Travel Trailer shopping
My wife and I are starting our search for a travel trailer. We had a couple of pop up campers when our kids were growing up, and made fabulous memories, things that the kids still talk about to this ...
Forum Discussion
Sounds to me like the OP and significant other will be the ones using the TT as an escape avenue while family visits at the cabin. Even if not the case, who buys a TT to satisfy the needs of someone else who may/may not be using it?
Good advice to get acquainted with what your burb can handle. Don't rely solely on Tow capacity, rather concentrate on payload. Check the doorjamb sticker or manual and post the number where is states Combined Weight of cargo and occupants should not exceed xxx lbs.
Does it have the tow package? What is the weight limitation on the receiver? What kind of tires does it have? LT hopefully?
The major weight to consider is tongue weight. You can calculate it a few ways - different people do it differently.
One way is to multiply the TT gross weight - dry weight by cargo carrying capacity, and multiply by 13%
Another way is to take the dry weight and calculate the loaded weight of stuff you think you will be taking. Most would say add 1500 lbs. Multiply dry weight + 1500 lbs by 13%. Note that some will say 12%.
So - for simplicity's sake say using the first method you TT's GVWR is 5800 lbs.
5800 * 13% = 754. So subtract that from the weight from the sticker/manual. Next, subtract the weight of people pets and other cargo in the burb. Also, subtract around 100 lbs for your weight distributing hitch.
Hopefully, you have something left over. A better bet than calculating all this is to load it up like you were going camping and get it weighed at a CAT scale. You can google it to find a close one.
Don't rely on brochure weights as most are understated.
Note that pulling a high walled TT will be quite different than a popup. The frontal area provides a lot of wind resistance. Tow capacity is determined by pulling a low trailer with weights and a 150 lb driver. It's not realistic.
You can certainly ask more questions on this as lots of people like to help out.
As for better manufacturers, I'd suggest Grand Design, Lance, Jayco, Arctic Fox in that order - IMO. Arctic Fox being last only because their units tend to be heavier built - only bad when considering the tow vehicle capacities. Jayco has a 2 year warranty, Grand design has awesome customer service and build quality, Lance products are reported as built very well, although can be lower to the ground which can cause clearance issues.
Be careful of who you buy from. Research their service after the sale. You may get better service from smaller more independent dealers than national chains. You can look in The Dear Marcus section on here to research Camping World, keeping in mind that most people who are happy don't join a forum to report a good experience. Just trying to be neutral here folks...
Good luck in your search.
Good advice to get acquainted with what your burb can handle. Don't rely solely on Tow capacity, rather concentrate on payload. Check the doorjamb sticker or manual and post the number where is states Combined Weight of cargo and occupants should not exceed xxx lbs.
Does it have the tow package? What is the weight limitation on the receiver? What kind of tires does it have? LT hopefully?
The major weight to consider is tongue weight. You can calculate it a few ways - different people do it differently.
One way is to multiply the TT gross weight - dry weight by cargo carrying capacity, and multiply by 13%
Another way is to take the dry weight and calculate the loaded weight of stuff you think you will be taking. Most would say add 1500 lbs. Multiply dry weight + 1500 lbs by 13%. Note that some will say 12%.
So - for simplicity's sake say using the first method you TT's GVWR is 5800 lbs.
5800 * 13% = 754. So subtract that from the weight from the sticker/manual. Next, subtract the weight of people pets and other cargo in the burb. Also, subtract around 100 lbs for your weight distributing hitch.
Hopefully, you have something left over. A better bet than calculating all this is to load it up like you were going camping and get it weighed at a CAT scale. You can google it to find a close one.
Don't rely on brochure weights as most are understated.
Note that pulling a high walled TT will be quite different than a popup. The frontal area provides a lot of wind resistance. Tow capacity is determined by pulling a low trailer with weights and a 150 lb driver. It's not realistic.
You can certainly ask more questions on this as lots of people like to help out.
As for better manufacturers, I'd suggest Grand Design, Lance, Jayco, Arctic Fox in that order - IMO. Arctic Fox being last only because their units tend to be heavier built - only bad when considering the tow vehicle capacities. Jayco has a 2 year warranty, Grand design has awesome customer service and build quality, Lance products are reported as built very well, although can be lower to the ground which can cause clearance issues.
Be careful of who you buy from. Research their service after the sale. You may get better service from smaller more independent dealers than national chains. You can look in The Dear Marcus section on here to research Camping World, keeping in mind that most people who are happy don't join a forum to report a good experience. Just trying to be neutral here folks...
Good luck in your search.
