Community Forums

Jhuff8181 · 06-11-2013, 08:57 AM

Hi,

My name is Rob. My wife (Suzanne) and I have eight children with three still at home. They are 18, 15 and 12. We have tent camped over the years but I'm getting a little old to sleep on the ground. Well actually sleeping is pretty easy its the getting up that getting harder. So we have decide to take a look at getting an RV. I have been looking at Class C's and TT's. I have a 2005 Chevy Suburban with a towing package. I like the idea of traveling in a Class C but I also like the floor plans of many TT's. I know my Suburban can handle the towing but I've never towed anything so I'm a little concerned about that. I'm also not interested in going into debt so our funds are a little limited. We've been looking at used campers but to be honest I'm not really sure what to look for. I'm semi-retired and pretty handy with tools so I'm not opposed to a fixer upper. So here are my questions:

What should I look for when inspecting a camper?
What questions should I ask the owner?
What are the pros and cons of a Class C?
What are the pros and cons of a travel trailer?
How hard or easy is towing a TT over long distances?
How hard is it to refurbish a camper?

Thank You, Rob

jlfbatonrg · 06-11-2013, 09:44 AM

Rob,

Welcome Aboard. You've come to the right place to get information. I can't give you specifics about Class C pros and cons, we own a class diesel pusher, but my son owns a TT, so I have a bit of data I can relate. No matter what you choose, look closely for water leak evidence, and delamination of the outside walls. Either of these could be very bad, and for me would be a deal breaker. Tires are another expensive replacement item. Check the DOT manufacture date, and general condition of the tires. Old tires will likely mean replacement. Ask the owner for maintenance records and any repair or replacement records they might have. This will give you a sense of how well the RV has been maintained.

Pros and cons of a TT. This information is based on my limited knowledge from my son on towing his 29' TT. Others with more information will certainly assist you netter. My son tows his TT with a Ford 3/4 ton diesel pick up truck. he says you have to use equalizer bars and stabilizers to guarantee control on the highways. Backing up is similar to backing up any trailer, except it's longer and requires a bit of planning. Setting up requires getting the TT level using spacers under the wheels and the tongue jack before using the stabilizer jacks on the TT.

Refurbishing a TT is not much different than refurbishing any RV, unless you're talking about the drivetrain. Keep in mind, RVs are not built the same as houses. Their construction limits where certain items can be placed. The plumbing is pretty much set, as is the electrical stuff.

I'll leave the TT and class C experts fill in the rest of the info. Good luck with your choice.

MSHappyCampers · 06-11-2013, 10:06 AM

Hi Rob & Suzanne! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you!

Never having had a TT, I can't help with your questions, but I would suggest that you post questions over in the appropriate areas of the forum for best results. You might want to click on "RV Forums" at the top, then click on
"Travel Trailer Discussion" for starters. Not many folks hang out here in the Welcome area. Hope you find just what you need!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

**CLIFFTALL** · 06-11-2013, 10:22 AM

Welcome to irv2.

Cliff

**JohnRR** · 06-11-2013, 10:37 AM

You can learn a lot just by reading here as you will get answers for questions you did not even know to ask.

SarahW · 06-11-2013, 11:02 AM

Howdy and welcome!

Medico · 06-11-2013, 03:09 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Bruce C · 06-12-2013, 04:04 AM

from NH.

"007" · 06-12-2013, 04:50 AM

Welcome Rob to irv2.
We are neighbors have part of NH. in my back yard.
This is the link mentioned enjoy the forums and safe travels.

lgarcia · 06-12-2013, 07:36 AM

Welcome to the forum! We already had a truck similar to your having a Suburban, so the decision for a TT over an RV was easy. The TT also doubles as a guest room in the side yard.

After a year of looking at used, we went new for our first RV type purchase, although the advice here seems to go towards buying used. Buying new seemed to us to lessen the learning curve.

We also went with the smallest TT we were comfortable in - that helped with buying new as we were not paying for bells, whistles, and space we didn't need all the time. But, we had already decided that the TT was for sleeping in and the outdoors would be our living room. If it rains, we go exploring in the truck. So, this works for us and may not for you. Have fun whatever you decide!

The best info I found for buying used TT's was here
http://vintageshasta.proboards.com/b...intage-trailer