My first TT purchase

[waterdawg]

I am looking to make my first TT purchase and really need some advice. Here is my situation: It needs to sleep four, I needs to have AC and heat, light weight (pulled by a V6 Ford Excursion), rated amongst the top 6 for construction and durability, and below $10,000 used. Other than that we are pretty flexible. Holding tanks for cleaning and a bathroom are not at the top of my list of necessities. What models would ya’ll recommend I start looking at? Would you recommend used (I am okay with that)? We probably wouldn’t own it more than 7 years and would only use it in the summers and for school holidays. I don’t have covered storage available so that is a concern (dry rot) and it would be susceptible to hot direct sun light (108 degrees) when it is not being used. Your comments are appreciated!

[02FLYWGN]

brookside wrote:
When OP was stating about being in the "top 6" was that a comment about the vehicle or the TT they are looking for. I wasn't sure.

I wondered the same, brookside, but that calls to question "Whose 'Top 6'?" so I left that alone. When I saw how well this little Nomad we purchased has held together over moderate usage during the 25 years of its existance, I think I'd be inclined to put its manufacturer in a good class. That would be a personal opinion though.

In any case, I hope the OP will find something that suits him.

Allen R.

[brookside]

When OP was stating about being in the "top 6" was that a comment about the vehicle or the TT they are looking for. I wasn't sure.

[02FLYWGN]

We used to own an Excursion, the V-10 motor. I, too, was unaware Ford made the Excursion with a V6.

Anyway, we found a 1988 Nomad 16', single-axle, for $3,500.00 over in McMinnville, OR. We're the fourth owner and the trailer is in excellent shape. It's had good TLC over its 25 years. I had the springs placed to the top of the axle to give us a bit more rear-end clearance since we plan to use it on a lot of backroads and some will be dirt. We also had the frame sand-blasted and re-painted, along with the hitch, and we've replaced all the incadescent bulbs with LEDs. We may add a solar panel.

Our tow vehicle is a Dodge Dakota with the small-block V8. Towing capacity a bit over 6000 lbs and the trailer's weight (with some gear and a partially-filled fresh water tank) is 3,076 lbs.

Allen R
P.S. It's been a while since I posted on RVNET, and we now live on the Snake River Plain in S. Central Idaho. The information below re: vehicles and trailers is not current. I'll update my profile.
P.S. #2 Info now current. 🙂

[brookside]

Best bet might be to look for a used molded fiberglass trailer like the Scamp 13', Casita 13', Escape 13', used. Try the website fiberglassrv.net for classified along with Craigslist an googling. In that size, you won't get the bathroom but your weight should be in the area of less than 2,000 lbs. If you have the towing capacity, you can go up in size.

Editing to add that you might look at Taylor Coach made in Canada as they customize to exactly what you need. You can sometimes google and find used ones also. Anything from 8', yes 8' to 24'.

[lanerd]

I didn't know Ford made a V6 Excursion. I thought they were either big block gassers or the powerstroke diesel. Are you sure you aren't talking about an Explorer?

Anyway, I doubt if you can find a TT that doesn't have holding tanks (they don't clean anything) and a bathroom with a toilet, shower, and sink. They will all sleep at least four and will have an AC and furnace. Plus they'll probably have a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, 3(or 2) burner stove, and microwave.

You first need to find out the payload of your Ford (whatever it is) and capacity of your hitch.

Go to any rv dealer and look around....there are many brands/models to choose from.

Ron

[Artum_Snowbird]

We were in the same boat years back, and that led us to our first camper. I had the skills to fix and repair (an essential part of all this) and the tools too. We bought bottom of the barrel, literally it worked if I fixed it first, and I did. It took a good lot of work, but we used it for three years for just my labour and then we actually sold it for more than we paid.

You need two bunks, those needs will grow fast and so they need to be good long bunks with the ability to hook up toys. You should look at older units for half what you think, find one that you can tinker with without worry, and get to know what it's like to own one in your part of the world. If it bombs, you will recover easily, and if it works for you, enjoy it, and save for the next model to come in a few years.

[Clonefan]

That would appear to be a tough order to fill. Towing might be your biggest challenge. What's the max you can tow with that?

I'm guessing a hybrid might be a better option for you.