Newb looking to buy first TT.

dolbsss wrote:
Thanks for all of the great responses. Starting to look into WD hitches. Any advice on what kind to get? How much to spend? Can I install it(pretty good mechanically)?

Equal-i-zer 4 pt.

Take a look at Lance Travel Trailers, I'm also partial because I own one!

Passport America membership will pay for itself on your first trip!

Yes, you should be able to install a WD hitch yourself. It pretty easy, just takes time (and a large level area) to align everything.

dolbsss wrote:
Thanks for all of the great responses. Starting to look into WD hitches. Any advice on what kind to get? How much to spend? Can I install it(pretty good mechanically)?

I'm partial to The Reese Dual cam system (I think they call it "Straightline"). It performs great and is not near as much trouble to install, adjust or hook up as some make it out to be.

Thanks for all of the great responses. Starting to look into WD hitches. Any advice on what kind to get? How much to spend? Can I install it(pretty good mechanically)?

The camper length concern is valid. Yes, you can probably squeeze a longer trailer in, but it will be difficult to backup between trees, etc. This can get really tricky at night.

The WD hitch is worth it, even with an 2500HD.

dolbsss wrote:
1. when researching national parks I've noticed most have 30'-35' spots at best. So does that include my truck or just the trailer, and if it is just trailer would it be a big deal to have a trailer that is 35'8"?

While this is both trailer and tow vehicle, in practical terms in many places you can detact the TV park it sideways or sometimes along side without any problems. You mileage may vary, but I have parked a 30' TT with my GM 2500 in the same space.

dolbsss wrote:
2. Do I need a sway bar?

Short answer, yes.

You will probably travel in places you have never been before. Weather conditions may be trickier than you think. You may lose a tire or more than one tire. That sway bar may be thing that keeps your vacation going, or keeps the claims adjuster from giving you the evil eye.

dolbsss wrote:
3. Kind of an opinion but what brands do you like? We have looked at many new ones so far. Our budget is gonna be around 30k, looking for a bunk house type, with outdoor kitchen, a bed for me(6'2"), durability to go across country, and possibly some "kid space". We seem to like Dutchmen aerolites, keystone premier, and Jayco Jayflights. If you think one has a certain feature the other two don't please let me know or if you like a brand not listed let me know also please.

Grand Design Imagine series. Take a good look at 2800BH.

I am partial because I bought one.

If you look at their largest, both you and kid(s) will have a room with a door, but that TT is above what you want to spend.

But let me give you a tip. Learn to negotiate. On my 2800 the spread between my top offer and my bottom offer was $6,000 (3 different dealers within 100 miles). It is possible that had I sold my other TT instead of trading it in, I probably could have gotten even more off.

The less you can act enthralled with the trailer the more likely they will deal with you. Since we knew exactly what we wanted, it was basically a "this will do" so I could keep of the apparent disinterest in the TT facade.

The dealers all know what their competitors can offer so they pretty much know when you are blowing smoke at them.

As long as you are buying new, you have a little less to worry about with defects. They are going to fix them as part of the manufacturer's warranty.

What I like about GD Imagine series are that they are well made, and have excellent customer service. The interiors are well thought out. The materials are aluminum and composite, which has its advantages over tin and wood. The master bedroom has a wood door. They also feature a 47 cubic foot storage bin which is huge for TT. I had a big Puma Toyhauler before, but the bathroom is much larger than the one in Puma, though their footprints are almost the same.

Their 3150 has a walk-in closet, but also has bunk room. The kiddo might appreciate that since it will be the kids room. It will probably be nice when you have several kids over.

The 2800BH is nice as the bunks have black-out exterior curtains, and the curtain to the living area will remind you of a train sleeping car curtain.

The pardette and I do lots of dry camping amd we shoot Cowboy Action Shooting. So we have plenty of space to stow both our long guns, pistols, ammo and costumes.

It has reasonable fresh, gray, and blackwater tanks that are insulated. The other thing that is nice is that you can fill the freshwater tank from the utility station. Very handy.

The 2800 also has 3 roof vents which should make dry camping even easier.

dolbsss wrote:
4. Should I get a KOA membership and be done with it?

Depends on you. Many campgrounds have KOA, but they may also have AAA rates.

What you really should have is Good Sam's Club. AAA will not tow anything over 9,500 pounds. Good Sam's will. Good Sam's will tow a bus if need be. The only time I had problems with Good Sam's was when I was in Montana and I could not get them on my cell phone.

There are others that do a similar job, and I am sure you will read about them before long.

BTW, may come prewired not for the Furrion Observation and Backup cam. But it on Amazon and save over $200.

Be sure you get a good WDH with built in sway control like an equalizer, Blue Ox, etc.

Also be sure you check the length of the bed closely, for some reason it's hard to find a Travel Trailer with a full length bed.

I don't consider KOAs or passport america to be in the avoid membership classification. any thing $54 a year with no long term obligation is OK in my book. now thousand trails, those memberships with $500-5000 cost and $250 annual dues should be avoided.
bumpy

READ READ READ and then READ some more!

Buying a new camper does NOT equal buying a new car/truck.

Many "New" campers have "issues" (poor quality/craftsmanship) that folks are then stuck with waiting to be resolved. READ

Some of the older units where built much better.

It is next to impossible to find a "good dealership" when you are new to camping. Most EVERY dealership is AWESOME while trying to sell you anything. It is only when you need help AFTER you spent your money do you find out what the dealership is really like.

I bought a used TT from a dealer because of warranty, I thought. As it turned out, they did not want to offer any warranty and AFTER my initial purchase (even before I picked the camper up) they turned into the dealership from HELL.

Friends of mine bought a new TT and had it only a couple of years before they took it on a trip to Alaska. They had so many breakdowns (broken frame, broken leaf springs, etc.) that the camper never made it home with them. They ended up buying something else on the way home.

READ, READ, READ

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my camper and if and when I replace it, I will find another USED camper.

Layout is very important, in my opinion. I have seen layouts where you have to climb over tables and or other occupants to get in and out of bed.

Also, if you get one with tip outs, consider if you will be able to access fridge and toilet while on longer trips. It is nice to be able to access food and such without opening tip outs.

As far as memberships go - I would suggest to get your feet wet first. Try out different kinds for campground to see what you like, then make a decision.

Good luck and enjoy the process!