Beginner needs help identifying a good trailer

Truly, especially for basic camping, very few models are going to stand out as special while still being affordable. If it's a used model, it boils down to thoroughly inspecting the trailer. Probably the most important thing to look for is water damage, which can show up in a lot of different ways. After that, look at the mechanical stuff; tires, brakes, bearings, etc. The appliances and fittings are mostly universal.

I remember starting out with these same questions years ago and errantly dismissing brands based on biased opinions from here. I ultimately bought a new "low end" unit from a "bashed brand" (for about the same $ as many other used units) and have been happily camping ever since. As it turns out, they still make 'em the way mine was made 10 years ago, which is the same way they made 'em 30 or 40 years before that.

You may want to focus more on desired features, versus desired brands.

The very same thread, but started by another member. There are dozens if not hundreds just like it.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28123098/gotomsg/28123144.cfm#28123144

Partner,
Research, research, research. Just you and your son, something that sleeps 4 comfortably. I am a hefty guy, a twin to be quite frank, is too small if you want to be comfortable, my personal opinion. Make sure your kitchen, and slide are out are over the axles. High ground clearance is great if you plan to camp in rural areas, I don't know the particulars of your F150, but if your planning to change tow vehicles, make sure what you purchase , that vehicle can tow the weight as well. If you live near a factory, go take a tour, see for yourself how its made. Aluminum framing is super strong. Always plan ahead too, you might not be camping in winter climates now, but maybe later you will be, good insulation, heated tanks, a nice feature is a slide that allows you to walk in and walk to the back, slide retracted. Slide awnings are good feature too, sticks and pine cones can damage your slide seals. When we were doing our research, I went into the repair shops and struck up conversations with mechanics, they usually know which models are better than others by what is coming into their shops. Most rv's all use the same brand of appliances, so we looked at the recalls, the worst ones with manufacturer complaints , we stayed away from. Go to an rv ralley, mingle with rv folks and ask, ask, ask. We did that too. Anyway, that's my opinion for whats it worth.

Yucaipa isn't very far from the Lance factory. Might be interesting to take a day trip and see the factory on how that particular trailer is built. Might give you abit more insight in choosing a trailer

All Trailers are cookie cutter "recipe" RV's. Some build them better than the others. Look on YouTube and search for "RV Construction" and that should help you decide what's poor quality from what's good quality.

ambitioustraveler wrote:
Boondock??? Clearance?? Sometime - parks with plug ins but might need a generator. My hope is to get something with high quality and good resale as we would probably upsize in 4-5 years.

Boondock is camping with no electric, water, or sewer available. You're running off batteries (maybe a generator) and what ever you bring with you.

Clearance --- You may need a trailer with more ground clearance, if you're pulling in undeveloped areas.

When talking used trailers, high quality and good resale have nothing to do with any specific brand. It's all in how they've been maintained.

my first cut is no rubber roofs.
bumpy

FrankShore wrote:
Under 20' with a slide out and good quality. I think of Lance Travel Trailers automatically. Winnebago Winnie Minnie, and if you want heavy, look for a Nash (Arctic Fox - Northwoods Mfg) I've owned all 3 and like my Lance the best. It's real quality goods. Take a look at the 1575 or the 1685 or the 1995 or 1985.

Here is a YouTube link for the 1685

Lance 1685 YouTube Video

CampLite also makes some great little all aluminum trailers!

Are there manufacturers to definitely stay away from in terms of historical problems, poor quality, cookie cutter types???

Under 20' with a slide out and good quality. I think of Lance Travel Trailers automatically. Winnebago Winnie Minnie, and if you want heavy, look for a Nash (Arctic Fox - Northwoods Mfg) I've owned all 3 and like my Lance the best. It's real quality goods. Take a look at the 1575 or the 1685 or the 1995 or 1985.

Here is a YouTube link for the 1685

Lance 1685 YouTube Video

CampLite also makes some great little all aluminum trailers!

Artum Snowbird wrote:
As many before have said, what are your requirements for sleeping, cooking, bathing, weather conditions, and also storage for your toys. How long will your outings be, and will you need clearance and boondock, or parks with plug in's?

Then you may get some better answers.

I probably wouldn't need more than 4 total to sleep. For most of the time, it will just be my son and I. Cooking - I like to cook, so I probably at least a three burner or two would suffice. Weather conditions - So Cal, probably wouldn't be in below freezing weather too often. Storage - I would need to source a local storage place - no room at my house. Outings wouldn't be more than 5 days, 2-3 average. Boondock??? Clearance?? Sometime - parks with plug ins but might need a generator. My hope is to get something with high quality and good resale as we would probably upsize in 4-5 years.