Hello campers! This is my first post and after spending countless hours online, I'm getting up the nerve to ask the masses so here goes!We're planning on hitting the 2013 Hershey RV show in September in hopes to buy a bunkhouse travel trailer for our family of 5, but we've been there before to browse and its overwhelming to say the least!I'm trying to do some online browsing to narrow down the choices before we go, but the internet options are just as overwhelming as seeing them in person!Here's the specs we're looking for..-30' length ( or smaller)-GVWR 8000 lbs ( or less)-Rear bunks ( 3 required - 4th is nice, but convertible 4th bunk storage is fine, or a fold out flip chair/beds are a good 4th option too!)-Queen bedroom ( front or back of trailer - doesn't matter)-SMALL couch ( 2 cushion width more than enough)-bench seat table ( u shape not necessary if it'll cut down on length of camper)-one slide for living area ( multiple slides not necessary )(I know this list seems REALLY particular but we've been camping for the last 12 years in a 2000 Coleman Niagra Pop-Up camper so to say I'm excited about upgrading is an understatement!! Not to say we haven't loved our camper , WE HAVE, and it has been great for it being our first time campers/owners. We'd absolutely be looking for Coleman travel trailer if they were still in business but they are not...)Any suggestions would be appreciated! Looking forward to hearing from all of you seasoned campers!Thanks!

A very smart move to make a list of your requirements. The only thing I would change is the GVWR rating. I think the higher the rating the better. You wan't to make sure the actual weight of the unit is within your TV ratings but a higher GVWR may mean the suspension isn't as close to being over loaded.An example is my own TT. Its GVWR give me nearly two tons of CCC - meaning the trailer only weighs in a bit over 7k even though its GVWR is 11,700 lbs. I never have to worry about the trailers suspension or tires being over loaded.So don't be overly concerned about GVWR as much as what the unit actually weighs.FWIW, my requirements would include a CCC of at least 1000 pounds with 2000 being preferred.

Have many copies of your list when you go. When approached by a sales rep, tell him, your looking to buy and this is what your looking for, hand him a copy. Follow this by informing him that if he wastes your time showing a unqualified unit according to the list that your off to the next dealer. You'll have a lot of ground to cover so don't waste your time.You know what you want, stick to your list. You have the advantage being a buyer with a lot of competition just steps away.

You'll not have any problem finding a camper meeting your requirements. What you've described is pretty common.Here's a suggestion.Draw a sketch of what kind of floor plan you'd like. Forget about everything you've looked at so far. Let you're imagination go crazy and sketch it out.Then go in search of your dream floor plan! You may still be overwhelmed, but it will help narrow down what you're looking for.Consider how much weight your tow vehicle can handle. Let that be your first selection criteria. Look for the floor plan. Let that be your second selection criteria. Consider storage. Let that be your third selection criteria. Then consider the aesthetics (paint, color, flooring, color of walls, ect) and let that be the next criteria.And keep the price in the back of your head. Only you know how much you can afford.You may find the same floor plan in 2 different units, and the price may be $5000 different. Then you need to look at the construction, warranties, and serviceability of the unit. FYI, there isn't any "bad" camper out there. It's still all a matter of how well the owner takes care of them over the long haul!I know this may not help you a bit, but when all else fails ... Just ask the wife what she wants and get it! Problem solved!

Moved from Forum Technical Support

There are not many 3/4-bunk models under 30'. Lance 2185 I guess, but I don't think that would be comfortable for a family of 5.KZ Spress 289 maybe? Keystone Outback 301?Do not buy at the RV show. Rarely are the prices the lowest. Rarely is there more pressure applied by salesmen. Use the show to evaluate floorplans and relative quality between different brands.

First time travel trailer buyers - list of particulars :)

1492
Moderator
Jul 22, 2013
Moved from Forum Technical Support
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
You'll not have any problem finding a camper meeting your requirements. What you've described is pretty common.

Here's a suggestion.

Draw a sketch of what kind of floor plan you'd like. Forget about everything you've looked at so far. Let you're imagination go crazy and sketch it out.

Then go in search of your dream floor plan! You may still be overwhelmed, but it will help narrow down what you're looking for.

Consider how much weight your tow vehicle can handle. Let that be your first selection criteria. Look for the floor plan. Let that be your second selection criteria. Consider storage. Let that be your third selection criteria. Then consider the aesthetics (paint, color, flooring, color of walls, ect) and let that be the next criteria.

And keep the price in the back of your head. Only you know how much you can afford.

You may find the same floor plan in 2 different units, and the price may be $5000 different. Then you need to look at the construction, warranties, and serviceability of the unit.

FYI, there isn't any "bad" camper out there. It's still all a matter of how well the owner takes care of them over the long haul!

I know this may not help you a bit, but when all else fails ... Just ask the wife what she wants and get it! Problem solved!
Peg_Leg
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Have many copies of your list when you go. When approached by a sales rep, tell him, your looking to buy and this is what your looking for, hand him a copy. Follow this by informing him that if he wastes your time showing a unqualified unit according to the list that your off to the next dealer. You'll have a lot of ground to cover so don't waste your time.

You know what you want, stick to your list. You have the advantage being a buyer with a lot of competition just steps away.
ScottG
Nomad
Jul 22, 2013
A very smart move to make a list of your requirements. The only thing I would change is the GVWR rating. I think the higher the rating the better. You wan't to make sure the actual weight of the unit is within your TV ratings but a higher GVWR may mean the suspension isn't as close to being over loaded.
An example is my own TT. Its GVWR give me nearly two tons of CCC - meaning the trailer only weighs in a bit over 7k even though its GVWR is 11,700 lbs. I never have to worry about the trailers suspension or tires being over loaded.
So don't be overly concerned about GVWR as much as what the unit actually weighs.
FWIW, my requirements would include a CCC of at least 1000 pounds with 2000 being preferred.

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First time travel trailer buyers - list of particulars :)

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