Which trailer is best bang for buck?

Watch this before considering the Grey Wolf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yixB3piNtmk

I'd take the Grey Wolf off the list because it is $1,000 more expensive

The wildwood has minimal outdoor storage (only one very small door) that would be a problem for me.

The R-vision has much more outside storage as well as much more counter space at the sink. Also greater fresh water capacity. Assuming the construction is comparable this one would be my choice. We had a 2008 R-Vision Trail Sport. Completely different construction type and was made just before the 1st bankruptcy. It was a good unit for us but I don't know that much carries over considering it is built different and is two ownership groups later.

aussy wrote:


Also, I talked to BestRV in Turlock today to ask them about past customers complaints. They stated that the issues with long repair times were due to lack of warranty performance by the manufacturers.

Any able to comment?

I think you misunderstood my earlier comment. I never got any service there because they made me so angry during the purchase, so I have no idea how their service department is.

Check their BBB complaints for a nice sample: BBB

They DO have low prices, and that's a great reason to buy from them if you don't care about anything else.

A USED one.

I should clarify: We are not new to trailer camping, we are new to owning an RV. We know exactly what we want, I was asking questions about quality and price of the three trailers/brands. The three trailers selected are almost identical floor plans.

Also, I talked to BestRV in Turlock today to ask them about past customers complaints. They stated that the issues with long repair times were due to lack of warranty performance by the manufacturers.

Any able to comment?

I second the renting recommendation. I would go to the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association website and look up the RV rental places near you, call them up to see if they have any of those models. It will be a worthy research expense. Check out:buying a camper guide, there are a bunch of rental options and tips. Good luck, your almost there!

If you have NEVER RV'd would you consider renting a few times to `get the hang of it?' and maybe help you decide how to spend your money.

I don't think there is a problem with aluminum skinned trailers as long as they are maintained well.

Here are my thoughts on the two skin types:

Aluminum can be dented more easily, much like aluminum siding on a house. It never rusts and is easier for the DYIer to work on than gel, smooth siding if there is a problem. Sealing the corners, around any cutouts and the roof is critical to not having leaks, rotting.

Smooth sided trailers have less seems since they are cut out and solid one piece per side vs. the aluminum skinned overlaying panels. They still require the same seal inspections in the corners, around cutoffs, roofs, etc. They are not as easily damaged by say a overthrown ball but if they are damaged, are not as easy to repair.

My decision to buy a smooth sided trailer basically came down to it being easier to clean (in my opinion) and to visually liking the looks better. Both types of trailers can llok wonderful for years and provide leak and rot free service for many years if properly maintained.

We have aluminum on our Jayco and have no problem with leaks at all.

Angela

Can't comment on the trailer choices -- they are all the same layout and have aluminum siding. The Eclipse Milan 18CK is also the same layout and has a laminated fiberglass exterior. Some say the aluminum leaks (usually in the front), but others say it's fine.

I can tell you something about that dealer though. They have a really bad reputation to go along with their low prices. Our experience there was infuriating. I refused to go back there for post-sales service, so the couple of small issues I had with our trailer were fixed by me.