Forum Discussion

FilthyPlumber's avatar
FilthyPlumber
Explorer
Jan 15, 2017

TT Suggestions

Hey all!

Iv'e been tent camping my whole life and love it.

Now to my question...
I will be purchasing a TT to live in full time for about two years.
I have only been in a toy hauler once and obviously have never lived in one. What brands/models/years would you recommend that are reliable quality?
I would like to keep it around 4500# or less.
though it will be stationary most of the time I would like to tow it to Lake Alpine a couple times a year which is about 150 miles one way from me.

I will be towing it with an 04 Silverado 1500.
It has the 5.3, Z71, Z82 HD Trailer provisions, G80 Posi-Lock Diff. with 3.73 gears, Transmission cooler and the 7 round harness. I have a trailer brake on the way I will be installing before hand. I also plan on installing a Trans Temp Gauge so I can keep an eye on it.

GCWR is 13,000# minus my truck (GVW 6,400#) and a 20% "safety cushion" puts me at 5300#. I figure a 4-4500# dry TT will still give me a bit of a cushion when loaded as I do not want to overload it.

I will be doing a lot of browsing here to learn as much as I can about towing/maintenance and use tips but any info or tips you want to leave here are more than welcome.

I am also good with constructive criticism on my set up if needed... I'm here to learn.

9 Replies

  • FilthyPlumber's avatar
    FilthyPlumber
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2017
    Hey y'all, thanks for all the replies and info I appreciate it. Ended up trading in the 1500 for a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500HD 6.7L Turbo Diesel Cummins with 3.73s, break controller and factory exhaust break. This opens up so many more possibilities my price range will probably dictate my purchase before my GCVW will hahaha
  • tnrv_er's avatar
    tnrv_er
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2017
    Look at Outdorsrv Creekside 20FQ that's in your weight range and has amble storage!
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2017
    4500lbs is not a big TT - it might get very small the longer you live in it. If you will be "full timing" in it at only one campground, have you looked at park models at campgrounds? And then either use a tent or pop-up for a couple trips a year?
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2017
    FrankShore wrote:
    Lance has enclosed insulated holding tanks as for as their "4 Season Package" dual pane windows, plus a lot of other neat stuff!
    Dual pane windows are great advice if you plan on living in it. Condensation will be something to constantly deal with in colder temps.
  • GordonC50's avatar
    GordonC50
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2017
    I would look at KZ TT's. We have a KZ Sportsmen Classic and absolutely love it. Of course you would want something larger if you're going to spend extended periods of time in it.
    Look at Pippi Peterson's videos on YouTube. She's been RV living for the past couple of years and has a lot of great and informative videos.
  • LeoandLil's avatar
    LeoandLil
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    Whatever you finally decide on, look into purchasing it through Costco (costcoauto.com/RV). I did, and saved a couple thousand dollars over several local dealer's "best prices". In my case, I had to drive out of state to pick it up, but for me it was worth it.
  • FrankShore's avatar
    FrankShore
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    Lance has enclosed insulated holding tanks as for as their "4 Season Package" dual pane windows, plus a lot of other neat stuff!
  • FilthyPlumber's avatar
    FilthyPlumber
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    TrailerTraveler1 wrote:
    Love our Lance! Here's a blog post I wrote about why: ***Link Removed***

    Keep in mind your needs may be different than ours - you may not care as much about big tanks because you'll be stationary and hooked to water most of the time. But think through what's important - maybe storage since you'll be living in it fulltime, not sure where you'll be staying so maybe 4 Season for cold weather in winter?

    No one can really answer what's best for you. But you can learn alot here. Good Luck!


    I'll give that a look over. Thanks.

    It'll be just me, No wife, kids or pets.
    Staying in California where the temp goes from about 25F lowest in the winter to about 95F during the summer, on occasion it'll get to 105F.
  • TrailerTravele1's avatar
    TrailerTravele1
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2017
    Love our Lance! Here's a blog post I wrote about why: Why We Love Our Lance 1685

    Keep in mind your needs may be different than ours - you may not care as much about big tanks because you'll be stationary and hooked to water most of the time. But think through what's important - maybe storage since you'll be living in it fulltime, not sure where you'll be staying so maybe 4 Season for cold weather in winter?

    No one can really answer what's best for you. But you can learn alot here. Good Luck!

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