Buying first TT - New or Used?
Hello! We are a family of 5 with three small children (ages 7,6,2) and we are wanting to buy a travel trailer - doing alot of research - and wondering if we should buy new or used. New we are thinking...
Forum Discussion
If you’re new at this I think it would be much to your benefit to look for a “not too old” used unit. The odds are once you use one for awhile you’ll get a better feel for what you really want and it likely won’t be the one you have. But you’ll take it in the shorts on the depreciation loss on a new one. If you look used, take a friend along who knows how to check out a TT thoroughly. Or arrange for a tech at a dealer or shop to check it for you.
Another factor to consider is where do you want to camp? If you like the more pristine areas and like to get away from the pavement you’re looking at too big a unit. In those cases less than 25’ would be a better choice. If the plan is commercial parks and well developed and accessible campgrounds and you want fhu’s then you’re OK.
Lastly, I think you’re quoting tow ratings, which are questionable at best. There are a number of different ratings for a TV and with a ½ ton, at least, you’ll run out of payload well before you get near the tow rating. Also, that’s a fairly heavy TT and if you do much mountain travel it won’t be a fun pull with the typical 5L V8. So another thing to think about, do you want a ¾ ton with a bigger engine or maybe a HD F150 Ecoboost? It’s always a good idea to have more truck than you think you’ll need. Take your time and ask a lot of questions before you commit, it may save a lot of heartburn later. Good luck.
Another factor to consider is where do you want to camp? If you like the more pristine areas and like to get away from the pavement you’re looking at too big a unit. In those cases less than 25’ would be a better choice. If the plan is commercial parks and well developed and accessible campgrounds and you want fhu’s then you’re OK.
Lastly, I think you’re quoting tow ratings, which are questionable at best. There are a number of different ratings for a TV and with a ½ ton, at least, you’ll run out of payload well before you get near the tow rating. Also, that’s a fairly heavy TT and if you do much mountain travel it won’t be a fun pull with the typical 5L V8. So another thing to think about, do you want a ¾ ton with a bigger engine or maybe a HD F150 Ecoboost? It’s always a good idea to have more truck than you think you’ll need. Take your time and ask a lot of questions before you commit, it may save a lot of heartburn later. Good luck.
