Forum Discussion

bnanewbie's avatar
bnanewbie
Explorer
Apr 13, 2015

Serious about buying a travel trailer with Questions

I first of would like to say that I am new to this site as of an hour or so ago. I have been thinking of getting a travel trailer on winter long. I have a Ford F150XLT 4x4. (truck paperwork says will tow up to 8100).

I would really appreciate advice/feedback from those that know about travel trailers or have one...

1. Is there anything specific I need to keep in mind or look out for?

2. I see stickers on travel trailers that tell me a weight. Is this the actual weight of the trailer? I saw one today that the manufacturer sticker said 7690 or something like that and there was another sticker stating the unit had been certified at 4800. How could there be that much difference?

3. Do all trailers come with HD over the air antennas?

4. Do travel trailers have some sort of water filter system? I am reading that most campgrounds have water hook up and just wondered if that is good to drink or if you need to filter it...

5. Most campgrounds seem to show they have 30 or 60 amp spots available. What does that mean to me? I have no idea haha.

6. I normally never buy a new car because the value decrease that happens...should that be the same thought with travel trailers? Are there any pros/cons to buying new versus used?

ANy help would be appreciated. I can't wait to get a travel trailer. We don't have kids so I was thinking of a rear living model.

Scott
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2015
    Pretty sound advice so far. As you have read it is not how much weight you can tow, it is how much weight you can carry. The cargo weight is vehicle dependent because every optional do-dad on your TV reduced the cargo capacity. The max cargo usually appears on the yellow sticker on the door jamb.

    My F-150 4x4 has a max cargo of 1411 lbs. with the options I have. It is maxed out with a 5000 lb. trailer and all my other stuff. Also my previous F-150 had enough cargo capacity but only a 200 hp. motor. The 25 foot TT we rented was a real challenge to pull. That is why we have the e-Boost F-150 now.

    New or use you are going to be stuck with the features the TT has, unless you order new from the factory. Most people find floor plan the most important feature, but you have to tow it and pay for it.

    If you are new to RVing I always suggest renting a similar unit first, a week of towing will tell you a lot.

    Finally without going into details, HD television is the transmission method used the broadcaster and has nothing to do with the antenna. The ability to receive digital and HD is determined by the television set not the antenna.
  • seaeagle2's avatar
    seaeagle2
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    As a newbie to RV's but not boats, here's my 2 cents worth. Make sure you know what your truck will tow, especially with F150's there's a bunch of factors that affect the towing, trust me, the trailer sales guy will tell you, "your truck will handle it fine" even if it won't. As near as I can tell from the horror stories on all the RV websites, RV manufacturers and dealers use the first owner as the QC inspectors and once you find the problems the manufacturer and dealer fight over who's going to pay for it. We bought a used 2014 Trailer and the only issue we had was a leaking outdoor shower. Besides the depreciation, another advantage of a newer used trailer is someone else did all the fighting with the dealer and manufacturer to get all the stuff fixed.
  • clubhouse's avatar
    clubhouse
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    Read a lot before buying anything. Pay close attention to weights, know the difference between GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). Pay no attention to published RV weights, only consider the weights on the yellow sticker. This represents the actual build weight.

    Buy used -- pay for an independent inspection before closing the deal. In my experience RVs depreciate even quicker than new cars. Many people get in, spend a bunch of money, only to find out it isn't for them -- buy their trailer used at 1/2 or less. Plus there are those who buy new RVs every couple of years -- buy theirs used. And lastly I know not one person who first RV was what they really wanted. Folks don't know what they don't know, us included, sold my fist TT in 25 months to buy the next "right" trailer.

    There are a lot of good quality relatively new USED trailers to be had a much better prices.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    djgarcia wrote:
    5. Most campgrounds seem to show they have 30 or 60 amp spots available. What does that mean to me? I have no idea haha.


    Well time to learn ... haha. :W Actually, 30 amp and 50 amp service BUT that so-called "50 amp service" is really 100 amp service because it's 50 amps each across two legs for a total service of 12,000 watts @ 120 vac whereas 30 amp service is 30 amps across a single leg for a total service of 3600 watts ... BIG difference. Also common is 15 amp / 20 amp service, the latter found commonly in the US but rarely if ever here in Canada. Time also to learn about dogbone adapters ... 'cause you're gonna need a couple! :W
  • Highway_4x4's avatar
    Highway_4x4
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    I would suggest you plan on reading lots of threads that have been on this forum and other RV forums. Use the search function. Your questions and many more like it have been asked many times. DO NOT be in a rush to buy a TT. There are some great deals out there. There are many reasons people sell great used units cheap. Do NOT get a TT that weighs what your truck is rated to tow, it will be way to much. Take your time and learn all you can before you part with your cash. It's a lot easier to by an RV than it is to sell one. Have fun.
  • aftermath's avatar
    aftermath
    Explorer III
    Apr 13, 2015
    Scott, you have already gotten some good advice but this will be a very personal decision. Find a trailer that you like and don't let others tell you you have to have this or you have to have that.

    1. As far as a truck goes, I would stick with what you have unless you have made up your mind on a very large trailer. Towing capacity usually means little, it is the payload capacity that you need to concentrate on. Again, if you plan to get a big trailer you will need to rethink your tow vehicle.

    2. Use the GVWR to estimate the weight. Tongue weight will effect your payload and this can be difficult to estimate.

    3. It is not the antenna, it is the actual television. If you purchase an old trailer the tv might not be digital. You need a digital these days to get digital stations which carry hd programming.

    4. If this is a big issue, for around $20 you can get an inline filter that attaches to the hose before the trailer.

    5. The only people who "need" a 50 amp are those with large trailers with two ac units. Most trailers are internally fused at 30 amps. You can hook up to a 50 amp service without any problems but if you start drawing lots of current your main fuse will blow above 30 amps. Running the ac, heating something in the microwave and running a hair dryer all at the same time will overload most trailers regardless if you are hooked to 30 or 50.

    6. If you have never had a trailer and you really aren't sure about what you want it might be best if you buy used. Keep it for awhile until you decide what you really want and then sell it, and go look for your dream,either new or used. If you buy something used make sure you look over it closely and get someone in the know to go with you. Lots of units out there with leaky roofs and other internal problems.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2015
    bnanewbie wrote:
    I first of would like to say that I am new to this site as of an hour or so ago. I have been thinking of getting a travel trailer on winter long. I have a Ford F150XLT 4x4. (truck paperwork says will tow up to 8100).

    I would really appreciate advice/feedback from those that know about travel trailers or have one...

    1. Is there anything specific I need to keep in mind or look out for?
    Just find the TT that has the floorplan YOU like. You are the only one you have to please.

    2. I see stickers on travel trailers that tell me a weight. Is this the actual weight of the trailer? I saw one today that the manufacturer sticker said 7690 or something like that and there was another sticker stating the unit had been certified at 4800. How could there be that much difference?

    [COLOR=]The YELLOW sticker on the trailer is the weight of the TT as it sits in front of you with everything you see on it. A good thing to know. Will help a lot in your towing decisions. Do remember. That is the dry weight meaning NO liquids added. You will add between 500, and 1200lbs to it. Depending on what you carry along. I added 600lbs to the yellow sticker weight.
    As to why some are heavier than others. Depends on how they are made, and what features they have. Azdel is light, wood laminate is heavier. Small slides are lighter than big slides, and Aluminum is usually heavier than Fiberglass.

    3. Do all trailers come with HD over the air antennas?

    Antennas are all the same. the TV makes the difference.

    4. Do travel trailers have some sort of water filter system? I am reading that most campgrounds have water hook up and just wondered if that is good to drink or if you need to filter it...

    Some do some don't. However if you want one. All you need to do is add a inline filter to the water hose you connect to the TT.

    5. Most campgrounds seem to show they have 30 or 60 amp spots available. What does that mean to me? I have no idea haha.

    They are 30 amp, and 50 amp. Some trailers have enough electronics to draw 50 amps. Some only need 30. If you have 2 AC units. You would prolly need 50 amp.

    6. I normally never buy a new car because the value decrease that happens...should that be the same thought with travel trailers? Are there any pros/cons to buying new versus used?

    I like new. For a ton of reasons. TT are vastly different than car. From the mattress to financing. From the plumbing to the roof.



    ANy help would be appreciated. I can't wait to get a travel trailer. We don't have kids so I was thinking of a rear living model.

    Scott
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    bnanewbie wrote:
    I first of would like to say that I am new to this site as of an hour or so ago. I have been thinking of getting a travel trailer on winter long. I have a Ford F150XLT 4x4. (truck paperwork says will tow up to 8100).

    I would really appreciate advice/feedback from those that know about travel trailers or have one...

    1. Is there anything specific I need to keep in mind or look out for?

    2. I see stickers on travel trailers that tell me a weight. Is this the actual weight of the trailer? I saw one today that the manufacturer sticker said 7690 or something like that and there was another sticker stating the unit had been certified at 4800. How could there be that much difference?

    3. Do all trailers come with HD over the air antennas?

    4. Do travel trailers have some sort of water filter system? I am reading that most campgrounds have water hook up and just wondered if that is good to drink or if you need to filter it...

    5. Most campgrounds seem to show they have 30 or 60 amp spots available. What does that mean to me? I have no idea haha.

    6. I normally never buy a new car because the value decrease that happens...should that be the same thought with travel trailers? Are there any pros/cons to buying new versus used?

    ANy help would be appreciated. I can't wait to get a travel trailer. We don't have kids so I was thinking of a rear living model.

    Scott


    I'll answer only the questions i have had experience with:
    1. Size of truck and size of trailer? I prefer 3/4 or 1 ton diesel trucks if $$ in the budget. What kind of RVing are you planning for you and the family? Long trips i.e. 2 to 5K miles or just short week end trips. How many trips are you planning on taking in a year. How many in your family/friends will determine size/length/weight of trailer you will need. Long cross country trips can have you traveling over mountains with elevation, thus you need more power to maintain a normal driving speed. I am not familiar with the F150 so don't know if it has enough power. I have always had a 3/4 or currenty a 1 ton truck to tow a 26' 5th. wheel , 32' TT and currently a 34' 5th. wheel. Going over mt. passes at th 4K to 6K elevation made the 3/4 diesel truck work
    2. you need a good external H20 filter for health and taste reasons. If your trailer has filters under the sink be sure and replace them as soon as you buy your trailer.
    3. Used or new. Buy one with at least 1 slide out. A used trailer/5th wheel is financially my first choice. BUT BUT only if you take the trailer and have it thoroughly inspected or do it yourself if you have the skills for structure and all systems, electrical, plumbing, heater, air conditioner, slides. If you have got the $$$ and it is not an issue with your family budget---for a new one:)
    Check all the tires for mfg. date,( look on side of each tire) if older than 3 years-- buy new ones and have all the wheel bearings packed before you take your first trip.
    4. buy a Emergency Road Side Service plan before you take off for your 1st. trip
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    1. You probably will run out of payload capacity on a F150 before you reach the tow rating. Figure the weight of any passengers and gear in the truck and subtract that from the tow capacity, including the weight of the weigh distributing hitch you will need. A good guess for tongue weight is about 13% of the trailer's weight so an 8,000 pound trailer would have about 1,000 pounds of tongue weight.
    2. You could be looking at dry weight which is irrelevant because no one tows a trailer dry. You could be looking at the Unloaded Vehicle Weight, you could be looking at the GVWR. These are all different, sometimes by a lot. The one to watch to be really safe is the GVWR.
    3. Not all trailers come with TV antennas. Any TV antenna will pick up HD. An HD antenna is just marketing.
    4.Most trailers do not have any water filtering but it can be added. If they do have it it's usually just to a faucet for drinking water
    5. You mean 30 or 50 amp, not 60. Some trailers have a 30 amp connection, some a 50 amp connection. Most any park that has 50 will have 30 too. Adapters are available. The only real limitation is if you get a 50 amp trailer and go to a park with only 30 A and want to run everything at once. You can't.
    6. Same with RVs. Buying used will save taking the depreciation hit.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2015
    1) Whatever you buy if it is from a dealer Make sure that the contract STATES IN WRITING that the final payment is due AFTER the unit passes the PREDELIVERY inspection. Have someone knowledgeable go with you for the inspection. Everything should be functioning for inspection The fridge should be cold. the hot water heater running the water pump functioning and so forth for every system. There are many stories here of a dealer getting the money and then the rig turns out to have a problem forcing a wait of MONTHS before the new owner gets what he paid for.You are in the best bargaining position BEFORE the dealer has your money.

    3) there is no such thing as an HD over the air antenna. The one on the trailer will be fine.

    4) Some trailers come with a filter at the kitchen sink for filtered drinking water. IF not it is an easy self install project or bargain it into the pr1ce of the rig. Some use filters and softeners on their rigs but I have never seen the need for it. If you are unsure of the water bring a couple of jugs from home or buy a gallon at the store.

    5) Most trailers will need only a 30 amp service maximum. Some motorhomes take a 50 amp service. You can adapt your plug to fit whatever AMP service is provided

    6) Some think that a new trailer can be had for about 30 % off MSRP. The only problem is some manufacturers do not publish a true MSRP. New versus used is your choice and many factors will contribute to your decision. Are you ready to retire? Do you want something specific in the trailer or are you flexible? How long do you intend to keep the rig and will you have rig envy and trade after a few years. Your future earning potential are just some of the questions you need to consider. If you buy used then you enter into another set of variables. Do you tend to get into something GUNG HO and then lose interest and how does you SIG. other feel about this.

    By the way look up the term "china bomb" before you buy.
    And remember the salesman IS NOT your friend his job is to make you pay the maximum he can make you pay. It is how he feeds his family.

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