Used HTT Suggestions

Agree on the new 19 if their budget allows. That is actually what we originally ordered back in '06, but FR was up to their eyeballs building 21SS and 23SS as fast as they could. We upgraded most items and they just never got around to building it for many months. Meanwhile, we got back with our dealer and made the change to the 23SS. Turned out this was a much better trailer for us. The 19 has a lot to offer. A popular model, especially for those with less tow capacity. A good entry trailer. Something to consider.

we bought a 2013 model year KZ 16 RBT in 2015 from the dealer for about $10K. The loan is $100/month - so not too bad. We love it and we can tow it with our Tacoma, which is great. I'd recommend looking around in the fall when there is surplus inventory to move - or use the internet to cast a wider net and be willing to drive to pick up the right deal. The good news is that there seem to be a lot of smaller relatively new hybrids for sale as people move up to larger units. For me and my wife the KZ 14 or 16 RBT is great, but I would like the 19' version better, and the towing weight is about the same. (our issue is where to park a larger unit...)

JIM in NH

Mainframe wrote:
I think a Roo 19 (new) would be a perfect first camper, if they have a tow vehicle that can pull it, they would be set, I think if they got it new it would take the worry of some hidden problems out of the equation and just let them enjoy using the camper.

I almost bought a 19 last year, they have a lot in there and you can start from scratch taking good care of it. If they can swing it i would have them at least check out a new roo or shamrock 19.

They would be starting out with a LOT of nice comfort systems and it would be easy to unload if they didn't like it.

Thank you, that's good to hear. They are actually going to look a pre-owned Roo from a private owner, I believe a 21 ft. I saw pictures and it looks like it was well maintained. I can see a brand new hybrid of same size in the driveway in a picture, so I assume they were not happy with the trade-in value and are selling on their own.

I think a Roo 19 (new) would be a perfect first camper, if they have a tow vehicle that can pull it, they would be set, I think if they got it new it would take the worry of some hidden problems out of the equation and just let them enjoy using the camper.

I almost bought a 19 last year, they have a lot in there and you can start from scratch taking good care of it. If they can swing it i would have them at least check out a new roo or shamrock 19.

They would be starting out with a LOT of nice comfort systems and it would be easy to unload if they didn't like it.

Why don't they start with a POPUP !!

They would have the feel of sleeping under tents and they are also a lot cheaper!
Many on Craigslist for under $3500 and in good shape.

If they love that type of camping, they can sell that popup afterward without losing much money and then upgrade to an HTT

Thanks everyone. They are still looking. I went with him yesterday to look at a few, and actually scary what's out there. Of course the salesmen want to put them in a new unit right away, but I think it's best if they get their feet wet with a used unit. Actually one of the units we saw, I'm sure the previous owners had their feet wet quite a bit...not much left to the floor!

NY RVer wrote:
My son and daughter-in-law have recently started looking for a used HTT; any particular ones they should "shy away" from? I am familiar with Class C's and TT, but never had a HTT. They currently have a 10 month old son, and a dog that would be going along for now, so I think a HTT would be a good start; possibly a 19ft+. They have a GMC 1500, so towing should not be a problem. Also, if anyone has, or knows someone selling one, please PM me.

well, since Hybrids require slightly more maintenance, than other RVs, finding a good used one is harder.
since the bunk ends are basically big holes on the sides of the trailer, attention to those areas are very important. unfortunately, many used hybrids didn't get that attention from previous owners.

so since you are familiar with other RVs, the only difference inspecting a hybrid, are the bunk door areas. all other areas would be the same as any RV(roof, sides, floor, etc.)

the seals, hinge area, the bunk door itself and around the bunk door frame, are the areas that can be bad due to water intrusion.

as dadmomh said, many used hybrids are from defunct manufacturers, like Trail-lite.

the most popular and proven hybrid brands are: Rockwood Roo/Flagstaff Shamrock, Jayco and Starcraft.
i would avoid any hybrid from R-Vision and Dutchmen hybrids, Aerolite Cub/Kodiak.

also, older hybrids had issues early on, from 2000 to about 2005.
since then, hybrid designs have improved and have had less issues.

To dadmomh's point, older ones could be a problem. They are subject to the same things as other TTs, roof leaks from dried/cracked seals, etc. We're on our second Jayco HTT, the fist was purchased in '03 and served us well for 10 years. That said, no matter what type of unit you are looking at you have to inspect to see how well (or not) it was cared for.

Need to consider the age they're considering and their budget. Some manufacturers of HTTs are no longer in business or have been merged with another company who does not make HTTs. Suggest they look at ones who have a longer track record, still making HTTs and have better reputations for support. Rockwood ROO/Flagstaff Shamrock - same trailer, different name - come to mind because we had a ROO and no issues. Ours was a 2007. Jayco has a good reputation and build a quality product as well. There are others, but these come to mind first.

The older the HTT, the more chance of leakage and water damage, so they need to check this very, very carefully. Our '07 had no water problems. HTT camping is a great start. Hope they can find the perfect one. A 19 is a nice starting point as well. Good luck.