Newbie needs help with TT

[DTay2014]

Hi guys (and gals),

My husband and I have a 2005 Expedition with 5.4 liter engine, HD towing package. GVWR (tv) is 7,300, GCWR= 14, 500. Based on weight, floorplans and trailer availability in NC, we've narrowed our options to 1.) Skyline Koala, 2) FR Surveyor, 3) Cruiser Fun Finder and 4) FR Micro and Mini Lites.

I've read quite a bit on this forum and others and have quickly realized that 4 trailers noted above are good quality, with differences of course. I've learned to avoid Luaun (wood) and OSB. We want an electric and propane HW heater.

My question to you guys, what are the other key questions or items that I should research for each of the 4 trailers before making a final decision? I want to do the work/research on my own (bc let's face it, y'all have other stuff to do). I'd like to create my own comparison chart to help guide the decision making process.

Thanks in advance,
DT

[DTay2014]

Thanks handye9, I've been thinking about installing and using solar since we would like to boondock quite often. Other stuff is def. noted- I really appreciate your feedback

[handye9]

Couple things you might add to the list:

If you plan on doing some camping with no hook ups, you may want to look at the battery storage area (is there room to carry two or three batteries?) and check open roof space for possible solar panels.

If you plan to use it in cold weather, check for enclosed underbelly and holding tank heat. They all, may say they have heated tanks, but, there are various levels of tank heat. Ask "How are they heated?".

Included in the floor plan item, check bathroom size. Some of them aren't big enough to change your mind and changing clothes is not an option.

Someone else mentioned useability on the road. We had a TT with a slide out that blocked the bathroom door, when it was pulled in.

[DTay2014]

I forgot to mention that we will be full-timing across the country for 1 year. That's after we have several dry runs in the back yard and nearby campgrounds.

Just me and my husband..oh and our 90lb lab/shep mix too.

[DTay2014]

Thank you guys; good info.

[nomad297]

Skyline builds a great camper.

Bruce

[WoodGlue]

The Skyline Koala doesn't have either Luaun or OSB!

WoodGlue

[WoodGlue]

To the OP. You'll be doing yourself a favor avoiding the luaun and the OSB. So you're correct.

I have no vested interest in alternate building materials (Azdel and Compositek being the main two) but I do know almost worry free materials when I see them. I also don't hesitate to extol the virtues of those products!

OSB has many problems as it expands and goes spongy when it comes in contact with water. You're better off with regular grade plywood or marine grade plywood. Good news is many former users of OSB realize this and have made adjustments in their construction.

People can harp on floorplan all they want, but I'd like to make sure the floorplan stays together with good construction first!

The Skyline Koala is probably the best bet from the list that you're looking at!

You can't beat good and well thought out construction no matter what anyone says!

Good luck!

WoodGlue

[GrandpaKip]

If I'm not mistaken, each of the campers you listed have lauan and probably some OSB somewhere. You should not be all that concerned about either; they are durable construction materials and will last as long as the camper is properly maintained. We looked at all of your choices and liked all of them, until we just kinda happened into the one we have now.
Good luck.

[gmw_photos]

To the OP, if you are going to rule out luan, you are going to rule out about 90% of the campers on the market.
Don't be afraid of luan. There are hundreds of thousands of trailers on the road made with luan that are just fine. Most of what you are seeing written about the drawbacks of it is posted by folks with either a vested interest in the alternative, or they simply do not know much about the subject. So they have bought into the marketing tag line from the alternatives, and are just spouting what they read or saw on a youtube vid.

The key thing to remember regarding all that, is proper and timely maintenance on the seams and joints.

[OpenRangePullen]

kzspree320 wrote:
You don't give a lot of information so it's hard to be specific to your case, but:
1) not only total weight, but hitch weight, especially if you have a load in the tow vehicle.
2) Size of propane tanks - some have 1 small tanks and others 2 larger tanks
3) Freshwater, grey water and black water tank sizes. If you will be in some state or natl parks without full hookups, larger holding tanks are nice.
4) Cargo carrying capacity - some lighter trailers have very little carrying capacity and you may pack fairly heavy
5) Look at the axles and wheel bearing ease of service. I like being able to just attach a zerk and add grease to my bearings. All axles are not created equal.
6) Look inside the cabinets and storage compartments to see the construction quality beneath the surface. See how it's built. Do you want stick and tin construction (nothing wrong with it, just preferance), or aluminum studs, fiberglass exterior and laminated construction (my preference, but you do run a small risk of delamination, especially if you are not diligent about checking caulking). Look at the construction using the brochure illustrations.
7) Size of refrigerator and hot water heater - normally bigger is better for us
😎 Amenities, number, type and quality
9) THE MOST IMPORTANT - the floorplan. Think about the trailer and how you will be using it. Look at the flow. Which floorplan fits what you do best? This is the single most important thing.
10) In general, first time buyers buy too small and end up wanting more space.
Good luck.

Whet he said

[Old-Biscuit]

9) THE MOST IMPORTANT - the floorplan. Think about the trailer and how you will be using it. Look at the flow. Which floorplan fits what you do best? This is the single most important thing.

There you have it.......

If trailer weights are within tow vehicle ratings (payload/tongue capacity, rear axle/rear tire ratings, GVWR)
then Floorplan is what it's all about.

It could be the greatest trailer ever made but if the floorplan doesn't fit/work for you then what good is it.

They all use the same components and you can only turn a shoe bx so many ways.
Find the one shoe box that is turned just right for you.

I had 2 requirements
Can I walk full length without bumping my head
Can I use/access with slides retracted

[kzspree320]

You don't give a lot of information so it's hard to be specific to your case, but:
1) not only total weight, but hitch weight, especially if you have a load in the tow vehicle.
2) Size of propane tanks - some have 1 small tanks and others 2 larger tanks
3) Freshwater, grey water and black water tank sizes. If you will be in some state or natl parks without full hookups, larger holding tanks are nice.
4) Cargo carrying capacity - some lighter trailers have very little carrying capacity and you may pack fairly heavy
5) Look at the axles and wheel bearing ease of service. I like being able to just attach a zerk and add grease to my bearings. All axles are not created equal.
6) Look inside the cabinets and storage compartments to see the construction quality beneath the surface. See how it's built. Do you want stick and tin construction (nothing wrong with it, just preferance), or aluminum studs, fiberglass exterior and laminated construction (my preference, but you do run a small risk of delamination, especially if you are not diligent about checking caulking). Look at the construction using the brochure illustrations.
7) Size of refrigerator and hot water heater - normally bigger is better for us
😎 Amenities, number, type and quality
9) THE MOST IMPORTANT - the floorplan. Think about the trailer and how you will be using it. Look at the flow. Which floorplan fits what you do best? This is the single most important thing.
10) In general, first time buyers buy too small and end up wanting more space.
Good luck.