Hello all! New member from Texas here. My recently wedded wife and I are looking into purchasing our first TT and could definitely use some help. We currently have a budget of $10,000, but would like to stay under $8,000. Also, we will be towing with a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 so the weight should be under ~6,000lbs. Right now I am looking at a 2005 Outback 25RSS, but there is also a 2009 Skyline Weekender 230LTD and a 2010 Skyline Nomad currently available. My question is in regards to the difference in year models. I like the floor plan and the weight of the 25RSS, but the other two are 4-5 years newer with no slide outs. I'm wondering with criterion you would rank higher, better floor plan, or age? It goes without saying that each would need to be inspected to insure they are in a good condition. Assuming condition is good on both models, what are your thoughts? Thank you in advance for the help.Brian

Consider another thought in the process. Just how much time you will actually spend inside the TT ?All our cooking takes place outside with propane stoves. We're not in it that much aside from sleeping. The only time you may find yourself trapped inside is due to bad weather.

Get the one SHE likes most....all other issues of age / book value and whatnot will not matter one bit if she is anything less than pleased with it.

Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:Get the one SHE likes most....all other issues of age / book value and whatnot will not matter one bit if she is anything less than pleased with it.Sort of like what Jeff Foxworthy says "If she ain't happy, you ain't happy". Each floor plan is going to offer something a bit different. You can just about get anything you want, but you can't get everything you want. Determine which is most important to you (living room space, bathroom space, galley space, etc) and see which has the closest features. Sit in each of them and determine which "feels" best.

Thank you for the thoughts and suggestions so far. I guess my concern is more regarding the age of the units, i.e. a 2005 with a favorable floor plan vs a 2010 with a less than favorable floor plan. Would a 10+ year old TT be reliable assuming their isn't any major damage? What would I need to look out for? What can I expect to have to deal with if we end up going with the older TT?

If they are all cared for well then go for the floor plan you like. If you go with something you don't like just because it is newer, you will not be happy. Slides are great thing to have just to get a little more space even if you are not in the trailer much. Things to look for in any of them is signs of leaks, roof condition and floors being sure there are no soft spots or rot. Good luck.

New Member Needs Some Advice on Year Models | Good Sam Community

deerhunt799
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
Our first TT was a hybrid...didn't care for the tent ends. Our second trailer was a traditional hard side, no slides. Our third was the 25RSS. Will never go with anything that doesn't have a slide again. Made that much of a difference for comfort inside. For what it's worth, we really like the layout of our Outback.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
For any of the ones you are looking at, I'd be budgeting to replace the tires ASAP after purchase.

You can also look into finding a mobile RV tech that would be your post-purchase repair guy. Most of them can be hired to do your pre-purchase inspection of a TT, another good investment.
RamRider
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
Have you checked out PPL - three locations in Texas and lots of units to look at, a great place to browse and they offer a service to check out your selection before you buy.

We started with a small unit and no slide out - big mistake.

I hope we see you on the road soon!
handye9
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2015
Doug33 wrote:
I think when you get any more than 5 years old, the age becomes less relevant. It is more important how well the TT was cared for and if there are any water leaks/damage. Thus I would focus on floorplan. I previously owned a TT without a slideout, and it was tight, especially with two kids. Even now, with just my wife and me, the slide out in our new TT adds so much in terms of comfort. So for me, I would lean towards a slide out. But as others have said, it depends on how much time you spend in and out of the TT. Good luck!

This hits the nail, squarely on the head.

The trailers are all out of warranty, which makes their current condition, very important. If a travel trailer is neglected, it will deteriorate very fast. It's possible, the oldest one is in the best condition.

Even with just two people, a slide out can have a huge impact on comfort.

That said, consider the where, when, and how you will be using it, and which floor plan best fits those needs.
Doug33
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
I think when you get any more than 5 years old, the age becomes less relevant. It is more important how well the TT was cared for and if there are any water leaks/damage. Thus I would focus on floorplan. I previously owned a TT without a slideout, and it was tight, especially with two kids. Even now, with just my wife and me, the slide out in our new TT adds so much in terms of comfort. So for me, I would lean towards a slide out. But as others have said, it depends on how much time you spend in and out of the TT. Good luck!
rbpru
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2015
The three things that you have to match are

Floor plan
Tow vehicle
Cost

It is also handy if you can rent the size TT you think you want. It will tell you a lot about RVing before you buy.

Also check the max cargo capacity of your TV. It usually determines your tongue weight.
GaryWT
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
If they are all cared for well then go for the floor plan you like. If you go with something you don't like just because it is newer, you will not be happy. Slides are great thing to have just to get a little more space even if you are not in the trailer much. Things to look for in any of them is signs of leaks, roof condition and floors being sure there are no soft spots or rot. Good luck.
musickbc
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
Thank you for the thoughts and suggestions so far. I guess my concern is more regarding the age of the units, i.e. a 2005 with a favorable floor plan vs a 2010 with a less than favorable floor plan. Would a 10+ year old TT be reliable assuming their isn't any major damage? What would I need to look out for? What can I expect to have to deal with if we end up going with the older TT?
Hiker_01
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
Get the one SHE likes most....all other issues of age / book value and whatnot will not matter one bit if she is anything less than pleased with it.

Sort of like what Jeff Foxworthy says "If she ain't happy, you ain't happy".

Each floor plan is going to offer something a bit different. You can just about get anything you want, but you can't get everything you want. Determine which is most important to you (living room space, bathroom space, galley space, etc) and see which has the closest features. Sit in each of them and determine which "feels" best.
Heavy_Metal_Doc
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
Get the one SHE likes most....all other issues of age / book value and whatnot will not matter one bit if she is anything less than pleased with it.