Hello Everyone!! My hubster and I are complete newbies to the RV world. We are looking to purchase a travel trailer in the next couple of months and start out a little slow so we can get acclimated to RVing before we jump in full force (his idea not mine). I know this is a general question (and I am getting ready to hit the FAQs) but... what are some of the top questions to ask dealers when looking and getting ready to purchase our first travel trailer? We don't want to go in unprepared and either leave with more than we need or less than what is required. It will just be the two of us traveling, no pets and no children. We have a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 and know how much we are able to tow (8400 lbs). Any advice is welcome!! Thanks!!

You should be fine picking out a nice trailer for the two of you with the full size truck but pay more attention to the trailers GVWR and pay no mind to it's dry weight. I always recommend a weight distribution hitch with antisway. Good luck in your search.

pooretravelers wrote:We have a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 and know how much we are able to tow (8400 lbs). Any advice is welcome!!No you can't, you'll run out of payload capacity long before you get anywhere near 8400 lbs. That number isn't how heavy the trailer itself can weigh but the maximum the truck is rated to tow / haul counting everything.

pooretravelers wrote: I know this is a general question (and I am getting ready to hit the FAQs) but... what are some of the top questions to ask dealers when looking and getting ready to purchase our first travel trailer? Ask a dealer only one question: how much the total is with all taxes & fees.You need to do your own research like you already started here. When you are completely knowledgeable about what you are about to purchase, you won't be subject to all the potential misleading guidance from a dealer.

"and know how much we are able to tow (8400 lbs"How much weight can the Dodge carry? A far more important number.

This is an absolute great web site that is packed full of information tailored for new RVers of all styles. (ChanginGears.com, click here). The "Getting Started" link in the left side menu list is an excellent starting point. It will give you lots of information you probably have not considered. It's fun, it's informative, it's exciting to learn. Going through just that one page and reading the pages associated with the links on that page will give you good direction. I think the second most helpful topic on that web site is the menu item "Manufacturers". There it has an alphabetical list of (almost) every RV manufacturer available, sorted by make or brand. What's beautiful about this page are the links to the manufacturers web sites where you can drill down on each one and view floor plans and designs. Be warned though, you can spend a lifetime doing just by itself. After you have identified what you think will work for you, what you are looking for, what you like, what you don't like, you'll have better ammunition to take to the first dealership you encounter.The site covers everything you should consider, from the tires to the television antenna and everything in-between.Another site that is a really fun site that has good information, but not as "loaded" as Changin'Gears, is GoRVing.com. I've been around RV's, pretty much all my life, and I still absolutely love this site and watching the videos. It's basic information, and really a good starting point too. Good luck and enjoy. And ... expect to be overwhelmed.

Newbies | Good Sam Community

aftermath
Explorer III
Sep 02, 2019
Nice post happy2rv. You summed it up clearly. This is why I pay the big money to follow this forum. :B
kellem
Explorer
Sep 02, 2019
CavemanCharlie wrote:
LanceRKeys wrote:
First question to ask: Do you have any used units for sale? Second question: do you have anything cheaper?

If you haven’t done much or any camping, you may not like it and you sure don’t want to be upside down with long term payments on something you don’t like.

Yes, It seems to take about 4 different campers before you decide what it is that you really want and like. By a used camper used first!! Then if you decide that you like camping you can then purchase a new one.

Not to discourage the OP but your actually correct, it took us 4 trailers to be 100% content. Lol
Unfortunately 4 different tow vehicles, ouch.
Jebby14
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
post your payload (off your door sticker) and we can help.

example for my truck and trailer

1850 lbs payload
- 400 lbs family
- 250 lbs in the bed (wood/bikes)
- 100 hitch
=1100 lbs

1100 /0.15 = 7333 lb traler fully loaded.

^ the dividing by 0.15 goes from tongue weight (15 percent is good estimate) to gross weight of trailer. don't pay attention to dry weights they mean nothing.

im well under this and comfortable for what its worth

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