Advice for purchasing a camper/travel trailer

[daemom]

Hi! The title pretty much sums it up--my DH and I are seriously looking to purchase a camper. Anything we should steer clear of? What are your must-haves on a camper? What are your "that would be great to have" things?

We're thinking that once we get ourselves and everything loaded we might be looking at 2,000 lbs to add to the dry weight--is that a good estimate?

Any and all input will be helpful!! Thanks so much!!

 

[2goofycampers]

1. Sales people tell you anything to sell you a camper. (true or not)
2. Buy the TT you want the first time. Save the $ of trading up.
3. Water leaks are the biggest enemy of campers. Any signs of leaks, run
away.

 

[Cousin Ed C]

If you go to IRV2.COM or RV.net you will get all the help you want. They are more RV than this site. IRV2 is the friendlyest!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I completely agree about water leaks. My Dad and I spent a summer reframing a camper that appeared to have "just a small roof leak".

Also I agree about not trusting the salespeople, especially when it comes to weight and what you can haul with your vehicle. I'm not sure what you'll be towing or hauling it with, but make sure you don't over buy for your vehicle. That also leads to an expensive upgrade cycle...

As for weight and extras, you're probably pretty close. One major variable is amount of water. The fresh water capacity of trailers can vary greatly, and therefore so will the weight to fill it. If you are going to do a lot of dry camping without hookups, having bigger tanks is a real asset. The same goes for a good built in generator. If the units you are looking at don't have one you could haul one in the truck or rely on campsites with hookups, but a nice generator adds value.

Depending on your climate having one or more air conditioners is nice too. They also add to the cost and weight of the RV, but are so nice to have.

One last thing to consider for a trailer is tires. If they are more than a few years old, they will likely start going out. It just seems to be a fact of life for trailer tires, no motter how new they look. Buying new tires fairly often just seems to be part of the cost of owning an RV for us...

There are lots of RVs out there, and different brands to choose from. In the end most are pretty similar, but you'll want to make sure you like the unit and layout, and that all the appliances and everything work like they should. There's nothing worse than a trip with spoiled food, cold water, and heat or air conditioning that isn't working like it should. Having an RV is awesome though, and can be a wonderful way to vacation. Enjoy!

 

[teacup princess]

Be realistic with size. That 40 foot trailer with 5 slides sure does seem nice and roomy, but do you really need all of that? The destination isn't worth the drive if you have to white knuckle it the whole way there.

Also, I love my outside kitchen. I couldn't imagine sitting inside half the day cooking meals. I need to be where the action is.

 

[North of Mouse]

Hi! The title pretty much sums it up--my DH and I are seriously looking to purchase a camper. Anything we should steer clear of? What are your must-haves on a camper? What are your "that would be great to have" things?

We're thinking that once we get ourselves and everything loaded we might be looking at 2,000 lbs to add to the dry weight--is that a good estimate?

Any and all input will be helpful!! Thanks so much!!

Are you looking for a travel trailer or MH? New or used? A travel trailer size will depend on your towing vehicle capacity, and how much 'length' you want to tow down the road! If you will be towing with a MH, length will also be a factor. There are also diesel vs. gas. We have had both, but prefer gas as DH knows more about minor repair with it.

Also tires have been mentioned (if looking for used). It is recommended to put new tires on every 7 years (or sooner if problems develop). Mileage is not an indicator for change.

If you have specific questions to ask here, then maybe someone can be more forthcoming with answers. Happy looking

 

[Lisaren]

I will restate - salesmen will tell you anything. Make sure you know the towing capacity of your vehicle and look at the sticker for the weight of the trailer. You do the math and don't trust the salesman. You do not want to buy more trailer than you can comfortably pull.
As far as amenities, only you know what your family will need to be happy campers. We have used a pop-up for the last 21 years (two different pop-ups - the last we have had for 12 years) with no bathroom, always cooking outside, basically as a tent with more comfortable beds. It has worked for us. Although we are looking to trade up to a unit that has a bathroom and shower.

 

[thegoofyfamily]

If you go to IRV2.COM or RV.net you will get all the help you want. They are more RV than this site. IRV2 is the friendlyest!

Ditto. We've owned a motorhome since 2000 and my husband researched them for a year before we bought. And he is always on different forums online getting more information about our current coach or the one he wants to upgrade to..... As everyone has said, leaks are your worst enemy with trailers or coaches.

But, do your homework! If you find one you like, don't buy it that day. Come home and learn everything you can about that model, model year and make. Knowledge is your best negotiator!