comprehensive book or article needed

A few things I've learned in my 1st year of TT ownership first hand or from talking to fellow campers where I've stayed.


1. Keep in mind the destination.
- Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RV/TTs (i.e. state parks)
- Some campgrounds have limitations of type of TT (i.e. fishing bridge in yellowstone national park does not allow tent campers due to bear activity).
- Some campgrounds have limited pull-through, you'll need to back that thing up! Some people don't like to do that.

2. Just because your tow vehicle says it can tow the TT doesn't mean it can do it WELL. Sure a 3500lb rated vehicle can tow 3000+lb TT on flat ground, but may (will) have issues going up/down mountain roads, especially steep ones.


3. Sway control / WD hitch is your friend. Dealer tossed mine in free when i purchased TT. Ask for deals!

4. You tube is also your friend. Good videos showcasing models (can save you 1-2 hour of wasted drive time).

5. Manufacturer websites are your friend too! Research specs, including inside hight! I looked at one TT and really displiked it because the ceiling was so low in comparision to others with similar layout/features - it felt really claustrophobic.

What I did, check all local dealer websites looking for ones that fit my criteria. After narrowing down list, went to manufacturer websites to get more detailed specs. Then went to visit local dealers to see them first hand. Sometimes, pictures don't show entire story.

Never get over confident, leave plenty of following distance. Things get ugly real fast when towing.

Rule number one for a newbie, ignore "tow capacity", it is an incredibly asterisked number, look at the yellow payload sticker on the door. Rule number two, ignore the "dry tongue weight", rule number three, ignore it when the truck or trailer salesman says,"you'll be fine towing that with that". While there is a constant conflict between the "weight police" and the "Detroit builds in a safety margin, you'll be fine with a 1/2 ton" crowd, you need to determine how heavy a trailer you want to tow, and what the loaded tongue weight is, then determine what type of properly equipped truck you will need to tow it.

Everything you need to know is on this forum. Get comfortable and read away. Ask questions when you have specific things you want to know.

Although it has not been said, the smartest thing you can do is start with a used RV, something 4-7 years old. Us it for a year or two and you will have a much better idea of what you really want.

Anything longer than 16'-18' will need two axles. Not so much the load, but it will ride better.

Class III trailers (3,500lbs-6,000lbs) and up you will want a weight distribution hitch. Again, it is a ride issue.

There is a consumer research site that rates RV's and a whole ton of other RV related stuff. Requires purchasing a subscription Clicky

Welcome. Here’s a couple ideas.
Get very familiar with all weight ratings and what they mean. Both truck and trailer.
Realize that, for the most part, brand doesn’t really matter. You can find the same 2 models, but one of them will be really horribly put together and the other is fine.
Go to every dealer around you.
Start a notebook. You will never be able to remember everything you see.
Check Craigslist for RV’s and go look at the sizes you are interested in.

Good luck and have fun searching.

When we started out, we thought about how much usage the trailer would get. 3 days a month, 40 days a year--and how many days the rig would sit next to the house while payments were on going.
Then how might we use the rig? Campgrounds, resorts, boondocking, long road trips, hot or cold weather?
Used vs. new?
We came up with this; a well built 22 ft (which actually ended up at 25 ft)-New- a sofa-and the largest holding tanks available for that size. Not sorry that we did this. We've owned several trailer since then (1 a horribly made fifth wheel), and after 12 years, have settled on an affordable well made, 24RKS that will fit in most campgrounds.
And we USE it as often as possible. Happy hunting.

I tow a small single axle hybrid trailer, and can testify that tandem axles are more stable, generally ride smoother, and provide a safety margin and convenience in the event of tire or bearing failure.
I was limited to small, light trailers by my two light duty tow vehicles.

drsteve wrote:
The first step is to decide on a TT before you buy a tow vehicle. The RV world is full of first timers who bought a truck only to find it would not pull the TT they eventually decided to buy.

x1000

Also, as far as something in the 22' range, anything that big is likely going to be tandem axle.... unless it a really small body length and the "22 feet" is tip of hitch to tail of rear bumper.

Nearly ALL manufacturers use a number to describe the model, which implies that's the length of the RV, but that is very misleading in many cases.

Always look at the specs of the rig to determine its actual length.

One case I can point out is Arctic Fox. The have 3 models with "25" in the number, a 25R, 25W and 25Y. The 25R is much shorter than the Y and W models. You can see the obvious difference in length just looking at these floor plans: http://northwoodmfg.com/arctic-fox-2/classic/

Other things to factor in to the equation of what to get - how much space do you have at home to park it? Can you even park it at home to store it?
How many people will be in it?

As far as a truck to tow it, I follow the philosophy of the more room in the cab is better.... I'm single and travel alone, but I won't own anything other than a crew cab truck. The extra space is essential. Camera gear, small cooler for beverages enroute, grocery runs, and other stuff and things.