Travel Trailer Shopping - Newbie

[Cantilli]

We are in the market for a travel trailer (Tow Behind). We have never owned one and don't want to make a buying mistake. Very confused with all the models that appear to be manufactured by the same companies. Any advice?

[normal_dave]

If you literally mean "Dodge Ram 150" The last one of those made was ~1993, then they were called "Ram 1500" afterwards. As much as I love those old Dodges, you'll want to watch the weight, and be sure it is setup to support towing, and we'd want to know more about the truck, engine, transmission, rear gear, etc. to be able to "steer" you in the right direction for a trailer. :C

In addition to the good advice already posted, consider taking a tour through the PPL Motorhomes consignment lot in New Braunfels, TX. Lots of decent used trailers there, no pressure. I also like the Winnebago Minnie line, and I like the online "look" of the Winnebago dealer in Kyle, Texas (RVLand). You will learn a lot, just looking at and walking through different models and brands.

[Takamine]

Take it from someone who went through this a couple of years ago. I upgraded from a popup and had to learn the entire GVWR, Tow capacity, cargo capacity, etc... It can be somewhat daunting and confusing, but it's extremely important to know what your particular vehicle will safely tow. Once you figure that out, you can look at floor plans that suit your needs and stay within the limits of your tow vehicle.

[scarecrow56]

There are several rental sites out there also. Outdoorsy is one. They will rent you a trailer from local owners usually not far from your home. Some will deliver to your campsite. $80-$120 a night for a smaller one. You can rent any type you'd like. Motor homes for $140-$200 a night. Sounds expensive but when you figure in that you dont have to maintain it or store it or worry about it. And then theres the monthly payment to but it. One other thing is in 5-10 years you still get a new trailer to camp in. Pros and cons to both. MHO

[wanderingbob]

My advise , buy the smallest one that you can live with , not the largest that you can tow ! Towing on the razor edge of capacity is not much fun .

[Blazing_Zippers]

Well, when I was a young one---I spent a lot of money on campers that sat along side the house because we worked full time and didn't have spare time to play. Keep that in mind when shopping.
Someone on here suggested renting a trailer for a trip or two. Very good advice. What you think will work for you might not be the case.
Also brought up here was construction, tanks sizes, tow vehicle, etc.
Possibly buying a slightly used unit for awhile will give you ideas about what's important to you without spending a whole lot of money.
See ya out there.....................

[Campfire_Time]

I have some concerns. Most people sort of work up to a travel trailer, coming from tenting, then perhaps a pop-up camper. The fact that you are confused is telling me you probably have no camping experience. That said buying any trailer, even used may be a mistake in itself. What happens if you find that you really don't care for the lifestyle?

I suggest you look into renting one first. Some places will let you tow a rental, some places will deliver the rental to a nearby CG of your choice, some rentals are already onsite. This way if you like it, you'll also start to see what it's all about and be able to determine what you really want in a trailer.

[rbpru]

Buying a trailer is a three legged stool.
* Floor plan - It is the top priority, it remains when all else is resolved or accepted.
* Tow vehicle - It is limited not by what it can pull but by what it can carry, the max cargo capacity.
* Cost - In most cases RVing is a unique pastime or hobby like hunting, fishing or water skiing etc. The cost should not be burdensome.

As suggested, pay attention to tongue weight. I most cases the "dry" weight means nothing, my 5000# TT was supposed to have a 400# tongue weight. Then loaded for the road it is nearer to 700#, about half the max cargo on my F-150.

Since we were not sure of what we wanted, before we spent the big bucks we rented the size and floor plan we wanted for a week in the Ozarks. You learn a lot very quickly that way.

Good Luck

[Dick_B]

Many things to consider but one of my biggies is being able to use the toilet and kitchen when stopped at a Rest Area on the road. No problem with no slide but sometimes the slide gets in the way when closed.

[Jebby14]

valhalla360 wrote:

Cantilli wrote:
We have a Dodge Ram 150.

We still need more info. Particularly for 1/2 ton pickups, their capabilities can vary wildly depending on how they were outfitted at the factory.

If you look on the door jam, there should be a yellow sticker with the capabilities for the truck...as it left the factory.

Tow rating is only one item to look at...and often is not the limiting factor.

The most common limiting factor is payload. You have to include passengers, any after market add-ons (ie: hitch, running boards, truck caps, etc...) along with any cargo in the truck. What's left of payload left to support the hitch weight.

Assume 15% of the GVWR of the trailer as the hitch weight is a good starting point. Get too low and you can get handling issues.

So if you have a 2000lb payload and the truck starts with 400lb of passengers and 600lb of cargo...that leaves 1000lb for hitch weight. At 15% that's about 6600lb trailer max...so even if the tow rating is 8000lb, the truck will be over limits.

and theres a good chance that ram has quite a bit less than 2000 lbs payload. a pic of the door sticker will help us help you.

[prichardson]

Since you are new to this I recommend that you look at good condition used units that are of a size that your tow vehicle can handle have have a floor plan and features to your liking. After you have some use time under your belt, you will find that some of the things you felt were important are not and vice versa.

[valhalla360]

Cantilli wrote:
We have a Dodge Ram 150.

We still need more info. Particularly for 1/2 ton pickups, their capabilities can vary wildly depending on how they were outfitted at the factory.

If you look on the door jam, there should be a yellow sticker with the capabilities for the truck...as it left the factory.

Tow rating is only one item to look at...and often is not the limiting factor.

The most common limiting factor is payload. You have to include passengers, any after market add-ons (ie: hitch, running boards, truck caps, etc...) along with any cargo in the truck. What's left of payload left to support the hitch weight.

Assume 15% of the GVWR of the trailer as the hitch weight is a good starting point. Get too low and you can get handling issues.

So if you have a 2000lb payload and the truck starts with 400lb of passengers and 600lb of cargo...that leaves 1000lb for hitch weight. At 15% that's about 6600lb trailer max...so even if the tow rating is 8000lb, the truck will be over limits.

[trailer_newbe]

Cantilli wrote:
We have a Dodge Ram 150.

Stay below 6,500 GVW on the trailer. That means the trailer dry weight, plus the rated cargo carrying capacity. Also look at your trucks max cargo carrying capacity. You need to understand what the weights mean for your truck, then you start to look at trailers.

[scarecrow56]

I'm kinda in the same boat as you as I havent bought a new camper in 20 years but I'll tell what I THINK I KNOW. (lol) It depends on what you wanna do. how many people are going to sleep in it? Do you have kids and how old are they? Older teens might get tired of camping or getting ready to move out and then you have a monster camper that you may not need. Also, Buy it for yourself. Dont worry about bringing freinds and family if youre not absoloutly sure theyre gonna come with you all the time. Make sure you are comfortable with what you buy. Last years model is usually a better deal and its brand new too. A used one will be more more open to haggling. Your Ram should be able to pull up to around 9000 lbs but there are sites out there that will tell you just what youre specs are. #1 key, figure out your mission and buy what will accommodate it. MHO

[Cantilli]

We have a Dodge Ram 150.