Shopping- trailer suggestions?

diligent shopping is your friend
brand will not matter near as much as finding an old guy who took care of his "baby" and has to hang it up due to health issues.
find a unit that was stored UNDER COVER .
lean - to , barn , carport .
do not be afraid of a 1995 model , ONE OWNER
do not be afraid of coorugated painted aluminum siding
aluminum sided is about 400 pounds less than the smooth sided
this will also broaden your choices
check the ads EVERY day
these "GARAGE QUEENS " sell within 24 hours at the asking price.
they ARE AVAILABLE
get to work
you will be rewarded ,

5000 is the bare trailer. I have already calculated for the "stuff".
I appreciate and will look into all the suggestions!

I would personally go with the Roo 233S. It has a U shaped dinette (sit the whole family), and has 3 tent bunks (sleeping arraignments for 8+), and you also get a couch.

http://www.forestriverinc.com/HybridTravelTrailers/Roo/default.aspx?model=roo&page=floorplandetails&floorplanid=4012&RVType=HYT

There are several brands with hybrid or expandable at that weight. The Rockwood Roo is one of the best sellers. This floorplan has a rear expanding bed, sleeps 6, has a slide with a family u-shaped dinette, and is right around 5K lbs. as built.

http://www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/Roo/default.aspx?model=roo&page=floorplandetails&floorplanid=4704&RVType=trailers

Not sure if your looking new or used but out your way in California it may be a chore to find a hybrid. RVWholesalers.com has the best prices new and ships them if you desire...

I'd check out RVT.com to help narrow down what is available for your price range:

RVT.com

WoodGlue

Hate to rain on the parade, but for less than 5000 pounds, you are pretty much stuck with tent trailers like the Forest River Flagstaff models. I don't know any hybrids that can sleep six and weigh under 5000 pounds loaded.

As another option, one might consider a used type C, although it will be more than $10,000. For example, PPL has a 2000 Gulfstream Cavalier for $13k or so that can sleep eight. It is an older rig, but something like this might be a good alternative, although it can't hurt to have two drivers, one for the Suburban, one for the MH so one can go into town without parking issues.

It is a suburban 1500 with 6,700 max trailer weight. I followed the guidelines suggested and arrived at 5000. I would love help with that figure if I am off.
The repair man said that the flat sides leak less. ????? That would be something that I would not be picky about! :)
My husband would like less than $10,000. We have to feed these four boys too!
Thank you for your input!

Personally I would go for the aluminum sided units (not smooth sided as you put it) because you will not have any delamination issues. You wil be able to find some units under 10k no problem but you can't be to picky being so specific. Keep an eye out on craigslist.

Are you mentioning dry weight or fully loaded weight at 5000lbs? I would be interested to know what kind of vehicle you plan on towing with because that can make a difference on what to look for in a trailer.

Best of luck searching!