We began small and grew over the years into the 40' RV size. Both in a Class A and 5th wheel.We have been looking at getting out of the Class A triple slide pusher into something more grandkid friendly I keep telling myself. But I am starting to wonder if this is really the reason for downsizing into a less expensive RV. In our search we started looking at TT in the under or around 30' size. Before long it moved back into the 36' to 40' 5 slide 5th wheel selections. I had closed a deal on a Wildcat 35' (40'overall length) bath and a half, but had a family matter arise that had to be taken care of and didn't close the deal to ownership level.But, while looking and looking and looking I have also come across a travel trailer that is a discontinued brand by Keystone RV called the Vantage. The Vantage is a 29' travel trailer that looks like an Airstream covered in grey fiberglass....kind of. Meaning that it is very aerodynamic and wide body design. Over all length of 34' and about 10'4" in height with a total loaded weight max of 8,800#. My 2013 F350 diesel wouldn't even know it was there. The frame design on the Vantage is a bolted together with limited welding construction. IE: not a Lippert frame. The Vantage also has only one shallow slide out.While I am impressed with the Vantage, I think what I am realizing is that one of the features I am really liking about the set up in the size.

Part 2Over the years of RVing in the big luxury appointed RVs I feel that when we go out all we have done is traded locations as to where we sit in doors to watch TV, read a book or cruise the internet. We are limited in size as to where we can park as we require high clearance due to the 13' height of the motor home not to mention 50amp service to power 3 air conditioners and appliances.Don't get me wrong, it is nice. But I guess I miss the more basic pleasures of RVing like spending time outdoors, meeting fellow RVers, being able to fit into a site with low hanging tree branches that provide shade. Smaller sites many times offer more privacy when surrounded by trees. We are members of Thousand Trails, yet can't or don't use our membership due to the size of the sites and availability of 50amp service.I look at the move from three slide out to one as a welcome feature, less maintance, less future problems, less interior floor space to clean. I know I could go with a 30' triple slide travel trailer and have more room, but for some reason simple seems right.Has anyone else ever faced this feel of needs vs wants vs extreme vs compact vs simple vs complicated.Anyone else felt the desire to downsize and find that doing so was the right direction to go?

We started with a 21' TT and now we have a 28' MH. I think its just the right size for us but my DW would like something bigger. I doubt we will change.

OH yea, I may have left out the fact that my wife really would miss the room, 4 door frig, washer/dryer, king size bed, big kitchen, and not having to get out the a truck to walk back to a trailer to use the restroom while on the road.And as we all know, if Momma ain't happy, ain't no body happy.Yet, she has said "if this is the direction you want to try, let's do it".

We started with a 28' Class C and upgraded to a 34' Class A with no slides and now we have a 36' Class A with one slide.We like it for now but as always, we will see where life leads.

tenbear wrote:We started with a 21' TT and now we have a 28' MH. I think its just the right size for us but my DW would like something bigger. I doubt we will change.One of my favorite RV trips was going from DFW to Disney World a few years ago. The wife, myself and grand daughter in a Class C 31' no slide out V10 powered Jayco bottom of the line motorhome. Could have used a second a/c unit, but we had a blast. I bought that Class C on Ebay and sold it here local. My grand daughter cried when it sold even though we had purchased the 40 3 slide pusher coach. It was the adventure to her, not the surroundings. Maybe that's what I looking to find again.

Do you ever wish you had went smaller in RV choice?

path1
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
Over the years for some reason atleast with us, all sizes large or small get filled with "stuff" to the max. But we have fun no matter the size.
jfkmk
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
We had a 21' class C. We enjoyed it a lot, but it was a pain to find a parking space when we went into town, and mileage was terrible. Bought a 17' TT and love it. Very convenient, can park it anywhere, love being able to leave it at the campsite and just drive around the tow vehicle, getting much better mileage. Our trailer is usually one of the smallest trailers at camp, but we don't mind and love it. I look around at the massive trailers and motor homes, with outdoor TV, indoor fireplace and wonder why even go camping in the first place? We both work and camp on the weekends and vacations. Maybe when we retire we'll get something bigger for longer trips, but for now, small is perfect.
RoadXYZ
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2013
Matt_Colie wrote:
After years of car camping, tent camping, sailboats, Bs, Cs & TTs, we have finally settled into an antique (I can fix anything it has) tiny Class A. Except for parking structures with low clearance, we can go any place a big van can go. We don't tow, but we carry a pair of inflatable bicycles to get around if we don't choose to move the coach.

It works for us. And it is all paid for.... Matt

"a pair of inflatable bicycles" ? huh?
colliehauler
Explorer III
Nov 03, 2013
To answer your question yes. I kept the big 5er and bought a small trailer to boondock. The small trailer gets a lot more use. I guess it boils down to where you like to camp.
RGar974417
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
Haven't downsized,but have no wish to ever go bigger.Yes,more room is nice,but we only spend a few weeks a year in the trailer.The fact that we can fit in many places larger units can't is also a big deal to us.We prefer state and forest service campgrounds and out 25 ft TT fits in most of their campgrounds.
jonrjen
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
For some reason I am giving some very very serious thought to going with the Vantage 29RL and giving it a try. I really like the youtube video showing how they were assembled. They look very well thought out and again I really like how the frame is manufactured. Not to mention as I understand it there were less than 504 of these ever produced before the brand was discontinued.

And push comes to shove I can always move up in size if we use the rv enough to justify doing so.

But please keep the comments coming, I love the stories and thoughts shared.
arnko37
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
I downsized from a 38ft Newmar class A to a 30 ft 5th wheel w/ one slide. I had it with all the automatic features of the class A, too much to go wrong. There was always something that needed repair. If I ever trade again it will be for something a couple feet shorter. I am more relaxed traveling now as I can handle many of the things that are apt to happen, flat tires etc.
69_Avion
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
I have a 34' Avion triple axle trailer that hasn't been used in years. Someone stopped by yesterday (happens every few months) to see if I would sell it. The answer is always, NO. I'm keeping it, but I really don't know why.
I have an Avion C-11 camper that I made a trailer for. It is what my family of 3 uses regularly. Even though I have the larger trailer, I can't take it back where I can take the shorter one with better ground clearance. If you are the type that stays on paved roads and always parks in large campsites, stays inside the trailer when camping, and watches TV or other electrical items while camping, then larger is probably better. For me, if I'm going to do that I'll just stay at home.
For us, boondocking is more fun than staying at a campsite close to strangers. Checking out the back country is something that most campers never see. It really is a lifestyle that you decide you want, that should be a determining factor as to what type of RV you will need.

Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.
Lumpty
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
In 2002 I bought an 8 year old used 29' Class C that was my first RV. In the grand scheme of things it was not huge, but during the three years I owned it I realized something slightly smaller would probably be the sweet spot for size given how we used it and where we liked to go.

Fast forward to 2011 when we found ourselves shopping for RV#2. Budget was not that much of a concern, so I found myself gravitating towards Class A's in the 30 to 32' range. At least I was smart enough knowing my experiences with "big" before to condition the deal I'd made on one to being able to acceptably get it in my driveway and back through the stone drive to where it would be parked at home. It turned out to be possible, but only barely. Pulled the plug on that, and kept looking, finding exactly the simple 24' Class C model I had in mind complete with the E450 chassis upgrade I was after. Every now and then I wish I had a slide, and maybe another place to sit inside other than the dinette, but then when on the road snap out of it because I can get fuel at any service station that can accommodate a dually pick-up, park in a normal space if I can overhang the back, and do the driveway at home frontwards, backwards and practically sideways, and set-up anywhere. Nothing overwhelming with any of the systems or mechanicals. Two and a half years later I'm still satisfied with my decision.
jonrjen
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
Starting to sound like more RVers than I would have ever thought actually own more than on RV. And many seem to prefer the smaller KISS (keep it simple stupid) model.
Part of my problem and complaint is that with the large RV that includes all the comforts of home make me too complacent when camping. I'm tired of the $50 a night RV Resorts that are manicured to perfection as I look out the window of my recliner as I sip an adult beverage.
Maybe I need to develop a little cabin fever that makes me get out and enjoy the journey, do a little exploring. Not to mention a little exercise wouldn't hurt...in moderation of course.
My Thousand Trails membership cost me the same every year whether I use my free 50 nights a year or not. I may as well take what I pay for.....right?

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