Looking to buy high end 27/32Ft Travel Trailer

ScottG wrote:
It's kind of like wanting to go out for fancy meal so you go to the Denny's with the best reviews.

Now that's funny! :B

The Surveyor line was the one that appealed to me on the east coast, but the Northwood/ORV trailers that I just saw seemed much nicer. Do they have an equivalent on the East coast/Indiana?

carringb wrote:

patperry2766 wrote:
Forest River Aviator

Would this be considered a high end model?

I certainly would consider that high end :)

The Aviator was a "dog" that never sold in great numbers. Maybe a very nice trailer but the last time I was at my dealer, they had a few that they were trying to "blow out" at heavily, heavily, discounted prices. FR never sold many in any great numbers. Don't know if they will continue with that line.

Airstream had a few slide models in the early 2000s. Have to buy used.

The Surveyor 264 has always been my favorite floorplan. It's built differently than other TTs and they have that info on the Forest River Surveyor website. That model has had a few tweeks since I last saw it, but all good. It's got a solid reputation.

The Aviator is too contemporary for my personal tastes, but looks nicely done and well finished inside. I'd like to see the interior in person. The exterior would be a deal breaker for us....just TOO MUCH! Lose about half of those decals and we might look again.

The third one, not yet in production, is way too far from the norm. I would be hesitant to buy something that unusual if for no other reason than possible resale....it may be the best thing since sliced bread or may be an Edsel. I wouldn't want high-end dollars tied up in something that may be a total loser. Celebrity name dropping does not impress me.

Personal suggestion is to do a lot of research on a trailer with a long standing reputation for a quality product, a floorplan and design that appeals to you and one that is compatible with your tow vehicle. Good luck and happy shopping.

patperry2766 wrote:
Forest River Aviator

Would this be considered a high end model?

I would consider it an attempt to place themselves into that market segment. Since I've not seen an example, I can't judge whether construction, fittings, build quality puts the product into a class with New Horizons, Excel, Airstream, Oliver, Bigfoot or even Escape.

Aviator looks like a box built around laminated wall construction, as used by most of the mass-production RV industry once you get above entry level, rather than framing as used by Northwood and New Horizons, or exceptional construction techniques like molded shells or aluminum monocoque (e.g. Airstream). But other manufacturers (like Lance and many motorhome manufacturers) do the assembled box construction well, so why not Forest River.

Wrap-around end caps are certainly a step up from the TT norm (used extensively in motorized RVs). I'd like to see how it is fastened together, do we have interlocking and overlapping channels, or is it all tacked together with sheet metal screws.

Sorry, I've been TT shopping lately, and when I get into the construction details, fit and finish of the RVs I've been looking at, they've all been so disappointing compared to the entry level motorhome I've been using for the past ten year.

patperry2766 wrote:
Forest River Aviator

Would this be considered a high end model?

I certainly would consider that high end :)

http://www.gctrv.com/Global-Caravan-Technologies.php

I don't think this is in production yet, but it looks like it has potential.

Forest River Aviator

Would this be considered a high end model?

Here's why I like the Northwood/ORV trailers:

-Everything is put together well
-Most appliances are upgraded from standard fare (i.e. larger water heater, bigger oven, bigger fridge)
-Full aluminum body framing, with wood embeds in the framing for attachment points, so the screws won't pull through
-They use screws instead of staples
-Outside kitchen has a proper 3-way fridge.
-Bigger tanks. Mine holds 103 gallons of fresh water.
-4-seasons rated (good insulated and fully insulated water systems)
-Beefy chassis with proper gusseting at suspension points and shock absorbers.
-Good year tires, Load Range E on the bigger units, or at least Ds on the mid-size trailers.