Considering Purchasing a Used Travel Trailer

[ckc3]

Hello,
Our family recently decided to take up a new hobby. Weve run the financials on both other hobbies, talked to owners themselves. Now i turn to you for your knowledge. Our list of hobbies is based on limited cashflow, so i will now list the details of the other two hobbies.

We looked into paintball. It was $2k startup cost purchasing gear, and $150 for a 1 day trip paintballing with two people. Owners said thr markers were extremely unreliable, said they would be in the shop more often than being played.

We looked into a 1989 open bow speedboat for $3000.Each fishing trip would have cost $75 a day. We have a 5.4l ford suv to tow with. Our 3 kids could have actually participated in this hobby with us. Problem is we have zero knowledge of boats. My husbands a diesel tech...he knows nothing of boats. Owners said boats of that age were nothing but money pits.

Now i come to you with travel trailers! Like i previously stated, we have a 5.4l suv to tow with. My husband can tow anything, says he can fix just about anything on a travel trailer. We were considering a 1990 30ft dutchman for $4,000 OR a 1998 24ft fleetwood tracker for $4300, or a 2004 26ft dutchman for $4500. Figuring $45-$50 to camp per night. Also trailer would just be stored outside on our property.

Now generally speaking, are these travel trailers considered huge money pits like boats? Obviously, we arent buy buying to make profits. We will use the trailer 12-20 times per year. Any input would be appreciated, we like to know what we are getting into.

[colliehauler]

I would rent or borrow a camper to see if it's for you without spending 3 or 4k.
RV's are a lot of maintenance to keep in good shape, not something you use and park until the next trip.
RV-ing is not the cheapest but is a fun lifestyle.

[Gdetrailer]

Naio wrote:

ckc3 wrote:

ddrueckh wrote:
So often, people think they need to spend a lot of money to start a new hobby. This is not true. Have you ever camped before? you don't need a trailer to camp. Unless you are physically unable to do so, I would suggest getting a tent and trying that before you buy a trailer. It doesn't sound like you have much money. Invest the money you have...don't waste it on a trailer. You can have just as much fun camping with a tent as you can camping with a trailer. The best part of camping is sitting by the fire, going for a hike, fishing...a trailer is just something you sleep in. You can still come to this forum and talk to us about camping.

Im not a tent camper at all. Yes, we live on a very strict Budget. Im actually proud weve saved up enough for a new hobby, it takes alot of planning. Probably look into other options now. Thanks anyhow!

Tell us more about what you dislike about tent camping.

With tent camping, you can have the same beds, stove, fridge, shower, and toilet that you have in an RV. So, what are the important ways that you feel RV camping will be different?

Pretty darn simple as to why I don't like tent camping..

1) setup/tear down. Can spend a few hrs each way just for the tent not including the time spent packing and unpacking EVERY item you put into said tent.. So just for camping just ONE time you will have packed the vehicle at your home, get to destination, put tent up, unpack everything that was put into the vehicle..

Then you must tear down tent and repack your vehicle, get back home and unpack the vehicle AGAIN..

Basically handling EVERY camping item FOUR TIMES just for ONE CAMPING TRIP and that is only ONE SINGLE DESTINATION.

My TT, we leave pots/pans/kitchen stuff/ blankets/bedding in the trailer. We only need to pack clothes and food and some other items we want to take..

Arrive at campsite, level then plug in electric/water/sewage, setup a few chairs and then sit back and relax. Takes about 1/2hr and we are now enjoying our camp.

Tear down is about the same 1/2hr..

2) I am not amused with sleeping on a slope, I doubt to many campgrounds are going to be very happy if you broke out a shovel and pickaxe.. or cut tree roots..

3) Rain, storms, high winds not impressed with that at all.. Pretty darn difficult to prepare, cook, eat meals in a tent..

4)Not easy to air condition a tent although I have to admire a few folks who tried anyways by poking a PC out the tent door on 100F days with 90F nights.. Doubt it really helped since tents leak more air than screen..

5) Lack of privacy, really get to enjoy the sounds of the DPs firing up the diesel at 5AM and not leaving until 7AM all the while you are really wanting to put a few wrenches through their radiator.. Also get to listen to the overly drunk bunch partying till dawn ten rows away from you..

6) Dust/dirt/pollens and other allergens in the air.. Tent doesn't filter or provide someone like myself any place to give overwhelmed sinus's a rest..

7) Tent is not self contained.. I can pull over anywhere like parking lots and get a meal, use my facilities or even overnight (not real sure Walmart would appreciate someone pitching a tent and driving spikes in their parking lot)..

😎 when I get home I simply unhitch and unpack the clothes and food at my convenience..

9) Pretty darn difficult to pack our 8" thick queen sized memory foam mattress for tenting.. I am not amused by cots or thin foam pads nor sleeping bags..

And just for the record, I HAVE camped in a tent.. Back when I was a kid.. Wasn't fond of that back then and I am still not fond of it now..

[wannavolunteerF]

I would say having a TT to take the little ones camping is the way to do it. I understand not being a tent camper, I have done it, but it really isn't my cup of tea.

I think after you begin using the TT, you will discover you really like it when you go other places. As your kids get older, it sure will be nice to know how clean the bathroom is as they begin to go on their own. It is nice to have air conditioning or heat when you put them to bed either for the night or for a nap. Depending on the floor plan, they each could have their own space/bed which will help getting them to sleep too.

You will also find eating your own food, prepared in your own kitchen, at your own table makes travel and days go smoother, especially when they are toddlers or if they have any food allergies or are picky eaters.

Remember a forum is like real life, you will get some nay-sayers no matter what you do. follow the advice about what to look for, and be careful about the weight, but really consider going for it.

[Bumpyroad]

Naio wrote:


Tell us more about what you dislike about tent camping.

With tent camping, you can have the same beds, stove, fridge, shower, and toilet that you have in an RV. So, what are the important ways that you feel RV camping will be different?

No tent I have had/been in fit this description. at best a shower is an ineffective system set up in a portapotty type of canvas room which is where the toilet will also be. No tent had a microwave either.
I had my fill of tent camping back in boy scouts.
bumpy-

[boosTT]

I live on a lake and also own an travel trailer. Here is my $0.02.

Boats are better for busy people who can’t take a weekend off or who’s kids are in sports. Camping is better for young families.

Besides the initial purchase price, tires, specialty hitch and brake controller and caulk there isn’t much annual cost. All though, do not under estimate fuel usage. You will get 10 mpg while towing, without an doubt. I don’t travel far and typically spend $1500 in fuel each year for camping trips alone.

Buying an money pit mostly depends if the unit had a leak at one point. Otherwise the fridge and air condition are expensive.

I find sitting around the campsite boring and we mostly use the camper as a base camp for our atv trips. You really don’t spend much time inside the camper when camping.

Renting an cabin at an campground could prove to be more cost effective, less stressful (not towing, not hitching/backing, not storing, not maintaining).

If I was in your place: I would buy a boat and rent a cabin on a lake for a week or two a year.

[rbpru]

ckc3

Max cargo can be deceptive but it includes everything you load into or onto your TV.

People and dogs, toys and snacks, cloths, pillows, tools and fishing and camp gear. It all adds up surprising fast, to this you add the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of the WD hitch. Your TT tongue weight is also affected by how much “stuff” you load into it.

You indicate that your campground is nearby which works to your advantage.

I think one of the problems you have with many TT dealers is they do not want old TT’s unless they are trade ins or cream puffs. There is simply is not enough margin in the price to warrant their time. Hence the comparison of TTs to boat like money pits. You will likely find a larger selection of the TT prices you like in one of the “auto trader” type publications or a private sale.

You can certainly be proud of the fact that you pay as you go and limit you purchases to what you wish to pay. :C It took my DW over three years to save for our RV and I am retired with no kids.

Remember buying an RV is not a race. It does and should take time so that you are knowledgeable enough to make an informed decision. It is very easy to get caught up in the moment. Fortunately it is winter and you have a couple of months to evaluate the RV market. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

I cannot think of any form of recreation more helpful or beneficial to young kids than learning to enjoy the out of doors. Life has a way of making fishing and family time all too short. :W

[ckc3]

I have another question. Now i know this varies greatly by make/model and condition....but is there an average amount or percentage of what it costs to maintain a travel trailer?

According to my calculations, its $500 cheaper a season to use a travel trailer 12 days, then to stay in a rental cabin on a lake for 12 days. Not including the price of fuel, but inluding insurance premium divided by 12 days....since it will only get used 12 days most seasons.

[Kennedy64]

Welcome to the forum. I am form NW Oakland Co.
I had gotten out of the camping fun for a few years, returned last year.
As for all the info regarding towing and such...I'm going to leave that up to the pro's that are on this forum but I can talk about the "hobby" camping.
I have a 00 Jayco Kiwi 23B Hybird. Gives me all the comforts of home and space for the kids. My husband isn't a camper, said he had his fill in the Army, so its just me, my twin (D & S) 14 year olds and my two GD's (7 & 2) and sometimes their mom.
The majority of our camp trips are close to home, 20-30 mile radius. I find campgrounds that have a little something for everyone to do. Yes, it can get expensive, gas, sites, the damn stores some campgrounds have but over all, when looking at other hobbies and knowing the kids are running around somewhere, for the most part, safe, its well worth it.
I am so anxious for MI to warm up so I can uncover the TT, clean and pack up.

[coolbreeze01]

Renting before buying is a very good idea.

Sounds like you have a place in mind close to home. Your Ford sounds capable.

Don't over stress recreation 😉

[4X4Dodger]

Please...forget all those telling you you need to know how much your truck/suv will haul...

If I were you THE FIRST thing you really need to decide it seems to me is what you REALLY want to do. It seems from your post that question is not really settled.

I suggest renting a trailer for a few trips and then maybe a boat. Pick up some books from the library on RV'ing and read and do some research.

Figure out first what it is that truly pleases your family...then start taking the next steps...looking for a trailer and such...

[Naio]

ckc3 wrote:

ddrueckh wrote:
So often, people think they need to spend a lot of money to start a new hobby. This is not true. Have you ever camped before? you don't need a trailer to camp. Unless you are physically unable to do so, I would suggest getting a tent and trying that before you buy a trailer. It doesn't sound like you have much money. Invest the money you have...don't waste it on a trailer. You can have just as much fun camping with a tent as you can camping with a trailer. The best part of camping is sitting by the fire, going for a hike, fishing...a trailer is just something you sleep in. You can still come to this forum and talk to us about camping.

Im not a tent camper at all. Yes, we live on a very strict Budget. Im actually proud weve saved up enough for a new hobby, it takes alot of planning. Probably look into other options now. Thanks anyhow!

Tell us more about what you dislike about tent camping.

With tent camping, you can have the same beds, stove, fridge, shower, and toilet that you have in an RV. So, what are the important ways that you feel RV camping will be different?

[westend]

One idea to enjoy RV'ing and to keep the budget inline may be to buy a fix-er-upper. There are a lot of fairly good TT's sold by private sellers and some can be had cheaply. I'd suggest that you stay away from dealers.

You are going to be limited by the payloaad of the Navigator. 6000 lbs GVW of the trailer is a good maximum limit. That will put your tongue weight around 900 lbs., should be doable with a WDH.

[2012Coleman]

Well, the manufacturers boast about their product's towing capacity to no end, so it's no wonder people are enamored by it. Do yourself a favor and don't put all your eggs in the tow capacity basket. Load up your TV as if you were going camping and get it weighed at a CAT scale and figure out what you have left for payload and match your TT to your TV by doing the math - not with your eyes or by guessing. Above all, don't stick your head in the sand and let budget concerns override safety concerns. And I agree - there a lot of idiots out on the roads.


Here is a good link for you - Learn to RV

Take a look at the What can I tow? page.

Good luck.

On edit - reread your post. If the salesmans lips are moving, he is most likely lying. Don't depend on them to tell you anything - after all they are trying to sell you something.

[myredracer]

ckc3 wrote:
Hello,
Figuring $45-$50 to camp per night. Also trailer would just be stored outside on our property.

Look at buying a campground membership. You can get a Thousand Trails membership for $500 per year which will give you unlimited nights, subject to some restrictions. 20 nights would cost you $25/night. There are other campground networks like Coast to Coast, Passport America, etc. These can cost several thousand $$ and up plus annual dues, but if doing a lot of camping, can really save in the long run. You could look for a pre-owned campground membership on CL as sometimes you can find excellent deals and sometimes they have extra benefits that are NLA or normally cost a lot in the initial purchase. Some memberships have frozen dues for life. Be careful of the fine print and restrictions on any membership.

ckc3 wrote:
Now generally speaking, are these travel trailers considered huge money pits like boats?

Used ones can be if not careful. Water damage can be very serious but is not always obvious unless you know how and where to look. The best thing you can do is when you find something that looks good, hire a reputable RV tech. to do a pre-purchase inspection. Besides possible water damage, you don't want to end up having to spend a ton of $$ upfront on new tires, brake and bearing work, defective appliance(s), faulty converter, suspension work, slideout repair, etc....

We met an older guy last year that found a 1990s TT for a few thousand $$ that had hardly any mileage on it, had been kept in a garage and was like new. That's the sort of TT you want to find (although a rare find), not one that has been sitting outside neglected for years, no matter how cheap it is and how good it may *seem*.

If you've never used a TT before, I highly recommend renting one, borrowing one from a friend (use in driveway if needed) or find a CG that has rental trailers on it. There are thousands of TTs out there with different floor plans, lengths, features and options. If you find what you think is a nice one, you could find soon afterwards it has some things about it that aren't working well for you.

[ckc3]

ddrueckh wrote:
So often, people think they need to spend a lot of money to start a new hobby. This is not true. Have you ever camped before? you don't need a trailer to camp. Unless you are physically unable to do so, I would suggest getting a tent and trying that before you buy a trailer. It doesn't sound like you have much money. Invest the money you have...don't waste it on a trailer. You can have just as much fun camping with a tent as you can camping with a trailer. The best part of camping is sitting by the fire, going for a hike, fishing...a trailer is just something you sleep in. You can still come to this forum and talk to us about camping.

Im not a tent camper at all. Yes, we live on a very strict Budget. Im actually proud weve saved up enough for a new hobby, it takes alot of planning. Probably look into other options now. Thanks anyhow!