First off, new here. Greetings! Been reading a lot trying to get an understanding of brands to avoid and what to look for. I've been on many forums for others things for years and know topics can be talked about over and over. So please excuse this newbie. My wife and I fish every weekend and I want a new travel trailer to pull down to the Mariana and leave it parked in a leased spot potentially year round. If we do take it on the road, it won't be far, so it's basically going to be a stay in one spot Rv for us. I've never owned one and I think slept in one once. lol. My budget is around $15,000. I know most have a pull out bed or the table converts to a second bed, but I'm not concerned about having a second bed setup. I'm seeing a lot of the 2017's on sale now and it looks like I should be able to get a new upgraded or bigger model for my money if I stay with a 2017 model. It's going to be parked right against a salty marsh. Is that something I should take in to consideration? I'm a handy man and can spot bad quality vs not, but am in the dark as to what brands to avoid and the ones that are known for their good quality. The spot has power, water and sewage. Sorry so long here. Just about to step into something I know nothing about. Thanks all!

Start with figuring out what you can tow.Brand wise- basically the same quality across all brands.

They all use basically the same appliances from Dometic and Atwood. Things you may want to look closely at are the insulating rating of the walls, floor and ceiling. The electric converter should be a 3 stage so you don't cook your battery and look to see it has all LED lighting. Tires and suspension are not a big deal seeing you plan on parking it. Most of all find a floor plan that suits your living style.

I have an Ford F150 4x4 with V8 and pull large boats, so should be ok with towing the sizes I'm looking at, but I'll make sure and check that.That's the kind of info I'm looking for Ken56, 3 stage and the like. Thanks! Good insulation will also be needed.I'll have a generator on site for back up as well. I'll need to check the needed voltage for the RV vs my generator output.

Ford F - 150 4x4 does not necessarily equate to "can tow anything". A huge part of the whole RV concept is being mobile. Next year you may want to try something else and go somewhere else.If you really are locked at the hip to one location and only want to stay there , there are some aspects you can ease up on what your looking for. Enclosed belly would not be necessary, since your not worried about freezing, and you need only have a single small battery since you only want to stay at one location with permanently installed electric. So things in that world are easy, you only need to decide on space needed for the planned usage, and system able to cover for minimal times in the unit. But if you want flexibility in the future, If a family were a possibility, you may need additional bunks or a seconnd sleeping area. Your needs could be very different, consider those before committing to any deal.

When you compare units, look at the retail price. Some might be as low as $15,000, but others might cost more than double that or even more. A quality used unit might be a better choice than a 15K new one, and for the same price. I had a look at Craigslist in New Orleans to see what came up. Jayco units seem to be a bit higher priced than many Keystone and other rigs. Hmmm.. Decide on what size you need. A 28 foot unit can weigh 6000 pounds, or almost 10000 for some. That is quality built in. Some have separate bedrooms, quality mattresses, enclosed underbelly tanks, double pane windows, electric awnings, double batteries, quality upholstery, solid wood cabinets.

New to RVs, Have a lot of questions | Good Sam Community

Lachamp
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
rbpru wrote:
When you think F-150 and short trips, think 25 ft, trailer. It gives you a full bed in front, a kitchen, bath, pantry and storage space.

Most $15,000 be much smaller, unless you think used.

Great info. I'm seeing some new 2017's 20' to 28' on sale in my area around that $15,000 to $17,000.
I'll go with what I feel is the best deal and follow ya'll guides.
on what to look for.
rbpru
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2017
When you think F-150 and short trips, think 25 ft, trailer. It gives you a full bed in front, a kitchen, bath, pantry and storage space.

Most $15,000 be much smaller, unless you think used.
Lachamp
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
Passin Thru wrote:
KAFF, KAFF!! Same quality never. Airstream and Northwood are Upper part of quality and year round TTs. I wouldn't go near a Shasta to haul for someone else. Used Arctic Fox 2007 and older are going for around 15 K and thats for a 30ft.

I differently want to stay under 30'. Maybe even under 25'. I'm ok with smaller vs used.
Thanks for info!
Lachamp
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:
theoldwizard1 wrote:
Although not common, I like Murphy beds. You get a nice couch and living room during the day and a bed with a real mattress at night.

And little front pass through storage ... wouldn't ever own any trailer with a front Murphy bed. :( Most recognize this fact, which is why they're "not common". ;)

The box on our 192RBS is only 18' 6" long yet the front pass through cargo compartment is HUGE. :B

Something good to look for. Thanks!
Lachamp
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
kerrlakeroo wrote:
Ok so start by looking at the models referred to as "couples coaches"
Enclosed belly means undercarriage, tanks are enclosed and heated when onboard furnace is in use.
You appear to be in a position that even a destination trailer may work.

That makes sense now. Thanks
DinTulsa
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
I would look for something in the 2014-2015 year range. You will be able to buy a larger unit, possibly 23-26ft long. Your F150 should be able to tow the trailer and it will be a lot more comfortable if you're staying in the rv more than 1 night. You can find aluminum exterior trailers a little cheaper than fiberglass, both should hold up equally as well.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
KAFF, KAFF!! Same quality never. Airstream and Northwood are Upper part of quality and year round TTs. I wouldn't go near a Shasta to haul for someone else. Used Arctic Fox 2007 and older are going for around 15 K and thats for a 30ft.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
theoldwizard1 wrote:
Although not common, I like Murphy beds. You get a nice couch and living room during the day and a bed with a real mattress at night.

And little front pass through storage ... wouldn't ever own any trailer with a front Murphy bed. :( Most recognize this fact, which is why they're "not common". ;)

The box on our 192RBS is only 18' 6" long yet the front pass through cargo compartment is HUGE. :B
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
Ok so start by looking at the models referred to as "couples coaches"
Enclosed belly means undercarriage, tanks are enclosed and heated when onboard furnace is in use.
You appear to be in a position that even a destination trailer may work.
Lachamp
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
Great information everyone. I really appreciate it.