Shopping for 1st TT. What should I consider?

[bernercamper]

Hello, I'm new to camping other than tent camping. I'm looking for something used, it needs to sleep at least 6, and I would like the weight to be less than 5-6000lbs. And my dh wants length as short as possible.

So I know that these criteria are probably unfulfillable in one camper!

I have 4 young children under 11. I have 3 teens but if they join us they will be able to tent camp I think. And maybe drive separately too!

I have a 2007 expedition that says it can pull up to 9200lbs.

The biggest limiting factors will be price - under $10k and hopefully used for under $5k! AND my driveway is so steep - we aren't sure we can get a trailer up the driveway without getting hung on hitch or rear bumper! DH thought he could back up at an angle. I thought of ramps. I think however that we should just go for the shortest wheelbase we can! Is there a formula that would help us narrow down what to consider?

I had ruled out pop-ups because I've had negative experiences in them. So I'm hoping to find a used hardsided 20ish footer with bunks and maybe a slide?

I'm guessing trailers with more clearance will manage the driveway better.

I'm reading that Lance and Jayco are good brands. I'm afraid of floor and ceiling problems and water leaks in a used camper.

Any pearls of wisdom or suggestions? Thank you!

ETA: wanted to add that dh grew up camping all over the US and Canada in a popup. So he's fine with that. I grew up tent camping and now that I'm older I know I'm not interested in tents anymore. We both think if we have something small that we can keep in the driveway or backyard we'd be much more likely to do weekend trips regularly. We don't want to pay to store it bc money, and then the spontaneity will be more difficult imo. If anyone has ideas about economical places to store an RV though, I'm interested, because I'm slightly scared we won't be able to get one up the drive.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Jayco's will be a possibility, Lance will likely not be out there at the price point your talking about.
N. Georgia,
mostly staying in RV parks? or
running west for boondocking times?
Bunks and kids, looking for two double bunks or 3 singles? You will still have a dinette and maybe a sofa
All are things to consider at the ages you mentioned.
That said, there are plenty of TT's out there, but you will be looking at 3-7 yrs old, and they will usually show some wear. Look for signs of water intrusion first and then do it again, It is the destroyer of trailers, If you find one that appears to have always been dry then look to how well the floorplan can meet your needs and how can you work with it. Your families size makes that the most important issue after water. If you cant find a way to work within the space it will quickly become untenable.
Your Excursion will allow for a 20-25' trailer but when counting the weights add all the kids to the TV weight limit, they count there also.
Finding this in the 5-10K price range isnt impossible, but you will have to put some time into it.

[Second_Chance]

What a vehicle can pull and the true payload available for loaded pin weight and cargo in the trailer are two different things. Search the forum and you'll find many threads with lots of detail on this topic. With almost any 1/2 or 3/4 ton vehicle, you will hit the limit on payload (read tongue weight, people, fuel and gear) long before you hit the maximum towing capacity. When making calculations, use the gross weight rating of the trailer off the sticker rather than empty or published weights.

After that, on a used trailer your main concerns should be tires, wheel bearings and water integrity (roof, leaks, previous water damage, etc.).

Rob