Are you happy with the size?

[tenhorsun]

Of your travel trailer that is. I'm a new poster here and we're researching buying our first TT. Our main requirement is that we don't want to have to convert our table into a bed every night. So, fixed bed. Other than that, we think we'll be happy with small, with no slides even. We're on a limited budget.
A salesman said having bunks increases the re-sale value. Maybe, but with just 2 of us, we really have no need for bunkbeds.
Then a friend pointed out that even though there's only 2 of us, we have 2 dogs (medium/large) that will take up a lot of room. So she really suggested getting a bigger (longer) TT, and even one with a slide.
But again, budget. And other than sleeping/eating, we intend to be outside doing stuff. So how big do we need?
Have any of you bought a TT... only to later regret the size? Do you wish you had more room/space? Or (I would think this is rarer), do you think you would have been perfectly happy with a smaller TT? (smaller payments, less gas, etc.)

[dahkota]

We had a Jayco 22FB (I think it is a 23FB now) that was perfect...unless you had a couple of large dogs (an island bed, a couch, a dinette). We didn't, so it suited us fine, even on rainy days. The problem with most rvs is there isn't the floor space needed to accommodate a large dog stretched out sleeping. I would definitely choose one with a slide as that gives a little more room. But honestly, even in our 34' A, we would trip over a large dog. We even sometimes trip over our small dog.

[jfkmk]

We had a class c but found we didn't use it that much because of the 7.5 mpg, breaking camp each time we wanted to leave the site and I couldn't store it at my house. So we bought a 17' tt, and for now, it's perfect. It does have its drawbacks, not a big concern for us right now. One has to crawl over the other to get out of bed. There are no slides, so it can be a little tight inside. It only has the dinette to sit at. For now, it's perfect for what we do....up to the weeks at a time camping. When we retire, we'll get something bigger for those 6-month trips!

[CampingN_C_]

There's things about a TT that you simply will NOT notice until you start using it. For example, our bathroom medicine cabinet sticks out to far off the wall, making brushing teeth or shaving a real pain. Sounds insignificant (guess it is) but it's the little things you don't notice sitting in it at the dealer, which is why people are trading often. We too are on our third camper, closely mimicking DutchmanSport. First a 17ft hybrid, then a 30ft no slide, now a 32ft two slide, each time loving what we bought.
But when we went to a show this past winter and didn't like anything at all that was there we knew we finally found the 'right' one.....for now ! 😉

[SoundGuy]

scbwr wrote:
Minnie 2351DKS Click on 2351DKS floorplan

A floorplan such as the 2351DKS looks like it would be an option with a couple of dogs, and towable with a 1/2 ton truck.

SoundGuy wrote:
And there you go - a perfect example of just how personal a decision this is, why one floor plan may work perfectly for some but not at all for others. No way would we ever own a trailer like this 2351DKS with opposing slides that when in the travel position block access to the interior of the trailer almost completely. For some it's a worthwhile trade off for more interior space while camping but for others who travel a lot this can be a non-starter.

scbwr wrote:
I agree....personal preferences are a major factor. That's why I prefer our 2201DS because of the outdoor kitchen and I don't like a slide taking up space under the main awning. As to blocking acces, I find that it isn't a problem to open our slide enough to access the bathroom or fridge when making lunch stops while traveling. But, nobody can point out the ideal trailer for someone else...you can only provide suggestions and personal insights.

Exactly. Nice as it is, we ourselves discounted floor plans like your 2201DS in which we'd have to deploy the slide while traveling, didn't want an island TV stand in front of the bed that makes the trailer longer than we would prefer, and having owned one before didn't want another mid entry trailer, instead much preferring a rear entry trailer as I'm an early riser while my wife loves to sleep in without being disturbed. We cook mostly outdoors but neither one of us cares about having an outdoor kitchen, nor did we want a large U shaped dinette we'd have no need for, especially one that isn't flush with the trailer floor, instead preferring a sofa that is. Different strokes for different folks! :B

[mbopp]

We had a hybrid TT for 8 years and looked for a hardside TT for two years. We realized we'd never find the "perfect" TT but the 21FBS in my sig works well for us. At 26-1/2' ball to bumper we can still get into our favorite state cg's and the slide keeps us from getting cabin fever on rainy days.
But if we had pets I doubt the floor plan would work. One dog, maybe.

[scbwr]

SoundGuy wrote:

scbwr wrote:


Minnie 2351DKS Click on 2351DKS floorplan

A floorplan such as the 2351DKS looks like it would be an option with a couple of dogs, and towable with a 1/2 ton truck.

And there you go - a perfect example of just how personal a decision this is, why one floor plan may work perfectly for some but not at all for others. No way would we ever own a trailer like this 2351DKS with opposing slides that when in the travel position block access to the interior of the trailer almost completely. For some it's a worthwhile trade off for more interior space while camping but for others who travel a lot this can be a non-starter.

I agree....personal preferences are a major factor. That's why I prefer our 2201DS because of the outdoor kitchen and I don't like a slide taking up space under the main awning. As to blocking acces, I find that it isn't a problem to open our slide enough to access the bathroom or fridge when making lunch stops while traveling. But, nobody can point out the ideal trailer for someone else...you can only provide suggestions and personal insights.

[SoundGuy]

scbwr wrote:


Minnie 2351DKS Click on 2351DKS floorplan

A floorplan such as the 2351DKS looks like it would be an option with a couple of dogs, and towable with a 1/2 ton truck.

And there you go - a perfect example of just how personal a decision this is, why one floor plan may work perfectly for some but not at all for others. No way would we ever own a trailer like this 2351DKS with opposing slides that when in the travel position block access to the interior of the trailer almost completely. For some it's a worthwhile trade off for more interior space while camping but for others who travel a lot this can be a non-starter.

[SoundGuy]

tenhorsun wrote:
... do you think you would have been perfectly happy with a smaller TT? (smaller payments, less gas, etc.)

Obviously the shorter the trailer the less it's going to cost for a similarly equipped longer one but in terms of gas mileage you'll hardly achieve any advantage. With any full height trailer you should assume ~ 10 miles to the US gallon when towing with a gasser ... slightly more with a small 19 footer like mine compared to a 30+ footer, perhaps 1 or 2 mpg, but that's about it. If fuel consumption and it's related cost is an important consideration then perhaps RVing isn't for you.

As for the trailer itself you'd be foolish to purchase any model with bunk beds if you're never going to use them, especially not when there are so many couple's models available in all size ranges. Having traveled considerably with the various campers we've owned over the years I'd agree that 25' is just about the right size as it can provide plenty of interior space for 2 yet will still fit on pretty well any campsite you may come across, an especially important consideration if you intend to travel a lot and expect to just land somewhere each evening without reservations and have to take whatever site may be available.

I've always been a proponent of "smaller, lighter, but fully equipped" in all the trailers we've owned - popups, hybrid, travel trailers - but our current 19' is the first one we've ever owned with a slide. I personally could have been just as happy without a slide, often use ours without deploying the slide if I'm camping solo with just my dog, but would agree it does open up the interior space. My wife prefers having the slide so I guess I am too, as long as it continues to function correctly, but the first time it doesn't I know I won't be a Hapyy Camper at all, especially if we're 1000 miles from home at the time. Slide failure, though not an every day occurrence, does happen so it's important to decide whether you have the tolerance for dealing for the potential that yours one day could, at the most inopportune time / place. You also want to consider whether any slide(s) would interfere in any way with complete access to the interior of the trailer - in many a slide does and would be a complete non-starter for us, for others slide obstruction doesn't matter at all.

Our previous triple bunk bed family trailer measured 26' 9" coupler to bumper and over the years we owned it not once could I not park it on any campsite we'd chosen or had been assigned. We've since downsized to a 19' couple's model that measures 22' 6" coupler to bumper so it will fit on just about any site we may ever come across other than perhaps a terraced site designated for tent use only. It's particularly short length also means I can keep the trailer here at the house, parked on the driveway, and still accommodate our other vehicles ... others may disagree but no way would I ever own any trailer that was so long that I'd have to store it at a remote storage lot and therefore have to retrieve it each time we wanted to head out camping.

Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS




Had it been available at the time we might have gone a bit longer with this Apex model - same floor plan, more interior space, but the downside (for me) is it's over 25' coupler to bumper.

Coachmen Apex 239RBS




Ultimately, it's a personal decision, one only you can make ... good luck with your search. 🙂

[scbwr]

Keep in mind that a smaller trailer doesn't mean less gas costs. The frontal area of a travel trailer is the major factor, and weight to a much less degree. So, our Minnie is 26'9", but there are longer trailers out there that have about the same dry weight. With the two of us, we're happy with our downsized trailer...use to have a 29' Sunline. I wouldn't have a smaller trailer without a slideout. If we didn't have the slideout, I'd want something around 29-30', and I wouldn't want to have anything longer than that to minimize problems with campsite selection, rv parks, navigation around fuel pumps etc. (my choice....others have no problems with 32-36' trailers.

But with two dogs, I'm not sure if I would be happy with our Minnie as floor space is limited. I think you have to look at a lot of trailers and see what you think will work for you. How you use the trailer will make a difference also. We're retired, so we take longer trips....getting ready to head out for a 6 week trip. If you only plan on shorter trips, smaller spaces even with 2 dogs may not be a problem. And, if budget is an issue, you have to get something that will work with your tow vehicle.

As you look at trailers, consider where the dogs will spend the night and can you easily move around the trailer. Also consider the impact of bad weather and having to spend more time inside.

Minnie 2351DKS Click on 2351DKS floorplan

A floorplan such as the 2351DKS looks like it would be an option with a couple of dogs, and towable with a 1/2 ton truck.

[Heavy_Metal_Doc]

DutchmenSport wrote:

OK, I know I've rambled a bit here, and thank-you for hanging in there if you've read all this. Point I'm making is, there are many unforeseen things that will unearth in any camper you purchase. But it will take time for that to happen. Be open minded about trading someday, when you make your FIRST purchase. Take good care of your first camper, because chances are in 2 - 3 years, you will be trading. Finances increase, needs change, life events happen (like babies or aging parents).... either one may end up camping with you!

Good luck in your search, visit lots of RV dealerships and attend RV shows when they are close to your area! FYI, surfing the internet is great! Looking a floor plans is wonderful. But floor plans and actually standing in the camper are 2 totally different experiences! Floor plans amaze you! Standing in the camper "shocks" you (into reality!)

I'm with Dutchmen.

I took a lot of ideas from around here into consideration before we bought our first TT. We *could* camp with much less, but it sure is nice having a bigger unit with more comfortable interior space (similar to Dutchmens pic's). Camping is about relaxing and having fun, not just providing the basic necessities of cooking meals, keeping the rain off, and a place to sleep. If any of it's a hassle, we will be less likely to use it.
We just found another advantage of having that space when we took a second dog along on the latest camping trip. He sleeps exclusively in his medium sized crate (24" x 36"). Having the floor space to set that crate without having to fold it up each morning sure was nice.

[colliehauler]

Duplicate post

[colliehauler]

I will agree with others in a 24 to 26 foot with a slide is a good size. I have 3 Collies and without a slide floor space is at a premium.

Not for everybody but I bought a small 17 foot TH that has the floor space I needed for the Collies. I like to go to remote camping spots a large trailer would not fit in.

It depends on how you use it to recommend a size.

[coolmom42]

ExBF and I had a 21' Amerilite that was OK lengthwise, but the downside was the inability to get past each other in the middle. It had a mid-kitchen, end bathroom so if someone was getting a drink or making a sandwich, they had to squeeze past the other to get to the bathroom. If you are the kind of person who is bothered by that, be sure to get a slide for the extra width.

In that size trailer there is only the dinette for sitting and one bed for sleeping. So think about where the dogs will lay/sleep.

He later bought a 26' that had no slide still, but the bedroom had a door and there was a small sofa. That allowed a little bit more space but the width was still an issue (for him, didn't bother me.)

Definitely do not get a corner or crossways bed for 2 people to share. One of you won't be able to get up without climbing over the other.

You also will need a spot for food/water bowls; you cannot leave them outside.

Anything longer than 26' is going to be a tighter fit in many sites. So if you like older campgrounds with mostly smaller sites, stick with short.

I would not get bunks if you don't need them for kids, unless your dogs would sleep on the lower one. You could use the upper for storage. You could also remove the lower bunk and use the space for dog crates, if you travel with them.

[Houston_Remodel]

We're in the same boat wanting enough elbow room for two adults and the dogs. We settled on our 24 foot light weight TT and have been very pleased, even after touring other campers TT's wherever we go.

[oughtsix]

I sold the trailer in my signature. At 26' I would not want a longer trailer and a shorter one would be better. The 26' was too long for many of the campsites we used to love. Although the Captiva had plenty of room for the 4 of us it was definitely too narrow. It was hard to sit all together inside as a group. And just walking past each other with a plate of food was very cramped. For this reason my recommendation for a trailer is to go shorter with a slide out. Other things we hated was the tiny bathroom. There was not enough room when sitting on the toilet and taking a shower in the cramped shower was near impossible.

My next RV will either be a toy hauler or a truck camper with a slide. When shopping for the Captiva we didn't come across any trailers with a built in generator. The 30 gallon fresh water tank was way too small for a weekend with 4 people. The only motorized toy I have is my Honda mower and it isn't fun enough to bring it along with us. But we do have bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards that we like to bring along with us. Even the short toy haulers have generators and fresh water tanks in the 100 gallon range. The dual slide down queen beds in the rear of many toy haulers would be perfect for the kids. I like the idea of the dual use space for hauling stuff and sleeping!

With the 26' Captiva we had plenty of room but were still cramped because of the width. If we are going to be cramped we might as well be super portable and get a truck camper. Any truck camper will be a tight fit for 4 but it might be worth it to get back to our old camp grounds. My GF likes state parks... at least the ones with no hookups by the lake. I prefer the remote camp sites. Both of these really need a generator and a decent sized fresh water supply.

Gas mileage is also a concern for us. We do mostly weekend camping and spending a fortune to get some where to only be there for 2 days kind of sucks. I got decent gas mileage with my Diesel pickup and 26' trailer. My GF gets awful gas mileage in her 24' Class C. From what I can tell a Truck camper really wont be any more mpg efficient than a trailer. This kind of pushes me back to the toy hauler. A decent sized bathroom and shower would probably cinch the deal of going for a toy hauler.

These are just my experiences with the way we like to camp. Someone that enjoys campsites with full hookups will probably have completely different view of things. Campsites with full hookups have always felt like a step down from a Walmart parking lot to us... no offence to the people that enjoy full hookup sites.