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RV decision

Mayborn1
Explorer
Explorer
Hello all, my wife and I have been kicking around the idea of buying our first RV. We have been retired for about 2 years now and this option has been on our minds. Originally we were leaning towards buying a newer travel trailer (around 25’) but after reading numerous comments and articles on the quality and reliability issues with newer travel trailers we have begun to rethink doing this. I’m a fairly good carpenter, woodworker and shade tree mechanic. So, repairing minor issues wouldn’t be a problem. Structural issues on the other hand scare me. Would a motor home be more reliable than a travel trailer or similar? Would an older travel trailer be more reliable (pre-COVID years)? If I go with a travel trailer I will be limited by my tow vehicle (2019 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4) which I estimate to be in the 5K to 6K range. Thanks for any input.
17 REPLIES 17

QCMan
Nomad III
Nomad III
If buying used, avoid 2021 and 2022 "covid " units. Most lines, regardless of prior build quality, suffered greatly during those years to put out good products. Some may have managed to put out some good units but the overall performance during those years is very spotty.

2020 Keystone Cougar 22RBS, Ram 1500, two Jacks and plenty of time to roam!
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. A.E.
Good Sam Life Member

ken56
Explorer
Explorer
A lot of trailers today are aluminum framed so the only big structural things to worry about is the roof and the floor. RV's are not complicated to work on when needed. Find a floor plan you can live in and not be cramped up and uncomfortable.
Motorhomes will be more expensive to maintain in my opinion. I have a 37 foot Keystone Laredo travel trailer and we love the floor plan and the quality has been decent. I know you said in the 25 foot range but comfort comes with length. Look at shorter 5th wheels. A 30 ft. bumper pull is not that bad to pull and maneuver so don't just stick with the 25 ft. idea. Class C's with the super slide is another option for you to look at. Don't be in a rush to buy something and look at used ones.

NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Explorer II
In 2003 I bought a like brand new 2003 R Vision Trail Cruiser 28 Foot TT from Camping World dealer in San Marcus, Texas for around $15000.00. The trailer was in excellent condition and former owners were a retired couple who towed the trailer from Florida to TX and decided RVing was not for them.

R Vision was owned by Monocaco Coach RV and of great quality build. Check out RV dealers within a 100 to 150 mile radius or even more on the internet for both older and late model used RV TTs. Also RV Trader and other RV sales web sites. Also check out Facebook Market place and Craigslist but be careful of all of these as there are dishonest scammers on internet sites. I have saved much money buying truck and RV accessories plus camping stuff by using Facebook and Craigslist.

Others can tell you which brand TTs are of good quality as I am out of date on this info. Enjoy the good 4 Rs of living life. Cheers