1st Camper- Differences between brands question

Each TT model has it's own unique features and different models are designed for different uses.
#1 one on your list should be what are going to tow it with,
#2 then how are you going to use the RV, such as long distances, weeks at a time or just an occasional weekend adventure,
#3 is how much will your budget allow. Most manufactures have units from entry level to "the sky is the limit".
Decide what you want, then take the time to look at the many units and compare them
Also the dealer is really important because his repair shop will probably be the one you ask for assistance and to repair any problems you might encounter and, most unit do end up with problems from small to large (just as a new vehicle)

Start pulling drawers out and looking at how they're built, stick your head in cupboards and behind panels, crawl underneath, look at the frame and axles how they're built and reinforced, open up every nook and cranny and look at it 360°, kick the tires, step on floor and see how it feels, get up on the roof and walk on it, push on the walls, check out the seams, the wiring, the gaskets and whatever. Run the slide in and out, turn on the water, check out the water heater, turn on the lights, read and inquire about how its constructed compared to others. That's how your going to figure out which are better then others. There is no substitute for doing your due diligence.

If you ask someone, they'll tell you whatever brand they own is the best (why else would I buy that brand).

In the end, you're going to have to decide for yourself how much you're willing to pay and how much quality you're going to get at that price. I may be willing to pay $150K for top notch quality that will last 30 years. You may only want or need something to last 5 years and only want to pay $10K. Everyone has different needs and wants. that's why they sell Ford Fiestas and Maserati's.

nineoaks2004 wrote:
Each TT model has it's own unique features and different models are designed for different uses.
#1 one on your list should be what are going to tow it with,
#2 then how are you going to use the RV, such as long distances, weeks at a time or just an occasional weekend adventure,
#3 is how much will your budget allow. Most manufactures have units from entry level to "the sky is the limit".
Decide what you want, then take the time to look at the many units and compare them
Also the dealer is really important because his repair shop will probably be the one you ask for assistance and to repair any problems you might encounter and, most unit do end up with problems from small to large (just as a new vehicle)

I will be pulling it with an f150 4x4 super crew with the ecoboost. I am rated at 9200 pounds towing capacity, Id like to stay 6,000 lbs or less. This seems an average weight for a bunkhouse with 1 slide out (5600-6300 depending on brand)

I will be using it maybe 5 times a season, probably no more than 5 hours away, but typically 2 hours away or so.

My budget will allow more than I'm willing to spend. I'm not yet sold on Travel trailers but see it as the only way currently to continue to camp with our daughters. As such I'm thinking I dont want to spend more than 20K . However I dont want to spend 17-18k on something, then find out after 5-7 years its falling apart because of shortsightedness on my part!

In 7 years or so I see the girls being an age where they aren't necessarily into camping as much, and we could either resume tent camping or downsize into something smaller for the two of us.

Some brands are constructed of more durable/high quality materials than others. Northwoods RV, Lance, and to some extent Jayco, are among the better brands.

Now... if you don't care if your bed base is made out of plywood or OSB, or if your cabinets are real wood, and you basically want something to sleep in, any of the brands you listed will work.

All brands use the same batch of suppliers for components such as refrigerators, AC, cooktops, water pumps, etc. Not much difference there.

The main concern I would have is frame construction and axle quality. Make sure the axles are not overloaded at the GVWR.

Any trailer will last a long time IF YOU KEEP IT DRY. Store it under a shed if possible, and be diligent about sealing all seams, running lights, and roof penetrations as needed. They should be thoroughly inspected twice a year. Lots of good advice on that, on this site.

I would buy used for your first trailer. You can get a better brand for a lot less money. There are a lot of used trailers out there that have been barely used. Craigs list and local want adds are your friend!:S I would much rather spend 10000 than 20000 on something that your not sure you want to get anyway.. You may even want to rent different rvs from trailers to motorhomes to try before you spend that hard earned cash. Good luck on your decision,
Bill

As an older canoe and tent camper, I believe you should rent a unit similar to what you want. It is what we did.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the features and styles of TTs on the market. However, pulling one of these units down the road has to be experienced to be understood.

A week or 10 days adventure will explain a lot about the size and floor plan you need. It will also give you a feel for the RV life.

The obvious items include 10 mpg, 300 mile days, and tow vehicle size. The less obvious includes maneuvering, parking and maintenance.

Renting teaches you a lot in a short time.

In answer to your question, cost and the suggestions already mentioned are as good a purchasing guide as any.

Good luck and remember buying a TT is not a race.

ronheater70 wrote:

nineoaks2004 wrote:
Each TT model has it's own unique features and different models are designed for different uses.
#1 one on your list should be what are going to tow it with,
#2 then how are you going to use the RV, such as long distances, weeks at a time or just an occasional weekend adventure,
#3 is how much will your budget allow. Most manufactures have units from entry level to "the sky is the limit".
Decide what you want, then take the time to look at the many units and compare them
Also the dealer is really important because his repair shop will probably be the one you ask for assistance and to repair any problems you might encounter and, most unit do end up with problems from small to large (just as a new vehicle)

I will be pulling it with an f150 4x4 super crew with the ecoboost. I am rated at 9200 pounds towing capacity, Id like to stay 6,000 lbs or less. This seems an average weight for a bunkhouse with 1 slide out (5600-6300 depending on brand)

I will be using it maybe 5 times a season, probably no more than 5 hours away, but typically 2 hours away or so.

My budget will allow more than I'm willing to spend. I'm not yet sold on Travel trailers but see it as the only way currently to continue to camp with our daughters. As such I'm thinking I dont want to spend more than 20K . However I dont want to spend 17-18k on something, then find out after 5-7 years its falling apart because of shortsightedness on my part!

In 7 years or so I see the girls being an age where they aren't necessarily into camping as much, and we could either resume tent camping or downsize into something smaller for the two of us.

Careful, you're falling into the trap of looking at tow capacity and not payload. Add up the weight of the passengers and gear you'll be carrying. Now add the hitch weight and real tongue weight, and remember the tongue weight will cantilever over the rear axle, unloading the front axle and adding more weight to the rear. Now look at the yellow door jamb sticker for your payload. Most people towing with 1/2-ton crew cabs are overloaded and either don't know or don't care.

mbopp wrote:

ronheater70 wrote:

nineoaks2004 wrote:
Each TT model has it's own unique features and different models are designed for different uses.
#1 one on your list should be what are going to tow it with,
#2 then how are you going to use the RV, such as long distances, weeks at a time or just an occasional weekend adventure,
#3 is how much will your budget allow. Most manufactures have units from entry level to "the sky is the limit".
Decide what you want, then take the time to look at the many units and compare them
Also the dealer is really important because his repair shop will probably be the one you ask for assistance and to repair any problems you might encounter and, most unit do end up with problems from small to large (just as a new vehicle)

I will be pulling it with an f150 4x4 super crew with the ecoboost. I am rated at 9200 pounds towing capacity, Id like to stay 6,000 lbs or less. This seems an average weight for a bunkhouse with 1 slide out (5600-6300 depending on brand)

I will be using it maybe 5 times a season, probably no more than 5 hours away, but typically 2 hours away or so.

My budget will allow more than I'm willing to spend. I'm not yet sold on Travel trailers but see it as the only way currently to continue to camp with our daughters. As such I'm thinking I dont want to spend more than 20K . However I dont want to spend 17-18k on something, then find out after 5-7 years its falling apart because of shortsightedness on my part!

In 7 years or so I see the girls being an age where they aren't necessarily into camping as much, and we could either resume tent camping or downsize into something smaller for the two of us.

Careful, you're falling into the trap of looking at tow capacity and not payload. Add up the weight of the passengers and gear you'll be carrying. Now add the hitch weight and real tongue weight, and remember the tongue weight will cantilever over the rear axle, unloading the front axle and adding more weight to the rear. Now look at the yellow door jamb sticker for your payload. Most people towing with 1/2-ton crew cabs are overloaded and either don't know or don't care.

yea, I have already looked into that.. I have a 1500 Capacity, figure 525 for folks, and 500 +/- for Hitch and it leaves me roughly 500 pounds +/-.. Not a a lot of wiggle room, but figure most everything else would be in the camper.

rbpru wrote:
As an older canoe and tent camper, I believe you should rent a unit similar to what you want. It is what we did.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the features and styles of TTs on the market. However, pulling one of these units down the road has to be experienced to be understood.

A week or 10 days adventure will explain a lot about the size and floor plan you need. It will also give you a feel for the RV life.

The obvious items include 10 mpg, 300 mile days, and tow vehicle size. The less obvious includes maneuvering, parking and maintenance.

Renting teaches you a lot in a short time.

In answer to your question, cost and the suggestions already mentioned are as good a purchasing guide as any.

Good luck and remember buying a TT is not a race.

I have thought about that. I have pulled many loads through the decades, and more than a few heavy ones with the current rig just not a travel trailer.
I thought about the renting Idea, however none are close to me, I would need to drive 2 hours to a facility that actually rents one and then, more than likely backtrack to get to an area We like to camp at.
I know for certain:
1. We need a bunkhouse
2. I don't want more than 6000 lbs Dry (im not going to squabble over 100 pounds though)
3. I dont want to spend more than 20K
4. I REALLY like the Grey Wolf and Pioneer trailers for the price
But cannot seem to find any real world reviews about quality after the fact Ie.. 3 years down the road.

Again, thank you kind folks for the suggestions and comments, much appreciated.

Considering the brands listed there is not a lot of difference in materials and fluff (decorative fabrics). Look at overall comfort of using the TT and focus on the chassis. Whichever one has the heaviest rated axles is the way to go. Enjoy