Need Some Advice on Used TT Purchase

I think you'll have a hard time finding a 30' bunkhouse that weighs less than 8~9000 lbs loaded (dry weight means almost nothing) and ready to travel. I would look for something much smaller.

Actually a lot of the new light weights can easily fall under 8k loaded. My 31' Bullet Premier for example. 6000lbs dry, 6400lbs wet, 7600lbs loaded and we pack everything.

That being said, still too much for an Armada. OP, you need to be more concerned with payload and tongue weight than tow rating. Consider something like the Passport line of ultra light bunks.

Hippilongstockings wrote:

Here's what we're looking for:

1. We've got 3 girls (7, 3, and 1.5), so we're looking for something with a separate bunkhouse.

2. We need something with a living room slide for sure.

3. We're thinking about 30'-32' long for the space we need.

4. We'll be traveling in this quite frequently, so any help is appreciated--as well as any tips on what to look for when buying. We've got a little over a month before we need to purchase.

5. Any veteran tips will help immensely--because I guarantee there are things I'm missing in the purchasing process.

Thanks Again!
--Ryan

1. "Bunkhouse" not needed, that is a WANT.

Growing up my parents used a slide in camper in the back of the truck EIGHT people (two adults and SIX of use kids) SLEPT in the camper. Two kids in the over head bunk, FOUR kids in a home made bunk over top the dinette table and my parent slept on the bunk made from the dinette table.

IT DIDN'T KILL US.

The two older kids should be able to "share" a bed, the youngest by self and parents in another bed.

THREE BEDS will work for quite a few years.

2. Slide is a "WANT" not a "need"

Slides add weight, lots of it along with additional things to break.

We SPEND A LOT OF OUR TIME OUT DOORS, rainy days we find places to go and do things.

3. Way to much trailer and if this is your first time towing it will be a bit of a learning curve to not hit or back into things not to mention gas stations...

4. Traveling is nice and frequent traveling does not require a lot of trailer. Like I said, I grew up camping in a slide out with EIGHT of us...

5. Think a bit smaller and used, find something which can sleep 6 which could be three beds.

DITTO ABOVE

I think you'll have a hard time finding a 30' bunkhouse that weighs less than 8~9000 lbs loaded (dry weight means almost nothing) and ready to travel. I would look for something much smaller.

Yea, I think you are extremely optimistic in your wants with that tow vehicle. Start thinking Hybrid or tent trailer and you will be far better off.
Lets look at the numbers, Your SUV probably has a GVWR around 7000 pounds and it's scaled ready to travel weight with family and all their stuff on board is probably going to be around 6000 pounds. Maybe more. A 30 foot TT worth it's salt is going to scale ready to travel over 7000 pounds, and probably far closer to 8500 pounds. Towing that large of a trailer with a short wheel base SUV is also simply not a smart move if you want to arrive happy.