Need Advice on TT size for 3-4 months

wannavolunteerFT wrote:
Bob, to give you some idea on size weight, I will give you info on mine. I have 2011 Jayco JayFlight 24RKS. It has about a 24ft box, and is actually 28ft long, tongue to bumper. It has a dry weight of 5035, which leaves me with just over 1900 lbs of carrying capacity. (Max gross weight is 7000lbs) That being said, I have a 86 gal freshwater tank, so I use nearly half of that if I have full freshwater tank. I don't usually carry more than a little bit of water in freshwater tanks, as most places I camp have water available.

My floorplan is one that I could live in fulltime or long term if I needed to. Now not everyone could, as many want much more space. I do intend to go to a slightly bigger RV when I do fulltime, but I also plan to change to a Class A. Nothing wrong with TT, just I feel more secure traveling to unknown places in MH than TT. (I travel aloe, so the secure feeling is important to me and my children.) Whether I go to MH immediately upon going fulltiming or staying in TT for a while will be wholly dependent on real estate market at the time. I can't pay for MH as long as I am making house payments and TT and PU will be paid for.

wincrasher65 wrote:
Bob,

I'd try to keep whatever you buy to around 5000 lbs loaded. The ratings for trucks are kinda mythical at best, as some may chime in. A 1/2 ton gas truck does best up until 5000 lbs and should give you some flexibility.

There are many, many trailers in the 25 foot range that can give you enough room, yet are easy to tow and park.

I'd recommend that you give aerodynamics alot of weight when you choose a trailer. Look for one with a curved front cap, or a pointed nose front cap. Some trailers also have shaped rear ends as well. A trailer is essentially a big sail behind your truck - a more aerodynamic heavy trailer can be easier to tow that a lighter one with a flat front.

Another thing to consider - you are not buying this trailer to be a permanent home, but to travel for a few months a year. It doesn't have to be ginormous to be comfortable and practical.

Good luck!

Terryallan wrote:
6000lb dry is going to be way too much for your TV. you need to look in the minis 5000lb dry range. And there are plenty of them.
I agree with needing to be able to use the TT with the slide in. Never know when you may want something , or need the bathroom.
What ever you get. Take your time and pick your TT wisely.

guidry wrote:
Start up advice; make sure you can get to the fridge and bathroom while traveling (if it has a slideout), if buying used, inspect it well for hidden leaks or damage, do your research (weigh your truck and trailer) for what your Tundra can tow, and don't go cheap on towing equipment. Lastly, find the floor plan that Momma likes. You might want to reconsider a new truck as a retirement present so you can really get the trailer you will enjoy. Good luck

DutchmenSport wrote:
Are you planning on buying new or used? That can make a difference in the weight of the camper. Older ones are heavier (generally).

Only you can decide what size of camper is right for you. And what works this year might not work next year. We've been through three travel trailers now, each one as different as an apple to a watermellon. They are all travel trailers, but the floor plans and size changed.

Your best bet is to visit as many RV dealerships as you can where you live and physically go inside the campers and what appeals to you and what does not.

There's much more to a good choice than just size. Someone may take a smaller camper because the floor plan and interior design is good for them. Someone else, the exact same camper would be a nightmare or a divorce waiting to happen! Just because they are longer or bigger does not make them more comfortable or easier to live in. That's why is so critically important that you actually visit dealerships, RV shows, and if you have friends with campers, look at them with a critical eye.

We started with an 24 foot (18 foot floor) for our first camper (no slides). Second was 31 feet long from bumper to bumper (no slides). Third is 35 feet long, bumper to bumper and 3 slides. Which camper was the "right" camper for us? Answer: The one we had at the time we had it! Until circumstances started changing the way we live, and then the existing camper became inadequate.

All three campers 24, 31, and 35 foot worked well for us at specific times. That's why, your question is so difficult to answer. You really need to go and start looking. Very quickly, you'll eliminate stuff. Knowing what you do NOT like is sometimes MORE important thank knowing what you DO like! As you expand your list of what you do not like, you are also narrowing the list of what you do like. Then, one day! You'll have the Ah-HA! "This is it!" moment.

Sorry I can't be more specific. It' like trying to figure out for you if I think you should live in a town-house, an apartment, a high rise tower, a house trailer, a duplex, a tri-level house, bi-level house, single floor house, basement or a loft? My opinions are not yours. That's why is so important to go and see for yourself.

But if you're really asking my opinion, my current Outback Travel Trailer is by far the best we've had. 35 feet and would be great for short term or long term camping. It can do it all. (But not everyone wants to drag 35 feet behind them either!)

Good luck. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but hopeful I gave you something to think about.