New to travel trailers. Seeking guidance
Hi everyone. While I am not new to camping I am new to the whole RV style of camping. My name is Jason. My wife and I are in the market looking to purchase a new (not used) tow behind travel trailer...
Forum Discussion
Jason - Welcome to RVing.
Answers to your questions are easily found on this forum. Have you done some research here? You have lots of good questions from all directions and it might be a good idea to do some research and then split up your questions into separate "chunks". That way you have the best chance of getting useful answers to all of your questions.
To start you off I will answer some:
1. You need to find out for sure what your trailer is capable of - payload as well as tow capacity. You will need to ensure you do that a transmission cooler as well.
2. A 30 - 32' trailer will be at the limit of your truck's capacity since the unladen (light) load is a useless load to go by. If shopping around a better number to base decisions on is the GVWR or maximum load,
3. Yes you will need both a brake controller as the trailer will have brakes and they need to be activated in response to your truck's braking inputs.
4. Yes you will need a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
5. Insurance varies widely and you should be considered after you settle on a trailer. For example, mine in Harris County with full replacement coverage etc. costs $700 per year and it is stored in a storage lot.
6. Figure on rule of thumb 30% off MSRP.
7. Extended warranties can be a great idea especially if you are careful and understand exactly what is covered, how it is covered, and whether you can / are willing to do the repairs yourself. The cost of the warranty is often paid off in one or two covered repairs.
There you go. There are no "right" answers to fit everyone on many of the above issues, and many people will have many approaches that work for them but are useless to others. Your situation will likely be no different.
Answers to your questions are easily found on this forum. Have you done some research here? You have lots of good questions from all directions and it might be a good idea to do some research and then split up your questions into separate "chunks". That way you have the best chance of getting useful answers to all of your questions.
To start you off I will answer some:
1. You need to find out for sure what your trailer is capable of - payload as well as tow capacity. You will need to ensure you do that a transmission cooler as well.
2. A 30 - 32' trailer will be at the limit of your truck's capacity since the unladen (light) load is a useless load to go by. If shopping around a better number to base decisions on is the GVWR or maximum load,
3. Yes you will need both a brake controller as the trailer will have brakes and they need to be activated in response to your truck's braking inputs.
4. Yes you will need a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
5. Insurance varies widely and you should be considered after you settle on a trailer. For example, mine in Harris County with full replacement coverage etc. costs $700 per year and it is stored in a storage lot.
6. Figure on rule of thumb 30% off MSRP.
7. Extended warranties can be a great idea especially if you are careful and understand exactly what is covered, how it is covered, and whether you can / are willing to do the repairs yourself. The cost of the warranty is often paid off in one or two covered repairs.
There you go. There are no "right" answers to fit everyone on many of the above issues, and many people will have many approaches that work for them but are useless to others. Your situation will likely be no different.
