new RV purchase advice

[robertz]

Hi,
Looking for some advice on purchase of Travel Trailer.
I had Starcraft popup that I bought in 1996 and just sold it.
Other than work to set it up, it never gave me trouble. What quality for 24+ years.
Moving up to TT and we are sure that's what we want.
Not interested in motor homes.
We are close to retirement but never will be full time RV campers.
We might want to do cross country trip few weeks at a time in the next 5 years. Mostly local trips 2-3 times a year. (Live in New Hampshire).
I am fairly handy so I don't mind purchasing used 2 or 3 years old unit where original person has worked out most issues with mfg.
My requirements...
Like to keep it around 3500-5000 lbs empty (but with all installed options and no liquids).
Like to keep it around 20-25 feet long so I can park next to my house.
Mostly it will be me and wife but occasionally take kids or friends. Needs to sleep 4 comfortably (I like the FR Rockwood G19RB design for this purpose). Mostly don't use tent bed on one end but available for a company).
Most G19RB models meet my above requirements but materials look cheap, flat colors etc. We like cherry wood type decor (does not have to be actual wood). We liked interior of 2019 GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE XLS but bad reviews putting me off.

It must have slide out.
Currently I have 2003 Acura MDX which is listed for 4500 lb and had no problem pulling my Starcraft rated 2500 lb empty.
This is why if I purchase 3500 lb trailer I can use this car for a while.
I don't mind getting SUV that pulls 7000+ (there are several).
If I get used SUV for this I can go up to 5000 lb for trailer.

So what am I asking?
Advice on a reliable brand.
Model recommendation that meets my criteria.
Planning to spend 15-25K.
Recommendation of reputable dealer in Manchester NH area (about 100 mile radius).
Any other recommendation you might have.

Thank you,
Robert
PS: I did notice lately RV market has gone to sellers...(may be due to COVID19).

[troubledwaters]

midnightsadie wrote:
find a great used rv, stay away from high pressure sales dealers...

This has nothing to do with the OP's post but I find this comment bemusing. When dealing with any salesman, I hold all the cards. The salesman gets nothing (except wasted time) until I say "yes". The pressure is on him to meet my requirements. Until then the key word is "No". I feel no pressure; as long as it's my money it's my way or the highway.

[robertz]

APT wrote:
Going from a low walled trailer to a high walled trailer is significant. There is a lot more air resistance which means more power, fuel, and heat. If you want to keep that MDX, then I recommend sticking to under 3500 pounds GVWR (single axle) TT. Also, flush all the fluids and install a heavier duty transmission fluid cooler. If you want something heavier and high walled in the 5000 pound dry range, then I recommend any half ton SUV. Something with at least 6-spds in the transmission. Pick your favorite brand, but again you need the HD trans cooler.

Brand does not matter with respect to quality of construction and assembly. They are all about the same (not good). If you are handy and experienced with your prior RV, then I recommend never visiting an RV dealer for repairs/maintenance.

Historically, you will find the best prices for new RVs in the midwest. IF you are willing to drive to Ohio once to pick or NY, there are some "Wholesaler RV" dealers that offer discounts around 30% off. Check out RV Direct for example.

Thank you all for valuable feedback. I am learning a lot about TT.
APT: I already have extra transmission cooler on my MDX. But I am willing to buy new SUV that supports towing 6600-7700 lbs.
I am torn between getting TT that is supported by current MDX or just go little bigger (more room, sleeping) and buy the SUV as well. I am concerned about towing TT with tall walls. I will be getting load balancing hitch and sway control. I must say with my Starcraft low profile I hardly ever felt that I am towing a trailer.
As people have said I need to do my research on floor plans. What I can use is help on narrowing down the brands for better quality.

For me reliability is more important (I will pay more money and/or give up some features). I also hope to never see dealer after the purchase unless it's something I can't fix. I am willing to make a trip to mid-west but that means purchasing a new unit. I would hate to travel for used unit and not like it. BTW: For new unit, the one year warranty do I have to take it to original dealer or can it be serviced in my area?

[Jebby14]

I'd upgrade the tow vehicle then re-evaluate.

[APT]

Going from a low walled trailer to a high walled trailer is significant. There is a lot more air resistance which means more power, fuel, and heat. If you want to keep that MDX, then I recommend sticking to under 3500 pounds GVWR (single axle) TT. Also, flush all the fluids and install a heavier duty transmission fluid cooler. If you want something heavier and high walled in the 5000 pound dry range, then I recommend any half ton SUV. Something with at least 6-spds in the transmission. Pick your favorite brand, but again you need the HD trans cooler.

Brand does not matter with respect to quality of construction and assembly. They are all about the same (not good). If you are handy and experienced with your prior RV, then I recommend never visiting an RV dealer for repairs/maintenance.

Historically, you will find the best prices for new RVs in the midwest. IF you are willing to drive to Ohio once to pick or NY, there are some "Wholesaler RV" dealers that offer discounts around 30% off. Check out RV Direct for example.

[wanderingaimles]

You can find most any floorplan across all the brands. There are only so many ways to fit the needed items into the footprint your looking at.
It may be better to look first at brands and lines to get to your desired end product.
Quality is usually followed closely by price. If you are looking used, then maintenance and care become more important, but when new, warranty and service may be good indicators.
Some brands do offer longer warranties than others, and in some cases within a brand, coverages can vary depending on models or lines, Keystone for instance allows full time usage on some lines without impacting the warranty but will nullify it on others.
In general lines with longer warranties are Grand Design, Jayco, KZ, Winnebago, And then to a lesser extent some Starcraft, Keystone, Heartland, Forest River and others.
Those first four have strong fan bases, especially on the east coast where some other highly regarded lines (AF, ORV, Lance) dont have strong dealer support.
Again, if you are buying used, maintenance is paramount, but in new, quality and support become your key.

[midnightsadie]

find a great used rv, stay away from high pressure sales dealers. there out there just gotta hunt for them.

[robertz]

ADK Camper wrote:
Can't respond to all your questions, but for what it's worth I'll share some of my opinions. I've had a funfinder for 9 years. It's been relatively trouble free. Sounds like you're looking for a "couples camper" I suggest you Google that to get some ideas. I suggest giving priority to a walk around bed, and a sofa. If seating is limited to a dinette, I believe you'll find it uncomfortable for extended seating (think rainy day). A sofa AND dinette may be very hard to find in the size trailer you want unless you pick a floorplan with a Murphy bed. We do not have a dinette and don't find that to be a problem. We use a small gate leg table pulled up to the sofa, or sometimes we use folding chairs. Definitely insist on a slide: it will really open up your floorspace.

Thanks, very good points. One of the FR model we really liked had no dinette. Murphy bed. Some models have dinette and Murphy bed. I liked FR Geo PRO G19RB because it had Murphy bed, dinette and pull out bed. I can live without dinette.

[ADK_Camper]

Can't respond to all your questions, but for what it's worth I'll share some of my opinions. I've had a funfinder for 9 years. It's been relatively trouble free. Sounds like you're looking for a "couples camper" I suggest you Google that to get some ideas. I suggest giving priority to a walk around bed, and a sofa. If seating is limited to a dinette, I believe you'll find it uncomfortable for extended seating (think rainy day). A sofa AND dinette may be very hard to find in the size trailer you want unless you pick a floorplan with a Murphy bed. We do not have a dinette and don't find that to be a problem. We use a small gate leg table pulled up to the sofa, or sometimes we use folding chairs. Definitely insist on a slide: it will really open up your floorspace.