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RVNewbie5's avatar
RVNewbie5
Explorer
May 30, 2017

Looking for travel trailer for full time use

I'm a single female looking for a travel trailer for full time use. I own a crew cab Ford F150 V6 2.7L 4WD pickup with a towing capacity of 7500 lbs, and I have owned a small Scamp 16 fiberglass trailer for the last year. I plan to sell the Scamp and buy either a slightly used or new travel trailer. My budget is very flexible.

My primary objective is to have more room and comfort, and I would like a quality trailer. I do both volunteer work (parking for 3 to 6 months at a time) and traveling/moving quite a bit, and I do plan to boondock.

Based on what I've read, I should stay at 75% of the full towing capacity, so that puts me at about 5600 lbs fully loaded weight, as I understand it.

Must haves:
A/C
Decent kitchen and refrigerator
Oven

Nice to haves:
Cold weather package
Dry bath
Lots of windows
Walk around bed (I think this will be a stretch in my weight range)
Windows on 3 sides of bed if possible

I really don't want a slide-out. I am not overly familiar with them but it seems like "more to go wrong..." I don't care for outdoor speakers or TVs.

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

10 Replies

  • gafidler's avatar
    gafidler
    Explorer
    May 31, 2017
    make sure it has a plywood floor the composite floors will not last 2 years. I had a 2009 Windjammer with a composite floor only lasted about 20 months.
  • TrailerTravele1's avatar
    TrailerTravele1
    Explorer
    May 31, 2017
    X2 on coolmom42's suggestion of a Lance 1985! Best of all worlds - a walk-around bed and in your size range!

    We part-time full-time in our Lance 1685 (biggest difference is the 1985 has the walk around bed, our 1685 has a sideways bed) and for months at a time it's perfect for us. It also has the 4 Seasons package, which we've been thankful for several times. We do have a slideout, but it's never been a problem.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2017
    I don't understand why people think you need an uber-lite trailer.

    This Lance 1985 would be perfect for you.

    GVWR is 76 percent of your towing capacity. It has a walk around bed, good storage, a decent kitchen area, and a U-dinette for sitting around or a work space. Add about 200-300 watts of solar and a couple of Trojan T-105 golf cart batteries, and you could stay anywhere for a long time.

    If it were mine I would consider replacing the toilet with a composting version. With 45 gallons fresh water and 90 gallons total waste tanks, you would be well fixed on the water side of things.

    Can you tell I've given this some thought? This trailer is on my short list. :D

    This is a Lance 1995, same gross weight, similar floor plan. You would be ready to go camping in this. It MIGHT need tires, hard to say from the pics. It is a very well-equipped setup.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2017
    I strongly suggest you stick with a fiberglass "eggshell" trailer. They seem to be more "durable" than most other trailers. A Scamp 5th wheel might be perfect for you. I don't know how much they weigh, but I'll bet your current truck will pull it.

    The other brand to look at is CampLite. 100% aluminum. No wood (except in the cabinet doors).
  • RVNewbie5's avatar
    RVNewbie5
    Explorer
    May 30, 2017
    @donn0128 - thanks! I may consider a larger truck, once I know what my options are using my current truck... I can always stick with the trailer that I have.

    @Lwiddis - I'm willing to look at a great trailer that has a slide-out if you know of one in my range. As I said, I'm not familiar with them.

    @kerrlakeroo - I'll take a look at the K-Z Connect lite - reminds me of a Gulf Stream Vista that some of the other volunteers where I am now have (another possibility.)

    I have been doing pretty well in my current trailer but wanted to explore my options for an upgrade. I like my truck for times that I'm not towing but I do realize its limitations for towing.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    May 30, 2017
    As you well know selection of a home is an extremely subjective issue, but I will throw a model your way, K-Z Connect lite C190RB
    It punches the buttons you listed and has a 2 year warranty, but be advised as a light weight unit it will not be considered a full timer unit by many.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2017
    "I really don't want a slide-out."

    Why? ...because a slide or slides let's you buy a smaller, lighter TT and then...presto...you have a larger TT. So again, why?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2017
    That weight your looking at is going to make for a really small or a really light weight trailer. You might consider upgrading to a 2500 series truck. At least doing that you open yourself up to the trailer you really want. As for trailers, I would look at either Northwood or Outdoors RV. Both family owned companies with a good reputation for quality and durability.

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