Hey All – I have started looking at 21’ to 26’ travel trailer for long weekend fishing trips. I’ll be using a 2009 Chevy Silverado as the tow vehicle and interested in micro lites. I was hoping to build a checklist of preferred items to look for when comparing different travel trailers. For example, I noticed that some pop-outs have an aluminum track and some use cables; which are preferred? Some tandem wheel carriages are closely spaced and some are further apart. I’d bet further apart to help minimize swaying and better stability. I was hoping to gather 3 or 4 items from you experienced pros to build a comprehensive list.I would also appreciate any lessons learns after their purchaseThanks for helping me be an informed buyer – let me know if you need any help with bass boats - DougFort Walton Beach, Florida

We really like our 20" TT, but IF IF IF I could wave a magic wand it would be for:MORE windows!A bed we could access from both sides.A small pantryAt least 1 slide out.If I could rob a bank.. I'd go purchase this one on the link tomorrow! If it's still there in spring we may go check it out.LOVE THIS - LOTS OF BRIGHT WINDOWS!

We met some F/T Rvers last summer, and they had had almost all the windows in their Class A mirrored (of course not the windshield). They invited us inside, and it felt like we were in a huge gold fish bowl, but from the outside you only saw reflections. At night you could see a little movement inside, but not much. What a great idea..

If I were you, I'd pay close attention to the construction and the materials used in the manufacture of the trailer. I love my Lance because it uses Azdel in the walls as opposed to Luaun (wood) so it can't rot, mold or mildew. The Lance also uses LitePly plywood, imported from Spain which is over 50% lighter than traditional wood used in travel trailers. Lance also offers 4 Season Packages (dual pane windows, heated enclosed holding tanks, etc)Good luck in your search!WoodGlue

When you go looking take a camera take lots of pictures. Once you look at three or four you will not remember one from the other. I found that pictures help me remember the little things each unit had to offer.

We just went through the process of looking/purchasing a smaller, lighter travel trailer and we spent a lot of time looking at a lot of trailers from many manufacturers. We were hoping to buy a higher end trailer, which seems to be hard to find. We looked at Jayco trailers because of their two year warranty, but found that their light weight trailers had a few shortcomings. We ended up buying a Winnebago Minnie 2201DS http://winnebagotowables.com/models/2014/minnie/2201DS.jpgReasons for purchasing:1) length @ weight met needs - I wanted the trailer to weigh under 6500 lbs. fully loaded.2) compared to others, fit and finish was better. 3. Ducted AC & heat.4. More storeage area than any other trailer of same size...great wardrobe and storeage cabinets in bathroom.5. Corner shower w/door.6. Outdoor kitchen....very nice feature for the way we like to camp.7. Maximum lenght awning (19'). Jayco is putting shorter than necessary awnings on many of their light weight trailers.8. Smooth exterior walls...they're laminated with fiberglass on the outside. Winnebago doesn't really provide any details on their wall construction but so far, I haven't experienced any problems. With laminated walls, I know that I'll have to be diligent about maintaining lap sealant, but my trailer is stored inside when not in use, so that really helps.9. And, the floorplan is one that meets our needs.10. Really like the electric awning!After purchasing the trailer, we took it to the factory to have a roof ladder installed, and factory service was excellent. I've only had a couple of minor issues....some plumbing fittings weren't adequately tightened under the kitchen sink and the kitchen faucet had to be tightened. But, everyone has their own preferences, so all you can do is look at a lot of trailers and find which units meet your needs and then compare construction and quality of materials.good luck!

What to Look for in Purchasing a Travel Trailer

34 Replies

craig7h
Nomad II
Nov 20, 2013
When you go looking take a camera take lots of pictures. Once you look at three or four you will not remember one from the other. I found that pictures help me remember the little things each unit had to offer.
WoodGlue
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013
If I were you, I'd pay close attention to the construction and the materials used in the manufacture of the trailer. I love my Lance because it uses Azdel in the walls as opposed to Luaun (wood) so it can't rot, mold or mildew. The Lance also uses LitePly plywood, imported from Spain which is over 50% lighter than traditional wood used in travel trailers. Lance also offers 4 Season Packages (dual pane windows, heated enclosed holding tanks, etc)

Good luck in your search!

WoodGlue
The_Dung_Beetle
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013
We met some F/T Rvers last summer, and they had had almost all the windows in their Class A mirrored (of course not the windshield). They invited us inside, and it felt like we were in a huge gold fish bowl, but from the outside you only saw reflections. At night you could see a little movement inside, but not much. What a great idea.
.
The_Dung_Beetle
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013
We really like our 20" TT, but IF IF IF I could wave a magic wand it would be for:

MORE windows!
A bed we could access from both sides.
A small pantry
At least 1 slide out.

If I could rob a bank.. I'd go purchase this one on the link tomorrow! If it's still there in spring we may go check it out.

LOVE THIS - LOTS OF BRIGHT WINDOWS!

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What to Look for in Purchasing a Travel Trailer

34 Replies

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