Got it narrowed down to a few, opinions please.......

[Jason234]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have my first travel trailer purchase narrowed down. Any first hand experience with these would be greatly appreciated. I have looked at seven different dealers and dozens of brands and models in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Some of those dealers drove me away and others kept my interest. All these have a rear bunks and slide with dinette and couch.

1. Salem Cruise Lite 263BHXL (Made by Forest River)

-Probably the most bang for your buck. Better quality than I expected. Dealer gives you lifetime warranty as long as you complete an annual inspection.

2. Jayco Jay Flight 267BHSW

-Nice quality, two year warranty with twelve on roof, a little more pricey and would need to purchase some extras I want. Doesn't have the exterior door to the bathroom my wife likes/wants but not a deal breaker.

3. Open Range Ultra Light UT2704BH by Highland Ridge

-Nice quality with all the bells and whistles but quite a bit more money. Dealer gives you lifetime warranty as long as you complete an annual inspection. Heaviest tongue weight of all of them.

4. Ameri-lite 268BH by Gulf Stream

-Has everything we want but lacks the quality. Cheapest price of all. Two year warranty, twelve on roof.

5. Coachman Catalina 261BHS

-Nice quality but would need to purchase some extras I want. Doesn't have the exterior door to the bathroom my wife likes/wants but not a deal breaker. Heaviest UVW of all of them.

What say you?

[ppine]

Stay in flatter country and you will be okay.

[ppine]

Most people change RVs. They don't get used that much. The case for buying used is strong for most people.

You do not mention your tow vehicle. Trailers in the 26-27 feet range are a little harder to tow, but a lot harder to fit in USFS campgrounds.

[westend]

RCMAN46 wrote:
In my opinion the most important part of choosing the trailer is get the one the wife likes.

When Mother is happy everyone can be happy. But if Mother is not happy then no one is happy.

This can be very true. I've been happily married to the Polish Princess for 35 years. I've noticed how stressed she gets when preparing for a trip. This is all about covering all the bases but my thinking is different. If we forget the mustard, I can still have a good time. Her Highness might grumble and comment occasionally about the lack of mustard. She may even proclaim a Royal Edict about the lack of such substance and the Cause. This then becomes a matter of Royal Importance and even if the mustard is finally acquired, the Royal Proclamations may still ensue. God, I love this woman but living with Royalty has it's compromises.

Sorry, kind of off topic but if that second bathroom door is attainable, that would sure be the way to go, IMO. Good luck with your new rig, it is an exciting time and gets the focus to camping and being out with family which is what RV'ing is all about.

[RCMAN46]

In my opinion the most important part of choosing the trailer is get the one the wife likes.

When Mother is happy everyone can be happy. But if Mother is not happy then no one is happy.

[SoundGuy]

Jason234 wrote:
2012 Ford F-150 FX4 Super Crew
5.0L, 3.73 gears, 145" wheel base
Full tow package with electric brake controller
I will purchase a top of the line weight distribution hitch with sway control.

Max GCWR 15,100
Max trailer weight 9,300
Payload 1,421

If I stay under 700 pounds for tongue weight and TT under 6,000 I think I am fine. Let me know if you think I'm wrong. I'm here to learn. I will be staying in the Mid-West for the most part.

Great truck for towing, equipped with a tow friendly 3.73 axle, 145" wheelbase which will work well for towing, not outstanding but acceptable payload as long as you're cautious about how much you throw in the truck - for what you have in mind I don't see any issues here. :B

[Jason234]

Joe Williams wrote:
You have some nice options narrowed down. My question is what kind of pickup are you pulling this thing with? Sure there are pros/cons to buying new vs used. But if you are like me, I didn't want to sleep in somebody else's trailer.

However, your towing vehicle is the most important factor to what you get in my opinion. I bought a camper that pushed the envelope on my TV, and paid for it with a new transmission when I forgot to put it in tow/haul mode. My fault, costly mistake. My new truck has a much higher towing cap so it is a lot more comfortable to pull.

All that said, I looked at that catalina and loved it. I really wanted it, and still regret not buying it. Of course, it's a lot heavier than mine so there was no way in hell I could've gotten it without getting a new truck

I think I will be good after doing much reading on this forum.

2012 Ford F-150 FX4 Super Crew
5.0L, 3.73 gears, 145" wheel base
Full tow package with electric brake controller
I will purchase a top of the line weight distribution hitch with sway control.

Max GCWR 15,100
Max trailer weight 9,300
Payload 1,421

If I stay under 700 pounds for tongue weight and TT under 6,000 I think I am fine. Let me know if you think I'm wrong. I'm here to learn. I will be staying in the Mid-West for the most part.

[Jason234]

IDman wrote:
Jason, I am just curious as to what the great attraction is for the bathroom door to the outside? I don't mean anything by this; just wondering what I am missing.

My wife thinks it would be nice to have because we wouldn't have to track through the whole trailer to get to the bathroom. I guess she thinks we could just enter through that door if we are outside, around the fire having adult beverages. its not something we have to have, just something she likes.

[Bob_Sue]

There is also an up front charge for lifetime warranty. If I recall about $2000 or more. Get the quote without this charge and see what you have. As far as the Open Range, we have been happy with ours.

[TurnThePage]

I also think it's important to consider how long of trips you intend. My current trailer is pretty basic and does well for camping trips. It will suffice for longer journey's but I think I would appreciate those bells and whistles. From the brands you've narrowed it to, Open Range would be my choice.

[PAThwacker]

I'm inline with Westend. To simplify only look at trailers that have 15" running gear minimum. Look for gvw above 8000lbs to eliminate sub par 3500lb axles.

[westend]

The rub about warranty repair is that, depending on time of year and Dealer Service Dept., your RV can sit at the Dealer for a long time. That is certainly a loss in the $ column.

If buying new, I would select the frame, running gear, and fitment as my first criteria. If I had to pay a bit more for a more rugged trailer, that would be an easy decision.

There was a reference to tongue weight and that is to be considered with a light vehicle towing. You want to have those vehicle payload numbers in mind and make sure your tower is outfitted correctly. THere are many threads about owners or potential owners choosing too much trailer to pull.

An RV isn't a Space Station. With a few hand tools, some knowledge, and the will to work/improve, anyone can maintain an RV. The roof and exterior openings need to be sealed thoroughly and not allowed to leak. Beyond that (and Eternabond tape will get one beyond), it's typical fixums inside. A knowledge of the braking system, axle bearings, and spring suspension is a good thing to have. These will need some maintenance but a rookie DIY'er can tackle them, also.

[NYCgrrl]

I think used it great for people who are mechanically minded or work/ed in trades that require those skills. Or are dazzled by the interior decor to the exclusion of the working parts.

Not skills you acquired? Buy new and enjoy the warranty that come with it; that's what I'm doing which makes more sense than suddenly deluding self that I'm a mechanical genius. I thought very carefully about my TT choice and know it'll be the last one I own whether I keep it for a limited time or choose to keep it longer. The cost and hassle of owning an RV in my neck of the woods made it easy to make a decision.

Now back to the question the OP actually asked:B..........

[nickdarr]

I agree with used. Price difference will pay for many repairs and the annoying little things warranty work has been done. May have already been mentioned, but the insides of trailers are quite similar. Only a few manufacturers of stoves, fridges, heaters, dinettes, etc. The differences are in the frame and box. We own an Outdoors Creekside and got it for the thicker walls and compartment doors, the frame, and the ten versus six gallon water heater. Other things to consider are having solar already there, tank sizes (esp if dry camping), weight (depending on TV), and layout. Our trailer is a pain because the bathroom is almost inaccessible if the slide is in. Dealer had slide out and we did not check; lesson learned. We love the Outdoors products, but they are a bit heavier than some "light" models in same length. Good luck and have fun.

[Joe_Williams]

You have some nice options narrowed down. My question is what kind of pickup are you pulling this thing with? Sure there are pros/cons to buying new vs used. But if you are like me, I didn't want to sleep in somebody else's trailer.

However, your towing vehicle is the most important factor to what you get in my opinion. I bought a camper that pushed the envelope on my TV, and paid for it with a new transmission when I forgot to put it in tow/haul mode. My fault, costly mistake. My new truck has a much higher towing cap so it is a lot more comfortable to pull.

All that said, I looked at that catalina and loved it. I really wanted it, and still regret not buying it. Of course, it's a lot heavier than mine so there was no way in hell I could've gotten it without getting a new truck