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RMG-FG's avatar
RMG-FG
Explorer
Dec 21, 2014

Another Newbie Trailer choice

Spent the better part of the past two months preparing to change a lot of stress in our life. House is sold. We are leaving by Jan 1. That gives us the better part of a few days to decide on one of the trailers we are considering. We have a beautiful space near work as we are under contract for the next year and a half. After this we plan to host at state parks and travel. Everyone has stated bigger is better......and we have the choice of even a very nice 30 ft with super slide used model. However we keep returning to a Terry 26' with super slide. We are a family of just 3; husband and 13 year old daughter and I. This one is the choice we all really love due to the set-up and style. We live in Fl so weather is not so much an issue. Vehicle will be purchased before we leave and will fit to the travel trailer so not a problem. We were thinking that it will be easier to pull. We have traveled and came as close to full time camping for many months at a time in the past without problems. We also have two chihuahuas whom weigh less then 5 lbs put together and sleep or are right against my husband or I all the time. Every other camper where we are going and in the area are very large so I am hesitating on this but keep coming back to it. Any advice? Going to purchase between tomorrow and Tues. All been checked mechanically and are good. The one we like needs the roof cleaned and sealed again. Apparantly there were a few leaks that have been fixed but seller is honest on this fact that it needs to be redone. Thanks for any thoughts from the experienced......

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  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Dec 21, 2014
    intheburbs wrote:
    Maybe I'm too narrow-minded, but leaks are a deal-breaker for me. As previously stated, you can't just inspect the area around the leak. The water might have pooled anywhere. There are so many used rigs for sale out there, no reason to compromise.


    I feel the same way. There are lots of used trailers out there so you can always find something that has not leaked.
  • scbwr's avatar
    scbwr
    Explorer II
    Dec 21, 2014
    My wife and I travel in a 26'9" travel trailer and it's fine for the two of us for even longer trips (4-7 weeks). However, if I was going to be full time in a travel trailer, I would want something around 30' with living room and bedroom slide. Add a teenage daughter, and I think you need at least this amount of room, even staying in warmer climates where you can spend time outside. If you are going to make the move, get a 3/4 ton truck and a larger trailer. When the daughter is out and on her own, you can downsize and will know better what your needs are at that point in time. You also have to think of storage space and, a teenage girl needs her space and privacy.
    I hope everything goes well....enjoy!!
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2014
    I think that Terry is one of the lower budget models, not the higher end that might last while living in it for a couple of years.

    What brand is the 30 foot RV?

    How much space will the RV really have? On a rainy day, it will get smaller, they seem to shrink in a week long storm. Also how stable will it be in the winds? Will it tend to move around? Fifth wheels tend to be much heavier, and have about 2,500 pounds on the front jacks, so they do not sway in the breeze. You don't want a little wiggling in the front bedroom or wind to cause giggling in the living room.

    I have been in my friend's 31' Terry, with a large slide and rear bathroom. It had a large queen bed up front, and was just about right for their family, 2 adults and 1 child. It did seem a bit more crowded when my wife and I visited for a while (we slept in our motorhome). The dinette was a bit crowded with 4 adults.

    Hopefully you will get a fairly large awning, and if you have heard of a "California Room" look into one of those. It basically encloses the awning, so you can have a bug free outdoors area. .

    Have fun!

    Fred.
  • intheburbs's avatar
    intheburbs
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2014
    Maybe I'm too narrow-minded, but leaks are a deal-breaker for me. As previously stated, you can't just inspect the area around the leak. The water might have pooled anywhere. There are so many used rigs for sale out there, no reason to compromise.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2014
    downtheroad wrote:
    Welcome to the Forum...
    >Very little difference between how a 26 ft. and 30 ft. will tow and handle.
    >Pick the floor plan that fits you best.
    >Get a big enough vehicle to handle whatever you get and then some.
    >Don't use towing ratings - use PAYLOAD when buying a vehicle.

    I'd be most concerned about these, "leaks". Leaks are a HUGE issue. Lots more damage than meets the eye can be the result of a leak...even if the leak has been fixed.

    Good luck with it.


    x2

    More to the point of "LEAKS". The important thing is not that it's been found & repaired, but for HOW LONG WAS IT LEAKING. That can be very difficult to determine without an extensive inspection. Water will take the path of least resistance. The area itself at which a leak occurs may reveal nothing much, but damage over time may have actually occurred some distance away. IMHO
  • jmtandem's avatar
    jmtandem
    Explorer II
    Dec 21, 2014
    If you plan to live in the TT full time I would certainly go as big as possible. And some are made for full time living and others more for just occasional recreational usage. I would look for something that has a nice slide and is four season certified. That extra insulation also works for hot weather as well as cold. You might look into an Arctic Fox as they appear to be well made.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2014
    Welcome to the Forum...
    >Very little difference between how a 26 ft. and 30 ft. will tow and handle.
    >Pick the floor plan that fits you best.
    >Get a big enough vehicle to handle whatever you get and then some.
    >Don't use towing ratings - use PAYLOAD when buying a vehicle.

    I'd be most concerned about these, "leaks". Leaks are a HUGE issue. Lots more damage than meets the eye can be the result of a leak...even if the leak has been fixed.

    Good luck with it.
  • GaryWT's avatar
    GaryWT
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2014
    Bottom line is go with the one you love the most, just be sure there is no damage or mold from the leaks. If you go with the other you may always wish you went with the one you loved. Enjoy and good luck.

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