Best Full Time Living Travel Trailer?

[Jaygonz]

Hello,

I am in search of the best quality and most reliable travel trailer for full time living. The travel trailer I am looking for must be around 25' not much less or more, I also need to be able to get an artic package on it for all 4 seasons, and of course, I need it to be able to withstand full time year round living!

Thanks in advance!

[beemerphile1]

By definition of the RVIA, an RV is not built for full time living. The building codes for a mobile home are different. They recently fought it out with the US government over the definition and code requirements.

Of course we all know that hasn't prevented many RVers using them in a full time fashion.

[patperry2766]

If you haven't purchased yet, look at the Outdoors RV Mfg brands. We had a chance to look at one a few months back, and while they don't have a 5th wheel model yet, we were VERY impressed.

[campermama]

I just got this trailer...lots of storage, comfortable, I love it!!

Jayco Eagle HT 274CKDS

[mountainkowboy]

Off the top of my head.....Northwoods (arctic fox) and Lance are probably the best for winter camping. Crossovers from truck campers that are known for being 4-season units.

[Slowmover]

Questions unstated:

1). How many years?

2). How many miles?

That’s the divisor between “best” and “typical”.

Airstream is the last of the quality trailers. Entry-level way back when. But it’s still an a non-limited lifespan 25+ year TT. 250,000-miles.
It also has no peer in towing. Stability.

The typical RVs are sub-10 years before serious problems (delamination, prominently). . 75k miles. Terrible suspensions and centr-of-gravity height.

The typical trailers built when mine was are now a couple decades past being tipped into the landfill. (There’s no need to buy one brand-new. Use depreciation to your advantage).

Buying new every 5-7 years is enormously wasteful. Unless that’s the time period expected.

As to size, the Golden Age of Trailers showed that 27-28’ is best size for a full-time couple(asa minimum). . Bath, beds, storage and amenities. Front lounge, mid-kitchen, beds, and bath at rear is that layout. It’s also most efficient for plumbing and weight balance.

It’s not in the least harder to tow than a 25’.


Avoid slide-outs.


And, as an important note: Many do good planning to go full-timing. But not so on EXITING. Sadly, it’s often illness or injury. Expect that selling an RV (versus giving it away) may be 4-6 months. Have a few ways of getting out.

.

[kellem]

Possibly some glass half full perspectives here.....an RV is an RV is an Rv.

The wife and I travel year around in our TT and don't see much difficulty in sub temps,we're prepared and educated in these conditions.

We have heated underbelly and always 2 full tanks of Propane, carry RV antifreeze for those emergencies, winterize on location if need be.

Full hookups with ceramic heater is ideal.
RV fully stocked incase of snow storm, generator backup.....preperation is everything.

[Second_Chance]

There are MANY of us living full-time in our Grand Design RVs. On either of the brand-specific forums, I've never seen anything about anyone having warranty issues because they are full-time. GD has authorized warranty repairs for us on several occasions - and they know we are full-timers.

Rob

[Bill_Satellite]

There is no answer to this question. Sorry! Do your DD as best you can. Dig deep. Ask way too many questions. If they can't answer, don't buy.
There ARE good full time 4 season RV's out there but outside of class A's, they are few and far between.

[Lwiddis]

Gee, Jaygonz, what four season TTs have considered?

[DallasSteve]

Jaygonz

It seems that RV manufacturers avoid saying that you can use their trailers for full time living because of warranty concerns. If you live in them full time then more things are going to break and they will have more warranty expense. One of the trailer makers I like best is Grand Design ever since I sat in one at an RV show. They used to say that their trailers were suitable for full time use. I checked today and now they have changed their website to say their trailers are "Extended Stay Approved". What does that mean? Who knows? I think it means if you live in them full time you don't get free warranty service if something breaks. Below is a link to that page.

Grand Design - Full-Time Living

Steve

Edit: I don't think the Weight Police here at this forum will approve that truck to pull that fifth wheel at the top of that page.

[Second_Chance]

"Arctic" packages are a euphemism. If you want a TT that is a bit better suited to the cold than some of the others, look at Arctic Fox. All of the mainstream manufacturers use the same appliances and fittings, and many of the same components such as slides, axles, suspension, etc. You pay your money and roll the dice.

Rob

[TenOC]

Get the floor plan that works with lots of storage

[romore]

You are asking a lot, they are not designed to be lived in full time. Many do it but they make a lot of sacrifices. In cold climates you will go through a LOT of propane, water pipes tend to freeze etc etc. Will the trailer be parked so you can skirt it? One Ohio winter will adjust your priorities.:B

[Lwiddis]

Even with the “best” trailer and four season package, winter camping requires lots of effort, propane and electricity. Airstream would be the choice of many for “best.” Oliver and Bigfoot might have an edge in cold weather but the Olivers are narrow. Which trailers has your research shown meet your requirements?