Community Forums

oregonnewbie · 08-18-2005, 06:31 PM

Hi everyone - i just purchased a really well-kept 1993 18-ft Aljo travel trailer (by Skyline, similar to Layton and Nomad models) and can't wait to hit the road! This is my first rv and if anyone is looking for an affordable, fairly lightweight starter trailer - this unit really seems to be perfect. Everything you need (wonderful floorplan) and SUV-towable! I'll be "towing" with a Jeep Grand Cherokee (V-6, and just barely within the towing capacity - any comments on this combo gladly accepted).

Would love to hear from other folks with a similar set-up AND also would love to hear about local campgrounds/parks (Willamette Valley/Oregon Coast) that have roomy/fairly private campsites, and that might be extra dog-friendly (fenced dog exercise areas, wide trails, close to the beach or lake, etc.). Anyone have funny stories about rv'ing with dogs?? Helpful hints??

Thanks for reading - hope everyone is having a great summer!!

oregonnewbie · 08-18-2005, 06:31 PM

Hi everyone - i just purchased a really well-kept 1993 18-ft Aljo travel trailer (by Skyline, similar to Layton and Nomad models) and can't wait to hit the road! This is my first rv and if anyone is looking for an affordable, fairly lightweight starter trailer - this unit really seems to be perfect. Everything you need (wonderful floorplan) and SUV-towable! I'll be "towing" with a Jeep Grand Cherokee (V-6, and just barely within the towing capacity - any comments on this combo gladly accepted).

Would love to hear from other folks with a similar set-up AND also would love to hear about local campgrounds/parks (Willamette Valley/Oregon Coast) that have roomy/fairly private campsites, and that might be extra dog-friendly (fenced dog exercise areas, wide trails, close to the beach or lake, etc.). Anyone have funny stories about rv'ing with dogs?? Helpful hints??

Thanks for reading - hope everyone is having a great summer!!

Paul Heuvelhorst · 08-18-2005, 06:43 PM

Welcome,oregonnewbie. We enjoy all of your state parks because they are scenic, have electricity and water at every campsite, and have relatively spacious sites. We are planning to be in the Gold Beach area the second week in Sept., but haven't decided on which park to stay in, public or private. We fully intend to take the mail boat ride up the Rogue while there. Champoeg State Park just southwest of Wilsonville is probably the closest to you. Fort Stevens State Park west of Astoria is another interesting, quiet area.

My only comment about your towing combo is to stay safely below the weight limit of your tow vehicle (10-15%). Don't overload your trailer, and make sure you have a weight-distribution hitch that is properly sized for your combo. Make sure you have a properly functioning brake controller installed in your Jeep, also.

Enjoy! There is nothing better than to get into the great outdoors and enjoy God's creation.

oregonnewbie · 08-18-2005, 07:05 PM

Thanks so much for the info - yes, getting the wd hitch, sway bar, brakes, and tranny cooler installed - and will definitely stay light on the supplies. I've heard Cape Lookout near Tillamook is also very nice and right on the beach : )

Safe Traveling!

RV Wizard · 08-18-2005, 11:32 PM

oregonnewbie, welcome to iRV2, we are glad to have you join us here. We look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. If we can be of any help with questions just ask.

retired_ranger · 08-27-2005, 08:14 AM

Hey Oregonnewbie,
We too are fairly new RVers. Bought one two years ago (24foot alpenlite) and just sold that one two months ago and graduated to a 28 double slide Crossroads towed with our 97 Dodge Dually Diesel. We live in Eugene and try and get out fairly often during spring to fall. Have been to a few sites and there are so many to choose from. We like Sawyer Rapids in Elkton (campsite 5 or 6) right on the umpqua river and down the road to Elk Viewing. Our traveling companion Toro the Shitzu had his first experience with water. Didnt know if he would like by the river but while on the leash and walking on the rocks he went full force dive into the river only to be stopped by the max extension of the leash. Picture would have been priceless.
Bob and Krista