HELP- New Camper options for retired parents

Since your in the area, take a look at Haydens RV down in Chesterfield. There are several Crossroads units in that range and they are picking up the palomini's and Sol Aire.
Good Luck

jlrmfc21 wrote:
Hello everyone,

I'm trying to help my parents out and am looking for travel trailers for them. They are retired and nearing 70.
Some limitations:
Budget is under $14k
Tow capacity: 2014 4 Runner - I believe it's 4700lbs, so looking at campers with UVW of under 3700 lbs
Need full or queen bed

Any recommendations. They have looked at the Keystone bullet crossfire, Coleman LX 1925 and the coachmen apexes.....
Would really appreciate your input as I don't know much about the smaller TT market.

Not enough information? What are the plans for using this Travel Trailer? short small trips, full time, park it in a RV park permanently? $14K means only used RV's. Look at Casita's

Thanks for the responses. No full timing. At most it would be 2-3 weeks for the longest trips, with most being 4-7 days probably. It will stay on their property when they aren't using it.

If you pay MSRP then, yes, that probably means only used, but I've seen new "on sale" for $14900. 25-30% off MSRPs opens up to many new RVs that would get them where they want to be.

Thanks!

While advice and opinions should be welcome, M&D need to be spearheading the search for their TT. Nearing 70 doesn’t mean brain dead. Are they really interested?

I would suggest a Casita, Minnie Drop, Aliner Escape, T@B, or the newly designed Park Liner. The larger T@B, the 400, may be too heavy. I love my T@B, after having camped in larger trailers most of my life.


Edited to add that this blog will be helpful
http://smalltrailerenthusiast.com/

jlrmfc21 wrote:
Tow capacity: 2014 4 Runner - I believe it's 4700lbs, so looking at campers with UVW of under 3700 lbs

No way they should be towing any trailer with a UVW of 3700 lbs with that vehicle - heck, my own Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS had a brochure listed UVW of 3535 lbs but arrived at the dealer stickered 280 lbs more than that at 3815 lbs. Add a battery, propane, and some water in the FW tank & water heater tank and it's sitting at ~ 4000 lbs before adding any of our personal cargo. With just two of us it typically runs ~ 4800 lbs loaded & ready to camp, with an average gross tongue weight of ~ 625 lbs. I tow with a 5.3L Silverado and wouldn't consider anything less than a 1/2 ton to tow any full height trailer other than the tiniest. You haven't said but if that 4 Runner is a V6, not a V8, it's better suited towing a low profile trailer such as a popup or ALiner.

with that vehicle have them look at an A liner. actually very easy to put the sides up even for a rest stop, light, easy to tow, and reasonable amount of space.

Several friends have an A liner and love them. I'm impressed with how useable they are and have hinted to our Daughter that that would be a good trailer for them to look at so they can camp when we can't go with them.

Not good for a several month trip, but for a week or so, very nice.

After doing your homework be sure to have them look at what you have suggested B4 putting out any $$. Because the first day out, if there is something wrong with the layout, comfort, convenience or whatever, they will not be happy and think of you!
I've stated many time on this Forum that an RV that doesn't work for you is not a `deal' no matter what the price.

As they are in the age range you state. Comfort in the bed should be the first priority I am 78 and if I can go to bed and rest it makes camping worth it, next would be bathroom,kitchen is only a small consideration in a RV for older people, I fact i just looked at a 3 in 1 coffee pot, toaster, grill, all in one.Bathroom shower is an extra - if needed stay in a motel ever few days to shower.I have been from 35 tag along & 35'5th with slides and many others, NOW I am building in my shop a 12' box TT. To get the bed and bath i want. Please do not overload the TV, if you do they will never be happy. ----- Good luck in your's and their choice.

I concur with arkie ! They will likely have to buy a good mattress.

Besides a good bed, I want to be able to cook and eat inside in a "climate controlled" environment and not have to take a walk in the middle of the night (if you know what I mean). Unless they are going to boondock, a decent sized shower is not a requirement. I would pay extra for a dual 6V battery set up. A small portable inverter (500W?) is a good idea also.

Slide outs are great, but they really add a lot of weight ! You want to stay as light as possible.