Setting up a camper, thinking of buying.

[Minniemama350]

We like to unhook and drive away, because then we can drive away! If you have an RV, you have to tow a car/vehicle if you want to go around town easily. Towing is towing. (However, if it is mostly for WDW, my arguement would change.)

I also like that my 30ft has more room than alot of RV's and it cost alot less.

 

[TheRatPack]

Now is the fun part...shopping! Check out Jayco's line up of TT's. They make some awesome units. And don't forget that, before you start shopping, you need to be clear on what your Suburban's tow capacities are. That depends on the motor (6.0L or 8.1L) and the rear axle ratio (probably either 3.73 or 4.10). If you have the 6.0 with 3.73 rear end you are much more limited than if you have the larger motor and higher rear ratio.

Ugggh, we took today to go over our book and RPO codes for our Suburban and it came up that it has the 3.73 axle ratio.....strange since it has 14 bolts. We're the second owners....is there a chance that the previous owners switched that out for the 4.10? I'm going to go look for the metal tag on the cover now and see if it says....that'll really limit our trailer choices, as you said (we went around looking today). The RPO codes really can't be relied upon for a lot of things since the previous owners changed out the tire size, the wheels...etc. They also removed the tow hooks on the front of the vehicle...etc.

Oh well, any suggestions on a lighter trailer with quad bunks....or I'm going to lose this war to the Class C LOL

 

[Minniemama350]

Have you tried the cherokee? Lots of different plans. We pull our 30ft with a Tahoe.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Ugggh, we took today to go over our book and RPO codes for our Suburban and it came up that it has the 3.73 axle ratio.....strange since it has 14 bolts. We're the second owners....is there a chance that the previous owners switched that out for the 4.10? I'm going to go look for the metal tag on the cover now and see if it says....that'll really limit our trailer choices, as you said (we went around looking today). The RPO codes really can't be relied upon for a lot of things since the previous owners changed out the tire size, the wheels...etc. They also removed the tow hooks on the front of the vehicle...etc.

Oh well, any suggestions on a lighter trailer with quad bunks....or I'm going to lose this war to the Class C LOL

Methinks you are worrying too much about the rear axle ratio. Ford's towing package comes with a 3.73 rear axle ratio. My F150 with the tow package and a 5.4l V8 has a tow rating of 9200lbs - much more than I need, especially with today's lighter weight trailers. For instance, a Jayco Jay Flight 28BHS can sleep 8 and has a GVWR of 7500lbs.

Re slideouts - personally, I would limit the number of them. While they do increase your living space, they also add weight and provide another avenue for water to enter your trailer.

 

[Mike Whitehead]

My First camper was a 20’ 1972 Winnebago Brave. Love that old thing, but took some time to set it up. From there I moved up to 33’ Allegro Again it was kinda a pain to set up. After that I bought a diesel pick up truck so I got a 32’ 5th wheel. It was easy set up. But I missed the motorhome. My Life changed some I sold the 5ther and got a Truck camper. I liked it but way to small. Well we just got an older Class C. It is a Holiday Rambler, a high end unit in its day. With a tag axle, leveling jacks, central vacuum……
We have not really camped in it yet but it will be easy to set up. I am looking forward to it.

If I could offer some advice:
1 go rent,/borrow a unit and see what works for you- TT Vs. Class C, Floor plan etc…
2 Go ask this question on some of the boards on RV.net You will a ton of info there.
Here is our new to us Unit

 

[shirley 38]

My husband and I are in our first 6 months of camping. We asked all the questions you are asking and probably more. We became aware that 'to get this' 'you have to trade away that'.
It can drive you bonkers.
Our 1st question ' will we like camping'---We love it !!!! We decided on a 5th wheel. We were not sure if we would like camping so we bought a used unit. The 27 1/2 footer is going into its 4th year, everthing works and it cost us 25% of its original selling price. Also, setting up at a site is a breeze and we have our truck to run around in. This unit only has one slide out, but the square footage of the 5th wheel is larger that our first apartment, when we were married.
Remember----everything is a trade. Giving up something to get something.

Getting a $300,000 Class A would be something to get, but ya gotta give up a lot of bucks (remember trading).

 

[5stljayhawks]

Ms. Ratt

Having a detachable, destination drivable car was an easy decision for my family of 5.

In regards to trailers options, have you all looked at hybrid TT. As for the Burb, you have the power to pull and enjoy it, have a 3.73 and not the 4.10 will make a little difference, but is not a deal breaker. If it is that big of hang up, you can have it swapped out. Keep an eye on the lower left gate(tranny cooler)

 

[TheRatPack]

Minnie, thanks....I just looked up some Cherokees and they are nice and have some great bunk models.

FtWildernessGuy, appreciate the post My husband says I think too much too.....which I probably do. I do like the Jayco series too with the quad bunks....they seem a bit more than the others we've been looking at though. I saw some Forest River models, Wildwood I believe, that had quad bunks and they were coming in a bit cheaper. We don't have a lot of local camper places though, so we've been relying a lot on Internet searches and prices.....which vary greatly from site to site. One I found was RVWholesalers.....they seem like they have great prices, but has anyone heard of them?

Mike Thanks, love the new Rambler. It's funny because when I used to camp with my grandparents, they had a Holiday Rambler Alumilite TT. We LOVED it....and used it for years and years. It was only my sister, my grandparents and myself so we didn't have to worry about bunks and slides....etc. Still, what fun memories. I like the blue window awnings on your model as well....my oldest ds keeps telling us we have to get a blue camper.....so it'll look nice next to our blue house LOL. As far as renting....where would I even go to do something like that? I've saw that RV America or something like that....but they seem so expensive. Maybe not though....if you have any idea on where to rent an RV from, and then we could also rent a TT.....please let me know.

Shirley, thanks for the input. Our first house was only 990 sq foot.....so we're used to small spaces. We only had 2 children then though....but we've also thought about the fact that we won't be in the camper a whole lot, unless of course it's raining...etc so we don't have to go too big. Our big question is 'will we use it enough to justify the cost'....we see so many campers just sitting in yards, and don't want ours to just sit there. I suppose there are enough long weekends in the year to make it worth our while, even if we just did 2 full weeks and 3 or 4 long weekends....I think it would be worth it.

JayHawks, we have looked at Hybrids but my husband wants something with hardsides all the way around. I did find one yesterday that was really nice though....so many choices.

 

[dtum]

Minnie, thanks....I just looked up some Cherokees and they are nice and have some great bunk models.

FtWildernessGuy, appreciate the post My husband says I think too much too.....which I probably do. I do like the Jayco series too with the quad bunks....they seem a bit more than the others we've been looking at though. I saw some Forest River models, Wildwood I believe, that had quad bunks and they were coming in a bit cheaper. We don't have a lot of local camper places though, so we've been relying a lot on Internet searches and prices.....which vary greatly from site to site. One I found was RVWholesalers.....they seem like they have great prices, but has anyone heard of them?

Mike Thanks, love the new Rambler. It's funny because when I used to camp with my grandparents, they had a Holiday Rambler Alumilite TT. We LOVED it....and used it for years and years. It was only my sister, my grandparents and myself so we didn't have to worry about bunks and slides....etc. Still, what fun memories. I like the blue window awnings on your model as well....my oldest ds keeps telling us we have to get a blue camper.....so it'll look nice next to our blue house LOL. As far as renting....where would I even go to do something like that? I've saw that RV America or something like that....but they seem so expensive. Maybe not though....if you have any idea on where to rent an RV from, and then we could also rent a TT.....please let me know.

Shirley, thanks for the input. Our first house was only 990 sq foot.....so we're used to small spaces. We only had 2 children then though....but we've also thought about the fact that we won't be in the camper a whole lot, unless of course it's raining...etc so we don't have to go too big. Our big question is 'will we use it enough to justify the cost'....we see so many campers just sitting in yards, and don't want ours to just sit there. I suppose there are enough long weekends in the year to make it worth our while, even if we just did 2 full weeks and 3 or 4 long weekends....I think it would be worth it.

JayHawks, we have looked at Hybrids but my husband wants something with hardsides all the way around. I did find one yesterday that was really nice though....so many choices.

One thing to remember when looking at TT. You get what you pay for. Jayco may cost more, but it is better made and may have fewer bugs or cheaper parts. Go to RV.net and ask around about the models you are looking at...you will get some good responses. I know we learned tons from them and what to look for in TT (and our 5r). Little things that may become big things down the road. One of the biggest problems we had with our old TT was that it was very low to the ground so the sewer cleanout was almost always uphill and that was a BIG mess. Really look at all the details along with floor plans. Fit and finish in TT is a big deal.

 

[TheRatPack]

Thanks I'll check out RV.net

 

[nelle]

Check out a KZ spree they have a couple of nice floorplans with quad bunks and large u-shaped dinettes and are lightweight. I know when we were looking KZ and Jayco were at the top of our list but we only have a 1500 yukon xl.
We ended up going a completely different way and bought a Class A diesel pusher and will tow one of our cars. While it's not new it cost us the same as it would of if we had bought a new truck and camper so it's kinda a wash...
Check out rv.net they have lots of info. over there.
HTH.

 

[ChesapeakeTechie]

Hey guys and gals. Stumbled across this threat and thought I would add my $.02. We started camping last year, went with some friends who had a Jayco TT and LOVED IT. We have 3 kids, all 4 and under and we have a great time. We bought our Jayco 17EX (http://www.jayco.com/g/db/gallery_picture_3080.jpg) used (year old) and it's been great. It's a hybrid with two fold out beds. It's very light (> 3000 lbs) and we tow it with a Honda Odyssey minivan. Mind you I'm not going to win any races, but staying under 60mph and taking it easy, it's a nice setup.
In a few years we'll probably move up to the larger hybrid Jayco, and bump up to a larger towing vehicle, but for now it's great. Any questions please feel free to ask!

 

[Mike Whitehead]

It's been a long time since I looked into renting a camper. But around here most of the RV sales place also have rentals

 

[TheRatPack]

Check out a KZ spree they have a couple of nice floorplans with quad bunks and large u-shaped dinettes and are lightweight. HTH.

Okay, I'm LOVING that Spree 289KS with the Chestnut color......man oh man are they expensive though. I told my husband we weren't spending 30,000 on a camper/RV and that a TT made more sense for our budget. Now I find myself loving a TT that is just as much as the Class C's he was looking at LOL

Surely that's just a crazy sticker price...right? I tried to do a search on used ones but you can't find any....the weight is good, as is the layout. Love the king bed slideout and the vanity outside the bathroom. Oh well, I'll be sure to save that name and keep checking for a good sales price or used one

 

[nelle]

The 289Ks is what we were looking at also. I believe they can be had for around $20,000.
Here are a couple of places around me that have them
http://www.vacationlandrv.com/sales/inventory.php?inventory_id=1361

http://www.advancecamping.com/pre_o...X9K27K2009J7I29I51JPMQ4996R0&veh=1293348&nv=y

Maybe shoot them a email and see what price they give you and it will give you a ballpark of what they go for. You may be able to bargain more since you don't have a trade. I know they always asked if we have a trade before they would tell us the price.
Jayco also has a similar floorplan which is 29A, I believe the only difference is the Spree has a king bed vs a queen in the Jayco.
The good thing with KZ and Jayco is that they have a 2 year warranty vs the standard 1 yr with others.
There are quite a few owners of KZ and even the 289KS on RV.net go there and look around and ask questions.
HTH and isn't too much info. I have researched campers and motorhomes to death so I tend to get a little long winded(just ask my DH)

 

[thecplusplusguy]

First off let me state I am a Motorhome guy all the way, grew up in one and never wanted anything different as soon as I could afford it. My first RV was a TT though. What I noticed about the differences between my 18' TT and my 30' Class C as far as setup. My wife and I from start to finish can be backing out of the drive way for a weekend trip in 30 minutes (does take practice). As far as setting up if you don't level (I don't very often most places I go are level enough) I'm setup with water and electricity in 15 minutes. On weekend trips I use the tanks so I don't have to hook up sewer, but if I do maybe another 5 minutes.

At the end of the weekend, or to go for a site seeing trip (I don't tow a car yet) I'm ready to go in about 15 minutes.

Now with all that said you can get a TT with some pretty nice amenities for half what you can a new Class C. If you are looking used you have to worry about leaks in the Cab over area and whether the motor was maintained well.

The big thing for people to think about is the motorhome needs to be taken for a drive (or atleast run) year round once a month. I know people don't do it, but it is really not good for them. My father didn't do that during the off times and had problems all the time. My brother who is a heavy truck mechanic says its a good idea as well. With a TT you can store it for long periods of time and as long as you keep the house batteries charged and repack the hubs once a year you are all set. With the motorhome I have to get it inspected, get the oil changed, and everything else that comes with a motorized vehicle.

In summary I love my class C, and I wouldn't have it any other way, but I go camping year round and in the summer 2 or 3 times a month. When my brother was looking for an RV, he had the truck already I told him to get a 5th wheel or a TT.

I think you mentioned you had a 3/4 ton suburban, with that you can pull a lot. Just remember that with a 30' trailer and a 15'+ truck you are 45' long and it can be a chore getting into some sites.


Dan

 

[dtum]

Okay, I'm LOVING that Spree 289KS with the Chestnut color......man oh man are they expensive though. I told my husband we weren't spending 30,000 on a camper/RV and that a TT made more sense for our budget. Now I find myself loving a TT that is just as much as the Class C's he was looking at LOL

Surely that's just a crazy sticker price...right? I tried to do a search on used ones but you can't find any....the weight is good, as is the layout. Love the king bed slideout and the vanity outside the bathroom. Oh well, I'll be sure to save that name and keep checking for a good sales price or used one

Never pay sticker...especially in this economy, dealers have some good deals out there. Ditto on RV.net-tons of good info there.

One thing about TT length. It is measured from tip of hitch back so a 30' would actually be 27 in trailer length.

 

[stacktester]

I offered 25% off list when I got mine and they took it gladly. Today, I would offer 35% off and see what happens. If they say no, leave and they will probably call you later i the day.

 

[chilipyro]

With 5 kids, you are going to have to do some bed setup and take down, no matter what floorplan you go with. I don't think I have ever seen anything with more than 4 bunks. But, I don't think you'll find a motorhome with more than 2 bunks - and even that many are rare in an MH.

We use to own a hybrid with quad bunks (Jayco 26L), but traded for a larger TT (Jayco G2 32BHDS) with a slide-out bunk room for the kids. We have three kids, and there are three separate bed areas in the kids bunk room. One of those bed areas folds out to a queen size bed, so it could sleep two (or three smaller ones).

I'll tell you - it is REALLY nice to have a setup where the kids have their own space. They have thier own TV, and plenty of floor space to get wild, mess up, and do what they want. With the bunk house hybrid, the bunks were fine for sleeping, but the bunk room was small and not a good space for them to hang out. As a result, in bad weather, we were all cramped into the rather small space up front. This new trailer has been fanstatic.

The MSRP on our 32BHDS was about $30K. We paid $24K, with many extras. I think we could have gotten it for $3k lower than that too, if we had explored some of the deep discount places (e.g., RVDirect).

As for towing, the weight on our trailer is close to 9000lbs (loaded). Our half ton Tundra handles the load, but with no room to add much of anything to the truck bed. I expect you would be fine with that much weight, with your 3/4 ton Suburban.

 

[BradyBz12]

Dealers in these parts are lopping a TON off the sticker price on TTs (sometimes as much as 10k-12k off new models). Definitely worth doing some negotiating.