Reliable camper

Usmc68 wrote:
Hi all,

I know this is a loaded question but what is a good brand of travel trailer? We are getting rid of our 1994 Callista Cove 27' Class C and going with something we can pull with my 2000 F250 7.3. Also that can sleep at least 6 adults (3 teenagers) and have some pop-outs My neighbor had a pull behind (Springdale summerland series) and has had nothing but problems. We were looking at Grand Design. We also want to stay below 30K if possible. Thanks in advance,

Semper Fi

You might need to put the brakes on this until you figure out just how much payload you have..

7.3 Diesel plus assuming 4x4 and if you have super or crew cab long bed you will be pretty low on available cargo on that truck. It is heavy to start with, north of 8K lbs and F250s are normally maxed out at 9,999K GVWR (IE 10K GVWR)..

Had a co-worker that had a F250 reg cab long bed 4x4 XLT, always complained that the PA turnpike scales would nail him on the next higher weight bracket if he spiked the brakes at the toll booths when stopping.. His was right at 8,100 empty, next weight class started at 8,200 lbs..

Yes, it is a 7.3 and yes it can pull stumps, but at a cost of less payload weight.

As far as "reliable" in trailers, not much there to go wrong as you have wheels/axles/brakes and for inside you have appliances like furnace, A/C, water heater, fridge, water lines, electrical and then silly things like drawers and such..

Much of the items are commonly used across all RVs such as appliances, furnace, water heater, A/C, there is no "seconds" or lower quality to these common appliances.. Expensive RVs use the exact same appliances as the cheap RVs..

Where most complaints really stem from is lack of quality of the workmanship when the unit was assembled.. That can be poorly installed water lines or electrical connections or poorly built cabinets, drawers, doors..

Figure out how much available cargo you have on your truck, then find a trailer that stays within your cargo of the truck and suits your needs.

As Thermoguy said, at 30K you are in the used market. Some manufacturers may have a slightly better reputation for build, fit and finish, but in the end they all use the same appliances and accessories. In the travel trailer market, 90+% of them use the same chassis manufacturer and one of three axle/suspension makers. The common components are the ones that fail most often, so it goes across all brands.

Rob

FWIW, when we were shopping last year, Covid prices, of course, a deal was tough to find several months and several states radius search.
I looked at a Springdale actually and yes, it was CHEEEEP.
Ended up with a Heartland Torque T29, and actually very close to your upper budget, been used like twice in 4 years and mostly stored in a barn.

Definitley a loaded question lol.
GD, Lance, Outdoors RV all seem to be pretty well regarded.
The only travel trailer we've had is a Heartland, toyhauler, and I'd consider it to be of good quality, although at 5 years old, it is very lightly used.
Speaking of, have you considered a toyhauler?
We wuz looking for a TT after selling our truck camper. Not wanting bunks and light duty, barely capable chassis for the weight, got on the toyhauler kick. For overall interior space and ability to sleep alot of people, a comparable size TH (peon "garage") kills most TTs in this regard.
Aside from heavy tongue weight, if alot of "space" and # of people sleeping arrangements are wanted, the toyhauler wins.
They also genrally have larger tank capacities and more of them with built in gennys (blessing or curse...).

Knowing that I'm going down the road with 7k axles and 16" tires with a trailer that is only carrying maybe 4000-4500lbs per axle is nice too.
And I spent like $40 and made the ramp into a back deck. Open air concept with the screen and canvas wall at the back are nice in nice weather too.

Food for thought.

Good info, thank you Thermoguy!

You are in the used trailer market - so everything you find will be reliable, the kinks worked out. It's then a matter of how the previous owner treated it. I have a 5th wheel, with bunkhouse. Bought it used about 6 years ago, so long before the COVID price increases. We have had to do a few things to it. The biggest thing I did wrong was not have it inspected before I bought it. I would do that for sure. Look for water leaks, and any appliances not working, make sure it is the floor plan you like and has never been damaged. Mine had a water leak, but we fixed it and it has not caused any more problems. Look for professional repairs, not DIY, some DIY looks professional and that's good. You have a good truck for a large enough trailer for your family, so that's a good start.

I'm happy with my Winnebago but for new models that sleep six you won't stay below $30K.