bazaarsoft wrote:
We just went through a very similar experience, though we were specifically not looking for a bunk house floor plan (lots of those available around central TX). In any case, we found a used 2011 Nissan Armada (~$30k) with low miles (19K), over half the factory warranty still in effect, in great shape and a towing capacity of 9100lbs - plenty of head room for pretty much any TT we could afford.
I work at home so I only will drive the Armada occasionally so gas mileage was less important than capacity and comfort over long drives. And boy is it a really nice to ride in. Because the car was as new and had low mileage, i was able to get new car interest rates on it.
That left us with more $ to spend on the TT - we really wanted something that felt like "home" while we were on the road. We found a 2012 Dutchman that the dealer wanted badly to get off the lot to make room for the 2013's. So we got a big price break (right time to find those kinds of deals). It weighs 6500 dry so it's well under our towing capacity. Here's a tip: currently, Bank of America (of all places) is offering pretty good interest rates on RVs - beat all the credit unions I tried by almost half.
All in all, we actually spent less than our budget and couldn't be happier with the rig. Well, with only a single trip so far we don't have a lot of experience but so far we're quite satisfied.
The Nissan Armada payload is 1400lb max. Your loaded up TT will be about 8000lbs with a tongue wt of about 1040lbs. Passengers and cargo at about 500lbs. With 1540lbs on it, unfortunately your truck will be over loaded.
