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mitw44's avatar
mitw44
Explorer
Oct 02, 2016

Recommendations on a rear living travel trailer?

My wife and I are starting to look at selling our Work and Play 18EC and go back to a standard travel trailer. The main thing we are looking for is a nice living area. We don't have kids, so we don't need bunks. The 18EC is small and more importantly does not really have any living area. And I just don't haul toys that much.

We like the rear living layout, and looked at a Jayco Whitehawk 27DSRL, and like how the layout felt. I believe I want to stay in the 27-33 feet total trailer length. I have a 2009 F250 with the 5.4L gas V8 to pull with. It has low mileage and lots of life left in it, so it will be my tow rig for this next trailer.

My question is: What are some nice trailers in this length and configuration, and what are some things I should be looking for. We have had travel trailers for about 10 years now, so we aren't novices, but we are not experts either.

Thanks in advance for the input!
  • SparkDr's avatar
    SparkDr
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    We have a 2016 Jayco Whitehawk 27DSRL. It is a great couple's camper and converts well enough for having visitors with the tri-fold sofa. In a perfect world, I'd like just a bit more room in the rearmost seating area as the recliner by the door is just kinda in the way of the traffic pattern. I'd also like a bit more room in the bedroom walk around areas and find the narrow front door entry to the bedroom almost useless. The Grand Design 29RLS ups the size and price point a bit and solves the door entry problems. I'd trade ours in in a heartbeat if the DW would let me for a Grand Design 315RLTS which keeps the 29RLS rear layout and adds a bedroom slide to open things up quite a bit, albeit at a yet again higher price point and length. Happy shopping!
  • JWRoberts's avatar
    JWRoberts
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    We love our Dutchmen Denali 325RL. The floor plan is the best out there.
  • mitw44's avatar
    mitw44
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    This is exactly what I was hoping for in terms of input! I will be doing some internet research today! Like some mentioned, I really want a comfortable sitting area with real recliners where I don't have to sit at the dinette to read, watch tv, etc.

    Some trailers I have toured, as well as some I have seen online have the entertainment center in line with the living room seating, while some seem to think you want to turn your head 90 degrees to watch TV.

    Also, some trailers have an option to switch out the dinette booth for a table and chairs. I think I would get the table and chairs if that is an option. Any thoughts on this option?

    Other things that appeal to us are a big bathroom, laminate floors, separate bedroom with plenty of clothes storage and a full size queen bed, and generally good quality materials and construction.

    Thanks for all the help, and if you think of anything else, please comment.
  • Hannibal's avatar
    Hannibal
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    We decided on a Jayco Jayflight 28RLS. So far no complaints and no problems. We also tow with a 5.4L F250. No complaints there either. I use a Reese HP trunion style with no sway control.
  • Heavy_Metal_Doc's avatar
    Heavy_Metal_Doc
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    Piddlers wrote:
    We have a Passport Elite 31RE. Have no complaints and really enjoy it. We also enjoy the rear living area. With two large slides in the living area it really is a great comfortable area. Plus it has the regular size queen bed and not the short queen.


    x2.
    We also love the large amount of kitchen counter space. We can setup everything we need that gets left out (coffee machine, toaster, dish drying rack, etc) and still have room to prep food for good meals.

    We are shopping to trade in / change to another similar layout but add some features like a more bedroom storage, but I haven't found any TT's yet with as nice a living room and as much kitchen.
  • nomad_297's avatar
    nomad_297
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    Check out the Rockwood Windjammer 3029W. The opposing slides at the rear give you a huge living area. The third slide at the front street side makes for a large bedroom and the "V" at the front makes for a huge (for a travel trailer, anyways) "walk-in" closet.

    Bruce
  • augustpilot's avatar
    augustpilot
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    Look at the Rockwood2906WS. We really like ours. Great rear living with 2 slides. Wardrobe slide in bedroom. Your truck will pull it easy.
  • farmer_s_daught's avatar
    farmer_s_daught
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    I am a newby; last year I'd bought a 24' Keystone Bullet with bunks, decided I didn't like the floor plan, so traded it in this year for a Forest River EVO 26' with rear living. It has one slide where the kitchenette is, with a couch in the back (or two optional chairs). I LOVE it! You have more light from the big back window, and someplace to sit and watch tv other than at the table. It has a step in shower with glass doors and separate toilet (a taller one, which we older folks need!). Total length is 29 1/2 feet. The bedroom is separate with a door for privacy. I can tow it with my 2016 Silverado 1/2 ton with hd tow package. This is the only one I looked at with rear living, but I'm sure there are lots of manufacturers out there. Mine has nicer quality stuff than the Keystone. Electric stabilizer jacks, better cupboards, Corian countertop, under mount sink. Good luck.
  • Piddlers's avatar
    Piddlers
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2016
    We have a Passport Elite 31RE. Have no complaints and really enjoy it. We also enjoy the rear living area. With two large slides in the living area it really is a great comfortable area. Plus it has the regular size queen bed and not the short queen.

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