Couple's trailer, tow vehicle, garage size
Hi,
We are new to both this forum and to RVing. We've had small (tiny) trailers in the past, but we're now retired and want to spend anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks a year in an RV spread out throughout the year.
We want to stick with a couple's trailer that has a queen bed set up all the time, a back bath, and one slide out. We also want a 6 cf fridge. We plan on spending some of that time in national parks so overall trailer length shouldn't exceed 22 or 23 feet.
We're considering the Coachman Freedom Express 192RBS or the Winnebago Micro Mini 2106FBS. They look very similar in layout - is there a significant difference in quality? The Winnie has smaller holding tanks but seems to cost more (based on RV Trader prices). Are there other couple's trailers to consider? We looked at Jayco but the holding tanks are the smallest of the bunch so we've ruled those out. Although the trailer doesn't need to be a true 4 season camper, we do plan on taking it down to warmer states for several weeks at a time when the snows fly in Colorado.
We've looked at Lance and some of the other well made trailers based on the west coast but they are too spendy for us.
The other thing we have to think about is the tow vehicle. Right now we have a 2014 Grand Jeep Cherokee with the tow package and a V8 engine. We also have an older vehicle we need to replace and that new vehicle will eventually become the tow vehicle for the trailer. But until we buy the new vehicle do you think it's safe to use the Jeep as the TV? I'm not concerned about payload, but since we live in the Rocky Mountains I am concerned about torque and wheel base.
Regarding the new tow vehicle to be purchased, we have to find a truck that will fit in our garage. (The builders put a bump out in the garage that severely limits what we can put in there.) We're narrowing our choices down to the Chevy Colorado and a Ford 150. To fit in the garage, the Ford 150 could only have the front cab with no extended cab and only 2 doors, so if the Chevy is hefty enough I'd prefer to buy it. But it's obviously more important to be able to safely pull the trailer through the mountains so if the Ford 150 is advised, we'll just put up with having only the front seat.
I've lurked on this site for a while and have learned quite a bit. I know that dealer reliability is critical, so if you all can either suggest a dealer on the front range or let me know how to find one I would greatly appreciate it. I've done some basic google searches but I'd really value personal experience.
Thanks for your help! We newbies so all advice is welcome.
We are new to both this forum and to RVing. We've had small (tiny) trailers in the past, but we're now retired and want to spend anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks a year in an RV spread out throughout the year.
We want to stick with a couple's trailer that has a queen bed set up all the time, a back bath, and one slide out. We also want a 6 cf fridge. We plan on spending some of that time in national parks so overall trailer length shouldn't exceed 22 or 23 feet.
We're considering the Coachman Freedom Express 192RBS or the Winnebago Micro Mini 2106FBS. They look very similar in layout - is there a significant difference in quality? The Winnie has smaller holding tanks but seems to cost more (based on RV Trader prices). Are there other couple's trailers to consider? We looked at Jayco but the holding tanks are the smallest of the bunch so we've ruled those out. Although the trailer doesn't need to be a true 4 season camper, we do plan on taking it down to warmer states for several weeks at a time when the snows fly in Colorado.
We've looked at Lance and some of the other well made trailers based on the west coast but they are too spendy for us.
The other thing we have to think about is the tow vehicle. Right now we have a 2014 Grand Jeep Cherokee with the tow package and a V8 engine. We also have an older vehicle we need to replace and that new vehicle will eventually become the tow vehicle for the trailer. But until we buy the new vehicle do you think it's safe to use the Jeep as the TV? I'm not concerned about payload, but since we live in the Rocky Mountains I am concerned about torque and wheel base.
Regarding the new tow vehicle to be purchased, we have to find a truck that will fit in our garage. (The builders put a bump out in the garage that severely limits what we can put in there.) We're narrowing our choices down to the Chevy Colorado and a Ford 150. To fit in the garage, the Ford 150 could only have the front cab with no extended cab and only 2 doors, so if the Chevy is hefty enough I'd prefer to buy it. But it's obviously more important to be able to safely pull the trailer through the mountains so if the Ford 150 is advised, we'll just put up with having only the front seat.
I've lurked on this site for a while and have learned quite a bit. I know that dealer reliability is critical, so if you all can either suggest a dealer on the front range or let me know how to find one I would greatly appreciate it. I've done some basic google searches but I'd really value personal experience.
Thanks for your help! We newbies so all advice is welcome.
