First Time Travel Trailer Purchase

We have a 19 foot hybrid for out family of 6. It has served us pretty well over the last 14years with hundreds of trips. We are sving up for a Coachmen Clipper BH 17 priced at around 15K. Queen bed up front, bunks in rear. Plenty of storage. This, or similar, may be what you are looking for. For 2017 Coachman has opted for a wall mount AC and no oven. This has started us looking for another trailer similar to this. There are a few out there. Best of luck

Take a look on RV Trader

Excellent filters, pics, and info about the different campers.

I find their prices to be high, but they are negotiable.

Once you've found a couple of models you like, search Craigslist.

We really wanted to have 2 slides this time. Slides REALLY give more room in a compact space. There are short slides and deeper slides. We wanted the deeper slides for our purposes.

Once you take a look and find some possible models, take a look at a few of those year, make, model. Seeing in person is sometimes quite different that pics and what we envision from descriptions.

Good luck!

OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
Look at Murphy bed models and you will definitely need used to be below $15k.

Yes. We bought used. Total cost including tax, WDH, and everything was below $15K.

-Speak

blarouse wrote:
Thanks. I have a 1/2 ton truck so I can tow something heavier if needed.

You need to go by payload rating and not tow rating. This is a common mistake.

I would definitely buy used.
very few of us keep our first RV very long. We get one and figure out what we would really like.

Thanks. I have a 1/2 ton truck so I can tow something heavier if needed.

blarouse wrote:
It's hard to find good information on the most reliable brands and there are a lot of options.

Thanks for any feedback!

Jason

They are all put together, pretty much the same. The frames and axles are only made by a few companies. The interior systems (plumbing, heat and air, appliances, etc) are only made by a few companies. And, there's only a handful of corporations that build RV's under numerous brand names. They all have glitches here and there.

When you drag these things down our bad roads, at 60+ MPH, things are going to come apart, doesn't matter who built it.

The key to an RV's longevity is how it is maintained. Especially on a used unit.

Look at Murphy bed models and you will definitely need used to be below $15k.

What is your tow vehicle? You mention quality. The better brands and models are heavier. Light TT models have their place but will not be as sturdy. Better for local camping than annual cross country trips.

A year ago we were looking for something similar. While it's only 2 of us, we wanted to be able to take up to three grandchildren camping with us. We started out looking at small trailers, and ended up with the one in my signature: 23' with a walk-around queen bed (murphy bed option) and bunks. For us it was the best "compromise." A little bigger than what you said you wanted, but it might be worth a look. The absence of a slide-out keeps the weight down.

-Speak

first rv, I,d search for a good used rv, and keep this in mind IF you see any water marks around the ceiling or side area RUN . you,ll most likely get a better deal on used, well cared for unit than buying a new one.