Why do people have such large trailers?

Kids, pets, climate/weather, usage frequency, type of usage, age, disability and just good old fashion freedom of choice are all motivating factors. It always makes me laugh when people assume their choice is the only choice and anyone else is a fool.

I agree with 4x4Dodger's comment. I think that since the 80s, people are more susceptible to advertising and the advertising ploys are more sophisticated. I don't think manufacturers are building bigger because people wanted bigger - I think many people are buying bigger because they believe the marketing that bigger is better.

I also think that we have gotten spoiled about "personal space" and we have a much harder time sharing our stuff.

4X4Dodger wrote:
There has been a trend in American Design and Manufacturing for about 15 years or more now to go to bigger and bigger everything.

Furniture, houses, refrigerators, TV's, Stoves even BBQ's have all taken huge leaps in size compared to the 1980's and previously.

So it's natural that this trend has hit the RV world and boy has it.

40+ foot Motor Homes and fifth wheels, huge slide-outs.

Sometimes I watch that big long infomercial called Extreme Motorhomes and just sit slack-jawed as one 40 or 45 foot monstrosity after another that is decorated like a cheap Casino in Laughlin is paraded on the TV.

Want Horsepower? OH get the 500HP Cat!

Everything has gone "Extreme" This is a big part of the answer. And no it wasn't necessarily in response to customer demand. It was one MFG trying to outdo the others to offer something new and different. I think that market was created by the Mfg's.

Yes it is in response to customer demand. They do not build something that does not sell.

As I get older I want things smaller and more easy to manage and maintain.

Like I said earlier they make small campers up to large coaches to fit the needs of the people who buy them. If it didn't sell they wouldn't build it.

We are up to 8 pages of greedy capitalist's with there Cayman Island tax dodging bank accounts trying to justify their mansions on wheels. Complete disregard to their carbon footprint and destruction of our Mother Earth. :o

If only we had more poor working class inquiring why maybe we could regulate RV size relative to family size. But I dream.

Now I need to get out of the sun and retire to my air conditioned 30' TT. :B

There has been a trend in American Design and Manufacturing for about 15 years or more now to go to bigger and bigger everything.

Furniture, houses, refrigerators, TV's, Stoves even BBQ's have all taken huge leaps in size compared to the 1980's and previously.

So it's natural that this trend has hit the RV world and boy has it.

40+ foot Motor Homes and fifth wheels, huge slide-outs.

Sometimes I watch that big long infomercial called Extreme Motorhomes and just sit slack-jawed as one 40 or 45 foot monstrosity after another that is decorated like a cheap Casino in Laughlin is paraded on the TV.

Want Horsepower? OH get the 500HP Cat!

Everything has gone "Extreme" This is a big part of the answer. And no it wasn't necessarily in response to customer demand. It was one MFG trying to outdo the others to offer something new and different. I think that market was created by the Mfg's.

My trailer is 15 1/2 ft. from back to tip of the tongue It's perfect for me. I don't know why you would need a big 19 ft. one. :)

We haven't bought one yet, but we are looking at one with a overall length of 37.... Why? It's the only style we can find with opposing bunks in the rear creating a room for our 3 year old. While still proving enough room for meals and hanging out if it's raining or 110 degrees outside. Plus it has a front bedroom that has a door to provided extra privacy if someone is sleeping. We could start smaller and lose money trading up like most do, but why?

"Why do people have such large trailers?"

So I have more choices when I go shopping! We thought we were buying a 20-footer when I spotted my 22FBS on Craigslist. I said it's only 2 feet longer, so lets go take a look.

Turns out it has a 26-foot box in spite of the model number. It has so many great attributes that we think we bought the right TT the first time out.

OBSPowerstroke wrote:

RedRocket204 wrote:
As far as having a larger trailer... what else would I do with my 1 ton truck?

Use it for a slide in camper! ;)

I plan on buying a new truck within the next year and it's going to be a F350. I keep looking at the F150s, but the payload runs out exceptionally quick, especially with a slide in. Heck, I'd be at or slightly over rear axle weight ratings on any new F150 configuration with my current setup since I like to haul so much stuff in the bed.

Yup. Agree with you. As mentioned, I've got a 1 ton, specifically the 6.7L F350 SRW. After looking at slide-ins, I'm getting the feeling I would be better off had I a DRW. My truck actually has a separate certification for a slide-in (heavier front springs and rear sway bar), but I'm still limited by ~3300lbs payload. Some of those very nice AF or Lance slide-ins with multiple slides are up to 4500lbs. Add in a loaded 2 up ATV trailer, that's a good amount of weight and way too much for my SRW's payload.

I do wonder if my wife would let me buy a lighter weight, basic slide in. That way my son and I could go ride in more remote places but we can still do family land yachting in the TT.

Why doesn't money grow on trees?

RedRocket204 wrote:
As far as having a larger trailer... what else would I do with my 1 ton truck?

Use it for a slide in camper! ;)

I plan on buying a new truck within the next year and it's going to be a F350. I keep looking at the F150s, but the payload runs out exceptionally quick, especially with a slide in. Heck, I'd be at or slightly over rear axle weight ratings on any new F150 configuration with my current setup since I like to haul so much stuff in the bed.