Travel Trailer Advice

So I want to buy one. I know nothing about them.


Is there a forum similar to this that would help educate me?

Looking for a bunkhouse. I want something quality but I don’t need the “platinum”. More like a nice crew max with an off-road package so to speak.

Any tips in my search?

Thank You All

 

https://www.tundras.com/forums/towing-hauling.53/

I'd look for an Ultralight TT 6500lb dry or less. The higher you go, the more squirrelly it can get, the harder it is to stop. Some in the fb group push the limits many of us here wouldn't.

Your max payload is listed on the sticker inside your door. That's calculated by weight of mods done to your truck, passengers, gear you bring, and tongue weight of trailer. Your TW will increase when you add propane tanks, battery and if there is front storage in the TT.

You'll need (some maybe):
-tow mirrors
-WDH
-air bags
-Furrion backup cam
-Tekonsha P3 if you don't have a brake controller

 

I pull an 18’ ultralight Edge bumper pull. Even with running on 37s and stock gears feels like a dream to pull.

 

Thanks guys! When it comes to specific trailer makes it seems like the reviews are pretty much mixed for all of them.

Any insight on a particular make that offers good quality/value

 

All trailers are pretty much built the same, until you get into the higher pricepoints. You will notice variences between two of the exact same model parked side by side that rolled off the line one after another.

The best advice I can give is go over it with a fine tooth comb, don't completely trust the salesman, the more you use it/the less it breaks, and visit the forums out there (there are tons). Youtube is also turning into a great resource with tons of information.

Goodluck!

 

I picked up a coachman almost 5 months ago. I have taken it out 4 times anywhere from 80 miles to 650 miles one way. I love it. But I suppose i haven't had it long enough to have any complaints yet.

 

You can get very deep down the rabbit hole very quickly talking about trailers. There is a great youtube channel called big truck big RV. He does a lot of walk throughs and explains things build quality and differences. As far as trailer construction goes, they are built cheaply and everything is pretty flimsy but that is normal until you get into the very high end models. As stated previously check the individual trailer you are interested before you buy it. There will be a weight sticker on the tongue that give you dry weight. I can almost guarantee it won't be what the brochure or the salesman tells you. My best advise is to figure out how big of a trailer you need, and then determine how much weight you can tow. There is much more that goes into how much weight you can tow than just the max towing capacity. You already have the truck so now you have to find a trailer you can safely pull. Just because a trailer says "half ton towable" doesn't mean it is. This is a great video that explains some of that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwFLOBrADBs

 

This is a rabbit hole, trust me I’m in it. There’s tons of good forums out there from ExPo to irv2.com

Things I have learned so far:
- stay light with the tundra pulling
- like everyone mentioned, they are built pretty cheaply (read: be ready to DIY maintenance or pay bucks to have it maintained)
- off road TT’s will never really be truly “off-road” until you start spending $40k+
- mods are almost like the tundra, once you pop you can’t stop
- no two TT’s are the same a close inspection is critical
- buy used. They depreciate like crazy
- loans on them are a total scam at 10yr plus pay cash unless you like long term financing a quickly depreciating asset.

That’s where I’m at so far.

Oh... And I looked at 1500’s and 2500’s today just in case I really like them and want to upgrade to a bigger TT in the future.

 

We went with the Passport brand because of the aluminum construction (vs. wood) and more/better insulation. Not a high end brand, but something akin to “Limited” trim on a tundra. Concur with what the other posters have said regarding resources (+1 on Big Truck Big RV; his videos are priceless) and being prepared to do your own maintenance. Also consider storage location and options; we’re paying quite a bit for covered storage so the sun doesn’t beat the hell out of the thing.

 

you can easily lift most trailers almost 5 inches by simply doing and over/under axle switch. Simply purchase longer u-bolts and a cheap kit with the metal brackets sized for your axle diameter and move the axle from above the leafs to below them. Throw a decent larger tire on there and you have a completely capable follower rig for behind your tundra for a few hundred bucks.

 

Not sure how much you want to spend, but here is a starting point for you. We paid 12k for this brand new. (2015) It’s good for 2 people. Jayco makes another model up from this one that has bunk beds but still uses a single axle..I think that is around 14k. My advice is to go small, simply because it’s easy to maneuver around. Good luck on your search.

 

I’ve been looking at the Jayco’s myself. That and the NoBo from Forest River

 

I didn’t know anything about Jayco when we bought it. We just liked that it was small and affordable. Lol. But it has definitely proved itself, after 4 years and still pulling it everywhere, nothing has ever broke.

 

Great stuff everybody. Keep it coming. Anyone have experience with the Colman lantern series? I’ve heard they aren’t built to last but it seems like that’s pretty standard. I like the price/features.

Also I have only ever towed a 16’ light v Hull for duck hunting. How crazy is it towing a 6500 27’ trailer? Man that’s a noob question.....

 

Tons of people pulling 6500 pound trailers, no issues.

 

Anyone ever look into a cargo trailer conversion? Colorado Trailers look like they make some pretty cool trailers. I’ve read that they are built better

 

We looked at literally hundreds of travel trailers in our search for something of decent build quality that wouldn’t break the bank. We’d check out YouTube reviews and internet info only to see them in person and be so disappointed with the shoddy workmanship. We finally settled on a Lance. They are a bit more pricey than the average but comparing to an Airstream are quite affordable.

My advice is shy away from stick and tin construction and go with fiberglass and aluminum if you can. Also, most of the manufacturers pay their workers by the piece so they are slapped together as fast they can crank them out. You’ll generally get better quality from a business that pays employees by the hour. Don’t forget to add in a quality weight distribution hitch with sway control (Equalizer and Andersen are very popular).

Good luck with your search!