Jason234
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Joined 8 years ago
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Pulled the trigger
Well after weeks of searching, looking at dozens of travel trailers and visiting 10 dealerships, we finally found "the one." Thanks to those who gave me your opinion on previous posts about my different options. We ended up going with a 2017 Keystone Passport 2810BH Ultra Lite Grand Touring. It has everything the wife and I wanted. The quality seems to be very good, dry weight of only 5200 and tongue weight of 565. Spent a little more than we originally wanted but I think we will be pleased with this one. Now, tell me some absolutes I need to buy for the TT. Things you can't live without in your TT. We are not new to the camping lifestyle, but will be new to doing it in style, lol.2.8KViews0likes15CommentsRe: Got it narrowed down to a few, opinions please.......
Joe Williams wrote: You have some nice options narrowed down. My question is what kind of pickup are you pulling this thing with? Sure there are pros/cons to buying new vs used. But if you are like me, I didn't want to sleep in somebody else's trailer. However, your towing vehicle is the most important factor to what you get in my opinion. I bought a camper that pushed the envelope on my TV, and paid for it with a new transmission when I forgot to put it in tow/haul mode. My fault, costly mistake. My new truck has a much higher towing cap so it is a lot more comfortable to pull. All that said, I looked at that catalina and loved it. I really wanted it, and still regret not buying it. Of course, it's a lot heavier than mine so there was no way in hell I could've gotten it without getting a new truck I think I will be good after doing much reading on this forum. 2012 Ford F-150 FX4 Super Crew 5.0L, 3.73 gears, 145" wheel base Full tow package with electric brake controller I will purchase a top of the line weight distribution hitch with sway control. Max GCWR 15,100 Max trailer weight 9,300 Payload 1,421 If I stay under 700 pounds for tongue weight and TT under 6,000 I think I am fine. Let me know if you think I'm wrong. I'm here to learn. I will be staying in the Mid-West for the most part.456Views0likes0CommentsRe: Got it narrowed down to a few, opinions please.......
IDman wrote: Jason, I am just curious as to what the great attraction is for the bathroom door to the outside? I don't mean anything by this; just wondering what I am missing. My wife thinks it would be nice to have because we wouldn't have to track through the whole trailer to get to the bathroom. I guess she thinks we could just enter through that door if we are outside, around the fire having adult beverages. its not something we have to have, just something she likes.456Views0likes0CommentsRe: Got it narrowed down to a few, opinions please.......
bob213 wrote: First trailer had one door. New trailer has two. Would never go back to one. Like the idea of lifetime warranty but how much does yearly inspection cost? I have a Forest River and am happy but if you have the TV to handle the tongue weight the Open Range it sure looks nice to me. Good luck with whatever you decide. Happy camping! The yearly inspection is 119.00 and they do a complete inspection on the camper. The open range is not but a little more than I want to spend and the tongue weight is concerning.273Views0likes0CommentsRe: Got it narrowed down to a few, opinions please.......
donn0128 wrote: First new or first ever RV? If this a first ever,,please do yourself a favor. Before plunking down thousands on a new consider how much your going to loose in two/three years when you realize the RV lifestyle is not for you. Or heaven forbid you realize this one simply does not work for you and you want to trade to something different. Go buy a used RV as a first and let someone else absorb the huge depreciation. This will be my first ever TT although I have been camping/floating for many years. After using a buddies TT last year, I will never sleep in a tent again, lol. We know what we want and we will use it, it wont sit. We do Mid-Missouri float trips on a regular basis and like to camp on the many lakes in Missouri and Illinois. This is something we want and will enjoy. My problem with buying used is the unknown with the TT and no warranty.273Views0likes0CommentsGot it narrowed down to a few, opinions please.......
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have my first travel trailer purchase narrowed down. Any first hand experience with these would be greatly appreciated. I have looked at seven different dealers and dozens of brands and models in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Some of those dealers drove me away and others kept my interest. All these have a rear bunks and slide with dinette and couch. 1. Salem Cruise Lite 263BHXL (Made by Forest River) -Probably the most bang for your buck. Better quality than I expected. Dealer gives you lifetime warranty as long as you complete an annual inspection. 2. Jayco Jay Flight 267BHSW -Nice quality, two year warranty with twelve on roof, a little more pricey and would need to purchase some extras I want. Doesn't have the exterior door to the bathroom my wife likes/wants but not a deal breaker. 3. Open Range Ultra Light UT2704BH by Highland Ridge -Nice quality with all the bells and whistles but quite a bit more money. Dealer gives you lifetime warranty as long as you complete an annual inspection. Heaviest tongue weight of all of them. 4. Ameri-lite 268BH by Gulf Stream -Has everything we want but lacks the quality. Cheapest price of all. Two year warranty, twelve on roof. 5. Coachman Catalina 261BHS -Nice quality but would need to purchase some extras I want. Doesn't have the exterior door to the bathroom my wife likes/wants but not a deal breaker. Heaviest UVW of all of them. What say you?3.8KViews0likes28CommentsRe: Need recommendations for Travel Trailer
DutchmenSport wrote: Someone else will chime in on your tow vehicle. I'm not going there. Great suggestions! Thank you. I have been doing a ton of research on towing with a 1/2 ton truck and the opinions are all over the place. I have towed a 26' TT with it one time before and it did great. Thanks!475Views0likes0CommentsRe: Need recommendations for Travel Trailer
twxsby89 wrote: I have a Coachmen, and we love it. 3 daughters, and they love their bunks. We ordered ours from the factory, and one thing I regret not getting is a ladder. Too late now, Forest River tells me that I don't have the support to mount one. I could have, had I known to ask when it was still being built. We've had ours just over 1 year, and are still happy. The Coachmen looks great on Table Rock Lake by the way. We love Table Rock! Thanks for the info. We really like the Coachman at this point but there is so much out there to see.474Views0likes0Comments
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