Forum Discussion

shanksworthy's avatar
shanksworthy
Explorer
Oct 23, 2018

Help choosing first RV

I'm in the market for my first RV, and I'm looking for a bunk house around 21'-22' (I'll be towing with a 2018 Durango R/T). I've narrowed it down to 2 models, and I need help choosing:

* Winnebago Micro Minnie 2100BH: https://winnebagoind.com/products/travel-trailer/2019/micro-minnie/floorplans

* Apex Nano 193BHS: http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=62&ModelID=1596#Main

I'm torn; both have a similar layouts, but with several trade offs that seem (in my limited experience) to have equal value!

On one hand, the Winnebago has a nice modern interior/exterior -- and more importantly it has tandem axles, which seems like it would make a significant difference in towability and safety. It comes standard with maxxair fans, it has a cool sort of temporary bike/storage garage in the bunk area, and a permanent roof ladder.

OTOH the Apex Nano has only a single axle and dated interior, no ability to mount a ladder, and no bunk garage. It also does not come standard with the maxxair fans. However it is slightly lighter and has slightly larger tank capacities, wider beds, and has a bathroom sink & med cabinet (whereas the Winnebago's bathroom only has a toilet and shower). It also has the option of a really nice front windshield.

Ignoring any price differences, which one would you choose? And can you more experienced RV'ers spot any other differences I should consider to be important?
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2018
    if it were me I would go with the tandem axle TT. I have had too many blow out tires and am darned glad I had a tire on the other axle. I always say that the choice in TT's has to come out and grab you or you will be unhappy with your choice. any way you asked for my opinion, you got it. I have never towed a single axle TT but have seen many on the side of the road because of the wheel bearings burned up or the spare tires is no good or what ever
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2018
    Very few (I don’t know of any) RVrs keep their first rig so the odds are whatever you get will be temporary. But you should choose the best one you and your significant other likes the best. Floor plan is important.
  • lhenry8113's avatar
    lhenry8113
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2018
    If it were me-definitely would go for 2 axles. We have owned 2 5'vrs and really used them all over U.S of A and Canada-not always on paved roads. Never had a flat using American made truck tires-5'vr in Sig. Pic. came with "Triangle" brand tires:h-couldn't give them away, finally Salvation Army took them-put on GoodYear Wranglers-never had a problem.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 23, 2018
    I'm happy with my Winnie TT and agree with your concern about the single axel on the Apex. I would not be happy with the 2100BH's 31 gallons of fresh water...my 2101DS has 43 (both plus the water heater)...but you can carry a couple Jerry cans I guess.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2018
    JMO but the larger the beds the better and the Apex beats the Winnie with larger bunk beds AND a larger main bed. As far as the axle(s) are concerned I see no reason to fear a single on small trailers like these. After all, the vast majority of popup trailers, including large highwalls that weigh in the same range as these 2 TTs the OP has mentioned are single axle, and there are plenty of those running around our highways.
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2018
    The thing with the nano is no tub surround.. deal breaker for me..

    And single axle.. Cant carry C*ap

    Umm the winnie.. small too IMO..

    Your RT can pull 7400 lbs with a payload of 1300 lbs.

    Who you putting in the truck? weight wise?

    The trailers you speced out I dont think you can put more then 800 lbs in those..

    I would lean towards this. I had one( 21fq) and it carried nearly 3000 lbs. Not that you can fit 3000 lbs in there but you will thanks me later..

    This would be something you can keep a while and youll be comfortable.

    Its light enough IMO

    http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=63&ModelID=2992#Main
  • shanksworthy's avatar
    shanksworthy
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2018
    Thanks for your replies! So that’s 3 votes for the Winnebago and 1 for the Apex Nano.

    It looks like the Winnie votes are solely on the premise that the tandem axle is safer and can hold more weight. Whereas the person who didn’t think that the axle count was a big deal, went for the Nano.

    So it really comes down to the importance of tandem axles then. If they really are as important as some of you assert, then my choice is made. Otherwise, maybe I’d get more value from the Apex Nano. I’ll look into it!
  • shanksworthy's avatar
    shanksworthy
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2018
    lawrosa wrote:
    The thing with the nano is no tub surround.. deal breaker for me..

    And single axle.. Cant carry C*ap

    Umm the winnie.. small too IMO..

    Your RT can pull 7400 lbs with a payload of 1300 lbs.

    Who you putting in the truck? weight wise?

    The trailers you speced out I dont think you can put more then 800 lbs in those..

    I would lean towards this. I had one( 21fq) and it carried nearly 3000 lbs. Not that you can fit 3000 lbs in there but you will thanks me later..

    This would be something you can keep a while and youll be comfortable.

    Its light enough IMO

    ***Link Removed***


    You might be right and I might end up regretting going small, but it’s still technically camping after all. All I ever wanted was somewhere to sleep that has hard walls and a bed that isn’t on the ground. And TBH I really like the idea of fitting a lot into a small footprint. It feels efficient.

    To answer your question, it will be myself and my wife and 2 kids, approx. 440 lb (until my son hits his teens and starts gobbling everything in sight). The Durango can tow 7200 lb, but its limitations are its max tongue weight (720 lb) and payload (1200 lb according to the sticker, but technically much more). If I want to play it safe and keep my payload within the sticker weight, then reducing the tongue weight is the key, and it’s much easier to ensure that with a lighter trailer. I know that technically the Durango can tow much more (I see people towing 28’ TTs with them!) ... but I really don’t want to push it, especially considering that this is my first TT.

    I like yours. My brother in law has that exact one and he loves it. In fact the Apex Nano is made by Coachman as well and has a similar interior. The only things that prevent it from making my short list, are the lack of slide out and the overall length. The Durango’s relativity short wheelbase would make towing anything over 23’ uncomfortable I suspect, so I want to stay well within comfortable boundaries.

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