I just registered and will be lurking around so I wanted to say Hello. Whenever I find a new "hobby du jour" I join a forum because this is where the real advice is. I have decided to go ahead and pick up a new or lightly used 16-20' trailer for weekend get-aways (wife and 2 dogs...kids are gone) and would love some advice on best for the buck trailers and even destinations. If there is a consensus out there for units to avoid I am all ears as well. We are out of RI so NE is the best stomping grounds for this year, maybe next year a week in FLA is on the short list after this winter.:)

Hi,Welcome to the forums.Check for any sign of water damage. If found, run away!Other than that, try to find a floor plan that will make your wife happy.

I agree , look at the roof first and make sure it looks good.

Welcome to the forum.Condition is the important thing to consider when looking at used RV's.Take you time and look at everything available. There are plenty on the market. Don't be in a hurry to buy.Enjoy the search.

Thanks for the advice so far...the roof seems to be what friends have said as well. I will more than likely buy from a reputable dealer to minimize the risk. I would rather spend the extra 25% for the peace of mind. They may have new options that make sense as well because I want small it may not be much of a difference in the long run.

What tow vehicle do you have? That's the question everyone will ask. Lots of threads about that. Read a lot before you settle on a truck if you don't already have one. If you do, that will dictate a lot about the new trailer. Dealers are not the people to ask about this in my opinion. As for a used trailer, that's the way to go in my mind. A lot of people buy one, it sits for a year or two not used, then they trade it in. More value for your dollar that way. Some will disagree and talk about warranty. That's a valid consideration. Personal choice

A quick Hello... | Good Sam Community

Doug33
Explorer
Mar 04, 2015
Some of the most important thing to us were:

size and comfort of bed - not much you can do if the bed isn't big enough

size and comfort of bathroom - I need my room when sitting on the throne or taking a shower

when in the TT, you spend a lot of time in the bed and bathroom (just like a house)
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Mar 04, 2015
Blutoyz wrote:
Thanks for the warm welcome and all of the advice. I will lurk around for a while and post up when I pick up a trailer. One more question though...

Where does one go for good recommendations on parks, destinations, etc...?

I suggest you start a new thread for this. There are many web sites out there that can recommend parks. If you start a new thread I'm sure the members will chirp in with there favorite sites.

Don't forget about the small out of the way campgrounds. They can be fun too.
Blutoyz
Explorer
Mar 04, 2015
Thanks for the warm welcome and all of the advice. I will lurk around for a while and post up when I pick up a trailer. One more question though...

Where does one go for good recommendations on parks, destinations, etc...?
colliehauler
Explorer III
Mar 04, 2015
Welcome to the forum. A private individual can be a better deal then a dealer. Just because a dealer sells it does not mean it can't have issues. Find a floor plan that works, check the systems, inspect for water damage.

Remember you have to maintain a tt as well, if not maintained a leak can do a lot of damage.

It's a fun hobby but not for everyone. Buying used doesn't tie up a lot of money and gives you a chance to see if you like it.
profdant139
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2015
I am a big fan of little trailers -- I have had two 13 footers -- BUT I live and camp mostly out West, where we don't get nearly as much rain as on the East Coast. So if I lived in Rhode Island or thereabouts, I would get a trailer just big enough so that I would not go stir crazy during a couple of rainy days. I don't know what size that would be, but I am pretty sure that my very little trailer would not be adequate for a really rainy climate.
rbpru
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2015
Our trailer criteria were fairly simple.
• Access to bath room and kitchen while hitched with slide in.
• Get out of bed without crawling over you partner.
• Separate dining table and couch.
• About 5000 lbs. dry weight.
Other items that came with the TT, microwave, TV, stove with oven, larger bath across the back were really not considered but turned out to be nice features.
We travel with a large dog so we opted for a 25 ft. TT.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Mar 03, 2015
Weldon wrote:
Welcome! Buying used is a good idea, checking for roof leaks very important.
Don't buy a trailer to small......24 foot minimum. Have fun!

I don't believe in this.

Some of us like out small Travel Trailers just fine. Mine is 22 foot and plenty good for me, a girlfriend, and a dog. In fact I once had 3 adults, 2 children, and a dog in if for a weekend outing.

It all depends on the type and style of RVing you want to do.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Mar 03, 2015
Find a Arctic Fox 4 seasons. The 2 happiest days I had were the day I bought it and the day I sold it. OH! Wait, I still have it and it's great. 2004 model and like new. Solid and insulated to -4.
rbpru
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2015
I have found that a reputable dealer is one that answers your questions truthfully.

The non-reputable dealer is one who was never asked the questions by the buyer.

The dealers knows as much about a used TT as the owner told them. They know as much about a new TT as the manufacturer told them.

They do not know the answers to the questions that were not asked.
lizzie
Explorer
Mar 03, 2015
I am so glad that we have been blessed with "reputable dealers". We have also had good luck with private sellers. The advantage of buying from someplace like Camping World is that you may be able to buy a warranty, even on a used unit. As for the size, buy what meets your needs and your comfort level for towing and parking. You can just as easily buy too big as too small. Good luck and happy camping. lizzie

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