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zimm's avatar
zimm
Explorer
Sep 08, 2015

Going to RV show- what to specifically look for in a TT?

We're going to the Hershey, PA RV show to look at bunkhouse travel trailers. We previously went to a smaller RV show in the DC area and that helped us narrow our focus to a smaller bunkhouse model with a queen up front. Now that we know the layout we want- what should I be looking for to get the most out of the show? Should I be crawling under every trailer and looking for I beams over sheet metal c channels? Axle ratings? Brands of appliances?

We want a smaller, 2 axle trailer, but with a quality build that will handle more extreme temperatures than the average Rv'er will handle. We plan to do everything from boondock in the mountains, to staying in the driveway at the in-laws.

I'm pretty handy, and would like to upgrade the battery bank, add solar, and I also have a Honda EU2000 for battery charging off when off the grid.

Trailers we want to see on our ever-growing list are the Winnebago Minnie, Shasta oasis, livin lite camplite, then check out Jayco, Forest River, Keystone, etc. Too bad there won't be any Northwood Nash models represented.

27 Replies

  • Thanks. I'm working on a list now. Saving a whole pile of online brochures too. I'll make a spreadsheet with the model names and start with GVWR, size, and main features.

    I'm thinking I want a well insulated, enclosed underbelly model if I plan to do some winter camping. The Forest River Flagstaff micro-lite, and their higher end wildwood heritage glen both have insulated and enclosed underbellies.
  • Take a digital camera (smartphone works too), fully charged, plenty of room for more pictures. Take pictures, things you like, things you don't like.. Get brochures and make notes on them. Sit in the chairs, sit on the toilet, close the bathroom door... Stand in the shower, close the shower door/curtain. We looked at a bunch and when we sat in the model we have, it felt right. It became our comparison point. If you don't have one already, make a list, things are must have, nice to have, don't want, would never have. It is easy to forget about something when you are looking at many trailers...
  • Dick_B wrote:
    To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
    RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
    (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.


    The rvknowhow site is closed. It looks like they retired and the content isn't there anymore. :(
  • The show is huge, so it would be best to look online to help narrow your search. Then go to the show with your list and look for those models.

    You won't find anyone looking under trailers and the sales force doesn't have a clue on how they are constructed. You have the right idea about looking from the ground up and understanding that you need a roadworthy vehicle first and the pretty stuff is secondary. One clue is to look at NCC (Net Carrying Capacity), the higher the better.

    The only Northwood dealer in PA is Arctic Fox, but they don't come to the show. If you can, take a look at their trailers first to get an idea how they are constructed.
  • You indicated cold wx camping. Make sure grey and black valve are enclosed in under body.
  • To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
    RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
    (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.
  • Make sure that all the important operations , bathroom , refrig. , et al , can be done with the slides in ! We once had a trailer that had to have the slide out to go to the potty !