Possibly interested in buying a TT. Seeking input

[Coastiebob]

We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? Etc

[Jframpey]

I sold the perfect trailer for you last year... 2006 26L Jayfeather by Jayco. Original purchase price 16k, 10 yrs later Sold for 7k. 5000 dry wt, 3 bunks + queen with small slideout

[Dennis_Smith]

what ever you buy, take the entire family and go in the unit, close the door and spend two hours in it. real quick you will know what to buy

[Coastiebob]

Any experience with

Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 263BHXL, what I can see I like this layout

[Coastiebob]

Thank you all very much for input, yes we are looking at used however if I can get a good deal on a newer one then we may consider it. To answer the questions I have 3 kids eight and under comma and as pointed out move a lot there for a muncher of the specific location in which it will be used. I anticipate East Coast travel back to our families area to visit year-round. Fully intend on running one and seeing how we like it however depending on the dealer you get a ton of different biased opinions. I'm extremely comfortable Towing and have towed for many many years so I understand the stopping versus full towing capacity and also additional wait that may be carried. This forum seems like a really good place for experience in this adventure thank you

[Lwiddis]

Mike has a good point.

[mikehart92]

The Armada looks to have a very short wheel base. This equals the "wag the dog" as spoke of before. 9k? I wouldn't go half that. I would go with a larger pop up with the a/c

[FrankShore]

magnusfide wrote:

FrankShore wrote:
Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.

Lance 2185 Clicky

The OP wanted to spend less than 20k. The Lance 2185 starts around 44k. Nice floorplan though.

There is always used!

[ChuckV1]

As the OP stated Rent, Rent, Rent before you buy, do not Buy new, a 3 or 4 year TT in good shape is a far less cost then new...

Your SUV may not be able to pull a TT safety, i'll put it to you this way, your vehicle can pull any TT but stopping it is another matter. Also over the years I have seen many and I mean many TT wagging the dog going down the road, to much trailer for the vehicle thus the trailer is swaying back and forth and the driver is fighting for his life trying to keep it on the road an straight. Then a semi passes them, it's like a nightmare starting to begin, next thing you see is the vehicle headed for the ditch Ugh !!!

If you like camping and want to jump into the pond do not let a salesman talk to you into anything, you can read tons of threads on this subject ...

The 1st words out of a good salesman will be what type of vehicle do you have,
next if he or she states "lets get a credit check", if this happens run the other way..

A good salesman or women should do is steer you to trailers that are light enough for your vehicle to tow or tell you that your vehicle is not up to the job of towing many of the trailers they have ...

Ask questions, do not be excited over the gleam and glitter, do not pay list price for a used trailer or for that matter a new one, you can get most of the time 25 to 30 percent off the price that's marked on the trailer if you buy ...

Last, a good delaer has a good service department and takes care of it's customer base, check out on line the dealer your dealing with, I know that the Montana reflector/web page has a folder called "DEALRS" and I believe I've seen someplace else that has a list of dealer ratings ...

Haveing a bad dealer task in your mouth may just turn you off to camping as a whole. again make sure your dealer will work with you not against you 🙂

Safe Travels


We like Kz brand of trailers

[Lwiddis]

I don't see much quality in new TTs for under 20.

[drsteve]

What is the Armada's payload rating? That's usually the limiting factor on SUVs.

[jmtandem]

If you are completely new to RVing, you should know it is a hobby for most. There are a few things one needs to consider.

You will get 10 mpg or less when towing.
You will travel at 60 mph or less and average 50 mph.
You will average 300 miles a day.
There is more maintenance than expected.

That is why I always suggest renting the size TT you think you want, before you spend the big bucks.

All in all it is a great pass time adventure.

All of the above plus double check with Nissan and your weight distribution hitch manufacturer as the Armada seems to have some issues with it's air suspension system and using a weight distribution hitch. I would not go to 9000 pounds towing with your SUV.

[rbpru]

If you are completely new to RVing, you should know it is a hobby for most. There are a few things one needs to consider.

You will get 10 mpg or less when towing.
You will travel at 60 mph or less and average 50 mph.
You will average 300 miles a day.
There is more maintenance than expected.

That is why I always suggest renting the size TT you think you want, before you spend the big bucks.

All in all it is a great pass time adventure.

[rbpru]

All good advice but my suggestion if you are buying new or something completely different is to rent a similar model first. You learn a lot that way.

Good luck

[normal_dave]

Ditto above, consider used, get it smaller and lighter than you think your tow vehicle can handle and you'll better off.

Maybe something like the Sunnybrook Harmony. Decent quality, aluminum structure walls, company was absorbed by Winnebago awhile back...

Example:
Sunnybrook Harmony 21FBS

Edit: and a NEW 2013 Sunnybrook Remington, similar model made under the new Winnebago ownership.
2013 Sunnybrook Raven 2500FBS

[APT]

I recommend something under 6000 pounds dry. Buy used, like 5yr old in case you find out it doesn't fit your family's desires.