Forum Discussion

Gimpi1's avatar
Gimpi1
Explorer
Jul 10, 2014

Looking to buy

Hello folks. We are looking to purchase a travel trailer. Have looked at quite a few models in the last several weeks and are a little overwhelmed. We want a TT that has a rear bunkhouse as we have 8 grandkids and want room for them when they camp with us. We have a Chevy Silverado 1500 to haul the TT with. Any suggestions of ones that are better than others. I've read some other sites where it seems that everyone and their brother complain about each and every trailer. My husband will use it alot for work as he works out of state alot, mainly in Iowa or Nebraska and will be in those areas in the winter months. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. So far, our favorite is the Cougar High Country and the Coachman Freedom Express.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jul 10, 2014
    Hey Gimpi1, welcome to the forum. :)

    One of the first things I look at in a trailer is the interior ceiling height. Since I'm 6'5" many of the ceilings on the "lite" trailers are just too low. If you're not that tall it definitely opens up a lot of trailers that you can tow. Are you looking to possibly have all 8 grandkids in the trailer at the same time? I've seen a few Jayco trailers that could handle that many, but I'm not sure if they would be too heavy for your truck.

    You say you have a Chevy 1500, can you tell us a bit more about it, year, 2wd/4wd 4 door longbed etc? Unfortunately the tow vehicle will sometimes severely limit the weight of the trailer you can tow.

    If the truck is newer there will be a yellow sticker just inside the drivers door that will list your maximum towing capacity. If you have one of those stickers let us know what it says and we'll try to help find a suitable trailer that you can safely tow.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2014
    A Chevy 1500 can tow 2000 pounds to 12000 pounds. If you provide a little mode information, we can help narrow that down. The practical/comfortable limit for half tons over the last 15 years is about a 6000 pound dry TT. That means 7000-7500 loaded with 900 pounds of tongue weight.

    Assuming you have a later model, say 2009+ 5.3L/6-spd with the HD towing package, then you limitations are payload and receiver limit. Will the 8 grandkids be traveling with you or in their own vehicles?
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2014
    I would be looking at one of the better insulated trailers. Arctic Fox and Outdoors RV come to mind.

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