Don’t know anything

[Dougcox20]

I’m gonna buy a travel trailer and something to tow it with. Should I buy new or used? What brands are the best? I plan on doing full time. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[CFerguson]

Agree that you should study floorplans rabidly and then choose the TT first. Only then should you start thinking about your tow vehicle. If you cant tow from the lot home, just ask the seller to do so. I've not met a dealer or individual that wouldn't do that locally. If its long distance, there are folks you can hire professionally.

[ken56]

You do know you still need a domicile state to register your vehicles and get your drivers license and be able to vote. What are your plans to handle your mail?
There are things to think about not just sell everything and travel around the country.

[DallasSteve]

Dougcox20

Your title is a little frightening. What is your goal? Are you trying to live cheap or do you want to travel around the country or something else? Are you some tech worker who will need fast, reliable Internet to work on the road? Are you aware that if you park an RV in a cold or hot climate you will spend a lot of money to heat or cool it? And RV parks by the night can be more expensive than you might expect.

Steve

[campigloo]

I strongly recommend a used one first. For starters, there’s no guarantee that you will even like the experience. Second, the floor plan that you first thought would be perfect or at least sufficient may turn out to be something you really don’t like.
Will you be doing any off grid camping? If so, look for the biggest holding tanks available.
Going to the shows is a good idea. If you find something you like leave your contact info with the salesman in case he gets a good trade in. Do some online shopping to get an idea of what you may like.
Lastly, keep me in mind, I love rv shopping and I get a tat jealous.
Happy shopping!!!!

[Dougcox20]

I’m not sure how much stuff will be with me. The rest will be in a storage unit. I’m fairly mechanical. Is there a resource on the upkeep that needs to be done?

Thanks for everyone’s help!

[ependydad]

Here's an article on new vs. used:
https://learntorv.com/buying-a-rv-used-vs-new/

Lots of decisions. Unless you can shake out the bugs before you launch (and I strongly recommend that), getting warranty work done is more difficult as a fulltimer because you can't just drop it off at a dealer. There are still mobile RV techs and RV service centers + getting reimbursed, though.

[Jebby14]

full time is a different animal. how much "stuff" will be living with you. I camp light but for an extended stay would be very heavy. Also how mechanical are you? maintenance will be constant. the problems you mention are more often than not from lack of upkeep not from a brand specific problem.

[1492]

Moved from Forum Posting Help and Support

[wanderingaimles]

The questions for the OP start with trailer size, which also then dictates Truck size, and drivetrain.
One person alone even with some dry camping can get by with a 25' box and a half ton truck pretty easily. ie; a F-150 with a tow package and either a 5.0 or 3.5 Ecoboost.
Mid lever trailers for example could be 2520 Passport models or 223rbs Coachmen.

Or you could look for heavier trailers, with longer living spaces, and go to 2500-3500 trucks with or without diesel powertrains.
It's all up to your taste and wallet depth.

[Dougcox20]

Well, I could swing the money, but the money supply is far from endless, so I would like to make smart money decisions. I guess space for four. Just me for sure, but I could see others joining at some point. Full-time. I can see 2-4 weeks in one location before moving on. I have read people writing about some brands with poor manufacturing, leaks and busted floors?

[time2roll]

Get down to an RV show. Walk through some trailers. Do not buy anything. Give us your thoughts. We can then estimate what vehicle can pull what you are thinking about.

Unless money is easy I always recommend starting with a preowned RV. Probably same for the truck.

[Lwiddis]

1. Buy or select the TT first...then match a TV to it.
2. Think TV "payload" first and then TV max tow weight.

[TenOC]

1. Used since first year deprecation on TT and TV are high.

2. Look for a floor plan with lots of storage -- not a brand name.

3. Get a Hensley Arrow or ProPride hitch.

[Beverley_Ken]

Yes a little more info, 'full time, lots of travelling or stationary most of the time. Single or family in the RV, needs work station or something else.

My suggestion would be to start with a used unit, new unit kinks should be worked out, How much do you want to spend? If used and you decide that you don't like the life style, not as much money invested.

Get or decide on a particular RV first, then look for a tow vehicle. Go at least size bigger on the tow vehicle than you would need for that trailer. i.e. if a 150/1500 is adequate to tow the trailer, look at 250/2500 or even 350/3500 series that will make for a more relaxed tow, and may accommodate your next trailer when you decide your original choice is TOO small.

Ken