Researching Before 1st Purchase
Hello All! Last year I started getting it in my head that I wanted to get a travel trailer, and have been doing a good bit of research. The wife has finally started coming around to the idea, and ...
Forum Discussion
OP, you will see lots of info on payload, ratings, etc. etc. and on 'paper' you should be fine BUT, let me tell you my experience. Last year I had a truck almost identical to yours but it was a Silverado (same engine, year, axle ratio and tow package). I purchased a 30' 5400lb (dry) TT. Did my truck haul it ok? Yup! Did I enjoy it? NOPE!. The Silverado struggled to maintain 50MPH on moderate grades, I'd have the pedal mashed and my wife asked me if she was clear to pass (she was only half joking). I'd stick with something 5,000 or less but that's just my opinion.
As far as TCO goes I tell people this. I used to have a boat, it was a hole in the water I'd pour money into. Now I have a home in the woods I pour money into ;) Just in the past 4 weeks I have spent:
$200 MaxxAir Vent for bathroom (I hate the stock fan / vent)
$30 Jack Stands (to stabilize camper better)
$90 LED lights (I could have spent less but I purchased lights I have used before).
$60 Gas Props for holding up storage lids (under beds)
$100 new foam for dinette seating
$40 under belly LED lights, switch, wiring.
$345 on new Class V WD hitch
$38 to fill propane tanks
$60 toolbox mounted on back bumper
$197 new tongue jack
-Next week I go in for new tires and to have bearings packed ~$350
-Before my first trip I'm investing in $175 voltage protector
-Next month I will begin work on my back yard 'site'. I'll be trenching in 50AMP service, water, cable, sewer and putting down a nice level crushed rock pad with fire pit. This will be our 'guest house' and I'm budgeting $800 for it.
Do I 'NEED' all that stuff, no but I wanted all of it so it comes down to what will you want. If you get into this as much as I have, you will spend plenty of money but it's still less than an annual trip to see that Mouse in Orlando ;)
As far as TCO goes I tell people this. I used to have a boat, it was a hole in the water I'd pour money into. Now I have a home in the woods I pour money into ;) Just in the past 4 weeks I have spent:
$200 MaxxAir Vent for bathroom (I hate the stock fan / vent)
$30 Jack Stands (to stabilize camper better)
$90 LED lights (I could have spent less but I purchased lights I have used before).
$60 Gas Props for holding up storage lids (under beds)
$100 new foam for dinette seating
$40 under belly LED lights, switch, wiring.
$345 on new Class V WD hitch
$38 to fill propane tanks
$60 toolbox mounted on back bumper
$197 new tongue jack
-Next week I go in for new tires and to have bearings packed ~$350
-Before my first trip I'm investing in $175 voltage protector
-Next month I will begin work on my back yard 'site'. I'll be trenching in 50AMP service, water, cable, sewer and putting down a nice level crushed rock pad with fire pit. This will be our 'guest house' and I'm budgeting $800 for it.
Do I 'NEED' all that stuff, no but I wanted all of it so it comes down to what will you want. If you get into this as much as I have, you will spend plenty of money but it's still less than an annual trip to see that Mouse in Orlando ;)
