New to travel trailers. Seeking guidance

Speedogomer wrote:
I also have to chime in about buying new...

It's all relative. If you've never camped or been RVing, I'd say dont buy new. You really need to figure out what you want by getting out there and RVing for a few years to really narrow down your wish list.

If you've tent camped a long time, and are seasoned in camping, I'd say buying new is fine. That's where I was at, and I bought new. I also camp with 5-6 other families, all of which have RV's. Pop-ups, TT, fifth wheels.. I was able to talk to them and see what they would have done differently.

I won't go over the weight tow capacity ect ect, as everyone else already has... But here's a few other things to consider...

1. How do you like to camp? Are you going to spend all day in your RV? Or are you outside all day and only use the RV to sleep in. If you're inside all day, you want a residential style floor plan, with lots of seating, space, and amenities. I'm primarily outside so I wanted a big bed inside, and an outdoor kitchen. I also like "camping", since I've always had a tent, so having a house on wheels wasn't as important to me, my Floorplan isn't as roomy as most, but it suits me better. It feels more "camping" than "RVing" since I use it more outdoor oriented.

2. What type of sites do you go to? Are they full hook up or dry? If you like sites without electric or water, find a unit with large tanks so you can stay out longer. Remember some sites have a length limit, so going over 30ft can limit your choices at some campgrounds.

3. How tall are you? Many ceilings are lower than you expect, so if you're over 6ft tall, you'll hit your head on the AC unit. Also camper queen beds are smaller than residential queen beds. This is why I found a unit with a king bed, 7ft ceilings, and a skylight in the shower so I can fit.

4. Do you have kids, plan on kids, or have others stay with you? Most would agree having a bunk model is a must with kids. Putting up and down a dinette can be more of a pain than you think. Having a bunk area really helps, and even without kids, it gives guests a place to stay. If it's just the 2 of you always, I'd look for non-bunk models.

5. If there's an RV show near you... go to it even if it's a drive. It really helps narrow things down. Go to more than 1 if you can... They're alot of fun too.

Great post as you gave reason as to why size and layout can affect your choices.


For me I was looking for a TT that was going to be placed on a seasonal site as I was not interest in towing a trailer for at least 6 years or so. So I picked a trailer with lots of floor space in the living room that did not have a bunk house as my kids are all grown up and will not be coming with us to the trailer. I also have a dinning table with 4 chairs as we simply do not need the extra sleeping space and hate the booths stye that afford no flexibility.

I believe that the floor plan is the most important aspect of choosing a trailer and the TV capabilities to be able to safely tow it, if that is what you will be doing.

I bought a Jayco as the two year warranty appealed to me...no extended warranty! I also bought locally so that if the TT need work to be done it would be at my local dealership one who is more invested at making me happy if they want to keep my business.

I went to the trailer show two years in a row and bought on the second year. I also had been looking for two years before I purchased. It helps to go into many trailers so that you get a feel for how they will work for you. The higher ceilings makes a big difference in the feel of a trailer and skylights and windows make some units brighter than others..

The last thing I want to address is the new vs old......this is a personal choice that is made for many reasons....but for me it was simple. I do not like the thought of sleeping on a bed that others used, I know a change of mattress is not a big deal....same goes for the sofa, toilet, shower etc. So me and my wife we knew we would be buying new. Also we will not be buying other peoples problems. Same reason I buy my vehicles new!