We’re looking at buying our first trailer and a new one. We have rented a 22’-28’ and personally I lik the smaller one since it was nimble and agile to manuever around. However, we are expecting our first child and hoping to have a 2nd one afterwards. We also have two dogs (small and medium). Our original thinking was to start small with 22’-24' TT for a few years then upgrade to 26-28’ later once kid(s) have grown. Looking at costs – it seems we would lose a bit of money and better to purchase a bigger one now. From what I've read, it sounds like TT lost 50% value after just couple years. Going to 28' TT, I worry about biting off more than we can chew for our first TT. We have 2005 F-150 Supercrew 5.4L with 3.55 axle (not 3.73) which is rated for GCWR 14,000 and Tow Capacity is 8500 (truck’s curb weight 5281). I’m thinking as long as we stay under 5,000lb TT limit, we should be OK?Also, when I try to view camping and park vehicle regulations, if it says maximum vehicle size 30’ or 40’ – should I be calculating the length of our truck + trailer or is that just pertaining to the TT size?

dirtdivaca wrote:We’re looking at buying our first trailer and a new one. We have rented a 22’-28’ and personally I lik the smaller one since it was nimble and agile to manuever around. However, we are expecting our first child and hoping to have a 2nd one afterwards. We also have two dogs (small and medium). Our original thinking was to start small with 22’-24' TT for a few years then upgrade to 26-28’ later once kid(s) have grown. Looking at costs – it seems we would lose a bit of money and better to purchase a bigger one now. From what I've read, it sounds like TT lost 50% value after just couple years. Going to 28' TT, I worry about biting off more than we can chew for our first TT. We have 2005 F-150 Supercrew 5.4L with 3.55 axle (not 3.73) which is rated for GCWR 14,000 and Tow Capacity is 8500 (truck’s curb weight 5281). I’m thinking as long as we stay under 5,000lb TT limit, we should be OK?Also, when I try to view camping and park vehicle regulations, if it says maximum vehicle size 30’ or 40’ – should I be calculating the length of our truck + trailer or is that just pertaining to the TT size?I don't think you will find many 28ft TT's that weigh in at 5,000 lbs. Our ultralight 27ft has a dry weight of 6,000 lbs. Around here the size limits for campgrounds pertain to the trailer, not the TV. Every site we visited (not all that many, but a nice sample for Washington) had the ability to handle the TV and the TT, though maybe not hitched. At some sites we had to park the TV next to the TT.

My advice would be to get the bigger one now. Look for something in a bunkhouse model. These usually have a queen bed in front and bunks in the rear. You will, however, have a hard time staying under 5000# total, but your truck can pull more than that no problem. We just ordered a Grey Wolf 26BH (by Forest River) and I believe the dry weight of it was 4200# and it's a pretty basic TT. It doesn't take long to start adding weight to them either with clothes, dishes, pots, pans, etc. Slide-outs are nice too but add more weight and are another place to leak, also. Our last TT had a small slide that added some nice space inside, but our daughter is getting bigger and wanted her own bed instead of the fold down couch. Our new one does not have a slide, but that's ok, we don't spend much time indoors unless the weather is bad. As far as the length limit, I'd guess that is the length of the camper. It'd be hard to stay under 30' with any decent sized camper and a pick up truck. I think my DoubleCab Tundra is over 20' long, or close to it from bumper to bumper.

Thanks - this is helpful! We thought about bunkbeds but they seem so useless until you have someone to sleep in them. We're looking seriously at the R-Vision 25RKS (DVW 4740 and GVWR 6160 lbs) which is pretty light & all aluminum. We can use couch when kid(s) outgrown playard or co-sleeper options. Here's Floorplan URL since pasting the pic didn't work.

My wife and I had the typical too big, too small discussions. The dealer warned us that people get “two foot itis”. (Soon after they buy a unit, they trade it in on a two foot larger unit.) With just two of us and a big dog, we settled on a 25 ft. unit. We rented one prior to purchase and decided it was about as small as we would go.

Look at Lance 2185, length 25'8", dry weight 3930 lbs and it has triple bunks in rear.http://www.lancecamper.com/floorplans/lance-2185-travel-trailer.png

What would you do? 24’ or 28’? | Good Sam Community

53 Replies

tomkaren13
Explorer
Feb 03, 2014
Looks like the Keystone Springdale BH that Curveballer98 has weighs about 6800 pounds. Not to bad for a BH with a super slide. But it is over what I would tow with anything less then a 3/4 ton TV.

Enjoy your R-Vision 25RKS. good size for a TT and think you will like the rear kitchen. Always like a rear kitchen gives you more counter space.
CKNSLS
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
curveballer98 wrote:
I would suggest the bigger one...with a super slide. We bought our first TT..which was 26 foot, but no slide out and we had just us and a large dog, which was cramped...then came the first baby...even more cramped...especially when you wish to use a pack and play...so off to the lot we went to trade up. We stayed within the rough length, moved up to a 28 footer, but with a large slide-out. Now we have 2 dogs and two kids and it's comfortable. for while we had both a large dog kennel and a pack and play and there was still room. we got lucky and actually got more on trade than we owed from our first trailer. but i think that's a huge rarity. Also...dump the ford and get a dodge ;)

Now your talking weight with a super slide..........
curveballer98
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
I would suggest the bigger one...with a super slide. We bought our first TT..which was 26 foot, but no slide out and we had just us and a large dog, which was cramped...then came the first baby...even more cramped...especially when you wish to use a pack and play...so off to the lot we went to trade up. We stayed within the rough length, moved up to a 28 footer, but with a large slide-out. Now we have 2 dogs and two kids and it's comfortable. for while we had both a large dog kennel and a pack and play and there was still room. we got lucky and actually got more on trade than we owed from our first trailer. but i think that's a huge rarity. Also...dump the ford and get a dodge ;)
cacoon
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
I started with a 24ft then a 28 ft now a 31 ft. I had absolutely no trailer experience when I bought the first one. 8 years later i have no fear in towing. I say buy the biggest and most you can afford and safely tow.
CKNSLS
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
johndeerefarmer wrote:

I don't think you will find many 28ft TT's that weigh in at 5,000 lbs. Our ultralight 27ft has a dry weight of 6,000 lbs. Around here the size limits for campgrounds pertain to the trailer, not the TV. Every site we visited (not all that many, but a nice sample for Washington) had the ability to handle the TV and the TT, though maybe not hitched. At some sites we had to park the TV next to the TT.

My 29'9" Surveyor Select weighs 5124 lbs dry with a hitch weight of 623 lbs

+1 John Deere. There are plenty of Ultra lights at 28-29 feet around 5,000 pounds. Seattle Lion-there are many that are-maybe not in your state but elsewhere they are reaily available.
ls1mike
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2014
Seattle Lion wrote:

I don't think you will find many 28ft TT's that weigh in at 5,000 lbs. Our ultralight 27ft has a dry weight of 6,000 lbs. Around here the size limits for campgrounds pertain to the trailer, not the TV. Every site we visited (not all that many, but a nice sample for Washington) had the ability to handle the TV and the TT, though maybe not hitched. At some sites we had to park the TV next to the TT.

I camp all over WA, Idaho and Oregon. Have not had any trouble with my 32 footer. It is 7400-500 on the scales loaded for camping and 6340 with batteries, full propane, and various other small items. So my experience is similar to yours.

I see the OP got a trailer looks very nice.

As to size a wise old man at a campground once told me when I had my old 25 foot no slide 5er, "Buy your second Trailer first"
johndeerefarmer
Explorer III
Feb 01, 2014

I don't think you will find many 28ft TT's that weigh in at 5,000 lbs. Our ultralight 27ft has a dry weight of 6,000 lbs. Around here the size limits for campgrounds pertain to the trailer, not the TV. Every site we visited (not all that many, but a nice sample for Washington) had the ability to handle the TV and the TT, though maybe not hitched. At some sites we had to park the TV next to the TT.

My 29'9" Surveyor Select weighs 5124 lbs dry with a hitch weight of 623 lbs
wrvond
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2014
dirtdivaca wrote:
Thanks all - we've went ahead & placed order for the R-Vision 25RKS - Woot! Can't wait to pick it up in a few weeks.

Several of you mentioned some good trailer brands/models except, they not offered in West Coast. We have limited options in CA. Also, hubby was too tall for shower in most of the models we looked at (lots had raised shower floor) so that poses a big challenge. The R-Vision sports models has curved ceiling which is nicer for tall folks and also provides better rain run off. So having a large skylight inside low shower floor makes a big difference!

Congratulations on your new camper! At 6'4", I know how he feels.
It occurs to me that you can simply remove the dinette table and fasten a net across the open end, creating a "play pen/bed" for your baby. Of course a foam pad is a must, but it's safer (can't fall off the floor) and no more difficult to set up/take down than using the table top to make a bed.
It's a great looking camper. Enjoy!
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jan 28, 2014
A 28ft will be the perfect size! we had a 28ft TT that had a dry weight of 5100lbs. it had a super slide and bunks. with the kids and dogs get the 28ft.
dirtdivaca
Explorer
Jan 28, 2014
CKNSLS wrote:

A 6,000 pound trailer is not an ultra light IMHO. There are plenty of true ultra lights that weight in at less than 5,000 pounds dry. Hre is mine-clicky

Nice TT. It wouldn't work for us because hubbie's too tall for queen bed so with a walk-around bed, his feet can hang off instead of sleeping in fetal position. Dry Weight on our trailer is 4740 so it's still under 5,000 lbs.