Lightweight non-hybrid TT that sleeps 7-8 people?

[kdlugozi]

Does anyone know what is the lightest weight hard wall travel trailer on the market today that can sleep up to 8 (family of 2 adults, 5 kids)? And how is the quality? Thanks!

[DiskDoctr]

Congrats!

Okay, now STOP SHOPPING! Enjoy it for a day or so, then start reading the "Mod" threads! :B

So...got any more money you want us all to collectively help you spend? :R LOL.

Your family will be soooo much happier with the additional space and convenience. Happy Camping!

[jryotas]

The KZ Sportsman Classic 250S or Spree 250s has offers alot of trailer for the $$$ . 27' total length , 3800lbs dry and could easily sleep 2 adults and 8 kids due to the full sized bunks . The classic can easilt be picked up for $14k where the Spree is a little more $ just for fancy wheels and fiberglass over aluminum which im sure makes its weight a little more . If you choose a classic , look over it with a fine tooth comb before you leave the dealership as the build quality can be lacking .

[Mickeyfan0805]

Congratulations!!! Post pics when you can - we'd love to see!

[kdlugozi]

We are now the owners of a Ford E350 and a Shamrock Hybrid. Both the camper and van came home last night. Thanks everyone for all your help!!!!

[kdlugozi]

Thanks! The Suburban CAN seat up to 9, but this particular truck was configured for 7. I test drove the burb yesterday and my husband is driving the Ford right now. 🙂 Either way, it seems like a nice upgrade from our current Envoy XL, especially where payload is concerned.

[Mickeyfan0805]

kdlugozi wrote:
We have narrowed it down to two local vehicles ...Suburban 2500, which has 7 seats or a Ford E350 12 passenger.

Excellent choices for your family. FYI - we have the 2500 Suburban, and it has seating for 8. Ours is a 2006 with the larger engine and we have 2,100 pounds of payload available.

I don't know much about passenger vans (we're only 5 in our family, and we needed the 4wd of the Suburban), but my gut tells me you might get more bang for your buck on these than you would on the Suburban (new they sell for 10-15k less than the Suburbans, and the 2500 Suburbans seem to get a bit of a premium on the resale market).

Good luck!

[kdlugozi]

We have narrowed it down to two local vehicles ...Suburban 2500, which has 7 seats or a Ford E350 12 passenger.

[DiskDoctr]

If you're looking for a Suburban 2500, this site is your friend.

http://www.searchtempest.com

You would be surprised how reasonably they can be had, but be sure to check kbb.com so you don't overpay without knowing.

[PAThwacker]

kdlugozi wrote:
Our GMC Envoy... Can tow a bit over 6000 and closer to 7000 with weight distribution. So that is why I really need to keep the dry weight of the trailer under 5k and these 3600 lb units sound even better.

Stay out of PA, MY 8000lb loaded up SUB with a family 4 just may be next to you.

[kdlugozi]

It's a 2003 GMC Envoy XL, which has an allowance of a little more than 1400 lbs for passengers,tongue weight, cargo, etc. It's the I-6.

So we will narrow our search down to the Suburban 2500 or 12 passenger van (mainly zeroing in on E350 or Chevy Express)

[ktosv]

What year is your Envoy XL? Is it the I6 or V8? What axle ratio?

We had a 2004 Envoy XL and it basically had the same payload as our Suburban 1500 (I had both weighed). With my wife and two small kids and a full tank of gas the Envoy XL was something like 5200# leaving 1200# for the rest of the family and tongue weight.

Unless your Envoy has the V8, it most likely doesn't have an external tranny cooler. Since you have that vehicle, maybe tow with it a time or two and see how it does. If you like it, have an external tranny cooler installed and enjoy. As mentioned, get a good brake controller.

[Mickeyfan0805]

Don't even bother with the 1500 Suburban. It won't have any more payload than you have now. A 2500, an Excrusion, or a passenger van are likely your best options. If you don't need the 4wd capacity, I would definitely look into the passenger van!

[dclaarjr]

The 1500 would be fine for now.

However, as you stated yourself, very young family. Kids do grow very fast. IMHO get the 2500 and grow into it rather than the 1500 and replace it in a year or two with something bigger when the kids all double their weight. As their weight grows, so does the weight of their clothes, toys and especially the food to feed them. LOL

Good luck and enjoy the new TT.

[kdlugozi]

Thanks. It is a Forest River Shamrock 2004 model FLT233.

Looking at Suburbans. Is the 1500 capable enough or is the 2500 the only one worth looking at? Someone mentioned passenger vans too, but need to do more research on this. We are buying used... Not much left in the budget after the TT. And our recent move.