Forum Discussion

gmittan's avatar
gmittan
Explorer
Jul 02, 2016

Getting back in

After a few years of being without some form of RV, we've decided to get back in. Our "kids" have moved on so we're looking at something smaller this time. We're also restricted by being in a half ton truck (Dodge 1500 Crew HEMI 2wd). Having had a Class A last and a 5er before that we're used to some space and don't want to feel cramped. We have no interest in bunks or rear baths (which seem to be the large majority of units on the lots now days).
So, in our shopping so far the only thing we've found so far that is a comfortable 1/2 ton tow that also has the quality and living space we like is the Lance 2285. Anyone out there have recommendations on something else we should check out? (We live in South Oregon and would prefer to get something in inventory/support close by).
Also, There are quite a few additional options that would be at or just over the tow rating for my truck (around 7600). I've already added K&N. If I add upgraded brakes and suspension I'm thinking that may get me comfortably into these somewhat heavier trailers. Thoughts?

7 Replies

  • wireman's avatar
    wireman
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2016
    Same as TxTwoSome, Jayco 23RLSW. I also looked at the Lance. Very good quality but more money than I wanted to put out.
    I was also interested in the 2285 if I remember right.

    It had an enclosed bedroom that we wanted but I believe there was no ducted A/C, which didn't make z lot ofsense if the bedroom door was closed for privacy.

    The Starcraft was a little more weight than I wanted for my tow vehicle.
  • Steve_B_'s avatar
    Steve_B_
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2016
    I looked at the Lance trailers last winter at the Tampa RV show and I was quite impressed. If you can afford one, I think the quality was quite high. Very roomy and well thought out. I just did not like the round sink. How do you put a dish drainer next to it?
  • TxTwoSome's avatar
    TxTwoSome
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2016
    We bought a Jayco 23rlsw last year and we think it is perfect for two people. You might want to look at one also StarCraft makes a 24RLS that is almost identical one foot bigger.

    The loaded weight of ours is a little under 6000 lb and we tow with a Ram 1500 Hemi with no problems.
  • gmittan's avatar
    gmittan
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2016
    Yes We've been the route of having to much trailer for the truck once before. We bought a KZ to be pulled behind our Expedition and although they were ok We finally decided we were killing the Expedition, so we upgraded to a 2500 GMC.
    Of course then, since we had so much towing capacity, we upgraded to a 5er. So we are sensitive to buying to much weight in a trailer.
    The truck we have, as built, has an 8700lb capacity. That is reduced by the 20" wheels and the 32 gallon gas tank to around 7300. Thus, so far the Lance seems to be the only answer. Some of the other trailers we're looking at have Gross Weight of 7400 - 7600. So, that's so close that they're tempting. (Yes I know that I need to allow for my weight and other adds to the load in the truck, not just look at the trailer.) We're making the 3hr drive tomorrow to a Forrest River dealer.
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2016
    Agree with Iraqvet. That happened to us - twice.

    In addition to the Lance, you might check out some of the "ultra/super lite" Forest Rivers (Rockwood/Flagstaff twins). We've been pretty happy with ours, which is fine for 2 people. We downsized from a 34' "lite" Flagstaff, by the way, using the same tow vehicle, and as the driver, I'm very happy with the difference! (GVWR of the current rig is about 6500; GVWR of the larger one was 7600 but it had so much storage in it, I think it should have had bigger axles and a 10K GVWR.)
  • Iraqvet05's avatar
    Iraqvet05
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2016
    What are the specifics on your truck (year, transmission, engine, gear ratio)? If you look for the largest TT you can pull with your truck, you'll soon be looking for a larger, more capable truck. Upgrading air intakes, brakes and suspension on a TV near its recommended limits will only net marginal gains. Don't believe a dealer that tells you a camper is half ton towable...ask questions here before you commit to a heavy camper or (like me) you will soon be in the market for a new truck.

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