Buckeyewriting
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Need advice on purchase
Looking at this camper - would like to know what you all think... we are thinking we'll camp 3-4 times a year and two of those will be just down the road from us. Beginners for sure, but have experience with a pop-up camper. We don't mind a little bit of a fixer upper, and realize that our budget is small (~8k). This one is pricing around 7200.Yes... we have a tow vehicle. Our tow vehicle is a Dodge Ram truck. *********************************************** 2007 Jayco Jay Feather 213 for sale in good condition. Light-weight trailer A/C, heater, awning, queen size rear slide-out, new battery, shower/tub, plenty of storage. Bottom bunk folds up to be able to store large items through the Bicycle storage door. Includes hitch and other trailer accessories. Specs Weights: Unloaded vehicle weight (lbs.) 4115 Hitch weight (lbs.) 465 Gross vehicle weight (lbs.) 5500 Cargo carrying capacity (lbs.) 1385 Measurements: Exterior travel length 23'7" Exterior campsite length 27'6" Exterior height w/opt AC 116" Interior headroom (living area) 78" Tank Capacities: Fresh water capacity (gals.) includes water heater 30 Gray wastewater capacity (gals.) 30 Toilet/black wastewater capacity 23 Other: Sleeping capacity 6-8, 6 comfortably2.1KViews0likes6CommentsRe: Disneyland/Anaheim / Beach campgrounds?
bikendan wrote: Buckeyewriting wrote: Looking for a campground that offers a pool somewhat close to Disneyland , we don't mind driving a bit out of our way but prefer it's not longer than one hour of drive time away.... any tips? what time of the year are you asking about? makes a BIG difference. We are going to be there in June407Views0likes0CommentsRe: We are newbies - want to make a smart purchase :)
Thanks for all the comments - please keep em' coming! Good idea on bringing someone - I have someone who can help us uncover any possible issue. What do you think a fair price would be if it was in great working order, no leaks or issues? They are asking $6900 and is the ball hitch / sway bars usually included? What should we absolutely make sure is part of the deal? Thanks again for taking time to share all of your advice and knowledge.396Views0likes0CommentsRe: We are newbies - want to make a smart purchase :)
theoldwizard1 wrote: donn0128 wrote: ... The trailer is long out of warrenty, so thats a non issue. Its a dealer, so ask how much a 1 year "hitch-to-rear-bumper" all inclusive warranty costs. Make sure it would cover repair when you go on the road. What is your tow vehicle ? Permanent tow vehicle is: dodge ram 2003 1500 4.7L But we are towing out West with a Full Size Ford 4350 12 passenger van396Views0likes0CommentsWe are newbies - want to make a smart purchase :)
So we have been prowling around, researching (when we have time), and finding something to fit the needs of our family. We have visited a few "for sale" hybrids on Craigslist, but nothing quite ticks all the boxes for us, then I saw this listing for a " 2009 R-Vision Trail Sport Hybrid - $6500" RATED ~2900 LBS dry (factory) at an RV Dealer... BUT - we don't want to get taken for - haha - as I said, we are NEW at this but have done enough research last year to plan tow vehicle appropriately (Dodge Ram 1500 Truck) and to know what we like and don't like about a camper. Please help us ask the "right" questions at the dealership when we see this trailer. A few things about us: 1. We are new to ownership, but have used a pop-up many times that my sister owns. Our normal tow vehicle will be: dodge ram 2003 1500 4.7l but we are towing with a full size van for a Summer Trip out West. 2. We do want a Hybrid (23' or less - targeting 19-20'). We want a smaller trailer that's towable at or under 3200 lbs dry but need the sleeping room (4 adults sized people, 3 little people = ~950 lbs total for all of us). After this year, our oldest will be off to college, so we'll be down to 3 adults / 3 kids). If we can camp in a pop-up, we can certainly stand each other enough to do a Hybrid. I know its tight, but a bigger camper is NOT an option. FYI. 3. Our BIG trip next year is out west. Will probably do a mix of some hotel rooms stays - but also camping. NOTE: Our tow vehicle will be a full sized van that we are renting locally who are allowing us to tow 4000 or less (dry). After that trip - we will just use it for local camping trips mostly just down the road from us or 2 hours or less and towing with our dodge ram 2003 1500 4.7l and likely it will be 2 adults and 3 children most of the time. 4. Question: Explain to me what we need to ask about for sway bars, ball mounts, etc. Do those come with the camper typically? They came with the last camper we looked at. The receiver hitch is on the truck but we don't have the ball on it. Sorry this is a stupid question! I don't want to look stupid when we go to the lot. Please point me in the right direction. 5. Question: Where do we look for water damage? 6. Anything else we should ask about? Look at? Investigate? My husband worked for Airstream early in his career (its been awhile) so he knows a bit about the body of a trailer, but it ends there. He didn't do the interior work and we haven't ever had to deal with fresh, grey, and black water, etc. or a/c and heaters and a bathroom. My sisters pop-up didn't have it. Thanks - this forum is so super helpful!3.7KViews0likes14CommentsRe: Newbie - California Coast question
BizmarksMom wrote: +1 on the Monterey Bay Aquarium. South of Big Sur, just before you get to Cambria, Hearst Castle is definitely worth touring. For the adults, there are several good wineries in Carmel Valley. I have spent entire days wandering the beaches and trails at Point Lobos. The town of Carmel is great for wandering and window shopping. (Very expensive and beautiful stuff! I usually buy a coffee and just enjoy looking.) What sorts of things does your family enjoy? I would say we enjoy outdoors, love - love - love the beach and the ocean, and truly enjoy quaint living. We like Local spots more than anything commercial (with exception that we are huge Disney fans!) Thanks again!371Views0likes0CommentsYour Top 10 Tips - Large Family
We are hoping to purchase a 2011 jay feather sport hydrid X20 E and have an appropriate tow vehicle. My question for you is... what tips do you have about camping? What did you learn your first time out that you never thought of? Or simply, what do you enjoy the most or hate the most about camping in your TT. We are newbies and hope to take a trip out west next summer. Thanks in advance!3.5KViews0likes19CommentsRe: Newbie - California Coast question
Thanks for all the great comments! We really liked the Big Sur Campground but the occupancy limit will force us to get two spots. If I can tag on another question, I would like to know if anyone has any tips/suggestions to touring the area. We have a party of 2 adults and kids ages 7-18. Would love any tips or suggestions! Thanks!370Views0likes0CommentsNewbie - California Coast question
We may take a 21' Travel Trailer across the country. If we do - I definitely want to go up Route 1 from San Luis Obispo to Big Sur and camp at Big Sur. We are not very experienced (new) so I want to do what is the safest and makes the most sense. Would it be better to take Interstate or another road to the campground in Big Sur, then do a day trip on Route 1 so we can pull off and take it all in. I am picturing being a nervous wreck just in a vehicle, let alone pulling a trailer! I've done this drive many years ago and I remember being nervous back then (before having kids and in my early 20's where I didn't know fear). Would like to know what you all think would be best for inexperienced/newbies like us! Thanks4.4KViews0likes28Comments
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