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).

[APT]

I do not recommend 4000 pounds dry with 4500 pound tow rating. Closer to 3500 pounds, or 3200.

Check your owners manual for front area limits with respect to the 4500 pound tow rating. Most that I know of with limits under 5000 pounds also have front area rating that exclude full high travel trailers. A 4500 pound loaded TT will have about 550-600 pounds of tongue weight, so also check the receiver and manual for any TW limitations.

500 pounds is very low to add for things. Clothes, towels, kitchen appliances, toys, games, etc. If it is you and a spouse, close. With kids? Nope.

[robertz]

Thank you,
That's a good guideline.
I am coming to conclusion that I need a new tow vehicle with at least 6000 lb capacity.

Most trailers that I am interested are 4200 lb. If I keep additional weight to 1000 lb I will be at 5200 lb.
I don't intend to carry water other than emergency when I can not dump out gray/black water.

Thanks
Dry weights you list are the unit when shipped from the factory.
Add two filled propane tanks,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 75 lbs
At least one battery, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,45 lbs
pots, pans, dishes, linens, towels, clothing ,,,,,,100 lbs
Water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon, how much will you need to carry?
Food? Tools, Patio/lawnchairs?
It all is counted on top of that dry weight.
You will go past 4500 pretty quick.

[wanderingaimles]

robertz wrote:
Thanks for all feedback.
I am considering two used units.

1) 2018 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S asking $18.5K
dry weight 4251 lbs.

2) 2016 Rockwood Mini-Lite by Forest River 2109S asking $15.5K
dry weight 4037 lbs.

Anyone with this model can recommend it?
My current SUV is rated 4500 lbs. If I keep additional load minimal can I tow this?

Thanks

Dry weights you list are the unit when shipped from the factory.
Add two filled propane tanks,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 75 lbs
At least one battery, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,45 lbs
pots, pans, dishes, linens, towels, clothing ,,,,,,100 lbs
Water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon, how much will you need to carry?
Food? Tools, Patio/lawnchairs?
It all is counted on top of that dry weight.
You will go past 4500 pretty quick.

[robertz]

Thanks for all feedback.
I am considering two used units.

1) 2018 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S asking $18.5K
dry weight 4251 lbs.

2) 2016 Rockwood Mini-Lite by Forest River 2109S asking $15.5K
dry weight 4037 lbs.

Anyone with this model can recommend it?
My current SUV is rated 4500 lbs. If I keep additional load minimal can I tow this?

Thanks

[jwfails]

I have a 2017 Lance 1985 and am very happy with weight, towing and quality. I would recommend looking on RV trader. FYI, Lance has a new heavier frame from 2017 1/2 forward. They are lighter weight but tongue heavy.

[Spade_Cooley]

I owned a Sunset Trail for the last ten years and sold it. It took me some time to figure out all the little flaws of the ST but I had it working perfectly. We wanted a new design and we looked at a ton of travel trailers before we both settled on a Rockwood. the quality looked good compared to the others.

Now I'm finding weird things in this new trailer. The water miser shower, although roomier than my old stall shower, has a very low water output which makes it difficult to get clean. I'm not sure what they were thinking. I have two A/C units on this rig and it can hardly keep up on a 90 degree day. This is our first weekend in it so hope things get better. I still like the overall quality of the unit.

When it comes to a good deal on any trailer, go with RV wholesalers and if you deal closer to home give the dealer a grand over the wholesalers price. They need to make money too. Remember you are in control and decide what you want to pay.

[robertz]

Hi Everyone,
Great info...
We really like Lance. Thank you all who posted various links.
Lowest I can find is 30K new 2019 model. I will keep searching.
I see link for NY location and it's not bad drive for us, 4-5 hrs.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 most normal things are not possible for shoppers. Like going to trade show or visiting local dealers to get an idea (that's the fun part, minus sales guys).

May be I will keep shopping and wait a little.
Keep information coming.
I am still wondering how the factory service works for the first year? If I buy in NY or far place will they have dealer local to NH for warranty work?

Thanks

[patperry2766]

Lance in NY

I don't know how close this town is to you, but they're nowhere near 50K. Probably closer to 30K after negotiating

[GrandpaKip]

We find that our Skyline Dart 214rb is a perfect couples trailer for us. They are no longer made but the floor plan is great and we have had no problems with the camper.
Find the camper you want first, then get the tow vehicle.

[afidel]

At the top end of your weight and length range, Jayfeather x213 fits a LOT of trailer in a small package. Quality seemed better than average. My first thought was Winnebago, but they don't make a great layout in the smaller lengths imo.

[wanderingaimles]

patperry2766 wrote:
Lance 1575

this could possibly work and Lance "generally" makes a better than average camper

Very hard to find on the east coast. Lance truck campers are available, (at a premium) but TT's are nearly non existant.

[MitchF150]

Planning to spend 15-25K.

$50k for that Lance.... Wow.. I got my new Rockwood for $26k before taxes and the other stuff..

It's a heavy sucker, and seems pretty good on "quality" so far.. Sure, some little things that I have taken care of myself, even thou it would have been "covered" by warranty.. Cost a little bit of time, and a few $$, but better than dealing with a claim..

Anyway, there is no make or brand out there that is a 'guaranteed quality unit' in your price range... Heck, even if you spend the $50k or more, it's still no 'guarantee'...

Just like the "Lets Make A Deal" game show... Sometimes you get the "Big Deal" and other times all you get is a "Zonk"..

Throw dice in Vegas and pretty much the same thing.

I had a 2003 Prowler TT that I bought brand new in 2002. Paid $14K out the door. Had that trailer for over 17 years and that's what I traded in for the new Rockwood. Got $6500 trade for it.. It was in great condition and I had done many mods to it as well that others said would "de-value" the trailer... Ha, ha... I never had an issue with that trailer. It was considered a "entry level" trailer too.

Anyway, all you can do is look for yourself at the rigs and go from there. Being able to touch and feel the rig is always your advantage.

Here is the old Prowler behind the F150.


Here is the Rockwood behind the same F150.


We are just a couple and really won't have any overnight guests, so this floor plan works great for us.. If you have the dinette or the sofa option, those do fold out as a bed, but we have the optional theater seats, so it just sleeps 2! 🙂



Good luck! Mitch

[robertz]

patperry2766 wrote:
***Link Removed***

this could possibly work and Lance "generally" makes a better than average camper

Hi that one looks good (interior, features, floor plan etc.) except new one is pricey 50K+. May be I can find used one.

[sgfrye]

if you decide to purchase used or new, an independent mobile rv tech/inspection would be money well spent unless you can do it yourself. even experienced rv'ers can miss small things on a PDI. we have bought 2 new TT's and had good experiences both times. we looked for good used TT's to purchase but the combination of finding the size and floorplan we wanted plus most slightly used RVs in our area had prices comparable to new ones so it was a no brainer for us.

[patperry2766]

Lance 1575

this could possibly work and Lance "generally" makes a better than average camper