Community Forums

fireslayer · 03-29-2016, 12:21 PM

Greetings,
Just joined yesterday and have already found this forum to be a fountain of knowledge.Wife and I have decided we want to buy a travel trailer so this looks like the place to go. We have a 3/4 ton Chevy 2500HD 4X4 so we have the towing vehicle covered. We are also doing our homework to make sure we get what we want for a good price and something that will last. So we have a few questions and I am sure they have all been answered at one time or another but here it goes. Also, we are looking for a travel trailer no longer then 23 ft.
1.We are looking at all the different dealers here in central California. Looking at the reviews I cant find a single one of them where at least 1/2 the reviews are 1 star or similar.Almost all complaints have to do with poor service and dealers not backing the product they sell. Do any of you have suggestions for a good place to go here in central California?

2. We would like quality. Could you give me 5 brands that last so it can help us narrow down our search.

3. If we decide to go used. please list the things you would look at before purchasing?

Any help any of you can give us would be greatly appreciate.

Thank You

Fireslayer

pagosajoe · 03-29-2016, 12:28 PM

Welcome! Others will chip in their thoughts, but Lance is a great manufacturer, and located in the central CA area (Lancaster):

Lance Travel Trailers | Ultra Light Weight Trailers

Their line of trailers tops out at about 23 feet.

Used to live in Bishop. Enjoy the site!

B Dubya · 03-29-2016, 12:30 PM

I don't know trailers, but I DO know there are buckets of them for sale from Rocklin, to Sacramento, to Stockton, and Modesto. Just drove that route a few weeks ago and couldn't believe how many trailers are out there for sale. You should be able to swing a great deal. Welcome and good luck!

MSHappyCampers · 03-29-2016, 01:14 PM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the bunch here!

[Mod edit]

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

octanefam · 03-29-2016, 01:30 PM

You won't be disappointed with Jayco.

timetogo · 03-29-2016, 09:40 PM

Sorry, I've bought 3 brand new trailers and don't have any recommendations. Be aware, be careful, but enjoy the search and buying experience. There are many to look at and none are perfect. Any brand/dealer, can/will, please or disappoint you.

Highway 4x4 · 03-29-2016, 11:16 PM

Well, welcome to the gang. Just a few random thoughts in no real order. Don't be in a hurry, there are more TT's being built every day. Look at everything and ask any question you want. If it doesn't look right it probably isn't. Spend as much time reading here as you can stomach. All mfg's have issues with fit and finish. Walk away from a TT that looks like it has leaked. When you look at a floorplan and sit in it think, could I sit in it for 3 days of rain. My favorites in new, OutdoorsRV, Arctic Fox (Northwood RV), Lance. I by no means know all the good ones so go look. When you get tired of looking take a break, there is no rush. Be sure to have fun looking.

Bruce C · 03-30-2016, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octanefam

You won't be disappointed with Jayco.

Many happy owners. Great company.

TVS · 03-30-2016, 04:32 AM

One piece of advise I have is run the slides in (if it has them) before you buy. Make sure cabinets you'll need and the fridge are accessible. I was surprised how many fridges got blocked by the slides in the units I looked at. May not seem like a big deal unless you plan on pulling into a rest stop to make a sandwich and have to push out the slide to get the cheese.

fireslayer · 03-30-2016, 10:57 AM

Great input I will take it all in our quest

Highway 4x4 · 03-30-2016, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVS

One piece of advise I have is run the slides in (if it has them) before you buy. Make sure cabinets you'll need and the fridge are accessible. I was surprised how many fridges got blocked by the slides in the units I looked at. May not seem like a big deal unless you plan on pulling into a rest stop to make a sandwich and have to push out the slide to get the cheese.

The most important thing is that the slide does not block the toilet. I don't think any do that.

**TonyDi** · 03-30-2016, 03:50 PM

SmokeyWren · 03-30-2016, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highway 4x4

The most important thing is that the slide does not block the toilet. I don't think any do that.

Yeah, some do. The sliding room with sofa and dinette in my 2000 Keystone Sprinter 250RKS 5er blocks the restroom door when slid all the way in for travel.

But that's no big deal. It requires only a few seconds to slide the slide out enough to get into the restroom at a rest stop. Step into the 5er from the outside steps and the switch is right there, so just touch that switch for a couple of seconds and the room slides out a foot or so, enough for you to get into the restroom. If you're obese, it might take a coupla more seconds.

The model 250RKS means the box (including the bedroom over the pinbox) is about 25' long, rear kitchen with slider.

My 2012 Skyline Nomad Joey TT doesn't have a slider, so no problem with a sliding room blocking anything.

BlueCrewNV · 04-02-2016, 12:17 AM

Best RV in Modesto/Merced area has the largest inventory and lowest prices. I've heard mixed reviews on their service so beware.

Jayco
Forrest River
Grand Design
Cougar by Keystone
Are all good brands

Good luck!