Thanks so much for the responses, you guys. I think I'm understanding the problems I've seen with the used listings so far - and I think I'm just seeing those "wishful thinker" sellers. I have been looking at a 200 mile radius and not finding anything that makes sense (I'm not willing to sacrifice my want-to-haves and floorplan/decor preference for a savings of $2K - especially since we plan to keep this until it falls apart, like we do everything else we buy). I will expand that a bit further to see what else pops up. We aren't in a big hurry to purchase, so we have that luxury going for us.
To proxim2020 and mikeschu42: I absolutely welcome your feedback on other TT options as well as opinions on the 315. Let me give you a better understanding of our situation and wants. You don't have to read all of this but it's here if you're curious. Especially you Mike, since we seem to be in a similar market situation. Otherwise, feel free to list the other models and I can evaluate how they compare based on our situation. Thank you very much for the offers!
Weight is a consideration, but not the most important one (before I get flamed on that let me explain :) ). We have a 1/2 ton TV that we'd like to use for more local (1 hour away) camping if possible (which is why I'd like to stay within 1/2 ton limits preferably - and yes we are considering GV combined and not dry weight, and we are aware of payload and tongue weight limitations and only plan to tow what comes in UNDER max recommendations). Another option is my FIL who lives 1 mile away has an unused 3/4 ton Chevrolet 2500 that he used as a TV before they moved to a Class A. It's sitting unused and has been offered to us for use any time we want. So we could use that for local and longer distance camping if we ended up with a TT at the upper limits of our current TV's capacity. This is all a very short-term consideration though because we also plan to purchase a new TV within the next 2-3 years, and plan to purchase a 1 ton truck. So the weight consideration is really more a short-term one (and how short term depends on when we decide to pull the trigger on purchasing - who knows, we may wait to buy the TT and new TV at same time, though we'd prefer to have our TT by next summer).
We will be using this TT mostly for weekend dry camping at a national forest about an hour away, with plans to tow on a longer distance family vacation 1-2 weeks per year. Where we dry camp has deep wells so we will not tow with fresh water tanks full, and also has outhouses, so we will be using those during the day and only using our TT's toilet at night. Where we plan to camp long distance for a week or longer has full hookups for water, electric and sewer. ETA: One additional detail: for our weekend 'local' camping, I will be driving a separate vehicle with the kids and most of our stuff to cut down on gear weight for the TV. Also because it's nice to have two vehicles because my DH likes to trout fish out of his truck far up the river and I don't want to be vehicle-less in case of emergency with two small kids.
Because of where we like to camp, we don't want to be limited to only certain sites due to length, because the campground stays fairly full and you can't make reservations. So we'd like to have the option to take what we can get. Also, we plan to store the TT under an existing shelter on our property during the summer, and inside the enclosed portion of the shelter during the winter. For these reasons, we need height to be below 11', length needs to be less than 33'. We *could* go a few inches higher, but would have to make modifications to the entrance to our shelter, so we prefer not to have to do that.
As for floorplan wants: DH is 100% opposed to hybrid - only hard sided TT. We want lots of sleeping space (8-10), but absolutely do not want single width bunks. I originally set out looking at double over double bunks (and fell in love with a Kodiak model), but really like the convertible bunk capability on the 315 so you could actually sleep another adult couple (or our teenager and her friend who may go with us) in the bunk should we have friends join us. It's also nice to have other uses for the bunk area as a possibility (the 315 has a small dinette for the kids) and a wardrobe and entertainment center - as opposed to hard set bunks with no other usage. The larger bunkhouse models are FANTASTIC but the tradeoffs are they are typically taller, longer and much, much heavier (knocking the 1/2 TV out as a possibility, and causing storage and campsite challenges). Since we are branching out on our own (from camping with family and friends) we have no equipment and for that reason really like the outdoor kitchen for less setup and one less thing to buy. I also really really like the outdoor fridge. I want a trifold (not jacknife or air mattress) sofa, and prefer a dinette with the option to convert to a bed, even better if the table is freestanding. I have no preference on U-shaped vs. not. I definitely prefer at least one living area slide. I like the master king bed in the 315 (not a must have but nice). I don't care about real doors vs. curtains separating the master. A bath with a tub/shower combo is preferable since my kids are so small but not a must have. there MUST be adequate kitchen storage for food and supplies. I don't care so much about clothing storage as I'm used to living out of a bag when we camp anyway (since we're always guests).
I think that's it. Was that enough? Ha! :) Happy to answer other questions if you have them. I really appreciate the help!
Thanks,
Kelly
