New to Travel Trailers: Looking for Opinions

Siv,

Welcome!!!

In regards to the 279, I guess the big question is where would you like to do most of your camping at: national forrest, state parks, private parks (KOA or similar), etc? As listed, you generally would want a shorter trailer for the np, the sp ideal length will vary some but usually allow a little longer rv, and the private parks usually allow the monster trailers.

If you aren't limited to a certain length, consider a brand that has a floor plan like our 32 BHDS as mentioned with 2 young kids. It is a dual slide, couch and dinette in one slide, and bunks in the rear slide. Adds a fair amount of room to the bunk room. And the bottom J Cube chairs (other brands are very similar) fold out to a queen bed I think it is.

Some things to look for when shopping are:
Tank capacities- will you always have full hook up, or electric only? The longer the trip, the larger the tank you may need without using the cg shower house.

Axle ratings- one unit we looked at had 2-4400lb axles, but a 95XXlb gvwr. The manufacture added the "dry tw" (tongue weight) to the total axle rating for a higher gvwr. Our trailer had 2-5000lb axles, and a 9975lb gvwr (or something like that). Also look at the ccc (cargo carrying capacity: gvwr- unloaded trailer weight)) of the trailer. I would suggest skipping any trailer with less than 1500lbs or so.

Tire size and rating. Make sure you have enough tire capacity.

Outdoor shower location: if you think you would use it, see where it is located. Our friends bought a newer 5ver and not paying attention until after it was home, the outdoor shower is under the awning. Not many people would like mud under the awning if preventable. Ours is between the two slides. And if wanted, we can clip a shower curtain to both slides for a little privacy. Not suggesting a full on shower outside, but if the kids are a little shy it can help.

You have enough truck, but make sure to still get a good wdh (weight distribution hitch) with integrated sway control. And size the wd bars for the loaded tw, not the "dry" tw. Usually the manufactures "brochure" tw does not include the weight of the propane tanks or a battery on the tongue. That can add ~120lbs for 2-30lb tanks and a battery, or ~160lbs for 2-30lb tanks and a battery. That is even before loading the trailer. For comparison, our dry tw of 920lbs is about 1400lbs loaded.

Good luck shopping from a fellow twin parent!!!

As always my advice is to decide what you think you want, then rent a similar sized model.

A week or so of travel and camping will tell you if you really want to pull one of these barns down the road.

You will discover 10 mpg, 250 mile days, 60 mph and cross winds etc.

Renting is expensive but it beats buying the wrong unit.

Doing a bit of Internet searching for your desired model, I just clicked on a couple dealerships, nothing specific:

MSRP: $26,300 - Dealer price: $18,900
MSRP: - Dealer price: $18,495
NADA suggested list price, no additions specified: $22,828

Your price sounds very good.

This will be an "entry level" camper. It will serve you well, provided you do not abuse it and are diligent on maintenance and repairs immediately when things start showing up. It's definitely not a high-end trailer. No doubt the cabinets will be particle board with wall paper that simulates wood. Drawers and doors will be cheaply made and probably will not hold up very well to the rough rigors of young kids.

But for a starter, first time camper, at a price that a young family can afford and uses it for vacations a few times a year, it may serve you well.

The same floor plan comes in dozens of different models and manufacturers. Depending upon how much you are budgeting, it might do well to visit other dealership with the same floor plan.

Print the floor plan and the "stats" information (tank sizes, weight, etc), and take the print out to competing dealers and see what they have available. Once you've stepped into a higher end trailer that has the same floor plan as the one you are considering, you might change your mind on this one and be willing to pay a bit more for something more "stout" and robust.

proxim2020 wrote:
You'll find that essentially all brands have a model with that exact same floorplan. You can find them in aluminum or fiberglass sided. There's nothing special about the construction of the Gulf Stream. It's your traditionally built basic stick and tin trailer.

Coachmen has a 292BHDSLE in their Freedom Express line. I would say that the Coachmen has a better construction.

Agreed on all points.

Many manufacturers copy each others floor plans, and either add or subtract features or design aspects.

And to Coachmen being better build than Gulftream, from what I saw at the local dealer, I agree there too.
The Coachmen was better than same floor plan Forest River units at other dealers too.

The dealer I have been to sells about 5 different brands, including Gulfstream Amerilite models. I looked at them and they are lower on the scale of quality and build. The dealer said the same thing.
I think the price of around $17K for that large of a trailer reflects it as being a lower end trailer.

You'll find that essentially all brands have a model with that exact same floorplan. You can find them in aluminum or fiberglass sided. There's nothing special about the construction of the Gulf Stream. It's your traditionally built basic stick and tin trailer.

Coachmen has a 292BHDSLE in their Freedom Express line. I would say that the Coachmen has a better construction. If you're not that close to buying then have a look at the units that have at least one slide in the back. We originally thought about going with a quad bunk setup like this, but went with one that had a slide back there. With toddlers, you'll definitely enjoy the extra room back there.