Community Forums

Gapopper · 07-07-2017, 11:00 AM

We are looking at upgrading to a larger and newer travel trailer. Presently we have a TrailManor but we need more space. We are not sure to purchase new or used. I noticed some people have their campers advertised for more than a new one. Rv Wholesalers in a Ohio has some attractive pricing. Anybody done business with these folks. I am confused about all the different lines of campers from the same manufacturer. Forest River has several. Are there different grades of quality. Are they built in different facilities. I thought I should buy used to save depreciation but the new prices are much higher. Any advice is appreciated.

Bigdogboogie · 07-07-2017, 11:29 AM

What size is your current TT and what length are you considering to be larger and newer?

By the way,

Rickho · 07-07-2017, 11:46 AM

I don't have any history with that place but buying anywhere Depends on the trailer whether you should go new or used. Most people trade up but I've seen many who trade do to issues. Issues that the dealer isn't aware of and problems you wouldn't find unless using the trailer. Buying new provides you a warranty and I get the drop in value but are you buying this as an investment or as a long usage for camping and fun. Again, my opinion, stay clear of fiberglass. Within a few years they have delaminate issues which then allows leaking. Much more up keep. I tend to look for aluminum one piece roof models. Also be conscious of the new weight and make sure your truck can handle it. Good luck and if you do buy used look it over carefully.

Mr_D · 07-07-2017, 12:07 PM

from WA State!

I haven't owned a TT since 1988, but I started with a used 16', then a new 23' and finally a 26' and ¾ ton PU that we traded on the new '88 17' Type B MH.

Gapopper · 07-07-2017, 01:28 PM

We have a 27 foot TrailManor now. Because of the way they close up to a small package, all the cabinets and refrigerator are only 4 feet tall. I am 6 feet tall and have to get on my knees to get something out of the cabinets. Also the bed pulls out. This means someone has to climb over the other to get up. I tow with a Long Bed Tundra 5.7. I want to find something around 6,000 lbs dry.

Jasonc253 · 07-07-2017, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gapopper

We are looking at upgrading to a larger and newer travel trailer. Presently we have a TrailManor but we need more space. We are not sure to purchase new or used. I noticed some people have their campers advertised for more than a new one. Rv Wholesalers in a Ohio has some attractive pricing. Anybody done business with these folks. I am confused about all the different lines of campers from the same manufacturer. Forest River has several. Are there different grades of quality. Are they built in different facilities. I thought I should buy used to save depreciation but the new prices are much higher. Any advice is appreciated.

I bought from rvwholesale in 2011 and it was a great experience, very easy to deal with and accommodating, especially with me being in Alberta.
As far as different brands etc, I just found a layout I liked and read reviews about which ever brand offered those layouts and went with the best reviewed. I ended up getting a Sprinter, no problems in the last 6 years and I camp a lot.

tbos1958 · 07-08-2017, 11:02 AM

I bought from RV wholesalers in 2014. Great experience

lgarcia · 07-08-2017, 05:25 PM

I have had two travel trailers and always bought new. I want to be the one responsible for the maintenance and upkeep. Easy to finance a new one, too.

I only wanted a TT under 20ft and no slides, so my wish list may differ from yours. Look at specs - tank sizes is a big consideration. Insulation, construction, and layout is also important.

Bob_C · 07-08-2017, 05:58 PM

Mine was a year old, to big for the folks that bought it, so was traded for a smaller unit....most of the creature comforts had never been used....was at local Rockwood dealer....paid $24,000 cash...,.so units are out there, just go look'n......

patriot07 · 07-08-2017, 10:08 PM

We just bought a 1-year-old Solaire 267BHSE. MSRP was around $28k-$29k. I assume most folks paid around $21k-$22k for it new. We paid $16k for it used. $5k pays for a lot of vacations, and the thing looks brand new. We've been on 3 short trips and everything works flawlessly and we are loving it.

Ours was listed for $20k, and we negotiated down to $16k. So don't take list price as gospel, especially on used units. They always have room to move.

I had heard some mixed reviews on Forest River products. But if my Solaire and our friend's Flagstaff are both in fantastic shape and very well-made for the price IMHO. Have had a couple calls with Forest River on questions with our unit and they've been very helpful.

keymastr · 07-09-2017, 12:57 AM

Like you I was towing with a half ton and wanted to get a trailer that weighed 6000 dry to get the most trailer my rig could tow comfortably. Bought a trailer that weighed just under 6000 dry, 7500 gross. Tow capacity was 8600 and 1460 of cargo capacity on a loaded tongue weight of 800 pounds. Seems perfect right? If the stars align, you tow on flat ground and your hitch and tongue weight percentage are perfect it will be ok, but you WILL be driving that rig constantly. It will not be leisurely by any stretch of the imagination.

Doable? for sure. Comfortable? Only when road conditions and weather conditions are good. A 20 MPH wind or gusty conditions may cause you to have to slow or even stop and wait it out.

If I were you I would plan on a 6000 GROSS trailer, not dry, or get a 3/4 ton.

Randy the sly old fox · 07-09-2017, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gapopper

We are looking at upgrading to a larger and newer travel trailer. Presently we have a TrailManor but we need more space. We are not sure to purchase new or used. I noticed some people have their campers advertised for more than a new one. Rv Wholesalers in a Ohio has some attractive pricing. Anybody done business with these folks. I am confused about all the different lines of campers from the same manufacturer. Forest River has several. Are there different grades of quality. Are they built in different facilities. I thought I should buy used to save depreciation but the new prices are much higher. Any advice is appreciated.

Forest River is one of two large corps (Thor is the other) that own the majority of the towable RV market. Forest River is owned by Brookshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett). They use different "sub brands" to differentiate markets by type/size/cost/amenities and sometimes geography. Sub brands could also be from acquisitions of smaller RV Mfgs. They do have several factories often located in the east and west and distribute their products all over the country.

I understand your frustration with the TrailManor - they are great in terms of towability - I have a friend who tows one with a Tacoma.

I have only bought one TT used - the rest I have bought new - mostly because I don't want to inherit someone else's problems. I also tend to keep my rigs (both trucks and TTs) for >10yrs so when I go to trade them in I have got my money's worth out of them

.

In terms of overall build quality I would have to say that the Northwoods products - Arctic Fox, Nash and their cross town cousin - Outdoors RV along with Lance are at the top of my list. You are not going to be able to get the same length of your set up TrailManor - but I think you would be happy with any of them.