need help with camping trailer info

[zakk0481]

Hey everyone,

We loved staying at the cabins and we are now looking to buy an ultralight or something similar so we can stay at the campgrounds. We are new to camper world and we think a travel trailer would be out best options. We have been looking at jayco ultralights. We would be traveling from Philadelphia area to the fort. Does anyone have any advice or pointers that would help us get started, i.e research, looking, dealers,etc? Thanks.

 

[pjpoppins]

I would do some research but campers seem to be like tires...some people are gonna love them and others are going to say what a piece of junk they are. We went solely on price when we bought ours in the fall of 2014. We are also new to the scene. Got a 2015 Wildwood X-lite 262BHXL and have enjoyed it so far. Some people say not to buy new so the kinks can be worked out (we had one our first trip, a cross threaded PEX hose in the bathroom) but we bought cheaper new that we could get anything used. I'd say not to go too crazy as they are like a house, your first one be everything you want and you won't know what you want until you've been in one awhile.
Can't help you for dealerships as we live in CT and drove up to S. Burlington VT to Pete's for ours due to price.
That's just my 2 cents. Like I said we are new to the scene so others can probably help more.

 

[rajak73]

With that said, try checking out Sport shows in the area, it's a good place to see a lot of different layouts. Look online at different brands to find the layout you like the best. We spent a lot of weekends looking through our camper dealers lot and different campers before deciding what we wanted and what we didn't like before we bought our last one. It's just the two of us now so we wanted more living area and not bunk beds. My biggest suggestion would be, don't rush into buying something before you do a lot of looking.

 

[zakk0481]

Thanks! We also have a 2015 town and country mini van..is there any trailer in particular that would work best with this vehicle? It has a towing capacity of 3660.

 

[Teamubr]

Hi Zakk0481!

And to the Camping forum.

There are lots of people on here that travel similar distances (or further) as Philly. I hear I-95 is not a joy, especially anywhere near DC, but as long as you are headed towards the Fort, it always gets better.

As for a trailer. Ultralights come in a lot of sizes and shapes. The best advice is to decide how and how often you will use a trailer. (Lots of short trips close to home, 1 or 2 long trips or a mix) Then do LOTS of looking. The internet is great to compare floorplans and published features. Nothing beats going to see. Walking in and around lets you compare how functional a floor plan is for they way you want to use it, compare storage, see color schemes and generally "kick the tires".

Also, what do you plan on towing it with? For many of us, our tow vehicle sets a limit on what we look at. My first trailer was a 19 ft hybrid (hard sides with canvas flip out beds like a popup) It was a great match for my Explorer.

Unless you have a semi, many of us have bought near the top of our tow capacity. We usually figure out pretty quickly that we need a little more more margin. I've replaced tow vehicles twice and trailers twice because of it. (New tow vehicle with more capacity means bigger trailer. Right? )

Anything else we can help with, just ask. There are great people on here that all have lots of opinions... and advice.

j

 

[4077]

With that capacity for towing, you will have to Think very carefully about what you may be able to tow. I am sure more will chime in, but 3660 probably means something less in the trailer as you will want to leave margin for items you want to load into the trailer. Also, many would suggest that towing at max weight isn't necessarily the best idea (of course, others would say the max towing capacity is just that, so go right up to it). In any case, at least because you will probably want to carry some stuff in a trailer, you will probably be looking down in the 2500-3000 lb range for trailer as a guess. Also make sure you know the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the van (the tongue weight of your trailer hitch plus everything else loaded into the van should not exceed this) as well as the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of the van which is the maximum that the van and trailer together as a unit can way. As a general example, in my Tahoe, with passengers, cargo, etc... I cannot actually tow the maximum trailer weight allowed as I would exceed my GCWR. I know it sounds like a lot to think of, but it is important. I guess just make sure you don't rush, do some online research about trailer towing, and don't let someone tell you you can pull something no problem (I would hope most reputable trailer dealers would not do this, but maybe I am naive). Take your time, but have fun looking and searching!

 

[bama_ed]

Having owned a T&C with a factory installed tow pkg and a 3500# tow limit, i doubt it could pull an ultralight, maybe only the smallest and lightest. The 3500# rating is with a tow pkg installed. I dont believe its stock. Also you have to check the camper's GVWR which is its maximum weight. Dont look at the UVW or empty weight.

i towed a heavy popup with it and it struggled.

Bama Ed

Ps - the owners manual usually says something like 3500# properly equipped.

 

[KristinU]

Hooray for starting the research and hunt for a camper!

Having owned a T&C with a factory installed tow pkg and a 3500# tow limit, i doubt it could pull an ultralight, maybe only the smallest and lightest. The 3500# rating is with a tow pkg installed. I dont believe its stock. Also you have to check the camper's GVWR which is its maximum weight. Dont look at the UVW or empty weight.

i towed a heavy popup with it and it struggled.

Bama Ed

Ps - the owners manual usually says something like 3500# properly equipped.

Yeah, I hate to be a bubble-burster, but I'm with Ed. We had a Santa Fe with a 3500 lb tow capacity and towed a light Aliner pop up with it (1500 lbs dry, maybe 2000 lbs loaded with our clothes and gear). Totally great on paper, and OK to the Fort and back from Connecticut, but anywhere north of here with some decent inclines when we were loaded up with bikes and kayaks and the Santa Fe struggled. Most tow capacities are rated for no cargo and a single 150-200 lb driver. Family, coolers, bikes, toys, dogs, all that stuff adds us and takes away from your tow capability. Also keep in mind that RV dealers are usually overly optimistic and say that a lot of things are SUV or minivan towable that really aren't. And no matter what you do, get trailer brakes and a controller, even if it is so light that they tell you that you don't need them. Totally saved our bacon more than once on our Aliner - one reeeally close call in Jacksonville on the way to the Fort.

Happy shopping! Take your time researching and try to read as much as possible, you'll find the right fit for your family!

 

[zakk0481]

Thank you all! I have my work cut out for me!

 

[FtW Mike]

Zak as you live near Philly there will be a huge RV show in Hershey at the park in Sept that is well worth the trip to check out. As someone else mentioned research online will be very helpful. More so will be friends family and coworkers who have. You might want to try renting some first to see how things work out and what sort of floorplan and options package works best for you. Some time in the near future some of the dealers here in Delaware will have a lDover Mall and Blue Hen mall ( Both here in Dover) when I hear details on it I will reach out if interested

 

[Napria]

I'm with everyone else on towing capacity of 3600 not being great enough for much. We were there 13 years ago and it was a total bummer. We started with a brand new tent from Sears. After two trips out, we traded our Jeep Wrangler and got a Chevy Envoy and got a popup that our SUV could tow with no problem and went out with it literally every other weekend for 3 months. We loved the popup but wanted to keep camping in the cold weather and the bunk ends were just too cold. But towing capacity held us back.

We visited our car dealer for a routine issue and after we were done and headed out... There it was! A nearly new DUALLY! Of course, getting into RVing and thinking about tow capacity a lot I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. A salesman came rushing over and said, "can I help you?" I said, "Sure! Take that" pointing to the Envoy "as an even trade for this."

"Well, let's see what I can do." He replied.

A month later I not only had a Dually, but a brand-new fifth wheel that my kids virtually grew up vacationing in. We traded that great fifthwheel for a new Montana fifthwheel 2 years ago and have never regretted a moment of any of it!

But remember that although having a camper is awesome for the Fort, it makes vacationing in general more affordable (or at least you *think* it's more affordable since a night in a campground is less expensive than a comparable hotel room, and you can save by preparing your own meals). We've discovered lots of great state parks nearby!

Good luck! You're embarking on a wonderful new phase of your vacationing life!

 

[zakk0481]

This might sound like a weird question but what are some reasons one might choose a travel trailer over a class c? Are there any issues with one over another? I am thinking now that a class c would be a better option since i dont have a god tow vehicle currently. Anyone have any experiences with both?

 

[zakk0481]

I'm with everyone else on towing capacity of 3600 not being great enough for much. We were there 13 years ago and it was a total bummer. We started with a brand new tent from Sears. After two trips out, we traded our Jeep Wrangler and got a Chevy Envoy and got a popup that our SUV could tow with no problem and went out with it literally every other weekend for 3 months. We loved the popup but wanted to keep camping in the cold weather and the bunk ends were just too cold. But towing capacity held us back.

We visited our car dealer for a routine issue and after we were done and headed out... There it was! A nearly new DUALLY! Of course, getting into RVing and thinking about tow capacity a lot I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. A salesman came rushing over and said, "can I help you?" I said, "Sure! Take that" pointing to the Envoy "as an even trade for this."

"Well, let's see what I can do." He replied.

A month later I not only had a Dually, but a brand-new fifth wheel that my kids virtually grew up vacationing in. We traded that great fifthwheel for a new Montana fifthwheel 2 years ago and have never regretted a moment of any of it!

But remember that although having a camper is awesome for the Fort, it makes vacationing in general more affordable (or at least you *think* it's more affordable since a night in a campground is less expensive than a comparable hotel room, and you can save by preparing your own meals). We've discovered lots of great state parks nearby!

Good luck! You're embarking on a wonderful new phase of your vacationing life![/QUOTET


Thanks so much!

 

[Teamubr]

This might sound like a weird question but what are some reasons one might choose a travel trailer over a class c?

We got into camping much like Napria. Started in tents, rented a pop up to use at some races, then bought our first trailer.

For us, we already had a vehicle we could tow with, so it was really economics. My first trailer was 1/4th the price of a Class C. I have a huge 5th wheel now and a dally to pull it with. I have other cars I use as daily drivers now, so the economics are closer. I did look at some Class A motor homes before I bought my current camper in January. Now, I prefer the floor plans of 5th wheels and I want a vehicle to go places in when I'm camping. If I bought the MH, I'd have to tow a car anyway.

If you are starting from zero and don't have a tow vehicle, a Class C is a nice starting point. Just know that you are essentially buying a tow vehicle (the driving part of the Class C) that will sit most of the time and can't really be used for anything else the way I can use my truck.

Before you buy anything, I'd suggest renting one for a few weekends. There are several national and many local places that rent anything from a pop up to huge Class A motor homes. See how each type works for you. See if you actually enjoy the whole "RVing" thing before you jump in feet first.

Have fun looking. It's exciting seeing all the possibilities and imagining yourself in all of it.

j

 

[rajak73]

We also have a 2015 town and country mini van..

Well that through a wrench in the equation. LOL Listen to bama ed, you would have to be very careful with what you are looking at in a ultra light, maybe looking at a pop-up would be a better idea? Just a thought. We don't like the class c because as was stated, we would have to pull another vehicle behind it but that's just our opinion and personal preference. You may get along fine with a class c if you are just starting out. I agree with Teamubr, most dealers will rent a class c and any other trailers too, so that might be a great idea to see what you like best.

 

[2goofycampers]

I am thinking now that a class c would be a better option since i dont have a god tow vehicle currently.

I think this is a good idea. Go for what you want the first time and save $ on all the upgrading.

 

[KristinU]

This might sound like a weird question but what are some reasons one might choose a travel trailer over a class c? Are there any issues with one over another? I am thinking now that a class c would be a better option since i dont have a god tow vehicle currently. Anyone have any experiences with both?

Yep, we have experience with both! We backpacked, canoe camped, car/tent camped, then the aforementioned Aliner pop-up, then a travel trailer, and now our class C. Each step was a learning experience for us, so I can't say I regret any single one. As for the travel trailer vs. a class C: the trailer makes sense if you need or use a truck in every day life. We sized up from our Santa Fe that I mentioned earlier to a Toyota Tundra, we then moved from the Aliner to our 23 foot travel trailer. The Tundra was super comfortable and towed the camper with ease, but neither one of us enjoyed driving it to work or to appointments and such - we live in congested southern New England and I work in a downtown area, so parking for a truck isn't always ideal. We did use it a little bit here and there for home improvements, and scouts or church things, but really not enough to be able to say we really used its "truckiness". That's when we realized that a driveable might fit our needs better, and we love it. I really love the lack of setup, no hitching and unhitching to mess with, no double sets of stuff for the car and the trailer (first aid kits, etc.), and easy access to food and potty when traveling. The one thing to keep in mind, though, is transportation once you get to your campsite. The Fort is a no-brainer since you don't need a car of course, but the other destinations you'll want to think about what suits you best. So far we're fine either staying put or riding bikes, or renting from Enterprise. We have purchased a project Jeep Wrangler that we might tow once we get her all fixed up where we'd like her to be (she's a 1998 TJ), but that's down the road. Here's a blog post I wrote about how we get around (basically what I just said, but in a few more words): http://winnieadventures.blogspot.com/2014/06/toad-or-no-toad-how-do-we-get-around.html

 

[4077]

I would also say that price is a big factor in Class C vs. trailer. Of course, perhaps a gently used Class C may be better price wise. Obviously your personal economics will factor in. My parents had a class c they traveled around in...15 years and never towed a vehicle once, so depending on if you want to do a lot of moving around or just sitting in place once you get yo destination has to be considered. If you were really thinking about class c, you may also consider a new/used/appropriate tow vehicle to pull the type of trailer that interests you. Once again, depending if you want new or used or whatever, it could be same price or less to get a new vehicle and trailer as compared to a class c. So many possibilities.......

 

[Napria]

For us, my hubby always wanted a pickup truck for home improvements, inside & out. We actually have a MINI daily driver for me, a Subaru Outback for him and the truck for towing & weekend home improvement projects, but I know this isn't feasible for many people. It isn't cheap (yearly tag fees & insurance on 3 vehicles and the fifthwheel) but we are fortunate to be able to afford it.

Personally, I prefer the roominess and layout of fifthwheels to motor homes, both class A and C, but that's just me and my family. Trailers and motor homes have different pros and cons and you'll need to figure out which is better for your family.

 

[FtW Mike]

Take some time and really look at what your needs are and will become. When my wife first announced we needed to get a camper I had questions. Part of answer is more and longer trips to DISNEY. Next is our furbabies. 2 Dogs 85 and 65 lbs and 2 cats 15+ lbs each. She wanted a trailer till she found out they have to ride in same vehicle as us. Then we thought C class. but still question of room for the dogs. Ended up with 2 slide A but have come to realize we need a 3 slide