Community Forums

brant305 · 08-18-2019, 01:58 PM

Hello everyone! I have heard great things about the community here, and I am excited to join and eventually contribute to it in anyway that I can. I am entirely new to the camping world and everything included within so any suggestions or advice is welcomed and greatly appreciated. Our family, including 3 beloved Yorkshire terriers and no other children are in the research phase of purchasing a temporary housing arrangement. We have been to a few dealerships recently and have only been privy to biased sales opinion and our own online research. We live in the southeastern part of the U.S. and look forward to purchasing a travel trailer within the next week or so. I would just like to introduce myself to all members of the community here and let everyone know I look forward to the fellowship.

MSHappyCampers · 08-18-2019, 04:28 PM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs! Just post any questions over in the specific areas of the forum for best results. The folks here are very happy to share their knowledge & experience with you!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

1st-tt2018 · 08-18-2019, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brant305

Hello everyone! I have heard great things about the community here, and I am excited to join and eventually contribute to it in anyway that I can. I am entirely new to the camping world and everything included within so any suggestions or advice is welcomed and greatly appreciated. Our family, including 3 beloved Yorkshire terriers and no other children are in the research phase of purchasing a temporary housing arrangement. We have been to a few dealerships recently and have only been privy to biased sales opinion and our own online research. We live in the southeastern part of the U.S. and look forward to purchasing a travel trailer within the next week or so. I would just like to introduce myself to all members of the community here and let everyone know I look forward to the fellowship.

So it is a couple and 3 dogs. Do you have a tow rig? Are you looking for a towable? Driveable? How much space do you want? How long is "temporary"? New, used? What kinds of things do you like, what is a deal breaker?

scbwr · 08-18-2019, 05:03 PM

Welcome to the forum! Without knowing more details, I can only suggest that for a first rv unit, consider buying a higher quality used unit. You need to actually use an rv for awhile to know what you really need or want. The biggest single thing is making sure that your tow vehicle is suitable for the unit you want to tow. So, if you share more info, you can get more suggestions and or advice.

**TonyDi** · 08-18-2019, 09:03 PM

Glad to have you here.

Spend some alone time at dealerships and really get the feel for the RV you're looking for. It is a time consuming task, but finding the right one is worth it.

Let us know how we can help you.

bluepill · 08-18-2019, 09:08 PM

If you are within a few hundred miles of Birmingham, AL consider Paridise RV Sales in Warrior, AL. Best dealer experience I have ever had in 55 years of buying vehicles.

They specialize in Coachmen trailers. We love ours.

Tetonchief · 08-18-2019, 11:53 PM

Just review the forum and read the topics that interest you. I did that for almost 3 years before I bit the bullet. In that time I went back and forth between a 5th wheel and a motor home. Finally after all that education I began looking at both on line for sale and went to few some. Then I found one that was a great deal and made an offer That is how I got what I have. I was prepared to go either way, it was just the right deal that came along. Good luck!

momdoc · 08-19-2019, 04:23 AM

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. I agree with others to make sure your tow vehicle is more than adaquat for your trailer. Also be careful of dealer add ons and financing. If financing look to other options other than the dealer. And I would avoid buying anything from Camping World (just my opinion)

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

brant305 · 08-19-2019, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1st-tt2018

So it is a couple and 3 dogs. Do you have a tow rig? Are you looking for a towable? Driveable? How much space do you want? How long is "temporary"? New, used? What kinds of things do you like, what is a deal breaker?

Looking for a towable new or used in the 20,000$ range, and temporary permanent housing for approximately 12 months. Really wanting quality on a budget around 30ft in length. We had decided at the dealer on a 30ft tracer bumper pull however, after reading the reviews they seem horrid. That is how I ended up here, and we are hoping for some good advice. Our tow vehicle is a 2014 f250 diesel 4x4. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

1st-tt2018 · 08-19-2019, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brant305

Looking for a towable new or used in the 20,000$ range, and temporary permanent housing for approximately 12 months. Really wanting quality on a budget around 30ft in length. We had decided at the dealer on a 30ft tracer bumper pull however, after reading the reviews they seem horrid. That is how I ended up here, and we are hoping for some good advice. Our tow vehicle is a 2014 f250 diesel 4x4. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

Ok cool! So are 5th wheels in or out for you? The reason I ask is that you get more room and more storage for the most part in the same ish length as a travel trailer. If you are staying in georgia I would consider getting something with a four season arctic package. Sounds weird, but the better insulation in them and the ducted heat and ac will be more able to keep up, and you will be able to be more comfortable. For me(6'4") I would need to have recliners in the house to be comfortable as well as an outdoor kitchen to keep the heat of cooking outside. The other plus of a fifth wheel is the 50 amp service being able to handle most things. As far as particular brands, the best thing to do is go visit and make certain the 5 of you can be comfortable in the floor plan. Try to spend at least half a day "living" in the unit....do things you would normally do, sit on the toilet(not use it) to see if you are comfortable with it. Make sure there is room to relax indoors, comfortable eating area, and if you need it, a place to do laundry.

Just my 2c

450Donn · 08-19-2019, 04:34 PM

By temporary exactly how temporary? Month, six month six years? Length of time will make a big difference. If this is short term, less than six months look at used. RVs are a horrible investment as depreciation can eat up money in a hurry. Next, floor plan is paramount. Go play house in one for a while without a salesman. Pretend your living and see what and does not work.

brant305 · 08-19-2019, 07:23 PM

5th wheels are an option for us we have looked at both bumper pull and 5th wheels. The living arrangement will be for 12 months of permanent housing and hopefully used for recreation afterwards. Someone recommended grand design as a reputable brand on this site however, are the "transcend" travel trailers truly built by grand design? Also are the "imagine" travel trailers built by grand design? I had someone tell me today on the phone that both were built by grand design. Is this true and does anyone here have experience with grand design? Thank you all you have helped so much already!