Travel Trailer Purchase

SoundGuy wrote:

Won't do the OP a darned bit of good if he/she can't tow it. :S Definitively establishing just how much trailer any vehicle can safely tow should come first and foremost every time, long before floorplan is considered. ;)

Not every time. Some people (like me) don't have a tow vehicle yet. First I decide what floorplan I want, and then I pick a vehicle that can tow it. In fact, if I decide that I'm going to live in it at an RV park and not travel (which may happen some day) I can just hire someone to move it. I could also rent a truck to take it out for a weekend.

You may as well ask, "How high is up?" There are many, many, floorplans and manufacturers of trailers and no one can advise you on which is best for you. I am not familiar with your tow vehicle but you do need to research how much you can safely tow after you load your TV with everything including passengers. Then get yourself to an RV show and check out what is being offered. You could also just go to different dealers and accomplish the same thing but at an RV show they are all in one place. The advice to leave your wallet at home is great advice. Decide how many slide-outs, if any you need. Check out the layout of the different kitchens and find out which works best for how you use it. Make sure the bathroom is usable and there is sufficient space to take a shower or use the toilet. Check out the size of the holding tanks and determine if they are big enough for the way you will be camping. Understand you need to consider both outside living of the TT as well as how space would be used when you hit a rainy patch and everyone is cooped up inside. All of these wants and needs will be dictated by the size of your budget and the capability of your Tow Vehicle. You also have to budget for setting up your TV to tow whatever you buy. You will likely need a trailer brake and a weight distribution/anti-sway hitch.

This is the fun part. Do your research and find out what works for you and your family. There is no one perfect TT or one best manufacturer, but there is one that is best for you. You just have to go find it.

The payload will be your limiting factor. Check the drivers door for a yellow sticker, find the payload on that. From that you'll need to subtract the weight of all people and gear you will be carrying in the vehicle. What remains should be close to your limit as far as tongue weight. I suspect you will be over that well before you get to pull a 9000# trailer.

So I drive a 2012 Nissan Titan SL full CAB Rated @ about 9000 Lbs Towing Capacity. There are 4 members in my house hold. Trying to get a feel from what other RV owners have been experiencing good and bad with the type and model of RV's. I have been looking at all models and floor plans.

azdryheat wrote:
Buy the floorplan you like the best.

Won't do the OP a darned bit of good if he/she can't tow it. :S Definitively establishing just how much trailer any vehicle can safely tow should come first and foremost every time, long before floorplan is considered. ;)

Start with the floorplan. Most floorplans have 10+ brands/models that are same to similar. After floorplan, then you can compare those brands.

You need to do your homework on your tow vehicle capacity first. And DON'T listen if a salesman says "sure, you can tow that,no problem."
Then it's wide open. How many are going camping with you? Bunkhouse? Rear bath, rear kitchen, rear living area? Travel trailer or 5th wheel (if the truck is big enough?)
Thor and Forest River now have 90%+ of the RV market. You can sort out the entry level trailers then move up from there.

Buy the floorplan you like the best.

Buy the floorplan you like the best.

Check the tow capacity of your tow vehicle and that will likely narrow it down some already. Do post more about what you want as I know folks here will help. Good luck!