Travel Trailer Experts - Need Advice
I'm starting to look at used travel trailers. I don't think I want a pop-up or expandable. I hope to find something for around 5-7K. I need to be able to sleep only 3 and am looking at the light weight aluminum/ fiberglass models. A few questions: Are these light weight models still durable? I have a '07 Silverado half ton - 5.3, auto, w/ factory tow package. Will I be able to go to the Black Hills with this much of a load? While on the interstate, can I pull into a rest stop and sleep in the trailer for the night - or will the interstate gastapo make me leave? Any trailer models to look for or avoid? As I began - I'm starting!
Thanks guys,
Thanks guys,
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look around for a hi-low,my father has a 22ft model,weighs right around 4000lb he tows it with a 95 ford f-150 351/auto, very quality built camper his sleeps 4 comfy,and the added conv. of the top lowering on to the bottom saves a lot in wind resistance,=gas mileage, and line of sight while traveling is greatly improved [:D] 0 -
A friend of mine lives in one of the lightweight models (28' IIRC) full time, and has for the past 7 years. She's gonna replace it later this year, but only because she wants something bigger, although she's removed some stuff and her pets have trashed it. Still holding up tho, and structurally sound. 0 -
We camp with a Jayco Kiwi 21C (Expandable). It's 21 feet and the Gross weight is 4500lbs (empty weight is 3800) and I pull it with a 2001 Silverado with factory tow and the 5.3 engine with no problem but I've never pulled it in the mountains. My in-laws just bought a 2006 starcraft 24 ft. travel trailer (we got tired of them sleeping in ours). I'm not sure of it's weight but he tows it with a '92 F-150 with the 302 motor with no problem either. It has a queen bed in the front and bunk beds in the back. The fiberglass/aluminum construction in my opinion is the best way to go. They are lighter and easier to keep clean. As far as durability I'd say as good or better than alumunium skin. I don't see too many used lightweight models in the 5-7K price range around here. Most start at around 8-9K because they haven't been making them that long so the prices havn't gone down that much. As far as sleeping in them at reststops-I have no idea. We always camp within an hour or two of home.
I don't know of any manufacturers/models to avoid. We go to all the RV shows around here and they all seem well built. Jayco, Starcraft, Outback, R-vision are the ones that I like. I almost bought a 30' Outback in February but didn't want the extra payments. Google "Outback" and check them out. They have a lot of nice features one being an enclosed underbelly so you can camp in colder weather without worrying about the water lines/tanks freezing. They are very light weight also. The 30' that I looked at groosed out at 7200lbs.0 -
Jeff,
You might want to ask that at rv.net[:D]
http://www.rv.net/forum/
[:D][:D]
Don0 -
Thanks for the input guys. Right now I'm looking at a 19' Layton that is about 3400#. Can anyone comment on the interstate rest stop police. Will they chase me off for spending the night? Stay tuned for old Jeff's camping adventures! 0 -
quote:Can anyone comment on the interstate rest stop police. Will they chase me off for spending the night?
you'll be OK at a truck stop, I have stopped many times in cars and have never had a problem0 -
With the truck you've got you should have no problem pulling it in the Dakotas's. Wal-mart will let you camp out in their parking lots. A friend of my parents came down from Elkhart and stayed a couple of days at our local Wal-mart in a big 'ol class A. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by cbxjeff
While on the interstate, can I pull into a rest stop and sleep in the trailer for the night - or will the interstate gastapo make me leave?
Thanks guys,
depends on the state,
wal-mart would be better.....0 -
We stop overnight at Walmarts when it's convenient. Generally the Super Walmarts are better though some of them have a policy against overnighters. Flying J / Conoco truck stops are good to stay over but they fill up early with overnighters. Don't park next to diesel rigs who run their engines all night.Get their map of Flying J locations. They also have propane, dump stations and water. Their gas prices are among the best. Highway rest stops may be posted against overnight stays. Be careful at highway rest stops at night.
Get the book, Trucker's Friend at a truck stop. It gives locations of truck stops and facilities for RVs.0 -
Taking a snooze at a rest stop is one thing. I usually pull up in front to feel some degree of protection. Pulling to the far end is inviting trouble from assault. It will also get you a knock on the door.
If you have to sleep at a rest stop, the best time is in the middle of the day. Then you arre just "resting", and using the picnic facilities.
The Walmart option is one I've heard many times. They welcome the travel crowd.0
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