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03-28-2017, 08:43 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 4
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Having 2nd thoughts about buying a TT
Hey everybody, I'm new here and actually a Virgin to the camping community. My wife and I just put a deposit down on a 30 foot TT. We are now having second thoughts and would like to see if we could get some advice, either way, that would help us make a final decision?
Back story: Our youngest, 2 1/2, is special needs. He can't sit on his own, crawl, or walk. He can roll all over the place though, and he gets tired of being stuck in a car seat, stroller, etc, for too long. SO, we thought it would be nice to have a TT so we could pull over and take breaks on the road. Also, the use of our own toilet would be a plus too. We aren't looking to camp too often, but we love the option to camp, and having our own little "command post" on the road sounds nice.
I guess our hesitation comes from the fact we have never pulled 30 feet and that kind of weight. My truck is more than enough for the job, and I have towed before, but not to this level. Are we inviting more challenges than an already challenged family needs? The other option for us is just to take the SUV, and try to make the trip a bit quicker for the little guy. If we get a TT we would still like to stay a hotel from time to time so we can spread out a bit. If the hotel is okay with us parking the TT, how secure would it be overnight? (Obviously this isn't an easy to answer question, but how secure would you feel leaving your TT anywhere?) Also, we are looking at a towing weight of about 6000-6200 lbs, truck is rated to 10000 (Tundra Crew Max), would it be a rough ride for the kids, or wife, in traffic, in normal weather, and in wind?
ANY advice would be helpful. We are not planning on using the TT much, but we see potential value in the reason for the need. We also have a 5 year old who would probably love it, unless it makes the trip too tedious. The main trip we would take every year would be from Colorado to Eastern South Dakota and back. If that helps!? Thank you in advance!
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03-28-2017, 08:49 AM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 42
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At the risk of sounding too harsh, I'm not sure you're purchasing the camper is the best decision if it is to be used as you describe. Maybe consider a smaller class B or C perhaps?
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03-28-2017, 08:56 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 992
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As much as I love my tow trailer it's only a little one not near as big as the one you're talking about. I would also have to say then I think maybe you need to look into a Class B wear into a Class C style mobile home. I think what you're looking for and looking at might be a little large. Understand your wishes however I'm thinking you may be better off and something a little easier to operate and the fact that you're looking for something that you can stop at many places to take breaks for the little one coming up on 50 + feet in length you're not going to just stop anywhere. I'm kind of thinking a little fella would really like the trip and camping so don't count that out. Safe Journeys and make the trip fun For All
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03-28-2017, 09:00 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,521
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Have you considered renting a class A or C to give it a try? Some places do rent TT's, but they are not as common.
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03-28-2017, 09:00 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: MA RI
Posts: 167
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I do not tow since I have owned a Class C and now a park model so I cannot answer your question on tow vehicle. But as far as the intended use of your TT on the road I have 2 major concerns. 1. You will have to pick a floor plan that allows access to the bathroom and kitchen/living area when the slides are retracted while on the road. So if your TT has slides have the dealer have the slides retracted so you can see what is accessible. 2. On the road you will not have A/C in the TT and it can heat up pretty fast. 3. Not sure you can run the plumbing either so check that too. With our motor home we had access to everything and could even run the A/C in the house. Of course we had everyone belted in seat belts and would pull over if the grand kids need to use the bathroom or need exercise.
Good luck with your new adventure.Hope your family enjoys camping.
__________________
Mike and Rose
Dachshunds Hansel and Gretel
Jayco Class C Greyhawk 31SS
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03-28-2017, 09:12 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,569
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For your situation I could really see something like a Conversion van or Class C coming in handy.
If your 5 year old is going to be involved in band, sports, etc. it might make things easier if you were able to just hop in the Class C and go to all the events.
The main reason we switched from a pop up to a Class C was to use it locally more spontaneously. We've used it for day trips and even local events.
Good luck!
__________________
1996 Tioga Class C
2007 Monaco Diplomat 40 PDQ
TOAD 2012 Cadillac SRX 4
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03-28-2017, 09:17 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Katy Tx.
Posts: 197
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My first thought reading your post is sending prayers for you and your little ones needs.
As far as what you are describing the way you intend to use the TT, my first thoughts are... you will be pulling over to take those breaks, and depending on the time of year, and weather, ( I'm assuming you will be traveling mostly in the summer) the trailer will be like an oven. It can obviously be done, but I agree that a smaller class b or c would allow you less hassle when you want to pull over for that break and spread out. BUT!! Only you can answer how you intend to use the trailer and what works best for you and your family. If your gut is having second thoughts, my advice is to listen to it.
Good luck and God bless!
__________________
There's no time like the present. Every day is a gift, and an opportunity for adventure!
Jamie & Darci
2016 Entegra Anthem 44b 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco diesel AF1
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03-28-2017, 09:34 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 4
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WOW! Great advice everybody! Sorry I didn't reply earlier, but for some reason I was not getting updates. Anyhow, this is great advice, especially the fact of how hot or cold the unit could be. We have stayed away from RV's because of child seat issues. None of them seem to have the best configuration, or safety measures for our little guy. He has to be rear facing and we would prefer something that would hold up well in a crash since he can't hold himself up too well. That has been our fear there. I will look back into conversion vans as well. Thank you all so much!
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03-28-2017, 10:01 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,596
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When you 1st mentioned a 30' TT for what you intended to do I thought that was too big. Trying to just pull over for a stop with a 30' TT takes some planning. It won't fit everywhere. Plus you'd need a spot big enough to open a slide if it has one. Most of the time they require the jacks to be down or at least level. Thats not something you can do everywhere.
The idea of a class B or even a shorter class A gas would be much better.
One other thing to think about is what you'll be doing when you get to where your going. Will you want to drive the class B/A everywhere or will you like a small car/SUV instead. If so you would need to look for a class B/A that has the tow capacity.
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03-28-2017, 10:38 AM
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#10
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Registered User
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: La Verne, Calif
Posts: 3,649
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For your needs you might look at a toy hauler trailer. Lots of floor space and a built in generator for the AC.
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03-28-2017, 12:36 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Highway 4x4
For your needs you might look at a toy hauler trailer. Lots of floor space and a built in generator for the AC.
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That is an interesting option. It makes the use more versatile, and can be helpful to me around town as well. I'll look into it. Thank you.
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03-28-2017, 08:46 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 1,293
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Whatever you do, do not get something 30' long. The toy hauler options sounds good - they do make them in smaller sizes like around 21-24'.
The other option would be a van conversion or small class A or C motorhome - which is probably the most practical option for a traveling hotel. Also a van conversion (now called a class D) does not look out of place in a motel parking lot - my parents did that all the time with theirs.
__________________
2017 Chevy 2500HD LTZ DuraMax Diesel Silver Ice Metallic
2017 Outdoors RV Timber Ridge 25RDS Mountain Series 4X Off Road Suspension Pkg
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03-28-2017, 10:21 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,755
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We now own a fifth wheel that has actual measurement of 40'. Our previous unit was a 29' (the inside measurement, but was actually 32.5' from hitch to rear bumper - so equivalent to 30'). It was great to tow. Once you've had a little practice, you would find it can go in many places.
Trailers can get hot and cold based on outside temps until you are stopping for the night at camp and have electric hook-ups, but we've had many occasions where we could enjoy lunch in the trailer while stopped in a Wal Mart parking lot.
I will also add that it is nice to be able to allow your children to bring along their favorite toys, stuffed animals, and have their very own space. This is a huge plus when it comes to RVing. You have your own bed, your own belongings, your comfy own pillows, etc. and this is generally great for all children. We started traveling with our kiddos when they were still infants. Having the pack-n-play and all the comforts of home worked well for us.
On a side note, I have a 16 foot cargo trailer and our 30 foot Jayco with full slide wasn't any more difficult to pull/back-in as long as you are set up correctly with the right tow vehicle.
Good luck with your decision.
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03-28-2017, 10:32 PM
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#14
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Registered User
Winnebago Owners Club Vintage RV Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Cherry Creek, BC Canada
Posts: 7,648
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I do not know how ambulatory you young ones are but I would opt for a medium Class C or Small A as once you're in you're in and restroom breaks etc are all just a matter of pulling over and getting everyone through the restroom without having to go outside and then back in and then the reverse to get back in your tow vehicle. I would suggest before you buy you rent a motorhome to ascertain your needs long run. Your little one will be growing and the larger these little guys get the more ease of movement becomes a concern. Lots of luck making your decision as it will be a difficult one to make.
BTW
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