Going to RV show- what to specifically look for in a TT?

One thing that will help you after is to get the brochure before you go in a rig, and mark the model you walk through. I went to a large show multiday show and the first night, I realized I had to struggle to remember which model I saw of which brand. The other thing I learned to do was to make the very first picture I took, be of the model number/price sign they had mounted near the door of the RV. then all the pictures after were of that model. New/different model was indicated by picture of new sign.

PS I am jealous you get to go to Hershey, maybe in a couple of years.

We have a 21RBS. Extremely well built. They do have a 21 and 28 in a bunk model and will custom build most anything. We had ours altered from the factory. Love it. That being said not a cold weather coach. Good luck

Here are some random thoughts for you. Some are features, some are related to build quality and attention to detail:


Heat duct in bathroom.

Larger duct on longer runs. For example if the blower is in the kitchen with 3" tubes and there is a duct in the bedroom with a small tube (pull the cover to see the tube size) then it simply will not work. All the air will flow to to the larger tubs and the BR will be cold, especially with the door closed.

Space for extra batteries.

Do they use an indoor rated metal electrical box for the wiring on the tongue (which WILL rust in a few years)?

Is there a battery disconnect?

Do the welds on the frame look good - a smooth bead of the same size for the entire weld?

Is the frame already starting to rust?

Make sure axles are not under rated for trailer GVWR. Same for tires.

For cold use you probably want 30Lb propane tanks. Will you be able to change them out, or does it come with 30LB already.

Look under the kitchen and in the bath for holes through the floor for plumbing. Is the hole sealed up (a cold weather unit should be...).

Take photos of the stickers on units you like - see what the as shipped tongue weight is.

Do you want to be able to put bicycles inside, skies, etc. Note where you would put them and if there's room to get them in the door.

Look at the battery wires - are the connections nice closed end connectors with heat shrink to keep them sealed up?

Are the connectors TIGHT - not loose on the wire.


Windows - double or single pane?

Vents - for dry camping you want a couple good quality vents (Fantastic, MaxxAir, etc).

Electric heat source (for winter camping with electric).

Check fit an finish - do the doors open and close well. Do the latches keep the doors and drawers shut with some effort required to open them?

Can you wash your face in the bathroom without banging your head?

eb145 wrote:

For us, we first figured out the floor plan we wanted.

This is it, right here. Floor plan will be a function of how you intend to use your trailer, and you seem to have some pretty good ideas along those lines. Also agree with other replies that say some things should be accessible with slides in, like kitchen/refrigerator & bathroom. This would be doubly important if you are using your TT in cold weather because often keeping the slides in makes it easier to keep your TT heated.

I swear some TT designers never use the products they create; you'll see some really DUMB designs/layouts. Sit in them, walk around in them, imagine yourself doing the things you normally do, and imagine also doing those things when cooped up during a stretch of inclement weather. It will become clear very quickly which TT's will work for you.

Yes, the Hershey show is a huge event, but as others have said you can easily bypass the stuff you are not interested in. My experience is that most exhibitors have a good cross-section of the models they make/sell, not just the popular/high volume units. This is perhaps the best opportunity for side-by-side comparison of what's out there. Take advantage of that. And don't believe the sales people........ Like the designers, very few of them actually USE the units they sell. You've gotten lots of good tips in this thread. Good luck & happy hunting.

I spent over 2 years looking for the right trailer for us (our third one). We ended up with a 5th wheel.

For us, we first figured out the floor plan we wanted. This took the most time for us as we thought about how we camp (state parks, partial or no hookups, nice views out the back of the trailer, etc...) and how we intend to use it in the future.

Once we figured out the floor plan we wanted, I made a spreadsheet to compare the important features to us. The size of fresh, grey and black water holding tanks were very important to us for example.

After I did that, the choice was obvious to us.

So if you plan on researching before buying, find the floor plan first and then look for the other items that are easier to compare.

Have fun.

Ed

I see you are looking for something that will handle extreme temperatures. That was one of the options we were looking for. In doing research I found 4 brands that offer that option. Artic Fox which are well made but pricey and limited access in this area. Jayco offers a package. Open Range's all come with that package and Dutchman Denali offers a extreme weather package. My research showed the Dutchman actually had more R factor than the Open Range. The Open Ranges are beautiful and have many nice options. I am a brochure collector at the show. I gather them in a sturdy bag that I can carry easily like a back pack and I pursue them over the winter. Also you will soon be able to spot the bunkhouses from the outside. Look for the smaller window. It will save you time going into units that you are not interested in. Hope this helps! Have a great time at the show!

Be sure to check out the new Imagine trailer from Grand Design.

They are debuting at Hershey, and are lightweight trailers, like you indicated.

If you truly do want a TT for winter use, an enclosed underbelly will not be the only item to look for... look for the heated underbelly or tanks with tank heaters on them. Last thing I would want to deal with is a very sudden temp drop and problems with freezing holding tanks... that would be nasty. It would also not be great to have your fresh tank freeze or any of the tanks with valve damage because of freezing.

An item to be aware of, true 4 season TTs are usually built with better quality methods and materials which equates to higher pricing. Have you noticed how much higher priced Arctic Fox TTs are?

In addition to all the great advice already given, I would also suggest to compare storage on each unit. Where are you going to store cookware, shoes, clothing etc. If you cook inside, how much counter space does it have.

When shopping for a new TT, which I don't do often, I do most of my research on the internet. Then I attend RV shows to compare the fit and finish. Or travel to various dealerships for a first hand observation.

What ever you do, don't get caught up in the glitz and glitter of the RV show. Or a "Special Show Price Only!". If they want a sale, you can get the same price at their specific dealerships later on.