Hello there, new guy from Orlando. I had a 25 Terry years ago that worked nicely. I've recently had some medical issues and long distance flying is out. We are considering a TT as I have a 2104 Ram Cummins 4x4 that will pull anything.If I am able to travel, I'd like to do national parks and hear there's a size preference or limit. I will keep the TT on my property as a guest house and I'd like to spend 25K or less.Any suggestions as to brand, size, options? My knowledge base is 30 years old, but we are boaters and used to the space restrictions a TT would present. I'm learning that portable gennies are the rage, that's a news item for me and makes sense.Thanks in advance. There are two of us and five small rescue dogs to house. I can easily build a secure travel pen on a bunk for the little ones. The Chihuahua, of course likes to drive.

The DW and I get along quite well in a 24 ft 5000 lb TT with slide.As you will soon hear it is not what your truck can pull, it is what it can carry.You will run out of cargo capacity before you run out of towing capacity.

Thanks, I understand. We have an aluminum bed cover that hinges in the middle so the truck can really be loaded. I like the slide idea and my thinking is to get as large a TT as doesn't exceed any Nat'l park restrictions.(whatever that is these days)Our truck has the mega cab which adds some interior storage space too.

2500 mega means the truck probably weighs ready to go around 8000 pounds and has a 9900 pound GVWR. So based on that you might have 2000 pounds for gear and hitch weight. Keeping your TT ideas to around 25 feet should be a decent match. Go shopping for used trailers in that size. Pick what you feel most comfortable in.

Shark1007 wrote:........... I'm learning that portable gennies are the rage, that's a news item for me and makes sense........Even though gennies may be the rage, a few of us out there in our National Parks, as well as in the many Forest Service campgrounds, prefer the quiet sounds of the natural environment over the purring sounds of our camping neighbor's generator because they require the complete comforts of home. Many quiet alternatives then needing a generator, IMHO.

korbeI agree completely, I hate genie noise. I was interested in one to use when at home to charge batteries/run a.c. etc. Lots of the older Hatteras like I have came equipped with noisy stinky diesel Onans, bad luck to get next to one running in a marina for sure. My thought was to build a pole barn and store the TT underneath without the need for required power for dehumidifying and such.Is there a common size limit for the Nat'l parks? How do they measure?

newbie needs avice | Good Sam Community

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2015
Is your truck a 2500 or 3500......big difference in what they are rated for.

Dodge Truck/Tow Ratings
Look up your specific truck and then go get truck weighed 'camp ready' (you, fuel, passengers, stuff etc.) and then compare to weight ratings.
Then you will have a real world idea on how much you have left on each axle, on truck total etc.

With all those dogs.......not plan on staying at many private campgrounds as most have a 2 dog limit.

State/National CGs, Fairgrounds and COE (Corp of Engineers) will be your best as they rarely have any pet restrictions.
OR boondocking (dry camping)

Generators........boondocking yes.
westend
Explorer
Oct 31, 2015
I think some of the National parks have some areas that are restricted to 25' or less. If you search the website of the Park you want to visit, the camping info is all spelled out as to length, amenities, etc.

Besides generators, solar power is now in the Rage category, too. I have some and it is like sliced bread.
Shark1007
Explorer
Oct 31, 2015
korbe

I agree completely, I hate genie noise. I was interested in one to use when at home to charge batteries/run a.c. etc. Lots of the older Hatteras like I have came equipped with noisy stinky diesel Onans, bad luck to get next to one running in a marina for sure. My thought was to build a pole barn and store the TT underneath without the need for required power for dehumidifying and such.

Is there a common size limit for the Nat'l parks? How do they measure?
korbe
Explorer
Oct 31, 2015
Shark1007 wrote:
........... I'm learning that portable gennies are the rage, that's a news item for me and makes sense........

Even though gennies may be the rage, a few of us out there in our National Parks, as well as in the many Forest Service campgrounds, prefer the quiet sounds of the natural environment over the purring sounds of our camping neighbor's generator because they require the complete comforts of home. Many quiet alternatives then needing a generator, IMHO.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2015
2500 mega means the truck probably weighs ready to go around 8000 pounds and has a 9900 pound GVWR. So based on that you might have 2000 pounds for gear and hitch weight. Keeping your TT ideas to around 25 feet should be a decent match. Go shopping for used trailers in that size. Pick what you feel most comfortable in.
Shark1007
Explorer
Oct 31, 2015
Thanks, I understand. We have an aluminum bed cover that hinges in the middle so the truck can really be loaded. I like the slide idea and my thinking is to get as large a TT as doesn't exceed any Nat'l park restrictions.(whatever that is these days)

Our truck has the mega cab which adds some interior storage space too.
rbpru
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2015
The DW and I get along quite well in a 24 ft 5000 lb TT with slide.

As you will soon hear it is not what your truck can pull, it is what it can carry.

You will run out of cargo capacity before you run out of towing capacity.

Forum Discussion

newbie needs avice

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Newby needs help

Newby needs advice

Newbie needing advice

Newbie needing beginners advice

newbie needs wisdom