Getting into the travel trailer market and searching for recommendations on which brand/model to purchase. Here's what I need to work within: 3,500 LB (towing with a jeep wrangler unlimited), Max Price $20,000 (very interested in used too). Also, it will be me, my fiance, and two dogs smushed into this thing. We are both travel therapists looking to get out of the high rent in CA and will be traveling to Alaska (in summer). Whatever trailer we purchase it will need to endure ~2 cross country trips at minimum. So far I love the look of the R-POD 179. I see prices new from $15,500-$24,000Next runner up is the 2017 RIVERSIDE RV RETRO 180R (haven't been inside one yet)Lastly, Forest River RV Rockwood mini Lite 1909S Looks to be $15,777 base price.Please advise and the more recommendations the better!Much appreciated!

I would pick the RPod. Built in my back yard. They sure seem to sell a lot of them. But jo matter what you choose I think you will be looking for bigger real soon if your planning for more than occasional weekend.

Be sure you realize that the 3,500 pound tow rating is for the trailer, all gear, water, food, dogs, and the fiance.You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 pounds.

beemerphile1 wrote:Be sure you realize that the 3,500 pound tow rating is for the trailer, all gear, water, food, dogs, and the fiance.You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 pounds.This is not exactly correct.You DO need a trailer with gross weight, loaded, 3500 or less.You DO need for the total cargo of your tow vehicle to be less than your tow vehicle cargo capacity. Approximately 12% of the loaded weight of the trailer will be on the tongue, and will become part of the cargo of your tow vehicle. You can manage your cargo weights depending on how you load the trailer and tow vehicle. People and dogs will be in the tow vehicle. Other items will be distributed between the trailer and the tow vehicle.

beemerphile wrote:You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 poundsThat is a good general recommendation , I've towed pop ups about that weight with 3500 lb. rated tow vehicles and I certainly wouldn't have wanted anything heavier

coolmom42 wrote:beemerphile1 wrote:Be sure you realize that the 3,500 pound tow rating is for the trailer, all gear, water, food, dogs, and the fiance.You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 pounds.This is not exactly correct.Most but not all vehicle manufacturers base the tow rating on a tow vehicle that is empty other than the driver. Additional passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle is to be subtracted from the tow rating.

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rbpru
Explorer II
Oct 04, 2016
If you want to know the how, why and feel of your proposed purchase; rent one of the same size and weight.

That is what we did. You learn a lot in a week or ten days.

It goes a long ways to preventing buyer's remorse.
djsamuel
Nomad
Oct 04, 2016
Camplite CL11FK
nomadictxn
Explorer
Oct 04, 2016
How about a used class C and tow that Jeep behind it. Full timing with the capability of a Jeep for a tow vehicle doesn't sound good or warm.
Fireballsocal
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016
You also have some of the fiberglass egg trailers like casita, though a fully optioned 17' will be too heavy for you.
Tyler0215
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016
What the heck is a travel therapist?
westend
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016
I'd suggest to explore the possibilities of a larger tow vehicle and a bigger trailer. Full time living in a very tight space will wear very thin after a short time.
Jebby14
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016
Make sure you budget in seat covers and clean underwear when when the tail wags the dog.......

in all seariousness pay attention to payload and tongue weights as these will likely limit you. for 20k an older travel trailer and truck combo is in the budget and if you don't mind turning a wrench you can get way more bang for your buck.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016
coolmom42 wrote:
beemerphile1 wrote:
Be sure you realize that the 3,500 pound tow rating is for the trailer, all gear, water, food, dogs, and the fiance.

You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 pounds.

This is not exactly correct.

Most but not all vehicle manufacturers base the tow rating on a tow vehicle that is empty other than the driver. Additional passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle is to be subtracted from the tow rating.
Bols2DawaLL
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016
beemerphile wrote:
You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 pounds

That is a good general recommendation , I've towed pop ups about that weight with 3500 lb. rated tow vehicles and I certainly wouldn't have wanted anything heavier
coolmom42
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2016
beemerphile1 wrote:
Be sure you realize that the 3,500 pound tow rating is for the trailer, all gear, water, food, dogs, and the fiance.

You need an empty trailer weighing 2,000 to 2,500 pounds.

This is not exactly correct.

You DO need a trailer with gross weight, loaded, 3500 or less.

You DO need for the total cargo of your tow vehicle to be less than your tow vehicle cargo capacity. Approximately 12% of the loaded weight of the trailer will be on the tongue, and will become part of the cargo of your tow vehicle. You can manage your cargo weights depending on how you load the trailer and tow vehicle. People and dogs will be in the tow vehicle. Other items will be distributed between the trailer and the tow vehicle.

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