New member - toy hauler brand advice?

[jhsellers]

Hello all.

I'm new to the forums, but not new to RVing - been camping since childhood, in all portable homes, from tents to pickups, to trailers. Wanted to say hey and ask for general advice for toy haulers.

Wife and I are looking at toy haulers. It's been a while since I've investigated travel trailer manufacturers, and I don't know which brands are better. We looked at Work and Play a few years ago, but now we've become more serious about a potential purchase.

A local dealer has a couple of models available that we like - similar floor plans that appeal to us. (Camping World, for other advice for dealer preference?) The two that interest us are Work and Play 30WRS and Dutchmen Endurance 3706.

I know that new Work and Play models are not built the same as previous units, without a full metal roof, and without full metal trim and million-mile bolts. Thus we've been searching for a used unit, with the previous build quality. The Camping World network has access to a used Work and Play, but it's several hundred miles away, and so we can't inspect it personally.

This particular dealer also has a new Dutchmen (Keystone) Endurance 3706, which has pretty much the same features and floorplan, with one additional slide out. From my initial investigations, it looks like this Dutchmen Endurance lineup may not be but a couple/few years old.

Can you guys help with suggestions about the build quality of Dutchmen/Keystone travel trailers vs. Forest River Work and Play models?

I like the idea of a new unit - Dutchmen - with warranty, and non-used, plus I'm leaning toward the Dutchmen, as it appears to have better finishing that other Work and Play units I've seen previously. (I also like the second slide out, even though the kitchen island doesn't give that much more living space than the Work and Play 30WRS.) But I don't know anything about the build quality of Dutchmen trailers, even though I do know the name has been prevalent in camper manufacturing for many decades.

I have looked at Forest River Work and Play models for several years, so I know that prior year models have had good reviews about the trailer construction. However, getting serious about a used unit that is several states away has me concerned.

I welcome any and all advice and comments.

Best regards,
John

[jhsellers]

JAC1982 wrote:
Is there a reason you want a travel trailer instead of a 5th wheel? 36' is really long for a travel trailer, especially a toyhauler.

I don't want to lose the use of my truck bed, nor the cap/shell on the back. We travel with pets and gear; even if we tow a trailer it's nice to have the extra secured space.

My truck should handle the weight and length, and I plan for a PPP style hitch. (Hensley or Propride)

Thanks,
John

[JAC1982]

Is there a reason you want a travel trailer instead of a 5th wheel? 36' is really long for a travel trailer, especially a toyhauler.

[hvac]

Take a look at ATC. Yes they are pricey but extremely durable.

[CincyGus]

59bisquik wrote:
I went to the local RV center where there are 4 or 5 dealers in a small area. Looked at all the trailers and picked a model I liked. After that I went home and found that model at a dealer for 15k less and only an hour and a half drive from home. Do your home work and you can possibly save quite a bit.

2nd stay away from camping world. Some very shady practices by many of their salesman. Too many like stories around the country for it to local dealership issue. Add on's, service charges for a bunch of nonsense. Just google Camping world problems and watch until your eyes are blurry.

I did exactly as 59bisquick described. Saved about $3000 and got Fiberglass skin instead of aluminum siding, electric stabilizer jacks, Roof Ladder, Upgrade to a residential fridge and an inverter for free other than the 90 miles drive to a farther away dealership.

[59bisquik]

I went to the local RV center where there are 4 or 5 dealers in a small area. Looked at all the trailers and picked a model I liked. After that I went home and found that model at a dealer for 15k less and only an hour and a half drive from home. Do your home work and you can possibly save quite a bit.

[trail-explorer]

jhsellers wrote:
(Camping World, for other advice for dealer preference?)

NOT camping World. Look elsewhere for sure. I've heard a lot of horror stories about Camping World.

Here's one: RV Buying Mistake - Things to Avoid

[59bisquik]

John,
We recently traded in our 2012 Attitude 27LFS and upgraded to a 2020 Attitude 32IBG. We had the 2012 since new and have had really good luck with it. It was well built and had very few problems. We upgraded simply for more room, solar and slides. I used to camp with a group and there were 3 or 4 Attitudes in the group. Maybe worth checking out an Eclipse toy hauler (Attitude, Stellar or Iconic)