Buying a travel trailer

[Rudie]

Hi,

WE are new to buying a trailer and are looking at different models. We would like one 24 foot, but don't know if there are some make we should stay away from. Has anyone heard of AmeriLite, we were looking on the RV wholesalers website, the prices are SO good , is there something we are missing?

Thanks!

[Rudie]

Hi,

WE are new to buying a trailer and are looking at different models. We would like one 24 foot, but don't know if there are some make we should stay away from. Has anyone heard of AmeriLite, we were looking on the RV wholesalers website, the prices are SO good , is there something we are missing?

Thanks!

[450Donn]

Generally speaking, when you see the term "light" or "light weight" used in the description it means that the RV in question is built to be pulled by smaller, lighter vehicles and it will weigh less than a trailer of comparable size that is not a lithg weight trailer. It also means that in construction they are built using less or smaller components. Unless your tow vehicle is restricting you personally I would buy a regular trailer.
OH and welcome to the forum.
Also if this is your first RV might I suggest that you buy used first. It is much easier on the pocket book to buy used and discover that this life style is not for you that to buy new and see your investment drop by 50% the first couple of years.

[Rudie]

Thank you! We have been looking at second hand trailers, but this RV wholesale website has trailers brand new that are less expensive than trailers we have been looking at second hand. That is why I'm just wondering if there is a catch! We will probably be leaving our trailer at a campground. Maybe a little traveling with it, but mostly parking it.

[450Donn]

In your exuberance be sure to compare apples to apples. Comparing a "light weight" new to a used different brand is really hard. Not all trailers are built the same. IF you were for instance look at a used Teton it might cost 35K dollars. For the same money you could buy sever brands of new trailers. But they are not in the same league. Kind of like buying cars. For 20K you can buy a new Chevrolet or a used Caddy. Which would you prefer to buy and drive? When looking at trailers, look for things like signs of water leaks, smells, wear and tear, in new units look inside cabinets and compare build quality. There is a difference.

[Rudie]

Thank you. We are now looking at a Trail Cruiser 30QBSS, a Rockwood 27 and a MaxLite 27 BHGS. Does anyone have any help on comparisons between the quality on these trailers?

[venatic]

I don't have any info on the models you mentioned, but do you mind if I add another possibility to your list? We have an Outback 26RLS that I was worried about towing with my older 1/2 ton truck, even though it was considered a light weight trailer. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised as to how well I was able to pull it and how well it was made. It is also considered a 4 season model which I was really interested in as we are usually out with it in November.

[TXiceman]

You can usually find a new lite weight trailer for less than a mid to high end trailer used. Personally, I'd go for a used higher quality trailer. To get an idea of what happens to the used pricing, look at anew trailer as a used one one, two and 3 years old then look at the used one a year or two older. The used one will not depreciate nearly as badly as the new lite series trailer.

Ken

[MikeyXX]

I have an Amerilite 23bw and I LOVE it. My wife and I shopped around for about 4 months checking all the different shows and used and new markets within 2 hours of our place and couldn't find a floor plan that suited our particular needs as well as this one did.

I think what sold me was the big picture window. I love sitting at the table and looking out into the woods/lake/fields whatever.

This actually was only 1k or so more than a similiar used one was selling for. So I snagged it at 13k +tax.