Forum Discussion

mhill260's avatar
mhill260
Explorer
Apr 21, 2019

Has anyone else panicked after they bought a trailer?

I think I'm nuts. We just bought a new trailer and we traded in my old tacoma for a larger truck that could pull it. We looked for months, went to RV shows, looked at dozens of sizes, floorplans, and styles. We finally settled on one, and found a really nice rockwood mini. We stayed in our budget, and the truck is used.

My wife is thrilled, and I'm panicked. I've towed it without any problem, but I feel like I won't be able to manage it, and I'm feeling guilty for spending the money. We've been talking about this for years, and now that we've finally done it, I'm not getting the enjoyment I should be because I don't seem to be able to give myself permission to. We're taking our first trip in a week, and I'm looking forward to it.

I was just wondering if anyone else had this happen. I know this isn't a support group, but I'd appreciate any advice or experiences anyone could share.

Thanks
  • I think apprehension might be a good word for this. We've all been thru it. Saddle up and ride. If all of us can do it, you certainly can.
    You're already good enough to realize that you are a noob, that's half the battle.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    I pay cash for toys which I think keeps us from spending too much. Because you stayed within your budget my guess is you'll get over it.
  • When we bought our Voltage toy hauler we had some serious doubts as the trailer was turning out to be a piece of junk. Fortunately we kept our cool, fixed the things that needed fixing (not relying on a dealer to do the work, I did it all), and the Voltage has been a reliable trailer for the past five years.
  • I’m not a trailer guy, but buyers remorse is common. Most of us only make a few big dollar purchases - house, car, and for some a RV - so it’s natural to worry about messing up something that important. I was more than a little nervous about driving a larger vehicle and spending a pretty good chunk of money, even though I was pretty sure I’d gotten a good deal on a Class B. That uneasy feeling usually passes when you realize that the reasons you made the purchase are still valid, and outweigh the subsequently manufacturered doubts. It appears you did your due diligence, looked around, stuck to your budget, and are ready to go. Doing relatively easy trips at first might also have a calming effect. Enjoy.
  • You will get over it and learn to enjoy camping! I've had RVs since the early 90s. I have REALLY enjoyed camping since I ditched developed campgrounds about 15 years ago and go Boondocking instead. Ive bought two new RVs but don't like spending my money that way so now I buy used and keep things fixed up real well. It's become a hobby but I am retired and I need something to do. Sometimes I feel guilty because I have a little over $100,000 in my truck, fifth wheel and a new pole barn but a lot of people spend that much just on their trailer and don't have nearly the quality. Craig
  • mhill260 wrote:
    I think I'm nuts. We just bought a new trailer and we traded in my old tacoma for a larger truck that could pull it. We looked for months, went to RV shows, looked at dozens of sizes, floorplans, and styles. We finally settled on one, and found a really nice rockwood mini. We stayed in our budget, and the truck is used.

    My wife is thrilled, and I'm panicked. I've towed it without any problem, but I feel like I won't be able to manage it, and I'm feeling guilty for spending the money. We've been talking about this for years, and now that we've finally done it, I'm not getting the enjoyment I should be because I don't seem to be able to give myself permission to. We're taking our first trip in a week, and I'm looking forward to it.

    I was just wondering if anyone else had this happen. I know this isn't a support group, but I'd appreciate any advice or experiences anyone could share.

    Thanks
    Why wouldn't you be able to manage it? You mean physically or finance wise. You can learn how to do everything. You stayed in budget. And really, and truly. It is only money. You can't take it with you. It is made to spend. relax, and enjoy.

    Remember. when you get to the point you can't go any more. What will make you happier. all the money in the bank, Or the memories of the joy you and your family had during your life. My advise. Go for the memories. Money in the bank don't make any.
  • Nv_Guy's avatar
    Nv_Guy
    Explorer III
    I had a bit of a reality check long ago when I brought our first 5th wheel home- 39' race car hauler. What really set if off for me is I had to tear down a flaky patio cover so I could park it in our RV area. I guess it wasn't "real" for me until that had to happen.
    In the end it all worked out, as I suspect it will for you.
    Just take it slow, you have already towed it, so that obstacle has been met.
  • Big purchases can do that. Give it a bit of time, a trip or two, and you'll lose that panicked feeling and move into the joy of it. Just keep reminding yourself that this wasn't an impulse buy - you've thought long and hard and done your research.