Convince Us We NEED an RV!

[AlyLynn]

We have 4 children, love to travel, and drive to Disney from PA between 4-5 times a year! The kids hate flying, and I hate the stress of staying in hotel rooms with 4 kids! The Fort has become a family favorite, and DH and I are throwing the idea of an RV around seriously. Any thoughts on the subject?
Thanks!:goodvibes

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

I say go for it!! When we were contemplating the same thing, everyone told us to do it while the kids were still young. And they were so right!

We've had our travel trailer for 3 years. Our kids are now 9 & 10. We skipped the tent & pop-up because we just didn't think we'd enjoy those that much. Most -- I might even say all -- of our best memories are from camping trips .... well, cruises, too - just don't get to do them as often!

We go to Disney 1-2 times/year (wish it was more). We want to see major parts of the U.S. before the kids are grown & gone. Hoping to camp across the country one of these years. The kids are so hooked, they're even saving their money for a "dually" and their own 5th wheel one day, so we can all continue camping together. My 10 year old says anyone he considers marrying must love camping :)

I don't like to fly (will if I have to) but I don't care for hotel rooms even more!

Be forewarned, though -- everyone I know who camps is always on the prowl for a bigger and badder tow-vehicle. When we bought ours, DH said it would tow "anything" .... now he "needs" a dually.

[doubletrouble_vb]

Sorry...nobody needs an RV.

However if you are looking for justification you probably can find it by running the numbers...how much are you paying for these trips each year? How long would it take you to offset the cost of an RV plus mainetance plus tow vehicle if anything.

[kmccain]

I see that you are from Pa. There is a large RV show in Hershey from Sept 13-16. It would be good opportunity to look at all the varieties and make up your mind. Here is the web site for information: http://www.prvca.org/Default.aspx?tabid=59

We really love to camp! We spend lots of family time together around the campfire.

We just got back from Disney. We spent a lot on fuel but we saved a lot on food.

Hope this helps!

:tink:

[LarryJ]

We have 4 children, love to travel, and drive to Disney from PA between 4-5 times a year! The kids hate flying, and I hate the stress of staying in hotel rooms with 4 kids! The Fort has become a family favorite, and DH and I are throwing the idea of an RV around seriously. Any thoughts on the subject?
Thanks!:goodvibes

I've been RVing since the early 70's first with a pop-up and since 1982 with a 26' TT. I would recommend you join something like http://www.rv.net and do a LOT of reading and then asking questions. We raised two boys in our 26' TT (from when they were 4 until they graduated from college in this TT which we still have) and it was just big enough. With 4 children IMHO you're looking at a 30' or larger TT or 5er and a big, big factor is the tow vehicle and it's capacity to haul all that family around for more than just a Sunday drive. If you go looking ignore what any saleman or dealer says the Towed vehicle weighs or what can tow it. Use the GVWR of the towed vehicle and pick a tow vehicle capable of towing the next heavier trailer. Even used for what you need I can easily seeing you dropping close to $50K and it goes up from there new.

Larry

[FloridaTeacher]

We love, love, love camping!!!! :love: Our kids are 17 and 10 and camping trips (for us) are the best vacations, whether we go far away or stay close to home!

The most important questions - can you afford it? Will you use it enough to make it worthwhile?

If yes - go for it! There's no better way to travel and nothing better than going on vacation and being "at home" at the same time!:thumbsup2

[mamaloya]

Well, here is how I put it to my dh.

The monthly payment on the RV is less than the nightly cost of a hotel. So, if you want to camp more than 12 nights a year, it starts to balance out. Also, it is easier to take off for a quick weekend. Everything is pretty much already packed and you don't have to have saved up for the trip as a campsite is so much cheaper than a hotel room. Plus, if you are on a really tight budget, you don't have to figure in eating out. You just bring your groceries and it costs no more than if you were at home.

Now, as for disney. With 4 kids, an RV will save you a ton. In the off season, a campsite is around $50 whereas a cabin is around $300. You can stay 6 nights for the cost of 1.

Now, size. First, you must consider your tow vehicle (TV). If you cannot get a bigger one, you must stay within the limits of what you have. We started in a tent and then went to popup, then hybrid, now an expandable TT. Our TV is a Chevy Express LT with the heavy duty trailering package. Tow limit is 6600lb. Our camper has a GVWR of 6000lb. We pack light though because you don't want to be overloaded. You also have to take into consideration the people and luggage in your TV. Our camper is a 26' long Kodaik Skamper that expands to 30'. It has 2 sets of bunkbeds in their own room with a closet. Our bed expands out the back and closes off with curtains. The dinette and sofa will also convert to beds. Lots of room for a low wt. You can also get a hybrid with 2 sets of bunk beds that weighs less than ours.

If you are in a minivan or small SUV, you may have to start with a popup. They come with many amenities now. We loved our popup and only got a TT because of all the kids. One other plus of a popup is that it is easier to get a popup site at the Fort at the last minute than the others.

You may also decide to rent one first to see how you like it before you spend the money. An RV show is also a great idea. You definitely should go. Just don't let a salesman push you into something you don't want or are not ready for. Also, don't let them convince you only need to worry about UVW (unloaded vehicle wt). Your tow capacity is the wt of the GVWR which is the wt after you load it. This is my #1 complaint about RV salesmen. They are putting people in potentially dangerous situations by overloading their TVs.

Happy Camping!

[MAG_1961]

We went to the fort with friends in May and stayed in their rv. It was a great way to stay. We had lots of fun.

[ram101]

We just got our 1st RV went with a class C. We have 5 kids and a St Bernard. We went on the 1st trip to Hershey this summer and it was great, all of the kids loved it, even our 16 yr old daughter loved it. It may have been our best trip to Hershey yet! Kids don't even seem to care if the RV leaves the driveway. They are happy camping right where it is now!
When we would go on vacation we would need 2 hotel rooms, plus all of the food we had to buy. Vacations were short and expensive. We also dabled in renting condos and such but we didn't like that much.
We are taking our 1st trip to Disney this summer :woohoo: and we are camping. When we checked the costs on all our options, the purchase of the RV and vacationing in it was well better then the others.
We love going to Virginia and try going every two years (may change after a trip to WDW). We used VA to compare our cost and it was almost 1/2 the cost in an RV!
I would recomend (based on my limited experience) that you go used before you put in the big $$ on a new RV. We got ourselves a 2002 Class C Coachman with all the options and 54k miles.
We took about 2 years to figure out what we wanted and to be sure it was for us. Slowly eliminated types of RV based on costs and needs.
We even considered gas prices but, with the RV is only get about 2-3 miles less per gallon then the conversion van we have.
As a PP said, don't let any salesman presure you into anything. I almost fell for it, the hint that something was wrong was when he refused to allow me to have an outside service tech look over the rig. Turns out there was a lot of potential damage from their failure to winterize (with full tanks). Found all of the tanks were big blocks of ice.
Also get out and see the shows, look through all of the rigs, sit down relax and see if you like them...bring the kids along once or twice too and see what they like about it.
Good luck!

[CCIntrigue]

We purchased our first RV in the 80s when the kids were young. I had never camped a day in my life, but I just suddenly decided that's what I wanted. Our first unit was by Airstream, brand new. That's an unusual first purchase. We would go to FW, buy annual passports, and stay there 2 weeks. Then the next year a month or so before our passports expired we'd go back for another two weeks. Plus lots of beach trips in between. We kept that trailer for 20 years, and it paid for itself several times over. The memories we have are priceless. Our kids grew up as Disney experts, having spent so much time there. They got to travel so much more than they could have if we hadn't had the TT.

My best advice to you is to really study the market. If you want to purchase a unit that will last a long time -- and have a better resale value -- do your homework. Check on construction techniques, materials used, brands of appliances, anything that might cause wear and tear. Don't be fooled by "glitzy" interiors. And look at used units where someone else has eaten the depreciation. We spent 2+ years looking at units before we settled on the Airstream. Same thing with our current MH, and we expect to keep it as long as we're both still living.

[bevypoo63]

If you travel as much as you say you can certainly justify an RV.You can buy annual passes at WDW then you would only have to pay for a campsite for each trip. My next trip is about $450 for a preferred site for 7 nights. That is a pretty inexpensive trip to WDW. Obviously the APs are more expensive at the time of purchase but pay for themselves in the end.
If you take your time you may come across a "good deal." People often find that they no longer need or can use their RVs for many different reasons and often sell them for a fraction of what they are worth. You would need to do your homework and be patient but that is how we bought our motorhome.
I love our motorhome because it makes traveling with kids so much easier. No emergency stops for the bathroom. We can make simple food while traveling and there are seatbelts at the table so he can eat while we travel. He also does homework while traveling.
My only regret is we didn't buy one when our older kids were small.

[clkelley]

We honestly didn't look at affordability vs. hotel trips. I've been a tent camper for years, and just got tired of the setup. Plus I wanted hubby to start going with me, and have a good way for him to enjoy his fishing spots, and the camper was the way to do it. We went ultra-small, as we are practically empty nesters (My "baby" is 20). If for some reason, the boys actually go with us, they can set up a tent.

I have a really nice tent setup, but it took me nearly 3 hours to set everything up. With the camper, I can take as little as 5 minutes for a quick overnighter on the road, by just pulling in and plugging in the power, or the most setup takes me about an hour by myself, and then I have 135 sq ft under EZ-Ups in addition to the inside of the camper.

[AlyLynn]

You guys are great!:thumbsup2 Thanks so much for the input...We are going to the show in Hershey.:cool1: I'll keep you updated. (We do have APs, so we could get so much more use out of them!) And it's so hard to find hotels to accomodate all of us anymore, that this seems to be the way we want to go.

[stacktester]

I think you'll get a lot of remarks on your topic. I will say that since buying our 1st Toy Hauler in 04 that I've never made the same memories with family and friends before. I say buy it and have some fun. I would consult with some friends who have an rv and get some guidance buying one.

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

I'm glad you're going to the RV show in Hershey! Those are always so much fun and you'll see & learn alot!

I forgot to mention earlier, to be sure and do your research. My dad has been RV'ing for over 30 years and has told me that dealers are able to come down on their prices as much as 24% below MSRP. I don't know how true that is - that sure seems like ALOT!

We looked for several years before buying ours -- a local dealer (Maryland area) wanted $24k (it's been a while, but as I recall, we were able to talk them down a few $$) ..... I found the same thing (new) online at a dealer near the factory in Indiana for just under $17k - so we drove there to buy it.

Of course, now DH wants the aforementioned dually (so do I!) so that eventually, we can get the golf cart ........ always something to dream about.

But seriously - we could be happy for a very long time with what we already have. We have never once regretted our purchase. The memories you'll make will be priceless!

Good luck in whatever you decide -- and be sure to keep us posted!!

[clkelley]

I forgot to mention earlier, to be sure and do your research. My dad has been RV'ing for over 30 years and has told me that dealers are able to come down on their prices as much as 24% below MSRP. I don't know how true that is - that sure seems like ALOT!



I believe it. Also, there is a HUGE price difference in different parts of the country. MSRP on our camper was around $17K. Our dealer's "sticker" price was $13,300, we talked him down to $12,800.

If you are buying new, figure out what you want, then check out (for example) RVTrader.com where many dealers around the country list their stock for sale and compare prices. You might find that driving a bit to pick up your "baby" will be well worth the savings. (The only downside is if you purchase out of state, you won't be able to finance the sales tax, you will pay it when you get your first license tag. OUCH, almost $600 for that first tag.)

We were lucky, this dealer happened to be the closest T@B dealer to us, (still 150 miles away) and had some of the best retail pricing in the country.

[kmccain]

You have some really great advice here! :cool1:

I am really glad that your going to the RV show! There is no better place to look or buy! I understand that the manufactures bring them for the dealers and they offer the big discounts. Make sure you haggle if you find something you can't live without. Hold out for that one though! I looked one year and didn't find it there. I found it at a local dealer. ;)

Really do your homework and make a list of what you want. I never dreamed that I would want a class c but I do now! The kids have grown out of their bunks and like the previous poster said, you save time by not having to stop and use the bathroom or for food. There really is a lot to think about. :confused3

Have a great time at the RV show! We really enjoy looking and talking to all the people! :banana:

[kimluvswdw]

We have a large motorhome and frankly I am sick of the payment. If you don't use an rv all the time then I wouldn't pay much for one. Nothing is worse than looking at it sitting there when writing the big check each month.

[clkelley]

We have a large motorhome and frankly I am sick of the payment. If you don't use an rv all the time then I wouldn't pay much for one. Nothing is worse than looking at it sitting there when writing the big check each month.

Oh, I agree, 10 years ago, even 5 years ago, we wouldn't have considered a "toy" like this. Financially, and freedom from our kids and more vacation time in our jobs is what enabled us to buy this, and we have the time to use it more frequently than we could have even 2 years ago.

[Mr Man]

Lots of good advice already given (especially rv.net).

None of us can (or really should) convince you to buy/not buy anything. You will need to make that decision on your own based on your needs, budget, taste etc. I am sure each of us has our own list, and they are not always the same.

As an interim step while you research the options, have you considered renting an RV, perhaps a Class C given the size of your family- and congrats on such a large family :) I don't know how you do it, we have 2 boys and they swarm me like spider monkeys (hat tip Ricky-Bobby).

We are still evaluating which RV we want and have rented Class C, Class A, travel trailer, tent camped and borrowed a 5th wheel to boot. We are leaning towards a hybrid travel trailer but are waiting to see if DVC will work for us. If it does, we will alternate DVC resorts & FW Cabins from here on in.

Good luck on your decision. You won't go wrong with whatever you decide.

[2tiggerriffic]

You guys are great!:thumbsup2 Thanks so much for the input...We are going to the show in Hershey.:cool1: I'll keep you updated. (We do have APs, so we could get so much more use out of them!) And it's so hard to find hotels to accomodate all of us anymore, that this seems to be the way we want to go.

May be a little late on this but were gone to James Island in Charleston this weekend. My DH and I never weighed the cost of hotels when we purchased our pop-up in '97, we went to a tent model RV afterward for 6yrs and now are in 31ft travel trailer w/slides. The thing I love the most about camping is being FREE. Freedom to roam outside and kids playing and bike riding or
whatever outside. You are not cooped up in a small room wondering what are we going to do, where to go just to get outside. Camping is outside and alot of campgrounds have so many amenities now, you never have to leave. Plus the best thing is being with your family together.

I do agree to ask around, look carefully at the different RV's and layouts inside. Use the internet for different brands, layouts and look at GVWR on the trailer. Dealers are the most important, we were lucky with that when we purchased our Rockwood even though he was 120 miles away. He was a small dealer but honest. In fact we didn't have a vehicle to tow the TT with at the time and we were already looking to purchase a vehicle for me (DW) at the time so I ended up with a new camper and truck AND LOVE THEM BOTH. Never thought I would see myself in a truck but now I do. When I went looking at campers I looked for floor space, that was my biggest thing when purchasing a camper. I wanted us to be able to sit inside and move around without being on top of each other.

:idea: One more thing I agree with is renting first. Just do a weekend getaway, close to home and see how you like camping. We know people that went out and purchased huge campers, motorhomes and didn't like it and then had to sell. Actually, that is what we did. We rented a pop-up several times before purchasing.

Good luck to you and your family on your decision.

[AlyLynn]

Everyone's input has just been overwhelming! It's exactly what we needed!:thumbsup2 Just some info: DH tent camps with DS. I grew up camping in a trailer, any time my parents could go, so we have a little experience. As many of you have mentioned, I can't take being tied down to hotel rooms that can't accomodate the size of our family. We planned on taking 2 days coming home from Disney, this past trip, but wound up driving straight through because we couldn't find a hotel with suites! :confused3 DH has been doing research, but we don't have any friends who RV, so you guys have been great. The kids range in age from 2-13, and with 4 of them, this seems the best way to go. I'll let you know how the show goes!:goodvibes

[bradisgoofy]

We currently own a Fleetwood Class A 39' Diesel Pusher, having trade-in our 36' fifth wheel for it. One more resource, once you have decided what type of camping rig and then maybe a brand, check http://www.rv.org (http://www.rv.org/) for more information. Buying the CD would be well worth the money.

[dtum]

Have to agree...camping all the way. DH and I started in a tent 30 years ago, moved up to PUP when DD and DS came along, but we had always dreamed of a fifth-wheel. This year DH found the fifth-wheel that we had always wanted on e-bay at a dealer in GA. We drove from OH to GA to buy it and love it. There was one year when we went on vacation without TT and came home with bedbugs from the KOA cabin we stayed at..after that we (especially me) couldn't even consider a vacation without a trailer.

Even our kids, no grown, still love to camp and it's great fun for all of us to go in a big bunch with our grandson and introduce him to camping. For us, it's the only way to go.

True, it 's a lot of $$, but don't buy new-the depreciation in the first year will kills you. Find a dealer who will let you stay a few days nearby to work out any bugs - where we got ours they actually had a KOA on the property and we stayed for two days, they fixed all the little problems we found.

You also have to consider your tow vehicle. PUPs are towable with many more vehicles and a fifth-wheel or big trailer. We never looked at a Class A or C because then we would need to tow a car behind.

Buy what you can afford, but don't buy the cheapest thing you find because TTs are truely "you get what you pay for."

Best of all...the memories you create (even if you only use it once/twice a year) will stay with you forever.

[Carrie Ellis]

Also, Remember:

You will probably want to carry insurance on it.
You will want to have a roadside assistance ex.GoodSam, AAA
Will be buying "extra" stuff for the RV ex. chairs, bedding etc..
Some cost might be tax deductable

It is so nice not to haul stuff from the house. I like having the RV stocked with its own stuff!!!

We have a Cougar Keystone. It has 2 sets of bunks. We have 2 sets of twins.... They have model now where each bunk is a slide out and makes a huge room! If I was looking again I would probably go for it! Once you make a purchase you probably will not want to upgrade later so try to make the best decision. They do depreciate so a lot of money can be lost upgrading.

At the last RV show in Atlanta we picked up a book from a couple that has all the Walmarts and Sams Club's in the US w/ phone numbers so you can call and see if you can park for the night. We plan on doing that on our next trip to WDW. That would save $30-$40.

Our first trip to FW was on a military discount and camping was $24/night! We stayed 10 nights for $240!!! That is great!!! ha!

There are 6 of us so no matter what we would be in a suite or 2 rooms almost anywhere. RV works great for us.

Carrie

[mike k.]

We have 4 children, love to travel, and drive to Disney from PA between 4-5 times a year! The kids hate flying, and I hate the stress of staying in hotel rooms with 4 kids! The Fort has become a family favorite, and DH and I are throwing the idea of an RV around seriously. Any thoughts on the subject?
Thanks!:goodvibes

:surfweb:
As soon as you buy one, two things happen instantly. First, you wonder how you've done without one for so long(am I right fellow fort lovers):yay: and second you start figuring out how big your next one is going to be:thumbsup2
Happpy trails
Mike

[bradisgoofy]

:surfweb:
As soon as you buy one, two things happen instantly. First, you wonder how you've done without one for so long(am I right fellow fort lovers):yay: and second you start figuring out how big your next one is going to be:thumbsup2
Happpy trails
MikeOh so true, Mike :laughing:

[kmccain]

You guys are great!:thumbsup2 Thanks so much for the input...We are going to the show in Hershey.:cool1: I'll keep you updated. (We do have APs, so we could get so much more use out of them!) And it's so hard to find hotels to accomodate all of us anymore, that this seems to be the way we want to go.

AlyLynn - How did you make out at Hershey? :goodvibes

:tink:

[AlyLynn]

Hershey was amazing!:goodvibes We got there 3 hours late due to a flat tire, and only got to spend 3 hours at the show, so we drove home, got home around midnight, and got up and drove back the next morning!:cool1: DH and our 4 kids had a ball! We were so close to buying one, but decided to wait--DH has to get a vehicle to pull it! You guys warned me about that! Anyway, we opted to stay away from a motorhome at this point, I am really more comfortable with the travel trailers, and the whole family agreed. We are actively looking for a vehicle that can tow, and hold all 6 of us, 'cuz we really want one now! I just wish we could have taken advantage of the deals at the show! Thanks for all of your help!

[AlyLynn]

I forgot to add that the kids didn't ask ONCE to go to the theme park! That's how much fun they had!:thumbsup2

[loriandmatt]

I just wish we could have taken advantage of the deals at the show!

We were also there at the Hershey RV show and can i tell you some of the deal specials were amazing!!!!! DH and i decided that we are going to take actions over the next year to line up all the elements (tow vehicle - need a new truck anyway), expand our driveway for a parking space for the RV and scrape up the money so we don't have to finance as much) and go to the show next year ready to make a purchase.

We fell in love with the Jayco Jay Feather expandable (the new term for a hybrid) and with the Cub/Kodiac. Keystone had some unbelievable deals on TT demo/show models also.

now we just have to decide if we want those bunk ends or not. We love them in our pop up, and are not sure that we want to get rid of them.

[louise1928]

Hershey was amazing!:goodvibes We got there 3 hours late due to a flat tire, and only got to spend 3 hours at the show, so we drove home, got home around midnight, and got up and drove back the next morning!:cool1: DH and our 4 kids had a ball! We were so close to buying one, but decided to wait--DH has to get a vehicle to pull it! You guys warned me about that! Anyway, we opted to stay away from a motorhome at this point, I am really more comfortable with the travel trailers, and the whole family agreed. We are actively looking for a vehicle that can tow, and hold all 6 of us, 'cuz we really want one now! I just wish we could have taken advantage of the deals at the show! Thanks for all of your help!


Hello

My husband and I were at the same RV Show on Saturday. We had a great time!!! What a great experience!! We were in and out of so many RV's, by the end of the day we were both exhausted. We plan to attend again next year!! Have fun shopping for your trailer. We are contemplating the same thing, but without kids. Our children are adults now! We will probably rent one next year!

[wrongagain]

There is nothing better than going back to your own kitchen, bathroom, bed, in your own little house,... your rv.
I hate the whole hotel experiance, and I hate to fly.
Try it, you'll like it, rent one for a week, it will show you if you need a bigger or smaller size without the commitment of buying.

[pammypooh]

Our RV is the best investment we ever made. It has given us the freedom and opportunity to travel cross country. My girls are 10 & 11 - they have been to Florida 4 X - 5th time coming up in a week! We have been to Maine twice, plus all the way to CA and back. They've really been able to see the country. I never had that opportunity growing up and I really love being able to travel with them and have them experience the wonders of our beautiful country. I know at some point it will not be "cool" to travel with the folks, so we are going to enjoy this while it lasts. We also use our RV for tailgating at Penn State games. Nice bonus! We bought used, so we could get bigger and a diesel rig. DH is very mechanical and loves to tinker with his big toy. Good luck in making your decision. I love our RV, even though I am not a real outdoorsy gal!

Pam

[loveDmouse]

Is the Hershey show always the same time of year? We want to go next year. Found out too late this year to go.
Thanks.

[Gillian]

I want to go next year too! And then maybe buy the year after that, if we're able. DIS meet maybe?? The PUP is fine & fun for now, a great learning experience, but we'll need more space eventually. And a bigger fridge for DS who is starting to eat like a boy (finally)!

Are the RVs outside? Just wondering because the fumes get to me more indoors.

[DisneyRulz07]

is the wilderness lodge the only place in Disney that you cant park? Im in the same boat. I just spent a lot of money on the CR and it was good but my friend has a class A that i've borrowed on occassion. I would have rather been in that with my twin girls.

[kmccain]

Is the Hershey show always the same time of year? We want to go next year. Found out too late this year to go.
Thanks.

Yes the Hershey show is always right around the same time. I have reservations at Hershey Highmeadow for next year, Thursday September 11-Sunday September 14th.

Since they moved to Hershey, we have been going down on Friday and going to the show Friday night on a preview plan for $5 a person. We got almost half done in a few hours because there weren't any crowds. The kids can do the same thing at the park and it is included in their ticket for the next day.

Then we go all day on Saturday. It is so crowded on Saturday! There were a lot that we couldn't even get in! We decided to go Thursday night next year and go all day on Friday.

We just have a ball looking at them too! We really enjoy chatting with everyone too.

If you are thinking about staying down there, you better call and get a reservation. I know they were almost booked full. The number for Hershey Highmeadow is 1 800 Hershey. They have a bus that takes you back and forth to the show. You can also stay in a overnight parking for $20 a night but there isn't any hookups. The bus picks up from there also.

Hope this helps! Can't wait til next year!

:tink:

[loveDmouse]

Thank you! I will start looking at places to stay.

[AlyLynn]

You guys have been such a great help so far! We have it narrowed down between 2 trailers. A 2008 Jay Flight 26BH, or a 2007 Jay Flight BHS. The price would be about a $3,0000 difference. Is the space worth it? Anybody have experience with either trailer?:confused3 With 4 kids, I like the idea of more space!:goodvibes Thanks for everything!:cool1:

[Mr Man]

You guys have been such a great help so far! We have it narrowed down between 2 trailers. A 2008 Jay Flight 26BH, or a 2007 Jay Flight BHS. The price would be about a $3,0000 difference. Is the space worth it? Anybody have experience with either trailer?:confused3 With 4 kids, I like the idea of more space!:goodvibes Thanks for everything!:cool1:

Well, since they have the same GVWR (7500lbs), I personally would go with more space (no matter how minimal). 4 kids and a rainy day is going to make any TT seem small IMO. :laughing:

Then again, a buck is a buck & we are just talking about 1' difference in length after all.

Are there any major differences between Jayco 2007 & 2008 TT? Maybe there is something there.

[kmccain]

You guys have been such a great help so far! We have it narrowed down between 2 trailers. A 2008 Jay Flight 26BH, or a 2007 Jay Flight BHS. The price would be about a $3,0000 difference. Is the space worth it? Anybody have experience with either trailer?:confused3 With 4 kids, I like the idea of more space!:goodvibes Thanks for everything!:cool1:

AlyLynn, is the BHS the 28? You are saving the 2' with the couch going the other direction. I had a trailer with the layout the same as the 26BH and I really liked it. I don't know if I would spend the extra money just to have the couch go the other way. :confused3

Good luck!

:tink:

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

We have 2 kids & a dog and LOVE our slide. Although it only slides out approx. 18" it makes a world of difference on the inside. If it were me, I'd pay the extra for it.

[Buzzcut]

Before you spend a lot of money on something that the family may not like, which I doubt :) , I would look for a nice used unit that you can afford and handle, ie towing, backing. And then after some trips, you will know if camping is for you, if your family would use it besides Disney trips, and what features that you would want/need in a camper. Armed with all that information, then you could find the camper of your dreams. We've been RVing since we were kids and have seen a lot of people buy RV's that they couldn't handle, or tow or just were not happy with them and in turn they hated camping and eventually lost a lot of their hard earned money. Good luck with whatever you decide, you'll always get a lot of help and advice if you ask!:banana:

[AlyLynn]

:woohoo: We bought our trailer today!:yay: It's a new 2007 Jay Flight 29BHS.
The 6 of us can't wait 'till it comes home!:banana: You guys have been such a
great help so far...Where do we go now? Like resources for campgrounds, etc! Thanks so much from the bottom of our hearts!:love:

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

:woohoo: We bought our trailer today!:yay: It's a new 2007 Jay Flight 29BHS ..... Like resources for campgrounds, etc!

Whoo hoo!! Congratulations! :woohoo: I'm sure you'll love it for many years to come!

Do you have a Camping World or the like near you? If so, you can buy a campground directory there -- about the size of a telephone book. Can't remember the name of it right now, but it has thousands of campgrounds listed in it throughout the US (and Canada?).

Enjoy!!

[clkelley]

Congrats on the new toy!!! Pictures, we must see pictures!!!!

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Where do we go now? Like resources for campgrounds, etc!

Here are a few resources to get you started:

www.woodalls.com
www.tldirectory.com
www.koa.com

All of them have print directories (like a telephone book) and I think most of them now have it available on CD also.

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Pictures, we must see pictures!!!!

YES!!!! We want to see!!

[loveDmouse]

Congrats!

A great website is rvforum.net. Lots of nice people with lots of information. :thumbsup2