Looking for first TT - Suggestions

[jcg5885]

Hello,

I am in the beginning stages of looking for a travel trailer. I have started looking around on Craigslist and looked briefly at an RV dealer.

We have camped in tents up to this point and would like to move up to a travel trailer.

Must Haves:
Sleep AT LEAST 5 people
Under 27' TOTAL (driveway is 26' 11" from the garage to the sidewalk)
1/2 ton towable (TV specs below)

Wish List:
Triple or Quad bunks (I know quad bunks is a stretch in this size)
Separate main bed area



I don't really want to have to fold down the table for a bed. Ideally, I'd like to have a bed for everybody in our family of 5 and convert the table to a bed for guests, if needed.

Family: Me, Wife, 3 kids (6, 2 1/2, one on the way), 2 medium sized dogs (Min-pin / Beagle mix)

Tow Vehicle:
2006 F-150 SuperCab Lariat 2WD, 5.4L V8, 3.55 open rear axle
GCWR: 14,000
GVWR: 7050
Payload: 1695


We will probably be using the F-150, but would also like to have the option of using our 2006 Expedition Eddie Bauer.

I am willing to look at any price range, but cheaper models would be favorable.


Any suggestions on trailers that have my must-haves and wish list items would be much appreciated.

Also, if there is anything I missed, or features I should look for, please let me know.

Thanks

[jcg5885]

I haven't looked at any hybrids. I see where they are an advantage.

More space with less total length.

I've seen some layouts online and most of them require you to crawl over your dinette or couch to get to your bed. I'm not a fan of that.

I really liked the Keystone 230RS.

The KZ Spree 240 was a little too long at 28' 3", but I did like the layout.

Will have to see if the Keystone is available locally.

[APT]

Are you open to hybrids? You'll have lots of options if you are.

KZ Spree 240, Rockwood Minilite 2504, Outback 230RS are a few floorplan ideas.

[hddecker]

X2 on the previous posts.

I would start on the manufacturer websites, look for the half ton towables, then off to the dealer lots. Your choices will be fairly limited as you will probably run out of payload capacity well before GCWR.

When you go to the dealers, leave your emotions at home, go armed with your checklist, take pictures, go home and talk it over.

Did I mention leave your emotions at home.

Do not believe any thing the salesman says, if his lips are moving they are probably lying.

[brookside]

I would suggest going to rvtrader or rvt online and putting in your criteria. I tried it and your choices will be limited. I saw a Forest River Evo 2250 with triple bunks and a front queen island bed with a curtain that separates it from the main part of the trailer. Not a lot of manufacturers have the triple bunks and if you have ever seen them, the lower bunk is more like an under-the-bed area than a bunk. Dinettes are a hassle to convert to a bed but a sofa or gaucho is pretty quick and easy especially if you are just using a sleeping bag and not sheets/blankets. Good luck in your search!

[gafidler]

Look at floor plans on line from different manufacturers , then check the one or two you like the best at at a dealer, then try to find a used one online and on Craig's list .. Good Luck