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klieber's avatar
klieber
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013

New prospective TT owner - how to pick a high quality model?

Hi All -- we are a family of 3 and considering our first TT purchase. We've rented a motorhome before, but decided it wasn't for us. 5th wheels are a bit too big for what we want, too. So, the TT seems perfect, but the sheer number of manufacturers out there are dizzying. Can anyone provide suggestions on how to find a good quality TT? Specifically, we're looking for:


  • high build quality - something that will last
  • high quality interior materials
  • One queen bed (king is a bonus)
  • At least one other comfortable sleeping spot for our son
  • min. 12 cu ft. refrigerator
  • a larger bathroom -- doesn't have to be huge, but 'comfortable'
  • can accommodate washer/dryer
  • a compact footprint


The last one is really the key for us. We see lots of great trailers that are 30+ ft and have everything we want, but they have a TON of wasted space (for us) in the seating areas. We don't need a U-shaped table, sofa AND two separate chairs. We'd be happy with just a U-shaped table. We're a small family of 3, but can't seem to find nice, high quality trailers in a compact footprint. My preference would be for a TT that was 24ft or less.

My TV is a 3/4 ton diesel truck, so not really concerned about weight. But, lighter would be better if only for fuel economy reasons.

Not terribly concerned about price. I'd rather spend more to get a nice, high quality TT.

Thanks!

17 Replies

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  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2013
    If your truck is rated to handle it, fuel economy of a heavier trailer is not that big a deal. It is the frontal area exposed to the winds which slows you down, not the TT's mass.

    When in doubt, go bigger, not smaller. With a family of three, 24 feet can get cramped after a while.

    There are a lot of floorplans out there. I'd probably go shopping to narrow down the models down that are usable, and go from there.
  • loulou57's avatar
    loulou57
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    I was just going to mention the washer and dryer being a problem.

    We are a family of 2 left at home. We started looking at everything from pop ups to class A. We hadn't a clue what we wanted. Anyway...after looking we went TT.

    Can I make a suggestion....go bigger than what you could be happy with. We ended up with a 27'. There are bunks we use for storage but it is hard to find anything a bit bigger without them...you need a bed for your son, he will grow. I would make sure his bunk is a double.

    On a wet day, no matter how well you get along you will quickly learn how small an RV can be. Your son will need a place to play either floor space or a bunk.

    Our friends settled for a smaller TT with no couch. There are only 2 of them. They find it uncomfortable having to sit at the table all the time. They also find they do not have their own space.

    I do not have enough knowledge to suggest a make/model for you.

    Happy travels!
  • klieber's avatar
    klieber
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    OK, so then how do I figure out who are the higher quality builders vs. the more volume-oriented builders? As an example, we rented a Holiday Rambler motorhome, which was OK, but the cabinets were cheap particle board, the carpet was low quality and it generally didn't have the fit/finish that we wanted. Then, we saw a Tiffin motorhome at a show and were blown away by the overall build quality.

    So who are the Tiffin-like builders of the TT world?
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    We bought the ratings book from the RV Consumer Group when we were looking (www.rv.org) and chose the most highly rated models then went looking. It's not a perfect system but there is no Consumer Reports for RV's that I know of.
    You can search this Forum for the models you narrow it down to but pay more attention to the problems of a particular make/model than how enamored the owners are with their rigs.
  • TNRIVERSIDE's avatar
    TNRIVERSIDE
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    I agree that a 12 cubic foot reefer may be tough to find. Then add a washer/dryer and in anything around 24' will be very hard to find. We recently bought our 23' Coleman and we are happy with it. We really benefited by going to a large RV show. If your close to making a decision the prices at the big shows can be a real benefit. Good luck.
  • LewBob's avatar
    LewBob
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    I have trouble imagining a 24-foot trailer that could accommodate a washer/dryer. My 24-foot Arctic Fox is very well built with quality materials, but there's no place to squeeze a big refrigerator and washer/dryer. Only in my dreams.

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