New to the RV life

[Politomania]

I’m new to the Rv life. I’m looking at purchasing a camper and I’m stuck with the idea of a Coleman lantern 244BH 27 footer or a Pioneer Ds310 35 footer. Ive got a Tahoe at the moment thinking about getting a 2012 Ford F-150 echo boost to do the job ? I’ve read that they do very well with this even in the mountains or do I bite the bullet and get a used diesel ? The Coleman is lighter and smaller . I currently live in South Carolina near the mountains but I want to travel and been thinking about going nomad with my 2 boys. What will I be happy in and will have the most fun. Also be able to go to most camp sites without having problems ?

[MarkTwain]

Politomania wrote:
I’m new to the Rv life. I’m looking at purchasing a camper and I’m stuck with the idea of a Coleman lantern 244BH 27 footer or a Pioneer Ds310 35 footer. Ive got a Tahoe at the moment thinking about getting a 2012 Ford F-150 echo boost to do the job ? I’ve read that they do very well with this even in the mountains or do I bite the bullet and get a used diesel ? The Coleman is lighter and smaller . I currently live in South Carolina near the mountains but I want to travel and been thinking about going nomad with my 2 boys. What will I be happy in and will have the most fun. Also be able to go to most camp sites without having problems ?

In Calif. State parks and Forest Service parks, you won't be able to use them because of their 30' ft. limit.

[Chuck_thehammer]

RV,,, its a very small Home/house.... you would be shocked how some little thing can become B I G after just a few days....

you and the family..

Rent one... REMEMBER FLOOR PLAN is very important and the first one you pick will most likely be WRONG.

I have done tent to 32 footer.... for one night to 5 months without a break.

my opinion.. if trailer is going to be over 5,000 pounds EMPTY.. a 250/2500 with a family.

my opinion only.

[wanderingaimles]

There are some areas in the Smokey's where you can still dry camp. National Forest lands etc, but understand that they are somewhat limited.
Also as they get older, kids tend to have their own interest, from school activities, to sports, time to "go nomad" can become a rare commodity.
It can be great family time, but you will find that the older they get, the harder it is to arrange, if you can get that time now, grab it and relish it, but dont be surprised if it is only for a limited time.

[Lwiddis]

Towing a 27 foot TT will be far easier for the “nomad” life on the road than 35 feet particularly for a new RVer.

[Huntindog]

Welcome to a fun exciting lifestyle.


The one bit of advice I have: How you are currently imagining your RV usage is likely far from how you will actually use it.
Your first TT will start your learning curve. With it you will find out just what you like and dislike. And your likes will likely evolve over time. Just about everyone has different ideas on the perfect TT, as we all have different needs. So nobody can tell YOU what is the best one for YOU.
So I recommend starting out with a used TT. Later you can buy the new one when you have a better idea of what is really important to you.

I am on my third TT. Each one has been a better fit for us than the previous one.
I think there are quite a few people on this forum with similar experiences.

[campigloo]

Renting first, I think is always a good idea. On the tow vehicle it seems F150 ecoboost owners are happy pulling the largest of trailers across any road. I prefer diesel but many don't. I also like the 4wd but that's because I like many off the unpaved back roads. Seems the only criteria is tongue weight. Whatever you get try not to overthink it but just have fun.

[Gdetrailer]

Have you towed before?

If not, I think you ARE in for a HUGE learning curve with a 35ft trailer or even a 27 ft trailer..

If you are totally new to RV camping and have never towed before, perhaps it would be better to rent a RV for a one off trip to see if:

#1 you like it

#2 your boys like it

#3 you are OK will ALL of the setup, tear down, towing and maintenance of said RV.

Takes a lot of WORK to RV camp..

I have been to a bunch of places around SC when I was a kid yrs ago, lot of nice State Parks, but many of those do not have full hookups so you need to factor in having to get fresh water, get rid of grey and black water.

Now days we just go to the SC beaches with full hookups..

No matter how you cut it, buying a new or even used trailer then adding in the expense of a used Eco or Diesel vehicle for you first time could amount to a extremely expensive mistake if you find that RV camping turns out not anything your family likes..