Been researching a new trailer for a while (we tend to take more time on these than we do on our cars). I really like the Northwood Nash 24M but the nearest dealer is 350 mi. from me and he has none in stock (although he would be happy to order one LOL). Does anyone have any suggestions on a more readily available brand? I live about half way between Dallas and Little Rock and will travel to see a trailer but I can't find one that fits my criteria. I need something that can take dirt/gravel roads . I want good insulation ,it doesn't snow much here but it gets Hot, I mean real Hot, in the summer. I don't need a lot of room but do want a slide ,dinette, couch, and 60 x 80 queen bed. I would like it under 30 ft. bumper to hitch and somewhere to put at least 2 batteries. I say all this and then I say I am driving a 1/2 ton pickup( Ford 2014 f150 4wd 5.0 v8 with tow package). I don't mind paying a bit more for quality but don't need fancy. Am I looking for an animal that doesn't exist? Any suggestions appreciated . Sorry this is so long. Bob

Sorry to say this because Northwood makes some really nice RVs, but I have serious doubts you would have enough truck for a Nash 24M. Because they are well built, they are also very heavy for their size. What is your trucks ready to camp weight, vs its GVWR?

Based on your needs for a TT I'm not sure you'll find one your F150 can pull safely.We've been involved in off road racing for many years. Our first TT was a 23 FT Nomad. It sat on top of the axles so there was plenty of clearance. It was considered a mid-level quality RV. We used it to get in and out of the main pit areas at the races... usually a hard pack dirt road with bumps, rocks and some sand. No problems the TT held up well. I pulled it with a Chevy 2500 4X4.You will be surprised at how well most TT & RVs will hold up to offroading as long as you are careful.

I have to disagree with an F150 5.0 V8 w/ Tow pkg not being enough truck for the 24M Northwood Nash. Looking at their website and specs for 24M, it says dry weight is 4975 lbs, hitch wt is 475, and carrying capacity is 1535 lbs. GVWR is 7000 lbs. That truck can pull, safely, that trailer. We are at 7k loaded in our 30 foot trailer (not the quality of the Northwood I do admit) and our 1500 GMC does a fine job. Would a 3/4 ton truck be better? Sure.By the way, i agree you need the GVWR of the truck to get the big picture...I'm just saying initially the 24M and the F150 should be a match.Not trying to start a weight/towing war! Just my 2 cents.......

By the way, it looks like there are only 5 dealers in the lower 48 for the Nash! Not sure what that means....but it was surprising.

TV aside, if you want strong, start by getting a TT that doesn't have a Lippert frame. Northwood builds their own frame and has them independently certified to their "off road" standards. The same frames are used on Outdoors RV units. Lance uses a BAL Ultraframe. A limited number of other makes/models also use the BAL frame like the Jayco Whitehawk. I see that Norco Industries (BAL) is now making a new generation of their frame called the NGX Frame. Both use huck-bolts for fastening and have almost no welding. You could always call them and ask for a list of makes and models of TT that are using them.I'd also get a TT with shock absorbers - either as standard item, optional upgrade or having them custom installed (not hard to do). In addition, install Dexter EZ-Flex equalizers c/w heavy duty shackles and wet bolts.

rugged trailer | Good Sam Community

Ron_Nielson
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Not only will they help in the heat, they help when it's cold outside and they make it QUIETER all the time!
trail-explorer
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Nash with Thermal Pane windows is my recommendation - the thermakl panes will help in heat. (I think).
Lowsuv
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
My Komfort 21T came with shock absorbers .
And foam insulation
And a 7300# GVW versus a 4800 # empty weight .
Also made in Oregon .
It's an availability of public lands free boondock camping thing .......
Ron_Nielson
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Bobj616 wrote:
Looked at the Outdoor rv Creekside and notice that they come with shocks already installed . I noticed in a video that the founder of the company is named Nash,,,mmm , Where have I heard that name before? The one I like is really at the edge of the weight I want but who knows,maybe another truck .

That's the brand I would buy, IF I were in the market again. Several Nash owners have switched and aren't going back.
profdant139
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2015
You can "rugged-ize" an ordinary trailer with shocks and extra clearance and bigger tires and so forth -- we did it for our little trailer -- see my blog links below. I am sure that there are better-built rugged trailers, but they will cost a lot more.
Bobj616
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
Looked at the Outdoor rv Creekside and notice that they come with shocks already installed . I noticed in a video that the founder of the company is named Nash,,,mmm , Where have I heard that name before? The one I like is really at the edge of the weight I want but who knows,maybe another truck .
nomadictxn
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
I am fortunate to live 2 miles from a Northwood dealer. I go look a lot and there units do stand out to be quality built. I like the Nash line the best. Not as pricey as AF
but still retain the best features.
Bobj616
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
I have looked at the outdoorRv site. Those are in the mix. they are built in the same small Oregon town as the Nash . On the irv2 site there have been a few QC issues reported , growing pains I guess but everyone still seems happy with the trailer.
x96mnn
Explorer
Aug 21, 2015
Bob check out http://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com/blackstone/

Custome raised frames, marine grade plywood are just some of the features.
DryHeat56
Explorer
Aug 21, 2015
Bobj616 wrote:
I appreciate all the comments. I thought about the 22H but I have 3 grandkids that will go with me on occasion, as much as I love em I don't know how many rainy days I could stand without a little room. Also I don't want my wife and I to have to climb over each other in bed.

I can understand the attraction of a slightly larger unit than my 22 if you may have grandkids or others tagging along. It works fine for my wife and myself as we spend the majority of our time outside the trailer anyway. When we were shopping for our Nash one of our main concerns was not getting too long of a unit because we hit up some really remote tight campgrounds. It has worked out well. Best of luck to you finding something that works.