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mntnwman's avatar
mntnwman
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016

Hi everyone! looking for help picking a new camper

I'm new here, just looking for some help. We are currently without a camper, but I've had a few in the past. I want something small but solidly built to last. I want a couch, but don't need a dinette, and it needs to have a real shower and a real bed.

I had looked at a grand design imagine 2150rb, but the reviews seem to say it's not worth the price and water collects in the underbelly.
Forest river seems to have better reviews, and they have a flagstaff microlite 21fbrs that seems nice, and a salem cruiselite 241qbxl that is a lot cheaper.
Also I see that Jayco has the Jayflight slx 212qbw that is much cheaper than anything else but doesn't have the slide.
I don't need a bunch of fancy features, and I prefer not to have a slide, But we had a puma for a while and it just felt flimsy and like cheap garbage. I hated it the whole time. Weight is not an issue but I would like something that pulls well.

Does anyone have any great advice one way or the other? Or a suggestion for something that is comparable that I haven't thought of?
Thanks so much!

36 Replies

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  • RVcrazy's avatar
    RVcrazy
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2016
    What is your tow vehicle? Is there a reason you are only looking at light rvs? For a durable, well built unit, consider Northwood or Outdoors RV products. The drive may be worth it, and fun, too. Look at the size of the tanks and carrying capacity when considering units. Also, don't look at dry weight and think that is what the unit will weigh!
  • BizmarksMom's avatar
    BizmarksMom
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2016
    I'm going to disagree about focusing on the dealer. The independent shop I use does warranty work with no problems. If you have a good repair shop, you're golden.

    You might check out the Arctic Fox 24J. You can option in recliners or a sofa instead of the dinette.
  • mntnwman's avatar
    mntnwman
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2016
    A good dealer is going to be about impossible, I think. The closest dealer is an hour and a half drive, and they only have the Grand Design. The dealer that has the others I am going to look at is over 3 hours away and not known for service. My thought had been that since the warrantee is usually only a year, the dealer wouldn't matter much. There is a guy that does repairs that has done all service for me in the past. How much should I anticipate having to deal with the dealer after the sale? If it's a lot I might be better just going used.

    Oh, and I love the retro, but doesn't come with a sofa, not a dinette...I looked at the vintage instead, but it showed a lot of wear related damage brand new on the show room floor.
  • Alabama_Jim's avatar
    Alabama_Jim
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2016
    A good dealer is worth a fortune, as SoundGuy stated. Riverside Mfg. in Lagrange, IN. makes quality trailers. Take a look and see if they meet your needs. They even have a retro look on many of their trailers.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2016
    mntnwman wrote:
    Does anyone have any great advice one way or the other?


    Since you seem to not yet be tied to any specific make / model of trailer my "great" advice is to first concentrate on finding a dealer you're satisfied can take care of your needs after the sale. Once you do, that by definition would limit you to whatever brands of trailers that particular dealer sells. If none prove to your liking then you need to continue your search for that combination of a dealer you feel you can trust who also can sell you a model you really like. Choose a lousy dealer and guaranteed, you'll be in for a lousy RV ownership experience. ;)

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