Camper, Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel, RV...what ya got? WE GOT ONE ORDERED!!
Well, we ordered ourselves a travel trailer! We ended up going with something we hadn't even considered.....a Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 26RR. It's mostly a camper, with a bit of toy hauler ability. We liked the awesome bathroom and private bedroom, with the nice open concept of the back, with ability to store our kayaks. We also liked the nice rear deck option. We're pretty dang excited!
https://www.cliffjonesrv.com/rv/2020-Forest-River-Cherokee-Grey-Wolf-26RR-Toy-Hauler
With the recent addition of the truck, we have really started looking into travel trailers more. More likely than not, we will end up waiting until this time next year to make a purchase, but I think we have definitely narrowed down our options.
It seems that no matter which brand & model we look at, the RL (Rear Living room) floorplan is what we like. We have settled in around the 24' range, with 1 slide. It seems to be a nice compromise between big enough to keep somewhere semi-permanent, but towable.
These are the 2 that we are really considering:
https://www.williesrv.com/rv/25810
https://www.williesrv.com/rv/25149
Jon
https://www.cliffjonesrv.com/rv/2020-Forest-River-Cherokee-Grey-Wolf-26RR-Toy-Hauler
With the recent addition of the truck, we have really started looking into travel trailers more. More likely than not, we will end up waiting until this time next year to make a purchase, but I think we have definitely narrowed down our options.
It seems that no matter which brand & model we look at, the RL (Rear Living room) floorplan is what we like. We have settled in around the 24' range, with 1 slide. It seems to be a nice compromise between big enough to keep somewhere semi-permanent, but towable.
These are the 2 that we are really considering:
https://www.williesrv.com/rv/25810
https://www.williesrv.com/rv/25149
Jon
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I would think there would be tons of these things for sale used. Most of the ones I see near by set in the yard most of the year with the tires rotting. If you are only using one a few weeks per year I would consider renting. Of course if you are going to be spending a lot of time on the road I can see purchasing. There are a ton of videos on YouTube done by folks living in them that discuss pros and cons of different models. From what I have seen concerning motor homes the warranties are useless due to the fact there are several different manufacturers making different parts and they just blame each other for any failures. I think if I was doing it I would look at a used school bus and build what I want. Either way, Good Luck!! 0 -
You can rent a motel/hotel room cheaper...with less headaches, no up-keep, no clean-ups, insurance, etc etc. and still have money left over for your next few excursions 
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All I have ever needed.0 -
Jon, I have been vacationing in a travel trailer with my family for about 25 years now. I have always bought used models until last year. The wife and I both agreed to buy new since this will probably be our last one. One of my requirements before buying new was to have a enclosed building to store it in. I hate seeing a camper sitting out baking in the sun. Storing them outside makes them go downhill quick, especially the appearance. So I built a 32'X36' deep building and then last year, we bought the new unit. We went with a Open Range "Light" made by Highland Ridge RV. It is 32' and has opposing slides, 2 A/C units, a LCD electric fireplace and all kinds of neat features. We stay at campgrounds that are like resorts. Very nice places and normally the folks camping around us are great people. I looked at the Jayco travel trailers before buying and found some horror stories of poor build quality. There are some youtube videos documenting Jayco problems. There are probably issues with any brand including Open Range. Good luck with whatever you decide. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Here is a picture of ours. 0 -
Jon, A couple other things to check before buying. The roof membrane on most travel trailers is going to be either EPDM, PVC or TPO. The one we bought has a PVC membrane and supposedly it will last a minimum of 15 years (hopefully longer being stored under a roof). EPDM lasts about 10-12 years and I am not familiar with TPO. Also ask the dealer if the A/C unit is a 13500 btu or the upgraded 15000 btu. The smaller A/C unit may struggle to keep up. Our current unit is laminated fiberglass and its much easier to clean than the corrugated aluminum.
Another nice feature is a quick connect port for the propane. We have a outdoor grill and heater/propane campfire that we can plug in to the auxillary gas port and that eliminates carrying a extra 20 lb propane tank.
Also check if the unit is 30 amp or 50 amp for the power supply. A smaller unit may be fine with the 30amp hookup.
Once again, best of luck and post up some pics with whatever you go with.
Don0 -
I have a 2012 Cruiser Fun Finder XT 276 Toy Hauler, 30 foot to haul my Harley Davidson Ultra Classic held in place with a Condor wheel chock. The unit was purchased new, factory special ordered with desired options.
Here are the specs: totally disagree with the review as not one issue/malfunction with my unit...and purchase price was $10 grand under MSRP from a wonderful dealer.
http://www.rvguide.com/specs/cruiser-rv/toy-hauler/2012/fun-finder-xtra/xt-276.html
Some photos....interior and exterior. https://www.usedrvsforsale.com/product/new-2012-cruiser-fun-finder-xtra-xt-276-822118-28https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2012-Cruiser-Rv-Fun-Finder-Xtra-XT-276-5007114679
Some stock photos: https://www.usedrvsforsale.com/product/new-2012-cruiser-fun-finder-xtra-xt-276-822118-28
I pull it with a 2014 Dodge Ram 2500 AT 4X4 Crew Cab 6.4 L Hemi, 373 gears, tow package, Rambox option, Revolver X2 tonneau cover, with an Equal-I-zer anti-sway hitch.
Regardless of the make you buy, nearly all campers use the same components for appliances, lighting, bath/kitchen fixtures, slide mechanisms, A/C, Furnace, etc. And just like vehicles, there are favorites and detractors of each brand.
It's great taking your "house" with you on trips/vacation....and always have a clean bathroom to use 'on the road.' No issues with bed bugs in hotels/motels, crappy pillows, and no suitcases to unpack/pack daily. Nice campgrounds are reasonable or can boondock for free and sometimes, if need be, can stay free overnight in most WalMart parking lots that are illuminated and have security w/cameras.
Buy a unit that meets your needs.
For a do-over; I get one with a built in generator.0 -
We have a short 18 foot travel trailer that I keep near deer camp. It sleeps 4 and has a tv and micro. Beats the barn I used to stay in. Oh and hot water is the cats pajamas after cleaning up some deer meat.
It?s big enough but not too big for now0 -
I have three of them, they're all bumper pulls, between 23 and 26 ft. They're all fairly new with the 26 foot one being a new edition this year. But the reason why I have so many, is because I rent them out when I don't use them. I get about five-year Payback, so they're actually come to me at no cost plus makes me money.
You might want to think about buying a new or nearly one and ran it out when you're not using it. You can get a minimum of $100 a day rental on them depending on the size and that way it pays for itself. It seems like I rent my 24 footer out more, about twice as much than the 23 or the 26-footer. Most people feel the 23 foot is too small and the 26-foot is too big
There are companies that will put them up on the web for you for a portion of the rental. That's what I do. Plus I have a nephew that has an RV company that sends all the people calling him wanting to rent to me because he doesn't want to deal with it.
Here is one of the companies that I have listed mine through to rent them for me. But there's companies all over the United States to do this for you. I think they charge between $120 and $140 a dayi and I get $100 and $120 a day0 -
Looked at the specs on that unit
Big plus- USA made tires.
Chinka Maypop failures are well known. I was lucky one went at 35 mph - brothers blew at 65 mph and wiped out the back of his unit.
20 yrs - 49 states Canada and mexihole.
[https://i.imgur.com/E2sYiRH.jpg][/img]0 -
Got a 30 ft. 5th wheel Cougar by keystone. Am currently living full time in it for the up coming RV season. Rear living room , one BIG slide out, lots of windows, {this is a must for me, not like living in a can}.
4 th season for me living full time each summer. Love it. Meet the best people.
Remember this about RV er's.....You meet such nice people in Rv's because, they WANT to be here, not they HAVE to be here.
One word of warning....New Rv's no matter who made it, have loads of troubles. Quaitly control is out the window, they need to make them so fast.
You may want to look into a newer USED rv. you don't take the hit on deprecation and the bugs are usallly worked out.0 -
I have an old horse trailer that has living quarters and I put my 4-wheeler in the horse area works good for me when going hunting 0 -
2012 Tundra and a Holiday Inn Express. 0 -
remingtonoaks wrote:I have three of them, they're all bumper pulls, between 23 and 26 ft. They're all fairly new with the 26 foot one being a new edition this year. But the reason why I have so many, is because I rent them out when I don't use them. I get about five-year Payback, so they're actually come to me at no cost plus makes me money.
You might want to think about buying a new or nearly one and ran it out when you're not using it. You can get a minimum of $100 a day rental on them depending on the size and that way it pays for itself. It seems like I rent my 24 footer out more, about twice as much than the 23 or the 26-footer. Most people feel the 23 foot is too small and the 26-foot is too big
There are companies that will put them up on the web for you for a portion of the rental. That's what I do. Plus I have a nephew that has an RV company that sends all the people calling him wanting to rent to me because he doesn't want to deal with it.
Here is one of the companies that I have listed mine through to rent them for me. But there's companies all over the United States to do this for you. I think they charge between $120 and $140 a dayi and I get $100 and $120 a day
Was in the rental business for some 10 -12 years and got out. BEST decision I ever made. Renters don't own it and don't give a crap how they treat someone else's' property is my experience....and will still sue you for their damage deposit back. :x0 -
Quick&Dead wrote:remingtonoaks wrote:I have three of them, they're all bumper pulls, between 23 and 26 ft. They're all fairly new with the 26 foot one being a new edition this year. But the reason why I have so many, is because I rent them out when I don't use them. I get about five-year Payback, so they're actually come to me at no cost plus makes me money.
You might want to think about buying a new or nearly one and ran it out when you're not using it. You can get a minimum of $100 a day rental on them depending on the size and that way it pays for itself. It seems like I rent my 24 footer out more, about twice as much than the 23 or the 26-footer. Most people feel the 23 foot is too small and the 26-foot is too big
There are companies that will put them up on the web for you for a portion of the rental. That's what I do. Plus I have a nephew that has an RV company that sends all the people calling him wanting to rent to me because he doesn't want to deal with it.
Here is one of the companies that I have listed mine through to rent them for me. But there's companies all over the United States to do this for you. I think they charge between $120 and $140 a dayi and I get $100 and $120 a day
Was in the rental business for some 10 -12 years and got out. BEST decision I ever made. Renters don't own it and don't give a crap how they treat someone else's' property is my experience....and will still sue you for their damage deposit back.
Even with an iron clad, attorney written contract, the liberal judges will still screw the honest business person. :x0 -
I agree with all new units having some issues. If you buy new and have no problems, you are in the minority and are very lucky. We bought ours last August and had some cabinet panels warp (from high humidity I think, we now use a dehumidifier) which was fixed under warranty by the dealer we bought from. Most new RV's will come with a 1 year warranty and that's it. Ours has a 1 year warranty, but 3 year "structural" warranty. Open Range/Highland Ridge RV is very good at covering problems during the warranty. Buying a used model can be a better route (providing the owner has the clear title and has taken care of it) because normally a lot of the bugs have been worked out. Any RV owner should be able to perform minor troubleshooting and possess some mechanical ability/aptitude. A multi meter is a great tool to help with troubleshooting minor electrical problems. Every RV I have seen has a ammonia/electric refrigerator/freezer. They do not have a compressor like a normal fridge. Its a good idea to run the fridge periodically in the off season and exercise all of the systems from time to time when possible between trips. Always store the unit parked as level as possible.
Buying a new travel trailer is expensive, but this is how we vacation and plan on traveling cross country with it once we retire. I do not like to stay at hotels or sleep where others have slept (bed bugs, ect...). Most newer RV's are very plush and comfortable with all the creature comforts. We also have several other families that have RV's and we get together on many occasions and camp together. For us it is worth the expense and effort, but each to his own. 8-)0 -
Sam06 wrote:
All I have ever needed.
That and a good motorcycle and you'd be set for a month on the road. Longer if ya ride alone.0 -
This unit is a 4 seasons unit. It has a heated and enclosed underbelly. The way it works is pretty innovative and Open Range has a patent pending on the design. When running the heat ducts through the floor, they ran a extra duct that recirculates fan forced heat into the underbelly keeping all the water lines from freezing. Only problem is you have to keep the propane heat running all winter and this could be expensive. Mine has an electric LCD fireplace that will heat the entire unit (315 square feet) but the recirculation duct only works when using the propane heat. The propane heating system in every RV I have ever owned is outstanding. Its a thermostatically controlled small propane fired furnace (35,000 btu IIRC) with a squirrel cage fan and it keeps it toasty warm in the cold weather.
As far as the repair went, it took them longer than I anticipated because they had to get panels from the manufacturer that were on "backorder". I dropped it off October 25 and got it back January 10th. I told them I was in no hurry because I had no trips planned during that time period. Total time was about 10 weeks or so and I would rather have had it parked inside my building instead of out in the weather. I have heard other stories of people waiting ridiculous amounts of time to get warranty work done.0 -
Wow, good information here guys!
We went and looked at a few again today. I think we are really considering the Jayco Jay Flight I posted a link to. It comes with a complete 2 year warranty and at a reasonable price tag. It seems to include most of the stuff we would want or need and not much stuff we wouldn't, which is why it seems to be a nice price point for us.
We are going to keep looking though. Please keep the thoughts and experiences coming as they pop in your head.
Jon0 -
Wife and I spend our time in a 2013 Montana 325 36' 5th wheel with 3 slides. 0 -
Our travel trailer is ordered and on it's way. It should be here in a few weeks tops!
Jon0 -
Soooo... you gonna keep us in suspense or tell us what you ordered? 0 -
asphalt cowboy wrote:Sam06 wrote:
All I have ever needed.
That and a good motorcycle and you'd be set for a month on the road. Longer if ya ride alone.
Yup, traveled that way & with a small tent on my Harley across much of the USA for decades. Great places and great times.
However, age has a way of changing things so 'creature comforts' are more appreciated when past 70.....but still put plenty of miles on the Harley every year.0 -
Sig220_Ruger77 wrote:Our travel trailer is ordered and on it's way. It should be here in a few weeks tops!
Jon
My it bring you many enjoyable times, regardless of brand.0 -
NeoBlackdog wrote:Soooo... you gonna keep us in suspense or tell us what you ordered?
I posted the link in my original post.
It is a Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 26RR......that's a mouthful! Here's basically what we are getting.
https://www.cliffjonesrv.com/rv/2020-Forest-River-Cherokee-Grey-Wolf-26RR-Toy-Hauler
Jon0 -
Nice looking rig, brother. We went on our first trip this season last week in Williamsburg. The wife followed me towing the boat as I towed the travel trailer. We have many more trips planned this season. For us, it is the best way to vacation. Best of luck to you and feel free to hit me up if you ever need any troubleshooting help. I have been working on these for 25 years. Keep in mind, your warranty is usually only 1 year, so put it through its paces during that time. Not sure if you live in a humid area, but if you do, consider running a dehumidifier during the summer.
Best of luck! Don0 -
A few weeks ago I bought a used 2011 21' Work and Play Toy Hauler.
I looked at those Forest Rivers but I couldn't turn loose of the money!! And it just seemed too long to pull with my F150...
I used it last week to take the RZR to Ark to ride for the week. What a blast!!
We plan on using the Toy Hauler to haul bicycles, kayaks, and our RZR (not all at the same time).
I hope you have great fun with yours!!0 -
mstrblaster wrote:A few weeks ago I bought a used 2011 21' Work and Play Toy Hauler.
I looked at those Forest Rivers but I couldn't turn loose of the money!! And it just seemed too long to pull with my F150...
I used it last week to take the RZR to Ark to ride for the week. What a blast!!
We plan on using the Toy Hauler to haul bicycles, kayaks, and our RZR (not all at the same time).
I hope you have great fun with yours!!
Very nice! We just about pulled the trigger on a used rig 2 weekends ago, but thought on it 5 minutes too long. Yep, it sold while we were walking through another, similar trailer.
We then ended up buying this one. It weighs just over 5,000 lbs. and we don't plan on hauling anything heavier than our 2 kayaks and bicycles in it right now. I'm going to be pulling it will my 2014 Ram 1500....5.7L, trailer brake, & sway bar hitch setup. We don't plan on pulling it anywhere too crazy and far this 1st summer. I just want to get used to pulling it and how it handles, then we will maybe start to venture out a bit next summer.
Jon0 -
DONDALINGER wrote:Nice looking rig, brother. We went on our first trip this season last week in Williamsburg. The wife followed me towing the boat as I towed the travel trailer. We have many more trips planned this season. For us, it is the best way to vacation. Best of luck to you and feel free to hit me up if you ever need any troubleshooting help. I have been working on these for 25 years. Keep in mind, your warranty is usually only 1 year, so put it through its paces during that time. Not sure if you live in a humid area, but if you do, consider running a dehumidifier during the summer.
Best of luck! Don
Thanks Don!
So far, we have 1 trip planned, but are going to book another 1 or 2 soon here.
I appreciate the offer with troubleshooting. I'm fairly green to the travel trailer thing, so I might have some questions. I have a few other good people to lean on here and have been watching a ton of videos on set-up, towing, and everything in between.
Do you run a full-size dehumidifier or just a smaller one? I do know that this has what is supposed to be a really nice "max air flow" fan setup in the bathroom, which also has doors that have cutouts at the top. Supposedly, that fan helps circulate air in the bathroom and bedroom very well.
Jon0 -
Quick&Dead wrote:Sig220_Ruger77 wrote:Our travel trailer is ordered and on it's way. It should be here in a few weeks tops!
Jon
My it bring you many enjoyable times, regardless of brand.
Thanks sir! That is the plan and hope.
We have so many family members and friends that have travel trailers and we've always loved camping and hiking, so it should give us a great chance to enjoy both.
Jon0 -
Nice congrats 0
![https://i.imgur.com/E2sYiRH.jpg][/img]](https://i.imgur.com/E2sYiRH.jpg][/img]){kind=link}
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