I'm looking for recommendations for a new to me RVIm having my 4th child this Oct, so the old faithful 32 5P, is running short on space. So the wife would like to look at a new trailer. But since we only go camping a handful of times a year (may long weekend, into sept), I don't see me spending 80K on something. So ill be looking at used, or for end of year deals. Here is what we are looking for.- 4 Season (I'm in northern alberta, so it gets chilly at night. Don't plan to winter camp, but into sept, when we can see frost on the ground in the AM)- Quad Bunk, or similar, with a Queen Size in a separate room (not open, or just a curtain, but some form of dividing wall)- Large fridge- Separate bathroom entrance from outside would be a plus- Outside shower would be a plusWeight doesn't matter, I have two diesels, an 06 2500HD stock, and a compound turbo 2012 3500HD. 5th wheel or bumper pull.Trying to look at floor plans online is getting pretty painful, as they don't list prices. Ideally, id like to stay under 45k. As its not something we use regularly, and the kids are still small, and will be hitting the side of it with sticks.

Ok, first thing then, give the kids sticks when rubber furniture tips on the end. :B

I would look at a Toyhauler 5th wheel.The garage area allows for flexibility. Not only can you carry all the toys but the garage will convert to a sleeping area. The garage may provide:> Most come with the option of bunks, either fold down from the sidewall or drop down from the ceiling in the garage. > Some have a 1/2 bath> A play/entertainment area if the weather is bad> and more...Do your research on line and don't just stick to ads in Canada. Look in the US as well to find the floor plan(s) you like. Once you have a couple of models you would like to see, then do a search in your area for those models.

Here ya go.. Nash owned....Outdoors RV 4 season TT.. From Nash...Buy new.. 32K list but I am sure can be had in the 25K range...Black rock 26 bhs4 season package video..

IMHO, people who buy end of year sales RVs pay more than those who custom order exactly what they want never walked in from a few of the so called wholesale RV dealers in the midwest. If you want new, buy new. IF you want new, discounts should be on the order of 30-40% off MSRP. So you find something that is listed at $45k, that should be closer to $30k. I cannot think or anything TT other than Airstreams that should cost you more than $45k OTD. MSRPs are getting into that range, up too $50k. 5th wheels can easily exceed $45k OTD.Floorplan/floorplan/floorplan. Find the one you like. Once you do, you'll find something like 15 brands/models of various prices and minor differences to compare. If you are starting online, pick higher sales brand like Keystone, Forest River Inc, or Jayco and browse the various floorplans.5er vs. TT - There are general floorplan limitations for one system vs. the other, but generally you should find something that you like in either group. Pick the style based on number of entry steps, interior height, storage, use of truck bed, etc. They can both tow well. You have the truck for either type, although I will warn a 06 2500HD payload can easily get eaten up with a family and 10k pound 5er.I would advise against a toy hauler 5th wheel. You have a toy carrying space - the truck bed as long as you tow a TT. Toy haulers cost more than similar sized/featured TT or 5er non toy haulers. I don't see it making sense in your budget, at least new.For your specific requirements, here are a couple floorplan ideas. This is a variation on my favorite one. MAster bed on a slide, lots of space. 3-4 bunks depending on if you want the outdoor kitchen or not.This one became very popular 3-6 years ago. Access to the various spaces/fridge/pantry/bathroom with the slides in should be considered if it will be important to you or not.And this modified version of the last one with different bathroom access and island kitchen.

The 06, is my backup truck, and it wouldn't have the same capacity my 12 would have. I plan to replace the 06, with a long box. As its my backup truck for work, so swapping everything over is easier. I would prefer a bumper pull, so I don't have to pull my sled deck, but if the right trailer is a 5er, then so be it.Anyone recommend specific brands? I saw a few above, ill check out. Any others?Toy hauler would be good, as ill have bikes and all the other stuff, but everyone I know who has a toy hauler, says they can't keep the dust out of the back. My wife won't be happy cleaning it every time we drive to camp. before putting bedding on. Anyone else have this issue with the rear door seal?

Trailer Recommendation | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

opnspaces
Navigator III
Sep 21, 2015
The 4 seasons requirement is going to limit you a bit as only a few manufacturers have a true 4 season model. But for what you're describing with frost on the ground, I would think a model with a heated enclosed underbelly would possibly work. I'm thinking something like a Jayco 29QBS then add the Thermal package for the enclosed underbelly. It looks like it might have a solid sliding door for the master bedroom and an accordion for for the bunks.
Link
Fastpaddler
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
eichacsj wrote:
As for a TT, Northwood / and some models of Outdoors RV make the only ground up 4 season TT. Others have options to make them 4 season. 5th wheels I will defer to others.

Hi
I see you have an Arctic Fox 4 season trailer. I am looking for a trailer about your size which I can use all year as a second part time residence when I am on the Vancouver mainland. it would be plugged in on its own pad. Winter here goes down to barely freezing most of the time. Any tips or recommendations. I believe AF make one of the best built trailers.

thanks

Al
N49ATV
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
I didn't get a chance to look at video, where I am working right now has very poor cell service. So loading videos is hard. My boys are 1, 4, and 6, with a girl due in oct. I could put the two oldest boys in the top, and the youngest in the bottom. I could use the couch for the girl as she gets old enough. But that eliminates being able to use the living room while they go to bed. But I'm sure we can just sit by the fire, or under awning if its not the nicest out.

Ill run it by the wife. I do like the remaining features. But as much as I like it, I don't over rule the vito vote. Ill see what she says. It does look good.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
Our Keystone Bullet Premier 31BHPR meets most, if not all, of your listed needs. It has a rear bunk room with 2 upper bunks and a lower futon that opens to a king size bed. Seperate entrance into the bathroom. Good size fridge and large open seating area. The outside kitchen is great too except the 2nd fridge is electric only.It has an enclosed underbelly with ducted furnace and AC. We camp well into October without problems. Outdoor shower is between the slides so you can hang a curtain rod between them if you need privacy.

The only miss I see is the front bedroom. It has a wall with the entertainment unit between the living area and front bedroom, but curtains, no door to enter. It could be modified for doors.

Can be had for under $30k

Very happy with ours, no problems either. The same layout is available under a number of different brand names.

Pics and layout
eichacsj
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
As for a TT, Northwood / and some models of Outdoors RV make the only ground up 4 season TT. Others have options to make them 4 season. 5th wheels I will defer to others.
lawrosa
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
i don't see it as a quad bunk. Looks like a 2 bunk, table conversion, and sofa bed conversion.

Yes but the bunks are huge and sided on both sides.. These are full size beds...

How old are the kids?

If I told my 15 year old 6ft 1" son to sleep in one of those quad bunks he would have issues..

Put a 4-5 year old in the top bunk of a quad and tell me if you would worry about them falling off in their sleep...???

Just saying is all. Dont know the kids you have ages...

Did you see the vid? Maybe you are looking for something else or have different expectations about the childrens sleeping area..

I know the bigger beds the better.. Those small coffin bunks &#$% IMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=306&v=XdXxSrZDgSc
N49ATV
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
In looking at the black rock, i don't see it as a quad bunk. Looks like a 2 bunk, table conversion, and sofa bed conversion. Id prefer not to have to fold down the table everyday. as the wife and I might sit up for a bit after they go to bed. But other then that, it looks good. A few of their units look like good layouts. See if wife is ok with table collapse everyday.
lawrosa
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
Not too many good 4 season trailers out there but the new units from outdoors rv from nash are impressive...

They are in the links I posted..

You did state 4 season, and I probably would have nothing lower living in CND...

Having all the kids you have doing a large style bunkhouse with full beds gives kids lots of room.. as I linked

Less chance to fall out of the bunk because of walls on both sides. The other style bunk house units tell a 4 year old not to roll over in thier sleep...

Let the young ones sleep together..

When kids get bigger put one on sofa couch and one on dinette..

Also has the outside bath door you atated it should have..

Dont know how much better you can do then that unit .
N49ATV
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
The 06, is my backup truck, and it wouldn't have the same capacity my 12 would have. I plan to replace the 06, with a long box. As its my backup truck for work, so swapping everything over is easier.

I would prefer a bumper pull, so I don't have to pull my sled deck, but if the right trailer is a 5er, then so be it.

Anyone recommend specific brands? I saw a few above, ill check out. Any others?

Toy hauler would be good, as ill have bikes and all the other stuff, but everyone I know who has a toy hauler, says they can't keep the dust out of the back. My wife won't be happy cleaning it every time we drive to camp. before putting bedding on. Anyone else have this issue with the rear door seal?
APT
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
IMHO, people who buy end of year sales RVs pay more than those who custom order exactly what they want never walked in from a few of the so called wholesale RV dealers in the midwest. If you want new, buy new. IF you want new, discounts should be on the order of 30-40% off MSRP. So you find something that is listed at $45k, that should be closer to $30k. I cannot think or anything TT other than Airstreams that should cost you more than $45k OTD. MSRPs are getting into that range, up too $50k. 5th wheels can easily exceed $45k OTD.

Floorplan/floorplan/floorplan. Find the one you like. Once you do, you'll find something like 15 brands/models of various prices and minor differences to compare. If you are starting online, pick higher sales brand like Keystone, Forest River Inc, or Jayco and browse the various floorplans.

5er vs. TT - There are general floorplan limitations for one system vs. the other, but generally you should find something that you like in either group. Pick the style based on number of entry steps, interior height, storage, use of truck bed, etc. They can both tow well. You have the truck for either type, although I will warn a 06 2500HD payload can easily get eaten up with a family and 10k pound 5er.

I would advise against a toy hauler 5th wheel. You have a toy carrying space - the truck bed as long as you tow a TT. Toy haulers cost more than similar sized/featured TT or 5er non toy haulers. I don't see it making sense in your budget, at least new.

For your specific requirements, here are a couple floorplan ideas. This is a variation on my favorite one. MAster bed on a slide, lots of space. 3-4 bunks depending on if you want the outdoor kitchen or not.

This one became very popular 3-6 years ago. Access to the various spaces/fridge/pantry/bathroom with the slides in should be considered if it will be important to you or not.

And this modified version of the last one with different bathroom access and island kitchen.