Hello! questions?

Those brands may not be terribly different in that they buy similar style frames, use similar materials for their construction, and have basically the same appliances and systems. Similar price points across the brands under these circumstances should yield similar quality levels. Some may do one part of the process a little better than another, but overall they should even out. What does appear to change in quality is support. Some brands seem to have a markedly better reputation for how they back up their products. Thor as compared to Winnebago or Grand Design as compared to Forest River as examples. But even here, you will find some folks who have had experiences outside the wider experiences you hear about.

Choose a floorplan that fits your needs. then set a price point. Keep your tow vehicles limits in mind as well as planning around GVWR not empty weights.
In general manufacturers build basically the same floorplans across several product lines.
Appliances are basically all similar including quality unless you go to the high end units, most brands use lippert products for structural members, and furniture that is built in is usually cheaper than furniture manufacturers products.

For quality and durability, think about the issues you have seen in your current unit.
Particle board is cheaper than plywood, which is cheaper than hardwood. And as those products go up in price so too does durability.
Screwed and glued joints are better than nailed, which is better than stapeled.
Countertops and sinks are another high visibility item plastic sinks and toilets are cheaper than ceramic toilets or stainless steel sinks.

Look for how well everything appears to be assembeled, unglued trim, brads sticking out or stapeled engineered wood products are items you likely will be repairing in the near future. Expect to do much of this yourself, dealers tend to keep units for weeks for items which should only need a couple hours.

And dont believe that since you are moving every six months that buying from a big chain is better for service, most locations are so backed up they are near impossible to get prompt service, better to have a brand that independents can assist you on.

The last six months you should have learned a lot of what to look for, dont fall for shiny baubels, look for a more solid base.
Good Luck.

I would highly recommend that you look at Winnebago towables. Aluminum framing and high quality fiberglass exterior. Google them and look at the floor plans. We love our 2250DS. The 2106 and 2108s are very popular. They even make smaller ones.

I'm saving up for an Escape E21. Made in British Columbia out of molded fiberglass, there are no seams to leak so that limits the future water intrusion points to openings (windows, door, roof vents). Sold factory direct (or look for the rare used one, but they go for nearly new prices anyway). Lightweight and aerodynamic. See EscapeTrailer dot com. Their lead time can be 4 to 6 months, so plan ahead.

PR, I have no advice for you. All I want to say is thanks! The job of a ranger these days is not easy, and we really appreciate what you do for the whole nation. Well done!

Park_Ranger wrote:
Hello everyone,

Patrick there, I am a park ranger with the NPS so this requires me to travel every six months to a new duty station.
I got tired of trying to find and then furnish apartments every 6mo so I started to live in TT's

The current one I live in is old and leaks, got it on the cheap its good enough for these six months but I am looking at buying a new one and MAN is that scary.
It seems like all the brands I like have terrible reviews but then again all brands seem to have terrible reviews!

Really like some Gulfstream and Coleman floorplans

I tow with a 2011 Dodge Dakota V8, so I've been looking at TT under 5000lbs and 27ft or less.

Any advice on brands or full time living ect ect would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Don't know what part of KS your in but I would check out Grand Design Imagine, seen one at 4 season rv in Abilene KS.

About any cheap trailer will be built similar. The main thing is maintenance to prevent issue. Some mfg recommend inspecting the caulking on the roof twice a year. Another misconception is there built like cars and a new one will be problem free. Look at different RV'S and talk to dealers.

Zero advantage to buying brand new in your situation, IMO.
First, I'd imagine budget is a concern. Get lightly used and older for waaaay less $ for the same features.
Second, you'll be full timing in it and the trailer will presumably be outside 100% of the time.
2 to 10 years old, lightly used (vacation rig) preferably stored inside. You can put nearly the same wear n tear on it and end up in the same condition situation in the future with much less depreciation.

I would second Grit dogs comments above as well. In the shoulder seasons I purchase damaged trailers and repair them. Working on a 2009 Keystone Hideout now.

Park_Ranger wrote:
I tow with a 2011 Dodge Dakota V8, so I've been looking at TT under 5000lbs and 27ft or less.

The Grand Design trailers are relatively heavy for their size. I believe their lightest model is in their Transcend Xplor line and has an unloaded vehicle weight of 4700#.

Some of the Winnebago trailers have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity which can be important for full time living. KZ seems to have a fairly wide selection of lightweight trailers in their Escape and Sportsmen lines.

Check Craigslist

Could you manage in a class B like this Sportsmobile?



It's "old-school cool", appears in really nice condition. St. George.
'96 Sportsmobile, Dodge, EB27