DutchmenSport wrote:
Startrek and Sonic are both manufactured by Venture RV.
Venture RV
0985 North, 900 West
Shipshewana, IN 46565
I've seen a few Sonic's running around in Indiana, but never noticed a Startrek (and I'm always noticing RV's).
Considering the camper is manufactured in Northern Indiana right in RV manufacturer's paradise, I would think the Startrek would be a reasonably good camper. I looked at their website and didn't see if the body frame is wood or aluminum. It says it has walkable roof.
Not having personal experience with this model, I would give it a 50/50. It would have to have the floor plan I like first, then the price I'd consider second.
Best advice I can give you is to do some comparable shopping. You know what the floor plan looks like. Now go visit the camper at the dealership and get a good feel for it. THEN go visit other campers at the dealership or another dealership with the same floor plan and see what's different between the different brands...weight of camper, construction, interior decor, appliances. Which is more appealing to the eye, which has better mattresses on the beds. Which has a more comfortable couch. By comparing with similar floor plan, but a different brand, you'll soon have your own answer.
The one we liked most before this was a Salem (can't remember the model) and a Bullet Premier 34bhps, we probably spent about two hours going through the Sporttrek multiple times, still I feel like the biggest seller to me is the large opposing slides in the living area and the big couch that can fit all five of us.
rbpru wrote:
If you enjoy the feel of a pop-up and it's closeness to natural, you may find that lacking with a TT.
There is absolutely no doubt that a TT provides the conveniences of home and makes camping a lot easier but I have found it adds a lot more upkeep. The biggest changes were 10 mpg, 250 mile days, 60 mph and greater concern over camping sights.
I believe I would try renting a motor coach to see how I liked living the RV style.
The popup was just bought as a first camper for us, it was $1,400 and in really really good shape for the age. Stored inside, all original documentation including warranty info (long expired of course lol) and we didn't want to get into a loan. It is nice and we will keep it as well for some trips but the lack of a bathroom and overall tight quarters for the family just doesn't cut it. I grew up camping in travel trailers and popups and by far prefer the travel trailer.
IdaD wrote:
I think at that length you're better off in a fifth wheel. They tow better and give you a shorter overall package because they overlap the truck by a good 4'. You could go to a 39' fifth wheel and be the same total length, or with a 35' fifth wheel it would be equivalent to a 31' TT. Just something to consider.
Google a Jayco 325BHQS as an example of a midsize fifth wheel with a layout that might appeal to you. Bear in mind that this setup would be a bit shorter hitched to the same truck as the trailer you mentioned. Or a lower priced fiver with a similar layout is a Hideout 308BHDS.
Fifth wheels do cost more but you could mitigate that with a used unit.
Edit - I agree with the comment above about mileage and a very different feel with hard sided camper versus a popup. To me they are hands down better and more versatile. I'm not sure where the 250 mile comment is coming from - I've covered 900 in a day with my fifth wheel.
We have looked at fifth wheels as well but the added cost throws us off, we have not completely ruled it out yet though. We are wanting to stay under or very close to $30,000 and under 10,000 lbs loaded. I will be looking for a 2001 - 2006 Chevy / GMC 2500 with the 6.0. I realize the 8.1 or Duramax would be a better puller overall, but it will be my daily driver also so the 6.0 would better suit us overall. Living in Mid Michigan the terrain is basically flat and we would mostly be staying around a one or two hour drive for camping, thinking even going seasonal at a place about a half hour away. That Jayco does look nice but the price is much higher then we would like to go for new, which we want new so it will be ours from day one. Might be a silly way to look at it, but at this point it is what we want.
I really appreciate the comments / advice so far, thank you!
