Hey all, new to the forums. Been poking around for a while and decided to join! We are looking to purchase our first travel trailer, we don't want anything huge as it's just 2 of us, and our pups sometimes. We are both 26 years old. We went to a dealership today and really liked the Viking 17bh, it fits our needs perfectly. Towing something that size won't be a problem I have a 2016 ram 1500 with towing package, so it should handle a camper this size no problem. We're looking to spend somewhere around $10,000 can go up some or down some. Not apposed to used but the Viking was priced at $12,995 and at that price we would spend the extra and go new. My main concern is I don't know much about brands, which to steer clear of and which ones are good to go. Any help/ suggestions are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

I'm not a fan of single axel TTs (and you won't be when you have a blowout) but otherwise looks good. Fresh water a little low at 33 gallons but extra water can be carried in Jerry cans. Not any place to sit other than the booth...can't always be outside.

Joecav,Look up the manufacturer of the unit(s) you are interested in and see if they have a forum like this to get a feel on what other owners have experienced. All RV's have issues,(if $12K or $300K) some major most minor. If you do go new just make sure you do a through PDI (make sure everything works) and inspect the walls, ceiling and floor for water leaks. If you spot a water leak(water marks)do not buy that unit regardless of what the sales person says. Remember sales people are NOT your friend. You are spending YOUR hard earned money, make sure the trailer of choice is adequate for your intended use. Good Luck and enjoy the journey.

If you like the unit go in and offer the dealer $11500. OUT THE DOOR and with a RVers starter kit included. OUT THE DOOR IS IMPORTANT because some dealers will put all sorts of BS fees onto the sales price. NOTHING IS MANDATORY EXCEPT DMV FEES. Remember the salesman is not your friend. You are the way he feeds his family nothing more.When you go to pick up unit do a thorough inspection Before paying for the rig test all systems and check for any leaks from rain. Do not give them the money unntil it al works

Thank you guys for the replies! They did say that any new trailer comes with everything the trailer needs to go camping. Definitely going to look around a few more dealers before we buy. I do a ton of research before I buy anything!

Take your time. They make new ones every day. That is another of many advantages of buying new. Most brands have online forums and actual owners will have better information than the typical Internet expert.

Looking to buy! | Good Sam Community

Joecav91
Explorer
Aug 02, 2017
Ralph Cramden wrote:
Joecav91 wrote:
Hey all, new to the forums. Been poking around for a while and decided to join! We are looking to purchase our first travel trailer, we don't want anything huge as it's just 2 of us, and our pups sometimes. We are both 26 years old. We went to a dealership today and really liked the Viking 17bh, it fits our needs perfectly. Towing something that size won't be a problem I have a 2016 ram 1500 with towing package, so it should handle a camper this size no problem. We're looking to spend somewhere around $10,000 can go up some or down some. Not apposed to used but the Viking was priced at $12,995 and at that price we would spend the extra and go new. My main concern is I don't know much about brands, which to steer clear of and which ones are good to go. Any help/ suggestions are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Noticing the area you're from, I'd suggest taking a ride to Connellsville and talking to Eric at Brooks Camper Sales. He may not have what you're specifically looking for on his lot, but he can possibly work something out and order something. They are small, family owned, have excellent service after the sale, and you will get your best price. I have dealt or attempted to deal with all of them around Pittsburgh over the years. If possible I stay away from every one except for Brooks and the dealer in Butler PA, who I can't recall the name of at this moment.

Thanks for the info on the sealer in connelsville. Only about a 30 minute drive from us, definitely going to take a ride out there and see what they have to offer! I've heard of the one in butler I can't think of the name currently either. Will probably go there as well!
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Aug 02, 2017
Joecav91 wrote:
Hey all, new to the forums. Been poking around for a while and decided to join! We are looking to purchase our first travel trailer, we don't want anything huge as it's just 2 of us, and our pups sometimes. We are both 26 years old. We went to a dealership today and really liked the Viking 17bh, it fits our needs perfectly. Towing something that size won't be a problem I have a 2016 ram 1500 with towing package, so it should handle a camper this size no problem. We're looking to spend somewhere around $10,000 can go up some or down some. Not apposed to used but the Viking was priced at $12,995 and at that price we would spend the extra and go new. My main concern is I don't know much about brands, which to steer clear of and which ones are good to go. Any help/ suggestions are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Noticing the area you're from, I'd suggest taking a ride to Connellsville and talking to Eric at Brooks Camper Sales. He may not have what you're specifically looking for on his lot, but he can possibly work something out and order something. They are small, family owned, have excellent service after the sale, and you will get your best price. I have dealt or attempted to deal with all of them around Pittsburgh over the years. If possible I stay away from every one except for Brooks and the dealer in Butler PA, who I can't recall the name of at this moment.
Joecav91
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
Thanks for the suggestions, going to take a look at the options you guys gave me!
Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
As Normal Dave said, Riverside Mfg. makes a good product and there is a riverside owners forum that has a lot of good advice. After touring the Riverside Manufacturing Facility in Lagrange, IN, I was impressed with their effort at building quality in. That is not to say that all units are perfect. Like all RV manufactures there are sometimes things to correct.
Joecav91
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
jarata1 wrote:
look at the one i linked you to its what you want 4000 cheaper

I did! Unfortunately it has been sold! They had another one for 10,500 on there and it was sold as well. Appreciate the find though!
jarata1
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
look at the one i linked you to its what you want 4000 cheaper
normal_dave
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
Since you really like the Viking, and you mentioned tandem axle, why not look up a used Coachmen Catalina, maybe the Santara in a 22'. Your goal of longer trips would make the 17' get small in a hurry, and you are correct the tandem has many more benefits than just weight capacity.

2015 Catalina 223FB

A 221FB Santara in Butler, PA

Another Santara near Youngstown
2012 Coachmen Catalina Santara 22
TomG2
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
Ralph Cramden wrote:
As it should be. Buyers with problems should be eager to point out the problems to others IMO. Then they are promptly chastised by the Koolaid drinkers. Its actually hilarious.

Not sure what your complaint is, but there is a current thread on the Jayco forum called, "Done with Jayco". Not many koolaid drinkers in those 85 entries. I realize we read into things what we want to read into them.

No matter the brand, whenever I wanted to research a problem or potential problem, I got plenty of information from the various forums. Just like this one.
wireman
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
Find a good reputable dealer as close to home as possible.

Don't pay sticker price or list price on a TT, ever.

Your doing the right thing by doing a lot of research. Be as informed as possible when you decide to buy.

As others have said, all units and brands have issues. If your handy you can take care of some issues, instead of going back to the dealer.

Most dealers have a long turn around time when it comes to repairs.

If you can, go to a large RV show to view as many brands as possible.

Consider used, but check over the TT very carefully. Leaks are the major issue to watch out for.
Joecav91
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017
Thanks for all of the replies everyone. It's exactly why I came here! A little more about the use of the camper, we will use it for some weekend camping trips however our main plan with it is to take long road trips 1-3 weeks and just see as much of the country as we can while we're young. That's why I like the size of this unit. I do however wish it had dual axels. Thanks for the rvt site link, the unit listed above has been sold unfortunately. Going to keep looking and not buy the first unit we see!

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