First Time Buyer

[FF_in_MN]

Hey all,

First post and first time potential buyer of a trailer. I'm sure you get a lot of noobs, so I apologize in advance. We have two young kids and decided that we are going to take the plunge! We are excited, but a little nervous. We were looking at newer used models, but we have found a brand new 2013 Sprinter 266RBS for $19k. I've done a little bit of research, but it is hard to find reviews from users on trailers. Just wanted to get thoughts/ideas/advice from those in the know. Thanks in advance!


Also...any general buying advice (for new or used)?

[APT]

Get a bunk house now, thank me later.

Sprinter is a fine brand, a little on the higher end for TTs. Price seems okay, but 2014's have been built for a little while already so I'd expect maybe $1-2k less.

What will you be towing with?

[loulou57]

Nice trailer....my only thought is with two small children you will have to use either the sofa or dinette. This may be the only issue I could see. If it is wet you can't sit and play games, cards, tv, etc without disturbing the kids. I would consider looking at bunks. Whatever you decide, enjoy. You will find you will have some memorable family outings for years.

[rfryer]

If you’re a total newbie you need to look at a LOT of TT’s. Visualize how you would live in it, is the shower awkward, do you have room for cooking without stumbling over others, do you care if you have to convert the dinette to a bed for extra room, etc.

Is your TV up to pulling the TT you’re looking at? Don’t give any credence to what a salesman tells you, according to them I could pull the space shuttle over the Rockies with my F150. Where do you want to camp and where do you plan on traveling. Big is nice in many ways, but it has its downsides if you spend much time in mountains or like to camp off the beaten path, like national forests. If you like to wander with no schedule like I do you’ll likely find you’ll need to make reservations to ensure you can get a big enough spot for the TT and that doesn’t gel well with “wandering”.

If the plan is mostly flat country and commercial or similar parks with hookups and you stay close to civilization then size is much less of an issue. I think buying used is wise for a newbie; most people don’t really get what’s best suited for them the first time and wind up replacing it. That can get expensive considering the depreciation hit. But if you go that route you need to have someone knowledgeable with you to check it, especially for water damage. Or at least a shop that will do the same for a fee. If you can get a smokin’ deal on a new one, though, it may be worth considering.

There is a site where people give reviews on RV’s, but I can’t remember the link. If I can turn it up I’ll post it, but maybe another poster will remember it. Good luck with your decision.

[WoodGlue]

Here is a pre-delivery inspection guide:

PDI - List

Hope this helps,

WoodGlue

[bradnailer]

If you are buying used and don't have a lot of experience with travel trailers, you might consider finding a friend or hire someone to give a used trailer a thorough inspection. You should make sure all systems are working properly and make sure the trailer has absolutely no leaks.