Newb looking to buy first TT.

dolbsss wrote:
So my wife and I decided to get a TT to take a 4 year old and one year old(possible more) on local camping trips and 2-3 weeks of trips each year. I own a landscape company so I already own a 2500HD so it made sense to go look at TTs. So I have some questions and concerns and will try to address them numerically to keep from being confusing. So here goes:

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"?

2. Do I need a sway bar? I'm looking only at trailers in the 6500-7500lb window and I have a 2015 2500HD LT 6.0 gasoline with many trailer features because I pull a heavy landscape trailer. I seem to have no issues there, but is wind gonna be a big deal?

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.

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

any answers are welcome. Thanks for your time.

1. Depends, in the east this is generally the max length for the camping unit. In Florida separate driveway length is given along with the campsite length.

2. You need more than just a sway bar, an integrated WD/sway control hitch is strongly recommended.

3. This is strictly subjective but don't overlook the actual functionality of the layout. Can you sit on the toilet comfortably to do your business, can you shower without being a contortionist, is waste tank size adequate, can you make the bed without difficulty, is there somewhere for everyone to sit comfortably during bad weather, etc?

4. Waste of money in my opinion.

1) Typically, this is the size of the pad, but your truck can often fit beside or near your trailer. When planning a trip to a national park, I prefer to not reserve blindly online and call in to make sure my truck & trailer will fit in the desired space. Talking to a real person can save headaches when showing up at a national park!

2) I like the way my truck pulls with a weight distribution hitch and sway bar. In fact, I've seen it recommended to run 2 sway bars for trailers 26 feet and up. I added a second one, and it made a difference especially on long distance trips. Trailers often get squirrelly in wind - far more than 5th wheels.

3) I agree with others to visit a local dealer. Also know that comparing two trailers that seem similar may not be an apples to apples comparison. Many manufacturers have several model lines ranging from lightweight budget-friendly entry level trailers on up to heavy luxury trailers. Don't judge trailers just by floor plan and price.

4) Maybe wait on a membership until after you camp a bit. We found we like to mostly stay at state parks, but we stay at KOA parks two or three times every season, and the savings of being members pays for the membership. KOA parks are fun with lots of amenities, but they can get expensive and not everyone enjoys them.

Good luck!

Get the KOA membership if you are going places that you need full hook ups and things for the kids to do. Going 2-3X per year will pay for the measly $27 or so that it costs.

Visit dealers to find what you like and that fits your needs. Look at several so you get an idea of the different layouts available. Have fun hunting for a TT, it is half the fun.

Definitely get sway control and weight distribution. It makes towing so much easier (and much more under control - i.e. safer.)

I would suggest to find a dealer - preferably reasonably local - that you like, and trust your gut. Even if you like the dealership and/or they get good reviews from others around, do not necessarily believe what the salesperson says. "Sure, you can tow this" is one of the most commonly-uttered untruth. :) We've all been there (or at least most of us have.) If you have a choice of several reputable dealers, so much the better - visit all of them.

Once you locate a good dealer, look at what he has on the lot, take brochures home for different brands & models, and go through them. We have found that certain items are important to us in a floorplan, and not all brands make the floorplans that work for us. You already know you want a bunkhouse model, full-length bed (those are very hard to find in the lighter/smaller trailers) and other things you mentioned, so that will narrow the search for you.

As far as memberships go, you may want to see how the first year goes and then decide. We have both KOA and Good Sam memberships and like the 10% discount we get on their camping fees. If you will be using mostly state parks or national forests/parks, then the memberships won't do you much good, but if you will be using primarily campgrounds that offer a pool, playground, etc., you may want to consider getting a yearly membership in one or both of these clubs. I believe the annual KOA fee is something like $24, hardly a bank-buster, but if you'll only be camping 3 or 4 times a year, it may not be cost-effective.

Ditto on sway bar, always use weight distribution hitch. As far as what to buy, you will get a hundred different answers. You need to get what you and your family like and will meet your needs. We have a Riverside Whitewater Retro 195, but no bunks. Look on all the manufactures web sites and start there. Then go look at the unit on a dealers lot. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.

May God give you and your family many fun and safe trips.

I wish used was an option but you haven't met my wife, lol. The payments aren't a big deal.

1. Generally that is the total length of the pad
2. Yes, sway cpntrol is always the best answer. Remember trailers are advertised as dry or shipping weiht, and you will never ever tow a dry trailer. Instead determine the trailers GVWR and see if it fits within your desired load capacity.
3. Start looking as a first trailer used. You will get,more trailer for less money. Let someone else take the huge depreciation hit.
4. NO, NEVER ever sign up for some membership club. They are generally a simple time share that you wwind up on the hook for a really long term.