Hunting for our first camper

A lot of options out there. If you are going 2 slides and using surburban or 1/2 ton, you are going to have to find a good used light series trailer, more than likely fiberglass(which raises the price a bit). Some trailers out there that come to mind, Coachmen Freedom Express, Coachmen Apex, Jayco white hawk, jayco jay feather... just to name a few. Need to determine payload capacity for both vehicles and make sure your trailer tongue weight, passenger weight, and cargo weight stay below that number. A lot of experts on here that will give you some great advice. Good Luck

Not under $15k for a good one matching your list. Add 5 to 7 for a used one. 10 to 15 for new. Bunks may not be necessary now but in 5 years or less they will be.

I would suggest either going to some dealers with plenty of trailers on their lots or pack up the kids and go to an RV show this winter. Spend extra time in models that you like. Don't believe anything a salesman tells you. In their world everything is half-ton towable. Once you found something you like, post the specs here for your tow vehicle and trailer. The "Weight Police" will let you know if the combination is a bad idea.

Take a look at the units offered by Riverside Mfg. in Lagrange, IN. They may have something that you like and they build a sound unit.

Bam!

Sunnybrook Harmony 25CKS, 2nd owner, always stored indoors, everything included as pictured except the quilt, even kitchen supplies, ready to camp.
2011 Harmony 25CKS

2011 Harmony brochure

You'd be hard pressed to find a better quality new trailer at 2x the price. I've checked up on this one on behalf of a co-worker, it seems like the real thing. I expect too expensive for most used trailer buyers, too old or not understood by new trailer buyers.

Edit:link to IRV2 post with Sunnybrook Harmony Sales Manual; vs. competition

With 3 boys that age I would get one with a sanity bunk room. Oops, I mean separate bunk room! Have fun looking.

Im surprised this many people answered. I figured we would all be too busy repairing our RV's, wishing we had the old Eureka back . :)

Welcome aboard , many good people here will be very helpful to you as you get into it.
Research dealerships for a reputable one that will be there "after the sale".
I found it easiest to buy from a dealer who i planned to return to for warranty work. It certainly always saved me time because i got repair appointments quickly and built lasting friendships that went beyond warranties.
Pick your desired floor plan for your needs.
I would buy 'any brand' if I had the things above. A good dealer will repair it and they are ALL repairable.

I would have a queen island bed, that you walk around to make it. It's much easier for you.
Bunks for the kids, there are models with 3 bunks. Try to keep it as light as possible. Watch your payload of the TV (tow vehicle).
To get a good idea of a TT's real loaded for a trip tongue weight. Take 10-15% of the trailers gross weight rating and use that as a basic guide. Make sure you have enough truck to do the job.

When you look at trailers, sit inside them and role play. Spend a lot of time inside it and feel it out, move around as if you are using it.
There will be times when you will have to be inside as a family during inclement weather.
See if it fits your family. See if the dog likes it . If not , you'll find out that those RV carbon monoxide detectors are also methane detectors. (and the dog will let you know at 3 A.M. )

TheBalls wrote:
Tow with 1/2 ton suburban/silverado

Your tow vehicle needs to be equipped with a HD radiator and an auxiliary transmission cooler because your "dream" TT will likely be between 7,500-9,500 lbs, loaded.

TheBalls wrote:

Prefer at least one, if not two, slides
Would love king bed
Would love big bathroom
Bunk room would be nice, but prefer big bathroom over bunks if that is a choice we have to make
Under $15k would be ideal

You are not going to find a new TT in that price range ! Look for something 2-5 years old. The king bed will likely be one of the hardest wish to fulfill.

Jayco 29QBS