T T Decision Time
Hello to all. I'm still a relative newbie. I have been researching TTs as the wife has won the debate over going with; drive it or tow it! We are looking at 24-26' possibly 28' max TT. Of course there are many manufactures to choose from and each has floor plans that are similar and would fit our needs. Electronics & appliances are more or less the same in each. So now I'm down to who are the better TT manufactures. Researching this on the Web is quite frankly a waste of time. The best you will get is a top 5 or top 10 list and without much justification for the rankings. Searching the Web for quality info leave much to be desired
So, given we have narrowed down to a size, a floor plan or 2, I need some experienced help on the not so visible considerations. Recommendations on framing, roofing, Siding, flooring, springs vs shocks, Slide mechanical parts (tracks), In general what should I look to upgrade vs taking the std stuff.
I have seen many complaints about Forest River & Bullet leaks, multiple brand stories about slides not fully retracting etc. Why are there so many late model Forest River for sale at rvtrader? I have seen multiple brand complaints about abnormal tire wear and that many are probably related to axles bending. In this case I like the Minnie as they come with dual 3,500 lb axles vs what looks like std 3,000,lb on the others. There are tons of Coachmen out there but many people rip them on quality, why?
We are based in FL but will be traveling much of N America 6-8 weeks at a time over the next 7-10 years. The unit will definitely get some cold weather exposure too. For the foreseeable future we will tow with a 2014 2x2 5.7 Tundra extended cab. I will beef up my tires on the next replacement. I will add a distribution & sway system. This should take me to 10,200 Tundra tow limit but I plan to keep my weight to a total not to exceed 7,000-8,000 lbs max.
My research and conversations with owners and sellers has clearly led me to believe that IF we buy new or used and IF we buy from a dealer we need to be extremely careful in choosing which dealer. It's unbelievable that in this day & age that some of these guys can get away with lousy service and a I don't care about you attitude. I was actually told by one dealer in Southern MD "if you don't but it here then don't bring it here" Remember the days before Honda, Toyota, and Datsun, arrived on our shores how the auto dealers were? Well, it's apparently much the same today in the RV industry. Seriously, I would take 500 miles if need be if the Dealer was worth it.
So, in the end it only make sense to find the best built and hopefully eliminate ans many trips back to the dealer as possible. So, what ever advice you can provide it would be greatly appreciated. Also if you have a dealer or service shop you have full faith in then that would be good info too. We will probably purchase a unit in the next 30 days. So, if you love your unit & your dealer let me know about it
I'm going to try and copy to this to another Forum. So you may see this twice. PAT
So, given we have narrowed down to a size, a floor plan or 2, I need some experienced help on the not so visible considerations. Recommendations on framing, roofing, Siding, flooring, springs vs shocks, Slide mechanical parts (tracks), In general what should I look to upgrade vs taking the std stuff.
I have seen many complaints about Forest River & Bullet leaks, multiple brand stories about slides not fully retracting etc. Why are there so many late model Forest River for sale at rvtrader? I have seen multiple brand complaints about abnormal tire wear and that many are probably related to axles bending. In this case I like the Minnie as they come with dual 3,500 lb axles vs what looks like std 3,000,lb on the others. There are tons of Coachmen out there but many people rip them on quality, why?
We are based in FL but will be traveling much of N America 6-8 weeks at a time over the next 7-10 years. The unit will definitely get some cold weather exposure too. For the foreseeable future we will tow with a 2014 2x2 5.7 Tundra extended cab. I will beef up my tires on the next replacement. I will add a distribution & sway system. This should take me to 10,200 Tundra tow limit but I plan to keep my weight to a total not to exceed 7,000-8,000 lbs max.
My research and conversations with owners and sellers has clearly led me to believe that IF we buy new or used and IF we buy from a dealer we need to be extremely careful in choosing which dealer. It's unbelievable that in this day & age that some of these guys can get away with lousy service and a I don't care about you attitude. I was actually told by one dealer in Southern MD "if you don't but it here then don't bring it here" Remember the days before Honda, Toyota, and Datsun, arrived on our shores how the auto dealers were? Well, it's apparently much the same today in the RV industry. Seriously, I would take 500 miles if need be if the Dealer was worth it.
So, in the end it only make sense to find the best built and hopefully eliminate ans many trips back to the dealer as possible. So, what ever advice you can provide it would be greatly appreciated. Also if you have a dealer or service shop you have full faith in then that would be good info too. We will probably purchase a unit in the next 30 days. So, if you love your unit & your dealer let me know about it
I'm going to try and copy to this to another Forum. So you may see this twice. PAT
