Community Forums

Camping mom · 09-04-2008, 01:46 PM

I am a single mom with 3 boys who are with me 98% of the time (their dad would not take them camping anyway) and they have the camping bug. I have never been tent camping but I know that is not for me. A private bathroom is a must. I have done a ton of research and have decided on a trail-sport hybrid TSE233. I have plenty of tow power with my Ford Excursion. What options/equiptment do I REALLY need to make towing and setup quick and easy? Ex: Prodidgy brakes, anti-sway bars, electric tongue jacks, hydraulic brakes, electric levelers,ect. Thanks for your help and advice.

Camping mom · 09-04-2008, 01:46 PM

I am a single mom with 3 boys who are with me 98% of the time (their dad would not take them camping anyway) and they have the camping bug. I have never been tent camping but I know that is not for me. A private bathroom is a must. I have done a ton of research and have decided on a trail-sport hybrid TSE233. I have plenty of tow power with my Ford Excursion. What options/equiptment do I REALLY need to make towing and setup quick and easy? Ex: Prodidgy brakes, anti-sway bars, electric tongue jacks, hydraulic brakes, electric levelers,ect. Thanks for your help and advice.

TXiceman · 09-04-2008, 04:40 PM

Definitely you need a good weight distributing hitch with a sway control. For a trailer of the size you are looking at, a friction type sway control will work fine. The Prodigy is a good 2nd tier brake controller. There are better brake controllers out there, but they cost more.

An electric tongue jack is rally nice and installed stabilizers such as Bal work well. Hydraulic brakes are not needed on this small of a trailer.

I would plan to add an external transmission oil cooler to the truck. Ford is not know for their wonderful transmissions and then change the transmission fluid on 20,000 mile intervals.

Hope you have fun camping.

Just remember...never believe the RV salesman. And anything, no matter how small, have them write it in to the contract. Things are easily forgotten unless written down. Also, make sure the dealer does a full PDI and demonstration for the whole RV including hitching and unhitching. Do not pay for anything or sign any papers until the trailer is 100%...ie do not leave the dealership until all little problems are fixed. Make sure the dealer knows it has to be 100% at delivery.

Being a woman, the sales people will automatically look at you as an easy mark. So be prepared to hold your ground. I would expect a minimum of 25% discount on a trailer with the market like it is now.

ken

Randy the sly old fox · 09-07-2008, 01:57 PM

Why stop at a hybred - you have the tow vehicle for a little bit larger unit with a bunk house for those three boys. A bunkhouse model will give them the individual space they need as well as giving you the space you need - as most of them have a fullsized bed as well. Besides you wanted easy set up and tear down - on the hybred you are going to have to set up the tent ends - with a full hardside unit you park, level, and start living - and if it rains - no worries. Look at units by Jayco, Keystone, and Fleetwood. And as the Txiceman says, beware, you are going to look like an easy mark. Most dealers around here are actually holding their ground on price as TTs are actually selling quite well. YMMV. Most dealers are getting between 35 and 40% off MSRP. Dealers often discount less, but throw in items that are not included by the MFG like batteries, LPG, sewer hoses, etc. Others may make them part of a dealer options package that you can purchase. Either way you need to be aware that these items are NOT included with the TT from the factory. You can choose to let the dealer add them, or go off to camping world and buy your own.