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.)

[phillyg]

Went from a 30' to 38' FW. It's still not big enough for me although my DW is perfectly happy in it.

[fla-gypsy]

It's all personal preference but when the weather is awful you will be stuck inside and need some space and comfortable seating. As already mentioned the walk around bed is important and a bathroom big enough to use is crucial to comfort

[oakbowery]

I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum but thought I'd give my 2 cents. We have a 37' TT with a suble single, large slide. Having used a 23' for years we decided to go big. We have two kids with another on the way so we wanted much more space. The 23' (with slide) always felt cramped to me. We've stayed at numerous parks (just pulled in from a trip a couple of hours ago) and have never had a problem with the length of our trailer in regards to camp sites. I admit it's slightly more difficult to maneuver in small spaces but personally that's a trade off I'll take. As someone mentioned earlier, get stuck inside on a rainy day and 23' or so gets cramped (even for just 2 people). I'd recommend a 25-30' camper without the bunks. I found several when we were looking with nice living areas (recliners, large viewing windows, etc.). I think that range is kinda the best of both worlds.....big enough to allow some space but not too big/heavy. Good luck on your decision.

[lizzie]

In response to the OP's original question; we are very happy with the size. We started very small (VW, TC, Class B) and moved up to a 22' TT. We were very happy with that size but when we needed to buy a newer one, we found a 24' with one slide that has been perfect. We definitely did not want to risk getting too big for public campgrounds or to make it difficult to travel without reservations. For us, floorplan trumps size as we don't stay inside much. We like our rear kitchen and the separation of the living area from the bedroom. We have a comfortable sofa and a dinette. Our oven is great for extra storage and we sometimes take the pans out and cook a pizza. We are two short people with a small dog so we don't need much space. lizzie

[Hannibal]

Be very careful with size. We started with a 20~ft TT. Then a perfectly sized 27ft 5th wheel. Then we got big eyes and bought a 32' 5th wheel with two slides and a recliner. Like home away from home. And just big enough that we no longer simply hitched up and headed to places like the Sunshine Skyway Bridge picnic and beach areas for the day. We started looking to go back smaller and more nimble again. I want a hotel room on wheels. She wants a house on wheels. We compromised on a 30' 5th wheel with recliners and surround sound for the big screen. Once you go big it's hard to go back to small, practical and nimble. I want a Jayco 23RB. Ain't gonna happen unless Sam Elliot swoops her away.

[CavemanCharlie]

I love my 21 foot TT with rear bath. The bed is in the front the dinette on the right side. The places I camp at you back in at a angle and with the dinette on the right I can set, have breakfast, lunch, whatever and see my campsite and the lake. It is very easy to tow and back in.

I have a big dog and there is no problem there because the dog sleeps under the dinette.

If I had the money I would get one 2 feet longer because then the bed can be put the other way and that makes it easier to get in and out of.

[toedtoes]

As you can see, there is no right answer. How you plan on using the RV is going to have more to do with what works for you, than what anyone else thinks about theirs.

For example, in reading the comments, I can say that: 1) positioning of a TV is a complete non-factor for me (I don't have one in my RV and don't want one); 2) I'm not willing to go 3+ ft bigger to get a walk-around bed; 3) my dogs don't need all that floor space as they are usually on the couch with me (both are 85lbs) - just like they are at home when there is space; 4) I'd rather have a smaller floor space than deal with a slide; 5) If I want extra space, I go outside; 6) Being organized is a natural thing for me, so it isn't any more difficult to do things in a small rig than in my own home.

[RavensFan24]

We moved up from our 26' with 1 slide to a 30' with two slides. Having 3 dogs was a huge factor in our decision. We had 1 when we bought the 26' trailer, but after a ton of use and a couple more additions to the family, it was time to upgrade. We needed lots of floor space! We love the opposing slides and my favorite part of the set up is that I can get to the bathroom, bedroom, refrigerator and pantry without any of the slides being out. That makes things a lot easier if you need to pop in the trailer during a long trip or need access to things with no slides out.

Personally, I think if you have any dogs and no slide you'll be unhappy in the long run. Based on your situation, I'd go for about a 24ft with 1 slide. I think layout trumps length though for appealing to your personal needs.

[myredracer]

Our first TT is in the first layout below - 21.5' overall, 5K GVWR. We thought it was our "forever" trailer. Had it at an independent RV shop to buy some parts and the owner said it would not be our last trailer which made me feel a little bummed out and confused. Towed this TT with an F150 with 4.6L V6 which was seriously under-powered.

Our "forever" TT lasted only one year before we realized it was way too small and uncomfortable. We had to squeeze tightly by each other when passing between the kitchen and bathroom. Having to watch TV from the bed or from the dinette seating was very uncomfortable. Lack of a sofa turned out to be a big negative. Insufficient interior storage. Small bathroom and tub/shower also a big negative. We lost around $4K - $5K when we sold it which included a lot of mods I did but at least my BIL has it and got a very nice TT at a low cost.

Ended up with a 29' TT shown in the 2nd floor plan (6800 lb GVWR). Now on 3rd season with it and totally love it. Large walk-in shower, sofa, lots of interior storage and above-average kitchen counter space are all HUGE pluses. Have been to several RV shows since purchasing it and have not seen anything that we'd want to upgrade to even if we got it for free. In the process of upgrading to a longer TT, we also upgraded to an F250 which has also turned out to be an excellent move.

If you have no experience with a TT, I would suggest buying a used "starter" trailer to see how it works for you before losing a lot of $$ on something that you regret afterwards. Or rent one somewhere for a few days. There are many things you won't learn about until actually owning a TT.

Good luck and have lots of fun with whatever you get.

[Wishbone51]

jesseannie wrote:
1. Walk around bed. The corner bed is a real PITA.

This is so true. Very difficult to make the bed. This is the biggest issue that I have with my trailer.

[bgum]

Slides=problems
Slides leak, don't go out, worse don't come in. did I mention leaking. Some slides prevent using the bathroom and/or kitchen when in on a roadside stop.
Just do a search for slide and read the problems. Sure the add room but at what cost?

[Oldcow]

I agree that the right trailer is a matter of personal choice and that your needs are determined over time and and may also change with time. We have no dogs or children companions but will share our thoughts on our perfect TT. Keep in mind that we also started with a tent, pop up, hybrid, 25' no slide and now have our current model. As the OP stated, budget is obviously a consideration but there does seem to be some decent deals out there if you have the time to seek our what you want.

For the past 3 years we have loved our Outback 300RB. Why they discontinued this model is beyond me. My only thought is that at 34' long, perhaps most couples will opt for a 5th wheel. My wife talked me into it, I thought she was nuts until...

Length - 34 ' roughly. To date we have not had issues with many sites but keep in mind we do not camp in many state or national campgrounds in the US, yet... With the proper hitch and WD system, we have had 0 issues with towing. This size TT allowed for the following which are very important to us.

Bathroom - One of the largest we have seen. Enough said.

20' slide - I think that is what it measures. This is on one side only as we enjoy setting up our picnic table under the awning. Yeah we are spoiled inside but do prefer to eat and spend most of our time outside.

Bedroom - slide allows for a walk around bed which is critical for us.

Storage - too much, is that possible. Enough said

Outside kitchen - My favorite feature. 99% cooking and eating outside for us.

Use of truck - I typically bring my dirt bikes on the trips so using the back of the truck bed is essential. I am not sold on using a large part of a TT for storing toys.

For us, its important to be as comfortable in our TT as we are in our home. Some say that's not camping but for us, camping is seeing new places, spending time cooking and eating outside, having a fire and then a nice comfortable nights rest.

Best of luck with your search.

Oldcow

[Houston_Remodel]

We like our one slide for the dining area as it gives us more dancing room when slid out AND still leaves the TT usable when slid in. Tight, but usable. When we stop at a rest area or walmart, we don't need to deploy the slide.

[SoundGuy]

jesseannie wrote:
We had a 20" trailer ...

Wow, that is small! :E :W

[jesseannie]

We had a 20" trailer just like the one in the first set of pictures that were posted. While we owned that one we decided what we NEEDED in our second RV.

1. Walk around bed. The corner bed is a real PITA.
2. More clothes storage (actually more storage in general)
3. More counter space in kitchen and an oven
4. Dining table and chairs instead of booth.
5. No slide.

We looked a lot and found a used Prowler that met every need. It is 26' long. It was owned by a extremely meticulous person who did all of the maintenance and made several upgrades. AND it fit our budget it was only $4500.00.

You need to decide what you need and establish a budget, then the hunt is on.

jesseannie