Hey all!

I am looking for a trailer, I don't know much about them or what's involved with the purchase and ownership of them. But perhaps you guys can help me before I start looking. As far as travel trailers go what's a good brand to go with? Price? Sizes, etc. etc.?

What's involved with the purchase of one? Registration, insurance? All that good stuff.

I'm thinking 5th wheel is probably the best way to go, because it'll track better and be a better ride all together. What brands are good brands? Are there brands to stay away from? I've seen Montana, Coachman, and some others on the road, Montanas look nice from the outside. What's your opinion about these and any brand not mentioned? I guess that's all I have for now, if I come up with more questions I'll be sure to put them down.

Thanks in advance.

JonEdited by: Wolverine

Have you considered joining the RV net? Lots of good stuff there about your questions.


I'm kind of in the same boat as you, but I've been looking at toy boxes for six months now, and so far I really like the KZ toy haulers...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Zeeb,

Nope I hadn't where do I go to do that? Just RV net something er other?

Jon

There are several areas of it, but this link will get you to the community page where the forums are linked. You'll need to join in order to post questions:


http://www.rv.net/community/

Great another forum...lol Someone already has my name on that forum...looks like I'll be WolverineJon on RVnet.Edited by: Wolverine

Northwood products (Artic Fox and Nash) are excellent products, as are NuWa (Hitch Hiker) Sunnybrook, Jayco, Carriage, Cross Roads, Excel, Newmar, and Holiday Rambler to name a few. New Horizon trailers are probably the best of all, but priced accordingly.

Fifth wheels are reputed to tow better than conventional trailers, though with a good hitch on a conventional the gap can be narrowed or eliminated. 5ers are probably easier to hitch up, as well. They tend to be heavier than conventional trailers and some people like their split level nature. I like flat floors better, but that's just a personal choice. 5ers are also taller than conventional trailers, so if you like to look down on your neighbors, that's an easy way to do it.

TC

Tsckey,

Thanks for your input. I've still got a fews days of vacation left so hopefully I can do a little more research before I get back to work again. Thanks again. I'll check em out.

Jon

Jon,

I forgot to address your questions about buying, registering, and insuring your trailer. If you go through a dealer, it is just the same as buying your truck. They take care of the paperwork. Insurance you'll have to get for yourself, but our auto insurance company provided us with a good rate, so that wasn't a problem, either. If you buy from out of state, as we did, you will have to check with your own DMV to determine what it requires. We had to bring in the paperwork and the trailer to have the VIN number and trailer size verified and, of course to pay the sales tax. It turned out to be a bit of a hassle in our case because the Cal. DMV made a mistake and we had to bring the trailer back in a second time. Actually, I secretly didn't mind all that much; I like towing the thing around. I'm guessing that buying a used trailer from a private party would be very much like buying out of state: the burden to get the papers where they need to go falls entirely on your shoulders. It's worth it, though, these things are fun.

TC

Jon,


I think that the Montana line is made by Keystone mfg. I think it is a fairly decent line. You get a lot of bang for the buck. That's the line we are considering after we use our new Travel Trailer for a few years.


Some things to think about, MSRP on RV's is about 30% higher than you should have to pay so, shop around don't be in a hurry, and if you can, go to an RV show to allow yourself the opportunity to look at as many models and layouts as possible. This is an excellent way to study construction, quality, and features that you like or don't like.


Buying one of these is buying a second home, so don't settle for something you won't be happy with for a long time.


And one last piece of advice: Everybody thinks their opinion is the right one, so take everything you read or hear with a grain of salt. Filter out the trash and go camping.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

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Filter out the trash and go camping.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





Geez, and I've been using a tent all these years....

Jon, before you can get a big 5er, you need to get your trans upgraded cause I know how you drive.. OK thats done.


Then you need gauges... Hmmm, thats done too......


Then you need a hitch!


Other then that, find one that you like, is in your price range, and go.


If I had your money, I would start by looking at a Travel Supreme or something upscale.


PS, My Open Road seems to do the trick for me

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Filter out the trash and go camping.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





Geez, and I've been using a tent all these years....





That's the way my wife and I grew up. My Daughter's first 5 years was tent camping, then my wife twisted my arm and we went the Pop up route. I told her I'd never pull a TT or a 5'er. Now we've had a 30ft Trail-lite, and in a few years, will move up to a 5'er then to class A upon retirement.


I got to admit, a TT is much better in the heat and rain than any tent. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I have a question. Can you finance your truck into the 5er?


I mean I have some good equity in my Dmax and it would be nice to roll it all into a tax deduction....Not worried about interest rate since I wouldn't take it if it wasn't good but I have heard of people doing this with slide in campers.

I have a Cardinal 5th wheel by Forest River... I also looked at the Montana's and liked them also... See my Truck Pics below for info on the 5th wheel and the truck.........Triffid