**** boring introHey guys, I'm totally new to the RVing world because I've decided to make a lifestyle change. I'm a homeowner but as a single male who loves doing outdoor things and can work from home I've decided to put all my junk into storage, rent the house, and travel around in a travel trailer with my dog. Solving mysteries is optional. I'm currently in the DFW area.**intro end, questions/info below:I'll be pulling this with a 2012 F-150 FX4 (4x4) with Eco Boost, so weight is definitely a factor.In the summers I imagine I'll be staying along the coast, in the winters I'd like to take it to Colorado, but probably not in the mountains, so some cold weather could be a concern. I can deal with a very tight space. Budget isn't a concern, but it is my first TT and who knows? I may not like it. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I should be looking for? Brands/models, etc? It has been suggested to me that I install a hitch in my bed and get a fifth wheel, so if anyone would like to weigh in on that, feel free.Thanks in advance for any opinions or suggestions!

You need to determine the towing capacity of your truck. Then shop the websites of the trailer manufacturers to find the models that are under your truck capacity by 25%. Then look for floorplans that meet your needs. Visit dealers and choose 2 to 3 that you like. Spend time in each (several hours) to see if they would fit your lifestyle. Narrow down to the one....

If price doesn't matter, I would look at Lance. They make a quality product. Also, see what Northwood Manufacturing has to offer. There is also Airstream.

Awesome. I've heard good things about airstream. I'll definitely look into Lance. And the max towing capacity is 11000 LBS, so I'd be looking to cap at around 8000 LBS.Thanks for the input so far - ANY advice is appreciated.

Life could be interesting in a lightweight TT in Colorado during the winter. Construction details vary brand to brand, and some TTs are light simply because they are small, but larger TTs sold as "ultralite" or "superlite" (as a marketing class) are made lighter by cutting dimensions on everything, and that includes thickness/weight or wall panels, roof, floor, windows.For the use you are talking about, I would go upscale into four-season molded shell trailers, like the Bigfoot 2500 series, or if you really don't mind how much you are paying, the double-shell Oliver, which will still be F-150 towable. The Bigfoots are a bit heavier, but there are different sizes to choose among.Airstreams are well made, expensive, but not necessarily built for four-season use. Still, probably better than many panel-wall ultralights.

2012 Ford towing guideYou can look up, in the charts, what your truck is able to tow. It won't be 8000 lbs as the payload rating will limit you in regard to the trailer's tongue weight.

Newbie looking for lightweight TT for living/traveling

22 Replies

treysmith
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Yeah I'm big on the outdoorsy stuff - skiing and scuba diving. And I can work anywhere with an internet connection. I'm 29 and no kids (recently got out of a long relationship) so I can rent this house out, save more money, and live where other people vacation.

But following everyone's suggestions, I may just get a lighter TT and leave it parked down on the TX coast and get maybe a cheap condo in Colorado Springs or Denver, that way I can go skiing without worrying about busted pipes, freezing my butt off, or weight being such a factor on my half ton truck (or upgrading to a 250 or 350, which I don't want to do because I love this truck). I've always lived in the South (except in the military where I was in NC, which people tell me is the South, but as a Texan I'm not sure what to think ;) )

You guys have been extremely helpful so far, and I do appreciate it. I will certainly keep you guys updated, I'm headed to a couple of dealers to look around today, but I doubt I'll be cutting a check for anything without doing more homework.
dadmomh
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Depending on the exact specs of your F-150, a 5er may be pushing your limits. You'll need about 1000# wiggle room in your RV math. Agree that about a 28' is a good size. We have a 26'04" and it's great to tow and you can fit it into most any site anywhere. Remember that going too large, can limit your choices.

Interesting choice of locations/seasons....you must LOVE snow and cold to think about CO in the winter. Consider checking various areas you're thinking about to see if they're open during the winter.

Sounds like an adventure....just a man and his trusty dog. BTW, remember to get all your dogs vaccs before you head out and possibly your vet will have some references in the areas you're interested in for that just in case time. And take plenty of HW prev with you as some vets will not allow you to purchase OTC without a new HW check.

Keep us up to date on this, sounds like a great experience.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Take a look at the Bigfoot trailers from Canada. They come from the factory ready for cold weather with double pane windows, heated tanks, and insulated walls. They are also molded fiberglass so they are more aerodynamic and no rubber roof to leak.
Opie431
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Have you checked the average temperatures in the winter months for the area of Colorado you plan on spending your winters in?
Atlee
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2014
Seems like you are going backwards to most people. If it were me, I'd spend winter on the Gulf Cost, and summer in Colorado.

As for your TT and Pickup combo, the F150 eco boost is a very good platform. However, you must be very cognizant of the payload of the F150. I'm sure the Eco-Boost has a higher payload than my 2005 F150 w/ 5.4L Triton, but you need to subtract every pound from the payload limit. That includes you, the dog, any personal stuff in the truck, a hard top cap, or hard bed cover. cover, the weight od the hitch head, plus the tongue weight of what ever trailer.

Absent accurate hard numbers, I'd use 13% of the GVWR od any trailer you are considering. Subtract this number from the payload figure also. The payload number of your truck is on on a yellow sticker on the door jam on the driver side door.
nomad297
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Look at Arctic Fox.

Bruce
westend
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
treysmith wrote:
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Do you have any suggestions for questions that I should ask a dealer or owner regarding the insulation/material that the trailer is made out of, etc? What's good/what's bad, anything like that?
There are only a few mfgs. that make a Winter ready trailer and even those are limited by the dimensions of walls, floors, and ceilings. If you plan to just use the original furnace that comes in a TT, you will be buying propane like no tomorrow if parked somewhere where it gets cold.
If you choose to over-winter in CO, the West at elevation, or the Midwest, you'll need skirting and some ways to block off windows and vents. If you want to have the plumbing functional, you'll need tank heaters, pipe heaters, and all manner of accessory devices to keep it all going. It can be done. It's just a bit of work to make it all happen.
If you can be mobile and work, I'd suggest to park for the Winter in the South.
rbpru
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2014
A good rule of thumb is that a half ton truck is a match for a 5000 lb. or less weight trailer. Also watch the max cargo capacity. Cargo can add up fast if you have a lot of stuff.

As mentioned, with all the merges in the RV industry, it will be interesting to see which brands are still around in a few years.
scbwr
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2014
If you are going to live in it full time and spend winters in a cold climate, you will be happier in a 28' or larger TT designed for four seasons...which means it will be heavy. So...get a 3/4 ton truck, or decide to spend winters much farther south.

Ditto on Arctic Fox or Lance products. You may also want to consider a fifth wheel trailer due to more storage area.
treysmith
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Do you have any suggestions for questions that I should ask a dealer or owner regarding the insulation/material that the trailer is made out of, etc? What's good/what's bad, anything like that?