Switch from Class C to TT

I have never had an RV...I always thought having to "break camp" every time I needed to go somewhere, once we were at our destination would be a pain in the butt... BUT, I also imagine that if you towed a smaller vehicle around, you would be accomplishing the same thing as we do with our truck, but more economically, of course.

As in all things, it depends on your personal preferences. If you can afford an RV, you can probably afford a "toad". I have looked at mid-line rv's and was astounded at the price tag. My dream, when I retire in 10 years or so is to get me a nice/decked out 5th wheel and a nice F-350.

As it stands right now, my TT and PU fits me and my family just right. Do what feels right for you. IMO.

Sabluka, those are the exact reasons we switched from a Class C to trailers (of various kinds) many years ago. Having to "uncamp" to go get groceries or firewood, or to go sightseeing, was a definite pain, and our rig wasn't big enough to pull a toad of any size. You're right on the money.

Trailers of course have their own drawbacks; hitching and unhitching can be a bit of a pain too (especially if you are doing it by yourself w/o a companion to help), and of course you have to stop & pull off the road if you want/need to access anything you keep in it while underway. We have been content with our decision, though; for us it has made more sense to pull a trailer.

As for economy, you may get better mileage (slightly) pulling a trailer with a truck or large SUV than you currently do driving a motorhome. Only slightly - and of course when you're using the TV (tow vehicle) for a daily driver, it will get worse mileage than a small car would. It's probably a wash.

the registration on my 2011 TT is less than on my 2010 F150, of course it cost half as much too. I love the fact that the TT has a flat floor. Never been in a C that had a completely level floor. Maintenance on TT is less complicated that a C because you don't have engine, transmission. Refill of propane is also simpler, just pull bottles and take to dealer, don't have to drive whole vehicle.

I think driving the Truck pulling the TT is easier driving; I found the cab-over distracting when driving. Also the body was wider than cab so looking out the mirrors was also a bit confusing. Backing is another story. Never backed the MH except into and out of yard, made sure I had a pull through site. I have backed the TT into a number of sites, some easily and some were a real challenge.

I think I prefer TT over Class C; however, when I go fulltime, there are a few C's (much larger) that I might consider, especially if the price is substantially lower than the Class A I plan to buy at that time.

Thanks.

The Cherokee is rated to tow 7300-lbs.It has the 5.7-L Hemi engine. Same engine in the Dodge trucks.

Rick

Sabluka wrote:
Been RVin camping for a year now in Class C Minnie Winnie. Great so far and now towing a Jeep Cherokee Limited.

Been seeing lots of folks at the state parks using various TTers.

I am considering going to a TT. I figure/rationalize;

1. There is more usable room in the same footprint TT then a Class C. Foot for foot? Absolutely.

2. Don't have to deal with upkeep, maintenance and registration for two vehicles.If you think TTs don't have to be registered or need maintenance or the need for upkeep....you have a surprise coming. Plus, with a TT you have to consider weight distribution, sway control, tow vehicle.....

3. Makes great sense if camping for extended time.

Questions:

A. Are there other TT users here that have switched to the TT from a RV? RV??? Everything from a multimillion dollar Prevost motorhome to a tiny pop-up are considered RVs. I think you are referring to a Motorhome (mh)..right?

B. Are my rationalizations above correct and are there others I haven't considered?Have you experience in towing a travel trailer? Are you able to back one up into a tight rv site in a campground? Have you read all the problems with tires, sway, leveling, etc?

Rick

Rick, don't get me wrong....I had a TT for many years and put many thousands of miles on it....and loved every minute of it. I'm just trying to point out, that TTs do indeed have their own unique problems just as any other rv does.

In any case, good luck and hope it works out for you.

Ron

I went from TT to Class C.

IMHO a WHOLE lot less work with a MH.
You pull in, put in park and open a cold one. :B....and then sit back and watch the guy next to you still unhooking, leveling and setting up his TT moving stuff from the truck back to the TT etc.etc. And then reverse the whole process when it's time to leave.

THAT was the reason I switched to a MH and the ease of driving a MH instead of fighting with dragging a TT especially in windy bad weather which side lines you in a TT and not a MH. Just saying that was my reason.

IMHO a WHOLE lot less work with a MH.
You pull in, put in park and open a cold one. ....and then sit back and watch the guy next to you still unhooking, leveling and setting up his TT moving stuff from the truck back to the TT etc.etc. And then reverse the whole process when it's time to leave

Pretty much.

Thanks guys,...good ideas to consider.

rockhill & jayco - Your right. I've been here at Oak Mnt for a month now and watched many a weekend warrior pull in and fuss with their TTs. Then some drive 10-miles to go eat HA!.

Now the folk that volunteer and stay for months all stay in TTs. Yeah, if your gonna squat a spell a TT probably makes sense.

I like the idea of putting in park, hit the brake and the cool one HA!

thanks

Rick

I am currently dealing with the question of another Class C, or a travel trailer. I have a new F150 that is equipped to tow. I travel alone now so hitch up and set up will be a one man project. With a motor home it is a lot easier to arrive and settle in. Traveling/tear down/set up in the rain is nicer in a Class C. However, if I want to travel to see something after set up, I have to depart and leave the campground in a Class C. I did this once in Michigan and when I came back I discovered that someone took my firewood. I found the thief "who thought I left" even though the tag said we were there for another day and I had laundry on a clothesline. Right now, I am likely to buy the small Winnebago trailer and if it doesn't work well, trade it in on a small class C, like the Winnebago Trend.

Sabluka wrote:
Thanks.

The Cherokee is rated to tow 7300-lbs.It has the 5.7-L Hemi engine. Same engine in the Dodge trucks.

Rick

Don't get tunnel vision on that 7300 lb number. Unless you weigh 150 lb, travel alone, and have no cargo, you will run out of payload before you get close to that.

I would also be careful of trailers in that weight range, because of their length. The short wheelbase of your Jeep, would not be a good match.

The Hemi has plenty of power to pull something like that, but, you also need to be able to control any side to side motion, and be able to stop that trailer.

I have a Grand Cherokee, great car, wife says she is going keep it until the wheels fall off, then buy another one, but, I don't think it would make a good tow vehicle. I also have a 7300 lb trailer. No way would I hitch that up to the Jeep.