Went from Class A to Trailer - any lessons learned?

cmcdar wrote:
One thing to think of regarding pets riding in a travel trailer or fifth wheel is CLIMATE CONTROL.

It is not recommended traveling with windows open and there is no way to know how hot or how cold the trailer is. This could be a deadly situation.

My cats do not like being carted to the truck for "moving day" BUT they definately would not relish being jostled around while in transit.

It is just safer to keep them in the cab with us while in transit.

Not sure where people got the idea that I would ever put animals unattended in a travel trailer moving down the road. Not happening. Period.

CavemanCharlie wrote:
A 33 foot long TT is going to be quite a thing to tow if you are not used to towing. Practice backing.

I don't know what the roads are like in Alaska but, I was under the impression that something that big and long would be difficult to tow around up there. I could quite easily be wrong about that. I have never been there.

Many years experience with cattle and horse trailers, none of which had a backup camera.

I know a lot of folks who've taken bigger ones to Alaska, and they've not reported any difficulties. How well one prepares is key.

One thing to think of regarding pets riding in a travel trailer or fifth wheel is CLIMATE CONTROL.

It is not recommended traveling with windows open and there is no way to know how hot or how cold the trailer is. This could be a deadly situation.

My cats do not like being carted to the truck for "moving day" BUT they definately would not relish being jostled around while in transit.

It is just safer to keep them in the cab with us while in transit.

A 33 foot long TT is going to be quite a thing to tow if you are not used to towing. Practice backing.

I don't know what the roads are like in Alaska but, I was under the impression that something that big and long would be difficult to tow around up there. I could quite easily be wrong about that. I have never been there.

We went from a DP class A to a TT because we don't travel like we used to and I'm a lot happier with a $35K trailer sitting in the drive than with a $250K DP sitting around doing nothing. That said, a motorhome is a lot more useful than a TT in my opinion. Here's what we've found.

1-we used to tow a Wrangler. Could hook and un-hook in about 60 seconds. The Wrangler was a lot more useful for touring than a large pick up. Try to take your hemi dually (or just about any pickup) up Imogene pass in Colorado.

2-when we stopped at Wally World (or anywhere else) we didn't even have to open the door to go to bed. And we didn't have to go out in the rain or snow or wind either.

3-the house is always at a good livable temperature. All the time.

4-every time we needed engine service we were always able to get hook ups at the service center and stayed in the unit except during working hours when the mechanics needed it. They simply use a fork truck to move it in the shop during the day and back to a parking spot at night. Cummins takes care of their RV customers.

5-want a sandwich? No problem. The wife just goes back and makes one. Don't have to bother stopping to eat in a hot or cold TT.

6-don't have to worry about weight. Pretty much, if it fits in the bays (and a lot of stuff fits in the bays) you can carry it. 100 gallons of water, no problem. I suppose if you wanted to haul lead bars you might need to pay attention.

7-every moho we've ever had could be fully used with the slides in. No need to extend them to get to the bathroom or refer.

8-what kind of generator do you need. Simple, the kind that is installed, quiet, runnable in the rain or while sleeping, can't be stolen and starts with the push of a button without even going outside.

9-with a DP you have to look at the tach to make sure the engine is running. Living room sound levels while going down the road at 60mph.

10-levelling jacks you can actually use to level.

11-Pets, no problem. Our dog just slept on the couch like at home.

Basically, I think a TT is probably a better solution for large families and for camping. A motorhome (with toad) is a better solution for travelling. Just my opinion.

AJR, I thought we could get to the refrigerator without opening a slide, but I was wrong. At least we can get to the bathroom...

Hondavalk, the noodles are a great idea. Will keep that in mind.

Anyone have suggestions for a quiet generator that will run two A/C, or a furnace, plus TV, electric fireplace, and a couple of laptops?

Wanderlost: Hmmm, I believe I see space on each side where a slender cat can slip through. Might work for Spotacus, the big guy.


I wonder if you could zip tie something like a swimming pool noodle around the gaps

“Big question for me is what will be the biggest differences between an unengined travel trailer and a class A, other than the obvious?”.

First I have to say your selection is a very nice one. I wish you well on your adventure. I want to go again.

My first question would be can you get to the fridge with the slides in? For fat old me that is important! Realize all the tanks are smaller. As mentioned above, the corner jacks are not for leveling, just stabilizing.

The last thing is setting up and taking down the weight distribution hitch. For me that was a dirty and sometimes greasy procedure. Besides, removable arms were getting heavy to through around. Nothing like setting up and unhitch a towed.

Did two TT and a class A gasser. Now I have a “C” and for me it is just right. Funny but as I travel light. All the class “A” stuff went into the class C with room to spare.

Again, have a blast going to AK! Ya just gotta do it once.

Wanderlost wrote:
.... We got a TT with electric levelers, and we'll get a little exercise going from one corner to the other to level it.....

Just a heads up in case you don't already know. The "levelers" on TTs are not like on class A. Side-to-side leveling is done with wheel blocks and front-to-back with the tongue jack. The corner jacks on most TT are just there to reduce the bounce and rocking when moving inside. I suppose you may have found a TT with true levers, if so just disregard what I just said.

My wife and I really enjoy getting out of the truck after a long day and having living quarters that are roomy, look and smell different from the travel vehicle. A little thing we didn't expect coming from our class A.

Wanderlost wrote:
L'Andante is super easy to back into position, with her backup camera and our large vehicle experience. But the toad we use, a 2006 Jeep Liberty, is really not my favorite vehicle. Feels much too small for me. I prefer my pickup.

We decided on a TT so we'd have a larger driving vehicle, a lower height, and more modern conveniences than L'Andante (2004) has. I will miss that huge wardrobe, though, since we'll be packing four seasons of clothes, layering on more as we head north. But we already have plenty of plastic tubs to hold what won't fit in the TT's clothes storage.

I can certainly relate to wanting a larger vehicle. We also had a Jeep Liberty toad (08) and at the time I really missed my pickup and all it's room. Don't think I'll ever get away from a truck again.

... Eric