New to TT need some help please

[jayson_medic]

So i am new to TT but have been tent camping for years. My wife on the other hand has never been camping in any way. So i was thinking that a trailer would be the best/easiest way to introduce her to it. So my question is i have a 2009 chevy 1500 with max tow package and just got a set of airbags and brake controller for it (got a great deal) but i dont know what trailer to buy. i really want a bunkhouse as we have kids and want them to be able to bring friends. so any suggestions on which brand/modle? and is an outdoor kitchen really functional? i have many more questions but i will start with this one. thanks for any and all info.

ps per door tag have a 1700lbs payload and 9600 rating.

[dahkota]

I had a Jayco and can recommend it, as will many others on the board. It comes with a two year warranty. Check out the bunk houses of the Jay Flight Swift line. I also see quite a few people on here recommend/love their Keystone Bullets.

[APT]

Payload is the most likely limiting factor for family RVing. Is this the sticker showing 1700 pounds where mine says 2051?



6k dry is a good limit for the most capable half tons. That's 7000-7500 pounds loaded, 800-1000 pounds of hitch weight. If you have 1700 pounds of payload, then 700-900 pounds remaining for the family and some camping gear in the truck bed seems reasonable.

[jayson_medic]

Ok so sticker says gcvw is 6800 and tow per manual is 9600 truck weighs (with me and full tank) 5100 so ad wife and kiss with min gear 5500. So I have 1300 of payload right?

[avoidcrowds]

Jayson, any one of us (all of us, really) could recommend a trailer that WE like. However, your needs/wants/tastes are unique to you.

First, just because you have a "max tow" package, that is a relative term. Your engine can tow easily, up to a certain weight limit. What that is, I don't know. I do know that lighter is better with a 1500. So, look at lightweight TTs. Lots of bunkhouse models, so go to different dealers, an tell them you what you want. No point in looking at what works great for me (TrailManor), if it doesn't work for you.

Trailer weight, water capacity and battery/batteries/solar panels if you are planning to mostly dry camp, as opposed to full hookups most of the time. Even if planning full hookups, don't rely on water being available wherever you go, as campground pumps fail, or the water tastes bad, etc. Always have a day or two of water with you.

Lots of looking for you to do. Search this forum for previous posts, and you will see what others like, and dislike. Just remember that you will be happy with a different unit than someone else, and you won't necessarily like what others like. Make a list of what you MUST have, and what you would like to have. Take it with you when looking.

Good luck in your search, and enjoy all the different models.

[donn0128]

I assume you truck is a crew cab? So based on that alone your actual loaded capacity is probably more like 5000 pounds. Remember, you need to subtract everything beyond a base truck with one 150 pound driver and a 1/4 tank of gas from the towing rating. 5000 pounds would be a safe starting place.

[Happy_Camper200]

My first camper was a 25ft Four Winds that I pulled with a Chevy 1500 4X4. I didn't have any problems but I don't think I'd want to go much bigger that 25-28 ft. Just my personal opinion. Others on here could probably offer more assistance.