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 lasthigh quality interior materialsOne queen bed (king is a bonus)At least one other comfortable sleeping spot for our sonmin. 12 cu ft. refrigeratora larger bathroom -- doesn't have to be huge, but 'comfortable'can accommodate washer/dryera compact footprintThe 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!

12 cubic foot reefer may be tough to find.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

17 Replies

jerem0621
Explorer II
Nov 25, 2013
I have my father in laws 24 ft TT in my backyard. I have no idea where you would put a washer dryer.

Also holding tanks on a TT are smallish generally speaking (there are always exceptions) a WD could easily use up your gray water capacity.

I am afraid you are describing a 35 plus ft fiver. I'm thinking Jayco Pinnacle line.

Plus the campground laundry can do in 1.5 hours what would take a RV washer dryer can do in many more hrs.

Not sure how you feel about bunks but Airstream made a true 25 ft model a few years ago with bunks and it was a very nice floor plan.

Also, in the TT world high quality manufacturing is not nearly as important as maintenance. I don't care what model or make you purchase, they are all sticks, staples, luan, fiberglass, tin, etc. They are all rolling earthquakes and need regular maintenance.

Airstream IMHO is the best there is... As far as towing and longevity. Beside Airstream I would rather have a Jayco sticks and Tin trailer.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
colliehauler
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2013
If you want a top quality Spacecraft or New Horizon can custom build as high end as you want. These are not cheep units but you will get what you want.
old_guy
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
washer and dryer models are top end TT. you have some time to check out the different models out there, go to some RV shows and look every thing over. take pen and paper to write down likes and dis likes, the one you like write down the make and model numbers. most come with queen beds, you can find bunk house models. go to web sites and look at floor plans, take you time, the purchase is with you for a long time and you don't want to say I screwed up and bought the wrong TT. taking your time is worth it. we looked for three years to find the one I have now. If you buy new do not pay asking price. dealers get hungry during the winter months and they usually will deal.
bradyk
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
GeoBoy wrote:
There is a company that makes a very nice TT that meet your requirements, Excel Winslow. It starts at 28', with triple slides, and a 2500 lb. tongue weight. If you are looking for a quality TT that your 3/4 ton truck can handle, I would look at an Arctic Fox.

I was going to say the above but also add the Outdoors RV Blackstone and Windriver line of TT. They are part of the Arctic Fox group and have some real nice smaller TT right up to the 30 plus footers.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
There is a company that makes a very nice TT that meet your requirements, Excel Winslow. It starts at 28', with triple slides, and a 2500 lb. tongue weight. If you are looking for a quality TT that your 3/4 ton truck can handle, I would look at an Arctic Fox.
djsamuel
Nomad
Nov 25, 2013
Take a look at the Camplite Trailers from LivinLite. High quality, lightweight. We really like ours. The 21BHS is what we have and can easily accomodate 3.

Click HERE for a video

Click HERE for an overview of the 21BHS Camplite.
NAITSOB1
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
We just spent a lot of time shopping for a new TT (have not purchased yet)
We were really impressed with the Open Range, very nicely built and had a lot of extras. The jayco Eagle is nice, as are the Sunset Trail, Cougar, and Canyon Trail. Most manufacturers have various levels of quality. The Evergreens look nice as well. Large RV shows are nice but can get overwelming and tiring, depending on the age of your child a babysitter would be wise.
skipnchar
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
I think you're expecting too much of a 24 foot trailer. The space taken up by a washer/dryer will SERIOUSLY cut into your cargo capacity,
E_J_push_n_wind
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
Deleted, posted twice
E_J_push_n_wind
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
If you want a washer and dryer plus that big refer you will probably have to go to a 5er. If that its totally out of the question then you my have to make a sacrifice.

Airstream is reputed to be one of the higher end TT's, I can speak for Jayco. While they may not be considered "high end" you won't find particle board in the cabinetry and it starts out with a two year warranty, one of the best in the industry.

Let me suggest this. Talk to an independent RV repair facility and see what say are the most commonly worked on vs. the least and what or who they think are a good build quality. I would ask several to see if a consensus could be developed. Just a thought, FWIW.