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......

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.

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.

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 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.x2More 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

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.

Another Newbie Trailer choice | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

dadmomh
Explorer
Dec 24, 2014
Before you decide on a gently used model, have you looked online at RVWholesalers in OH or RVDirect? RVD has a couple of locations and not sure where they are. You might be able to manage a new trailer with warranty with their excellent pricing. Since you have a bit of flex time, you could make a drive to pick it up, get a thorough PDI and be on your way.

A '97 model is getting up there in age and may involve more R & R than it appears on the surface.

RVW does not post sales prices, but they do post mostly fictional MSRP. You can guesstimate about 30 - 35% off that and maybe better this time of the year. Strongly suggest at least a look.
RMG-FG
Explorer
Dec 24, 2014
Absolutely was researching the truck. It will be in one spot the next 5 months -work contract here. When we leave, we are going to be trading my very precious little car for a new truck. Fitting the truck to the camper. We have almost narrowed it down to a fifth wheel. The lite would be easier to tow but just a little wary of if it holds as well under ft use. The other two are both 28 ft (going to see on Monday) and full size.
xteacher
Explorer
Dec 24, 2014
I wouldn't tow a 5th wheel unless you had a 250/2500 truck to pull it with.
RMG-FG
Explorer
Dec 24, 2014
more help please-quick question about a light fifth wheel (1999 catalina 28'). Any difference in the fifth wheel models in regards to how they hold up with light material? Thanks and happy holidays.
dadmomh
Explorer
Dec 21, 2014
I was all for the 26' until the "L" word came out. Sorry, that is just a huge repair waiting to happen. Strongly suggest you keep looking.
RMG-FG
Explorer
Dec 21, 2014
Oh thanks about the advice for leaks. I think we need to let go of the 26' (smile).
Earl_E
Explorer
Dec 21, 2014
I'd be concerned about the leaks, too. You just don't know what damage it did until you find out--often too late. While you love the 26' I would agree with others that you might find yourself getting really claustrophobic when you end up have to be in it for a week of rain or cold weather. I'm usually not one of the bigger is better people but we full-timed in a 32' fiver with one dog and it could even get small after while--and it's not near as big as most buy!

On the other hand if you buy what you love, it's probably not that expensive and you can always buy another one. Very few of us get it right the first time!
fallsrider
Explorer
Dec 21, 2014
Deleted.
fallsrider
Explorer
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 agree completely.
RMG-FG
Explorer
Dec 21, 2014
Thanks so much for the replies. The 30' is a Coachmen Royal with super slide; it's a 1997 but kept up very well. We did think about the fifth wheels and there are more of those for our budget (especially Catalina's) but intimidate us a little with moving them later. We did think to keep it 'present' and trade it in later when we are on our own and still up there (more a probability then possibility). Never sure about the winds-we are in central Florida (between Ocala and Orlando). I have watched the other rv's and campers carefully through our more major storms and no problems have occurred (usually we are in the middle of them delivering), though I was definately forewarned about the shaking. Thank you so much; you helped a lot with that. Oh, the 'california room' is now up on the list (smile) for sure. Our goal here is to basically keep our savings so we can retire freely with no stress in the next 10 years- we are keeping everything budgeted; even the camper. No payments. No more property taxes (rising every 6 months it seems).